| 1. Contemporary Insanity |
| 2. The Muse Awakens |
| 3. Stepping Through Time |
| 4. Kindered Spirits |
| 5. Lunch At The Psychedelicatessen |
| 6. Slipstream |
| 7. Barking Spiders |
| 8. Adrift |
| 9. Shadowlites |
| 10. Maui Sunset |
| 11. Il Quinto Mare |
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
One of the top American Prog Rock bands of the late 1970s, Happy The Man took cues from Yes, Gentle Giant and Genesis - all the while maintaining their individual stylistic approach to songwriting. Wrought with shifting meters and unusual chord progressions, they stealthily merged Prog, Symphonic Rock and early New Age music with incredible ease and impeccable craftsmanship. Predominantly instrumental - and American - Happy The Man are an entity unto themselves.
I know it's maybe nit-picking, but there you have it. I still like it, will continue to listen to it, I can even overlook some of the new age elements that seem to creep in some of the "softer" melodies, but can't really compare it to the classic HTM works from their first album, or "Crafty Hands". Those are in a class by themselves.
OK...I've got a grip now. Just can't resist mentioning a couple things about the product before I get offo' their bytes. My copy came in an attractive digipak which you might want to make allowances for protecting from scuffs and dents. Unlike one other reviewer here I have no problem with the way it was mastered. I don't find it too bright, brittle or digital sounding, but I admit I like my treble. Actually, I think the fact that it simply has the sound quality of a 21st century studio is what sets it apart from all other excellent prog works. THIS IS THE FIRST ONE RECORDED SINCE THE 70s that I've heard! I can't evaluate the recent prog-metal movement...my ears are too old for the noise.
Which reminds me to maybe mention the music...it's NOT noisy, which I find a great relief & refreshment. It does have a slightly harder edge on some cuts than HTM's 70s albums but by no means is it over the top. If you've heard those earlier records, I feel they both suffered from a bit of compositional meandering that HTM seemed (to me) to always fall into. Each number, while always relentlessly "progressive," never sounded like it "went" anywhere in particular. I realize that may have been their artistic intent but frankly it bored me and I never listened to HAPPY THE MAN or CRAFTY HANDS more than a couple times. the MUSE AWAKENS is MUCH better in this regard, without sacrificing any of the unique structures, intricate arrangements or "crafty hands" virtuosity fans know this band for.
No need to belabor each cut...they're all great to awesome and highly enjoyable. HTM maintains their own little corner on the prog market sound with this release, but if you liked the debut UK album, "Stepping Through Time" could've been its bonus track! The only minor critique I can think of is a bit too much improv- out on the closing piece, but after experiencing this wonderful disc, I'm sure you'll find it in your musical heart to forgive them. HTM has my deepest gratitude for proving that progressive rock can still be done, and done extremely well.
Rosenthal emulates Watkins beautifully. I am really surprised how much he can sound like Kit - yet at times he manages to bring in his own sound as well. You can sort of notice Kit's absence as a composer - however, Rosenthal, Wyatt and Whitaker lay down some amazing stuff here.
My one criticism of this disc? It is recorded too bright. Too "digital" sounding. Too harsh. No warmth. And you can tell it really lacks bass when you get to the track "Shadowlites," one of my favorites. The remasters of the first two releases, which obviously were recorded analog, have better sound quality.
Other favorites include The Muse Awakens, Stepping Through Time, Maui Sunset, Barking spiders, Kindred Spirits ... they're all good, actually. A real feast for the ears and the intellect. It still gets five stars from me even though the recording is icy cold.
This album and return of Happy the Man will undoubtedly be a big discussion topic in the prog world for quite some time. Rightly so, this disk is pure musical bliss. The first track really grabs your attention and will have you eager for more in no time.
The waiting is over and it was well worth it. Their performance at Nearfest some years back was only a hint of the greatness to come that would ultimately set the stage for this studio release. The muse has awakened and the magic has returned.
Fans of good prog (hmm, is anyone a fan of bad prog?) will delight in this tastey offering. Fans of Brocolli Spears and the wonderful world of pop music will continue to be just as bewildered as ever.
One of the top American Prog Rock bands of the late 1970s, Happy The Man took cues from Yes, Gentle Giant and Genesis - all the while maintaining their individual stylistic approach to songwriting. Wrought with shifting meters and unusual chord progressions, they stealthily merged Prog, Symphonic Rock and early New Age music with incredible ease and impeccable craftsmanship. Predominantly instrumental - and American - Happy The Man are an entity unto themselves.
More than 25 years later, these American greats of the Symphonic realm continue to provide musical intricacies for the listening pleasure of fans all over the globe. Happy The Man deserves all the accolades they have received, and will appeal to fans of Progressive Rock and top-notch musicianship across the board.
