# Where did all the happy (and for that matter, GOOD) music go??? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 12, 1999, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390 "1999-12-12T12:04:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 1999, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/41 "1999-12-14T17:43:00Z")
Happy music, you want some happy music? Check out Cibo Matto’s album ‘Stereo Type-A’ Its a damn good album, John Lennon’s other (more talented) son Sean is the bassist in the band now. (he wasn’t a founding member) To hear a sample, see if this link works: (I doubt it) [http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=1289462673/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/album.html/ArtistID=CIBO+MATTO/itemid=658018](http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=1289462673/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/album.html/ArtistID=CIBO+MATTO/itemid=658018) Or just go to CDNow and do a search for Cibo Matto, pick the album and you should be able to listen to a few samples. ---
**Author:** ![G.B.H.Hornswoggler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c67d28/32.png) [@G.B.H.Hornswoggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G.B.H.Hornswoggler)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 1999, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/42 "1999-12-15T06:01:00Z")
Puffington, some semi-serious rec’s here. If you like “old school” R.E.M. (my personal preference, which means you are a discerning and intelligent individual), try Guadalcanal Diary. Their CDs are just about all out of print, but they’re findable, and they have a sorta similar sound. Elvis Costello is one of my personal favorites, but he can be a nasty bastard (not quite the same thing as being angry, but close). _King of America_ is his nicest, happiest record. Other stuff, other stuff… I’m at work now, so I can’t dig through my CDs. Grace Pool (2 CDs, probably next to impossible to find, really nice soung) Beth Orton’s pretty cool the Sundays, but you’ve probably heard of them I like Tanya Donelly a lot, but she’s not always happy (like most of us, I guess). She’s done one solo record and two as head of the band Belly. And in the “Beethoven’s 9th” category, might I direct your attention to Gustav Mahler’s 2nd symphony (especially the first movement). Utterly sublime music. * * * …but when you get blue, and you’ve lost all your dreams, there’s nothing like a campfire and a can of beans! ---
**Author:** ![G.B.H.Hornswoggler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c67d28/32.png) [@G.B.H.Hornswoggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G.B.H.Hornswoggler)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 1999, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/43 "1999-12-15T06:03:00Z")
In case you’re wondering what a “soung” is, I meant to say Grace Pool has a really nice “sound.” And they opened for They Might Be Giants at least once (at a college show I saw twelve years ago), so there’s another connection to a band you like!!! I’ll go sit quietly in the corener now… * * * …but when you get blue, and you’ve lost all your dreams, there’s nothing like a campfire and a can of beans! ---
**Author:** ![G.B.H.Hornswoggler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c67d28/32.png) [@G.B.H.Hornswoggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G.B.H.Hornswoggler)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 1999, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/44 "1999-12-15T06:05:00Z")
And that would be the “corner” I’ll go sit in. Ever have one of those ten-thumbs days? (proofreads post fifteen times, moves mouse to button, and…) * * * …but when you get blue, and you’ve lost all your dreams, there’s nothing like a campfire and a can of beans! ---
**Author:** ![Konrad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f475e1/32.png) [@Konrad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Konrad)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 1999, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/45 "1999-12-15T06:30:00Z")
I am so much cooler than the rest of you chumps. I disliked Rage before it was popular. I am post-post-modernist. I go counter to the counter-culture. I can drive by smell. I am so cool I glow at night. ---
**Author:** ![VegForLife](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/9de0a6/32.png) [@VegForLife](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VegForLife)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 1999, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/46 "1999-12-15T06:35:00Z")
Thanks for the clarification, Sake; for what it’s worth, I agree that Rockapella’s name is a bit kitschy. From Skywise: > [@](#): > > feh, all i know is Rockapella REALLY sucks. I’m curious about why you say this. I don’t really care, I mean, everybody’s got different taste, and I’m not going to try to make a Metallica fan out of a Madonna fan, and I’m not going to try to convince someone that they’re opinion of a group is “wrong.” I’m just curious whether it’s because you think they have no talent, or you just don’t like the style, or what. Back to the OP: > [@](#): > > Other favorites include old Springsteen, They Might Be Giants (the ONLY band I liked in 6th grade and still like today), Pink Floyd, the Police (but Sting solo is putrid), old REM, and Bone Thugz 'n Harmony (betcha didn’t see THAT one coming!). Since I still like all of the above (except the last one, which I’ve never heard of), I renew my suggestion. (On the other hand, I also listen to a lot of big band stuff now, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, etc., so maybe our tastes have diverged.) Rich ---
