Search - Blackgirls :: Happy

File Under: Sonic Histrionics

10/05/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The blackgirls second and final album finds the bittersweet chums from Raleigh in fine form, but taking steps in the wrong direction. Less-focused, more self-conscious, and occasionally flirting with optimism, "Happy" evidences an attempt to take the "blackgirls formula" from Procedure and increase its potency. It still works, but has unfortunate side-effects.Lee Johnson, the guitar blackgirl, didn't come across as sunshine and roses on "Procedure". But she's practically drowning in her own bile this time around, seemingly for yucks. Instead of screaming for help, she's cries out "look at me!". This knowing semi-self-parody, generous in songs like "Car", "Fat", "Smart Man"(which Kletter sings) and "The I-Love-You Song", makes for horrific and sometimes hilarious songwriting (funny in a getting-run-over-by-an-ambulance sort of way). You don't want to laugh, but you really can't help it. The side-effect? It doesn't stand up well to repeated listenings.Kletter, the piano blackgirl, knows she has the burden of keeping the band credible, and tunes like "Thunder", "Happy" and "Letter" are certainly polished, lyrical compositions. But you can't help but wonder if she's distracted herself this time around. Kletter has proven her rare gift of creating songs that are, in a word, haunting. But even her finest moments here fall far short of her best works from "Procedure" (the meloncholy "Window / Door", the desparate "A Visit To The Behaviorist" and perfectly unnerving "The Thing Is...") These earlier tunes were unflinching, often unflattering self-portraits. This time around, they feel more like editorials. The side-effect? You'll still respect her, but you'll miss the old Dana.A very good album. But if you're tempted to buy a blackgirls album, perhaps because you've purchased Dana (and Karen) Kletter's "Dear Enemy" album and want to check out the early stuff, start with "Procedure"."