Search - Mark Mulcahy :: In Pursuit of Your Happiness

In Pursuit of Your Happiness
Mark Mulcahy
In Pursuit of Your Happiness
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (13) - Disc #1


     
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CD Details

All Artists: Mark Mulcahy
Title: In Pursuit of Your Happiness
Members Wishing: 5
Total Copies: 0
Label: Mezzotint Label
Release Date: 3/22/2005
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
Style: Indie & Lo-Fi
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 613667132610, 5029432005723
 

CD Reviews

A gem
GimmeSomeD | boston, ma | 08/04/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"For crying out loud, isn't anybody buying this guy's albums? Mulcahy has never gotten his due, and it would be a shame for this particular album to slide under the radar the way that most of his past recordings have.



This is a return to a full rock band setup, but not a return to Miracle Legion. Mark's songs here are crisp, catchy and diverse. His voice has matured and possesses a full range of expression, and the supporting band - a variety of guitars, pianos, organs and strings, played by Mark, Scott Helland, Joey Santiago and J. Mascis, among others - is perfect.



One of Mark's strengths has always been the way he captures childhood experiences with wit, intensity, and a sense of innocence and wonder (it is illustrative that a video track on the CD shows Mark romping around in a field with pigs). This is the quality that gives his songs of anger and disappointment - "the things I love, don't bring me joy; the things I want, I want to destroy," or the sarcastic tribute to phoniness in 'Nothing But a Silver Medal' - more poignancy. He's not just a guy whose music you appreciate. He's a guy who you know, and who you are pulling for.



Someone recently wrote that Mark Mulcahy is who Thom Yorke thinks he is, who Jeff Buckley could have been, and who Michael Stipe was. This is a great characterization, and Mark deserves to be included in that kind of company. If you've never heard Mulcahy before, then look no further - you have found your new favorite singer."
So much good stuff here
Outside Looking In | New England | 05/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have listened to "In Pursuit of Your Happiness" about 8 times through and I cannot remember the last time I felt so good when the aural pleasure response one feels when an album finally 'kicks in' hit me (probably listen 5).



This is a great album, working on the mind on a number of differnt levels. I did not think I could like an album better than "Smile Sunset," but this might be it.



Miauri's organ and Scott Helland's bass stand out for me (along with Mulcahy's distinctive guitar sound). Mascis' leads are subtle and wonderful as well. When you finally get to "He Vanished" you are as wasted as the narrator of the song.

What is the significance of the polaroid shot of the Organic Tomatoes dated 09-10-01 (the day before 9-11)?



This is one of the mysteries of this compelling album.



I like the fact that it was recorded in Hartford (recently cited as the No. 1 stress city in the USA).

"
Mulcahy is back with another fine album
race_of_doom | USA | 04/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Aw, no reviews yet? Well, I guess I can understand that. Mulcahy has a rather small audience. Yet we're dedicated. And there's a reason for this: this guy makes wonderful music. His first two solo releases ("Fathering" and "SmileSunset") were equally excellent. His former band Miracle Legion is one of my favorite bands of all time ("Surprise Surprise Surprise" and "Me and Mr. Ray" are timeless LPs). And his little side gig Polaris helped make "The Adventures of Pete & Pete" one of the most loved television series of the 90's.



So it's obvious this guy deserves a lot more attention than he gets. His new LP only emphasizes this -- "In Pursuit of Your Happiness" is a great album. Not only that, but it's a lot more rock and roll than his other solo outings.



Apparently recorded in a much shorter amount of time than "SmileSunset" (which took a year), "Happiness" benefits from this. A lot of energy is found here. And it's not sloppy playing either; both J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.) and Joey Santiago (guitarist for the Pixies) help Mulcahy out in wonderful ways. I sense a little Miracle Legion in a few of these songs.



If I had to pick out a few favorites, I'd say "Cookie Jar," "I Have Patience" (first single material), "Propstar" and "He Vanished." But all of them are really special in their own way.



Highly reccommended."