**Author:** ![Skywise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Skywise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywise)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 1999, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/47 "1999-12-14T20:00:00Z")
Veg4Life asked: I’m curious about why you say this. I don’t really care, I mean, everybody’s got different taste, and I’m not going to try to make a Metallica fan out of a Madonna fan, and I’m not going to try to convince someone that they’re opinion of a group is “wrong.” I’m just curious whether it’s because you think they have no talent, or you just don’t like the style, or what. yeah, it’s more or less the style, or lack thereof, that I don’t like. I guess it just doesn’t speak to me. :\> ---
**Author:** ![Sake\_Samurai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc79bd/32.png) [@Sake\_Samurai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sake_Samurai)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 1999, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/48 "1999-12-14T20:30:00Z")
Even I like some of the lighter selections mentioned here - and some not: 1. They Might Be Giants is damn funny. 2. REM had some good tunes 5-10 years ago. 3. I saw Soul Coughing on the East Coast - very, very talented band. Don’t much care for their latest CD though. 4. Sting has one album that I like (but I REALLY like it): _The Soul Cages_ (but like the name implies, it ain’t exactly happy) 5. Over The Rhine’s _Patience_ is like Tori Amos, but with actually good lyrics. 6. Dead Can Dance: _Into the Labyrinth_, \*Serpent’s Egg]/i] & _Aeon_ are all superb! 7. Anything by Blind Melon ☹ 8. Bach played by Segovia is sure to lift your spirits and see God. There’s more, but I’m at work and all. Oh, yeah, Peter: Look closely at the instumentation of _Call of Cuthulu_ or _Dyer’s Eve_ or _Orion_, I believe you’ll find that the members of Metallica are pale husks of their former selves. If you want the best in current Metal talent, look no further than (well, besides my band) Morbid Angel, Tool and Clutch. There are very few on par with these bands. * * * Hell is Other People. ---
**Author:** ![VegForLife](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/9de0a6/32.png) [@VegForLife](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VegForLife)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 1999, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/49 "1999-12-14T21:12:00Z")
> [@](#): > > yeah, it’s more or less the style, or lack thereof, that I don’t like. I guess it just doesn’t speak to me. :\> That’s cool, I don’t like every one of their songs either. Half the attraction for me is that they’re an a cappella group, and since I’m in an a cappella group, I listen to them and am amazed at their blend. I’ve also heard that they put on a helluva live show, but I haven’t seen them, so I can’t say. Rich ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_North](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/65b543/32.png) [@Peter\_North](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_North)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 1999, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/50 "1999-12-14T21:18:00Z")
Sake - totally agree with you about Tool. Yer right about the first 4 Metallica albums, but since then? Hetfield made the band(Burton did also), he is a talented rhythm guitarist. I dunno, I listen now to the new stuff and all I hear is the same song over and over. If you like Tool and Morbid Angel definitely check out Opeth…heavy Black Metal. ---
**Author:** ![Sake\_Samurai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc79bd/32.png) [@Sake\_Samurai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sake_Samurai)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 1999, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/51 "1999-12-15T00:37:00Z")
Thanks for the tip - I’ll check 'em out when I get off work, but I generally don’t like Black Metal (Viking Butt-Rock) at all. ::song in evil falsetto: We come from the North! From the Halls of Loki We come to write lyrics awefully goddamned hokey. * * * Hell is Other People. ---
