I've probably thumbed by numerous
Health & Happiness Show albums in used CD bins over the years, nary giving them a second thought. Then I procured this tape, probably in a lot of other demos and such ages ago, and was pleasantly surprised when I actually had the notion to play the damn thing. H&HS were based in Hoboken, NJ, and coincidentally or not resembled a more renown combo from that neck of the woods, specifically the Feelies. These guys gracefully stir
No Depression-esque affectations, a la Uncle Tupelo, into the pot yielding wholly earnest fare like "We Are Here," which happens to pack a dynamite chorus hook. "The Man Who Married the Moon" with it's mandolin accoutrements isn't far behind, and like the aforementioned number you almost get the impression than the author experienced some sort of spiritual awakening, albeit nothing heavy handed. Frontman
James Mastro partnered with the
Bongos' Richard Barone, for the one-off
Nuts and Bolts LP in 1983, and has
collaborated with numerous acclaimed artists since.
Three songs from this cassette made the migration to the first Health & Happiness Show LP, Tonic in 1993, with two more records to follow.
01. We Are Here
02. The Man Who Married the Moon
03. Live Your Love
04. Drunk-Eyed Waltz
Ah, I do miss the Bongos of Mastro and Barone. Mastro, of course, is still active as a member of the Rant Band (who often back Ian Hunter, 85 and still at it), and currently backing Alejandro Escovedo. Thanks for this one.
ReplyDeletevery competent recordings. shades of Lloyd Cole too?
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