805520240451

Happy Days

Catherine Wheel

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Format: 2LP

Cat No: UMCLP045

Format Details:

Release Date:  18 August 2023

Label:  Proper Records

Packaging Type:  Gate Fold Vinyl

No of Units:  2

Barcode:  805520240451

Genres:  Rock  Alternative  

  • Description

    Formed in Great Yarmouth in 1990, Catherine Wheel – singer guitarist Rob Dickinson, guitarist Brian Futter, bassist Dave Hawes and drummer Neil Sims – are possibly one of the greatest lost bands of that fabled decade - Swimming against several tides, they were loosely defined as 'shoegaze', and failed to fit in with the grunge or britpop movements in those years.

    They were of a size and scale to be supported by the upcoming Radiohead. Melody Maker said that Radiohead were like Catherine Wheel as they "function along a similar catharsis/contrivance axis, ladling existential angst into skilfully imposing song structures."



    1995's Happy Days found the group travelling further into a hybrid of heavy metal and improvisation – certainly with the addition of Mark Feltham (from Nine Below Zero) on harmonica, who had added his distinctive sound to the later Talk Talk albums, the group create a mesmerising sound on the more ambient tracks, offering a clear pathway to later groups such as Mogwai. There is still room for some anthemic shoegaze, however, on tracks such as Shocking and Judy Staring Up At The Sun, which features guest vocals from Tanya Donelly.



    This re-issue replicates the original 1994 Fontana UK 2LP release with gatefold sleeve and bonus track "Glitter" and is pressed onto high quality 180g black vinyl.

  • Tracklisting

      Disc 1

      Side 1

      • 1. God Inside My Head
      • 2. Waydown
      • 3. Little Muscle
      • 4. Heal

      Side 2

      • 1. Empty Head
      • 2. Receive
      • 3. My Exhibition
      • 4. Eat My Dust You Insensitive Fuck

      Disc 2

      Side 1

      • 1. Shocking
      • 2. Love Tips Up
      • 3. Judy Staring At The Sun

      Side 2

      • 1. Hole
      • 2. Fizzy Love
      • 3. Glitter
      • 4. Kill My Soul