Grouplove "Never Trust A Happy Song" CD (2011)
Details: Grouplove's first album, released on Canvasback Records and Atlantic (2011). Digipak CD packaging. Small corner tear near UPC and spine, light shelf wear.
Description: "It's been ten years since Grouplove met on a commune in Greece and brought the idea of forming a band back to California. They'd never have anticipated making it this far: five albums, multiple chart-topping singles across alternative and pop formats, a Grammy nomination, and critical acclaim from outlets such as Rolling Stone, which heralded the group as “a band who have perfected big, radio-friendly rock songs.”--Rough Trade
"Los Angeles-based indie rock outfit Grouplove's 2011 full-length debut, Never Trust a Happy Song, builds upon the neo-folk/rock and dancey indie rock of their 2010 self-titled EP. Still featuring the talents of lead vocalists Hannah Hooper and Christian Zucconi, Grouplove tends toward creating passionate, anthemic pop moments that are equal parts post-MGMT indie soul and post-Killers dance-rock. Songs "Tongue Tied," "Spun," and "Love Will Save Your Soul" have a rollicking, post-punk exuberance while more hippie-dippy cuts such as "Colours" and "Naked Kids" (a carry-over from the EP) bring to mind such psychedelic touchstones as the Flaming Lips and late-'60s Beach Boys. In that sense, Grouplove also fit nicely next to such similarly inclined contemporaries as Local Natives, New Villager, and Black Kids. Ultimately, Grouplove's Never Trust a Happy Song is a cohesive if ramshackle crowd-pleaser, full of melodic double-lead vocals, handclaps, ringing electric guitars, and staccato synth parts that tips a hat to '80s dance-rock while still retaining the band's obvious love of experimental '60s folk-rock."
Grade: VG+ (Digipak) / M (CD)
CD TRACK LISTING:
1. Itchin' On A Photograph
2. Tongue Tied
3. Lovely Cup
4. Colours
5. Slow
6. Naked Kids
7. Spun
8. Betty's A Bombshell
9. Chloe
10. Love Will Save Your Soul
11. Cruel And Beautiful World
12. Close Your Eyes And Count To Ten