**Author:** ![Nutty\_Bunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d07c76/32.png) [@Nutty\_Bunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nutty_Bunny)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 1999, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/52 "1999-12-15T03:49:00Z")
There have been references in this thread to Tori Amos and Elvis Costello. These two artists are perfect examples of when one can be angry, but still be artistic. Can you call Insane Clown Posse or Kid Rock “artistic” or at least creative about expressing anger? I haven’t heard Tori or Elvis tell anyone it’s okay to kill other people. But they don’t seem truly fucked up. ICP and others are past the Prozac and therapy point. Before I get flamed, please read my sig line. * * * And that’s just my opinion. I could be wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_North](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/65b543/32.png) [@Peter\_North](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_North)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 1999, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/53 "1999-12-15T14:10:00Z")
More like: Deserted again. You speak to me through the shadows. Walking in closed rooms, using cold words. Captured by the night. The yearning escapes from my embrace. Strange silhouettes whisper your thoughts, scream your sadness. And they all turned away, unable to face more of this death. Credence in my word. Written in dust, tainted by memories. I confess my hope, recognize my loneliness. Your laughter weeps the truth. Push me into corners. Confirming the epitaph of my soul and displaying the once unknown Karma. ---
**Author:** ![Skywise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Skywise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywise)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 1999, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/54 "1999-12-16T06:07:00Z")
Metallica’s dying gasp was Justice, which still wasn’t as great as Ride the Lightning or Master of Puppets. Didn’t really like Kill 'em All that much. _shrug_ Now Metallica is actually a bunch of aliens as a Metallica Cover Band. End times, etc. * * * Skywise [botoru@home.com](mailto:botoru@home.com) ---
**Author:** ![Wolf\_of\_Were](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/59ef9b/32.png) [@Wolf\_of\_Were](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolf_of_Were)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 1999, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/55 "1999-12-15T21:11:00Z")
Peter North- I meant MY band, Summer Ugly, for an example… ./^\_/^\ \< o | o \> .\<\_ | \_\> …\U/ ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_North](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/65b543/32.png) [@Peter\_North](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_North)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 1999, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/56 "1999-12-15T21:29:00Z")
Send me an mp3, I’ll listen… ---
**Author:** ![Wolf\_of\_Were](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/59ef9b/32.png) [@Wolf\_of\_Were](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolf_of_Were)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 1999, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/57 "1999-12-16T03:04:00Z")
As soon as we fix our recording equipment, I will. Problem is that the mic jack busted, so now we have to get a new soundcard and / or mic. So it may be a few weeks… but I will, don’t worry. ./^\_/^\ \< o | o \> .\<\_ | \_\> …\U/ ---
**Author:** ![Sake\_Samurai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc79bd/32.png) [@Sake\_Samurai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sake_Samurai)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 1999, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/58 "1999-12-16T21:14:00Z")
A little something about happy music: Music and art are a reflection of the times. The 60s & 70s brought us heavy disillusionment, drugs, anarchy and free love. The 80s took free love away from us. What are we left with? * * * Hell is Other People. ---
**Author:** ![VegForLife](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/9de0a6/32.png) [@VegForLife](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VegForLife)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 1999, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/59 "1999-12-16T21:33:00Z")
That’s sort of silly, Sake. People have been disillusioned with “the establishment” for centuries; why do you think there’s more than one political party? Drugs have been around even longer. Last I checked, this country still has a government, so the “anarchy” bit is just plain wrong. And if by “free love” you mean “indiscriminate sex,” I fail to see how this giving way to responsible behaviour is sufficient reason for today’s current glut of Mope Rock. Rich ---
**Author:** ![Meow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c57346/32.png) [@Meow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meow)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 1999, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390/60 "1999-12-16T22:50:00Z")
the CATS! rule. [http://www.thecats.com](http://www.thecats.com) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-all-the-happy-and-for-that-matter-good-music-go/3390.md?page=4)