Search - Catherine Wheel :: Happy Days

Something wrong here, but has moments of greatness

Fredric A. Cooper | Torrance, CA United States | 05/28/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is the Catherine Wheel's least accessible album. It is just too abrasive for the most part. It has some excellent tracks, though: God inside my head, Heal, Eat my dust..., and Judy Staring at the Sun are some of their best, but the rest are rather tough going. I totally agree with the other reviewer who said that most of the tracks sound like bad Smashing Pumpkins; too fast & harsh. But if you're a CW fan, you'll like at least some of this."

Sexy, Self-Obsessed, Very Intense

Rich Latta | Albuquerque, NM - Land of Entitlement | 03/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is heavy, guitar-driven rock. HAPPY DAYS has much more of a conventional rock sound than the dreamier atmospheric guitar wash of previous albums, but the music is far from typical. The album tackles the subject of self-indulgence (not unfamiliar ground for CW) both celebrating it and portraying its ups and downs. Relationships are also explored as well as drug behavior and self-destructive thinking.



As good as the heavy songs are (most fit that description), the slow songs could be the best. "Eat My Dust You Insensitive F***" has a quiet power that really grabs hold while "Fizzy Love" is encircling, sensuous and sexy. Its string section is brilliant, too. Each song is truly great except for the limp "Shocking" and "Judy Staring At The Sun." "Judy" is good but not the greatest. I do like Tanya Donolly's contribution to "Judy" although it was slightly better before Rob Dickenson stole one of her lines (that she originally had on an early promo tape of the album that I have). It just goes to show his selfish trip is for real, I guess! My favorite song is the joyous "Love Tips Up" even though I tend to favor the darker material.



I must admit, I really dig male singers with sexy voices like Jim Morrison, Gavin Rossdale and CW's Rob Dickenson even though I'm a heterosexual male. It must have something to do with imagining the singer is me . . . anyway, I have no doubt I'm not the only one who thinks that Rob fits into this category. There's something hedonistic, almost luxurious about his deep, dreamy voice. His songs sound quite convincing, so I imagine he's singing from a place of experience. It may take a listener who's "been there" to fully appreciate these songs, but anyone can jam on this excellent rock 'n' roll."

Can't go wrong with this one

Rich Latta | 04/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As with some of Catherine Wheel's albums, this one takes a little getting used to. Once it starts to grow on you, however, there is no denying the true genius in their music. This album definitely isn't their easiest one to conform to quickly. If you are looking for a good Catherine Wheel starter album, try Ferment first. That was my first exposure to Catherine Wheel and it was one of those albums that you learn to love on the first listen, from beginning to end. Happy Days has quickly jumped to the top of the list when I think of the best albums from Catherine Wheel. It has a good mixture of songs. I like to consider it a blend of song types from both Ferment and Chrome; some hard songs and some beautiful slower tunes. The gutiar and vocals that are found in almost every Catherine Wheel song makes any album worth the purchase.I wouldn't recommend Happy Days for the first time Catherine Wheel buyer, but it is definitely a must have for anyone that is remotely familiar with their music. Songs like Hole, Kill My Soul, Shocking, and God Inside My Head qualify this album as money well spent...."