While some of its instrumentals and interludes between the 'actual songs' can prove to be difficult (in the same way as Sufjan Stevens' Illinois), Advice From the Happy Hippopotamus contains some of the most catchy, upbeat, thoughtful and downright happy indie-pop tunes released this decade. Case in point, the album's ninth track "Transistor Radio", which is centred around a simple but gorgeous acoustic guitar melody and vocal line and is augmented by some of the most lush string arrangements this side of the Flaming Lips. The song often sounds like it is going to explode into an epic climax, but (to its eternal credit) has enough restraint to stay subtile. While the album may too twee or sugary for some and too overwhelming for others, those who are willing to sift through the album's 25 tracks will be seriously rewarded.
Bump |
