Shortly after the release of
Whale Music Soundtrack, the novel that it was based on was made into a movie. Author Paul Quarrington, pleased that
the Rheostatics had chosen his novel as source material for their album, returned the favor by hiring the band to compose and perform the legitimate soundtrack for the movie. Although a soundtrack album was to follow, many of the rough sketches from the soundtrack made their way to
Introducing Happiness in more completed form. As would be expected,
Introducing Happiness musically picks up where
Whale Music left off, but covers more stylistic ground. It's an album that is so full of ideas that it even throws in the kitchen sink; consequently it can be a bit trying for those looking for more of the quick pop fix provided by "Claire." There's a ton of pop culture references and oodles of goofiness throughout the album, but as the last notes of the epic "Onilley's Strange Dream" fade out, those who have been listening carefully can't help but feel a bit disturbed...and awed. ~ Sean Carruthers