Harvey Danger - Where Have All The Merrymakers Gone?

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Free Music Notes for Where Have All The Merrymakers Gone?

Free Music Review: "Flagpole Sitta" times 10?
Hit: 5 Stars

The album starts with "Carlotta Valdez", the shortest track on the CD. It's an amusing song that twists through some weird lyrics; including passages ranging from Jimmy Stewart to jumping into the San Francisco Bay. I don't really understand any of the lyrics, but the music flows brilliantly with them nevertheless. And "Flagpole Sitta" is no different. Yet the lyrics seem to be more smoothed this time around. Whereas in "Carlotta Valdez" you won't know what they're talking about. Harvey Danger's first single tackles the subjects of getting your tongue pierced, becoming amputated, paranoia, and even running with moles. Its fast beats and catchy lyrics are probably what made it so popular. Incidentally, the first two songs don't offer much we can relate to. Still, you can enjoy both of them; especially "Flagpole Sitta". But as you hear "Woolly Muffler", you'll appreciate their lyrics much, much more. The song starts `all I ever wanted to be was a woolly muffler on your naked neck'. A bold start, that leads us into a series of relationship-like quotes. It's a great look at anti-socialism and the inconsiderate sides of people. It is one of my five favorites on Merrymakers; and it ends (with selected sarcasm) `I'm elated now'. Harvey Danger's second single was "Private Helicopter". Although it is a good song, I don't think it was fit for the second spot. It's a fun look ex-girlfriends and ex-friends and helicopters. Lead singer Sean Nelson turns a seemingly mediocre song (musically) into a reason to call your forgotten friend. Rounding out the first half of the CD, we have "Problems And Bigger Ones". Here HD gives us more wonderful lyrics; and even manages to slip in a comment of a Bob Dylan line, as they say `it doesn't make me cry to hear Dylan say...'. It's a good song lyrically, though not as pleasantly pleasing as "Woolly Muffler".

As the second half of the CD begins, you will find my favorite song: "Jack The Lion". More great lyrics and more stellar music are what make this song what it is. Although I'm not too sure what they're actually speaking of (again), it's the best song on the album besides "Flagpole Sitta"; and probably should have been single number two. "Old Hat" is next. The title doesn't really speak for itself, as it is liable to confuse you once more. It's good still, and better than "Terminal Annex". "Terminal Annex" (sometimes called "[Down At The] T.A.") may be the low point of the CD, but it holds some of the best lyrics of the album. For example, the lyric `dreaming of the fistfight I never got into / thinking of the mean shxt I wish I'd said to you' is something anyone can admit they'd thought about. Its tune may be a little rancid, but its lyrics will make up for that. "Wrecking Ball" is a beautifully slow ballad-like song that you will want to sing along to over and over again. I know I do. And its words are just as suspicious and forceful as "Jack The Lion" or even "Problems". It's hard to pick this song as the best; since it is so vastly different, but even so, it manages to be my third favorite track on the CD. And just because it's not comparable to the other songs, you will still love it. The last song is "Radio Silence". It starts as "Wrecking Ball" did, yet finishes with more of a bang. Its lyrics may shock you (i.e. `just enough knowledge to know I don't know anything' or `take the cynical saint to the stake and burn it`). "Radio Silence" is truly an epic masterpiece; one you'll soon find to be unforgettable.

In conclusion, Where Have All The Merrymakers Gone? is one of the best CDs I own. No question. Every song on the album is good if not great. Harvey Danger gives us some of the finest lyrics and music that the alternative rock scene will ever see. If you've labeled Harvey Danger as a one-hit wonder, remove that label right now; and buy this CD. "Flagpole Sitta" is only a small ingredient of this album's nonstop greatness. Harvey Danger is not a pop band nor are they a heavy metal band. They are a great band; that uses abundantly balanced lyrics and alt rock in making some of the best music to come out of 1998 (and of recent years, for that matter). I could never say enough good things about this CD or this band. Pick up this album now, and I'm sure you will like it very much.

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