The Muse Awakens,Happy the Man,Inside Out U.S.,Pop,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop
The Muse Awakens
Average customer rating: 
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The Muse Awakens
Happy the Man Manufacturer: Inside Out U.S. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Progressive Rock
| Progressive
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Similar Items:
ASIN: B00042YL1I Release Date: 2004-11-01 |
Tracks:
- Contemporary Insanity
- The Muse Awakens
- Stepping Through Time
- Kindered Spirits
- Lunch At The Psychedelicatessen
- Slipstream
- Barking Spiders
- Adrift
- Shadowlites
- Maui Sunset
- Il Quinto Mare
Album Description
One of the top American Prog Rock bands of the late 1970s, Happy The Man took cues from Yes, Gentle Giant and Genesis - all the while maintaining their individual stylistic approach to songwriting. Wrought with shifting meters and unusual chord progressions, they stealthily merged Prog, Symphonic Rock and early New Age music with incredible ease and impeccable craftsmanship. Predominantly instrumental - and American - Happy The Man are an entity unto themselves.More than 25 years later, these American greats of the Symphonic realm continue to provide musical intricacies for the listening pleasure of fans all over the globe. Happy The Man deserves all the accolades they have received, and will appeal to fans of Progressive Rock and top-notch musicianship across the board.
Album Details
One of the Top American Prog Rock Bands of the Late 1970s, Happy the Man Took Cues from Yes, Gentle Giant and Genesis, all the While Maintaining their Individual Stylistic Approach to Songwriting. Wrought with Shifting Meters and Unusual Chord Progressions, They Stealthily Merged Prog, Symphonic Rock and Early New Age Music with Incredible Ease and Impeccable Craftsmanship.Customer Reviews:
Great stuff.......2007-03-13
Not quite classic.......2006-11-04
I know it's maybe nit-picking, but there you have it. I still like it, will continue to listen to it, I can even overlook some of the new age elements that seem to creep in some of the "softer" melodies, but can't really compare it to the classic HTM works from their first album, or "Crafty Hands". Those are in a class by themselves.
YES (elp, genesis, floyd, tull, etc.) IT CAN STILL BE DONE!.......2005-12-09
OK...I've got a grip now. Just can't resist mentioning a couple things about the product before I get offo' their bytes. My copy came in an attractive digipak which you might want to make allowances for protecting from scuffs and dents. Unlike one other reviewer here I have no problem with the way it was mastered. I don't find it too bright, brittle or digital sounding, but I admit I like my treble. Actually, I think the fact that it simply has the sound quality of a 21st century studio is what sets it apart from all other excellent prog works. THIS IS THE FIRST ONE RECORDED SINCE THE 70s that I've heard! I can't evaluate the recent prog-metal movement...my ears are too old for the noise.
Which reminds me to maybe mention the music...it's NOT noisy, which I find a great relief & refreshment. It does have a slightly harder edge on some cuts than HTM's 70s albums but by no means is it over the top. If you've heard those earlier records, I feel they both suffered from a bit of compositional meandering that HTM seemed (to me) to always fall into. Each number, while always relentlessly "progressive," never sounded like it "went" anywhere in particular. I realize that may have been their artistic intent but frankly it bored me and I never listened to HAPPY THE MAN or CRAFTY HANDS more than a couple times. the MUSE AWAKENS is MUCH better in this regard, without sacrificing any of the unique structures, intricate arrangements or "crafty hands" virtuosity fans know this band for.
No need to belabor each cut...they're all great to awesome and highly enjoyable. HTM maintains their own little corner on the prog market sound with this release, but if you liked the debut UK album, "Stepping Through Time" could've been its bonus track! The only minor critique I can think of is a bit too much improv- out on the closing piece, but after experiencing this wonderful disc, I'm sure you'll find it in your musical heart to forgive them. HTM has my deepest gratitude for proving that progressive rock can still be done, and done extremely well.
Fantastic comeback.......2005-06-18
Rosenthal emulates Watkins beautifully. I am really surprised how much he can sound like Kit - yet at times he manages to bring in his own sound as well. You can sort of notice Kit's absence as a composer - however, Rosenthal, Wyatt and Whitaker lay down some amazing stuff here.
My one criticism of this disc? It is recorded too bright. Too "digital" sounding. Too harsh. No warmth. And you can tell it really lacks bass when you get to the track "Shadowlites," one of my favorites. The remasters of the first two releases, which obviously were recorded analog, have better sound quality.
Other favorites include The Muse Awakens, Stepping Through Time, Maui Sunset, Barking spiders, Kindred Spirits ... they're all good, actually. A real feast for the ears and the intellect. It still gets five stars from me even though the recording is icy cold.
Happy their back.......2005-02-07
This album and return of Happy the Man will undoubtedly be a big discussion topic in the prog world for quite some time. Rightly so, this disk is pure musical bliss. The first track really grabs your attention and will have you eager for more in no time.
The waiting is over and it was well worth it. Their performance at Nearfest some years back was only a hint of the greatness to come that would ultimately set the stage for this studio release. The muse has awakened and the magic has returned.
Fans of good prog (hmm, is anyone a fan of bad prog?) will delight in this tastey offering. Fans of Brocolli Spears and the wonderful world of pop music will continue to be just as bewildered as ever.
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