Harvey Danger - Where Have All the Merrymakers Gone?

There's a disturbing trend in the Northwest: bands are getting way over-hyped before their first full-length record (which is often mediocre and disappointing) even hits the streets. Seattle's Harvey Danger, however, deserved the buzz that their debut CD generated. Where Have All the Merrymakers Gone? was quite simply one of the best local records released in 1997. It has the pop accessibility of vocalist Sean Nelson's high-register croon (not unlike Jeremy Enigk), and the energetic and dynamic punch of a band--guitarist Jeff Lin, bassist Aaron Huffman, and drummer Evan Sult (The Rocket's assistant art director)--that has developed its chops together for more than four years. Harvey Danger have drawn all the worthwhile elements from '90s indie rock and created a sound that is at once their own, yet completely familiar. Lin's guitar is full and confident, ranging from full-on power chords to buzzing melodies, while Huffman frequently takes the leads with his fat, distorted bass humming away. Sult ably links the two with a minimum of flash and pretense. Nelson's clear-as-a-bell vocals and sardonic, clever, and frequently emotional lyrics are both the album's strongest and weakest aspects. Occasionally his verbosity overcomes the music and his almost condescending sniping becomes a little tiresome. However, these are minor complaints in the big picture, because songs like "Carlotta Valdez," "Flagpole Sitta," and "Problems and Bigger Ones" are true gems, and for a first effort, this is as close to flawless as a band can get. --Adem Tepedelen Amazon.com

Still a Favorite!

I have owned this cd since it was released and over the years have collected all of their work. Although my musical base has changed tremendously since 8th grade this album continues to be a favorite. It was the first cd that I picked out and bought for myself because of Flagpole Sitta, and it has turned out to be my lease favorite of the entire album. Actually absolutely nothing is better than Jack the Lion.

If you have a chance to check out their 2nd release "King James Version" you should, it is just as fantastic as thir first release. They did a great performance on Leno shortly after its release. I've got my fingers crossed that "Little by Little" will grow on me a little more, and that there are more albums on their way!

Also, there is a little documentary about the band on the DVD of "Soul Survivor" that is really fun.
July 31, 2008

Disappointing

I have always loved the song "Flagpole Sitta" and had heard great things about this CD, so I finally bought it. I have to say that I don't understand what all the fuss is about. I didn't really like any of the songs beyond "Flagpole Sitta". Some of them drone on and on.

I'm new to Harvey Danger other than the couple of singles that have been on the radio over the years ("Flagpole" and the remake of English Beat's "Sooner of Later", which I like better than the origianl), so I had no other context to consider Harvey Danger's music. Needless to say, I didn't find anything that made me want to delve into it more. January 18, 2008

Original Sound

This albums is great because of its raw original sound. The volcals aren't the greatest, but the composition of the peices makes that an inreaging sound. If you like rock, pop, or punk buy this album. March 10, 2007

BUY THIS!

No, really, you dont know what you are missing, every track is excellent. Lyrics are amazing. buy this now. December 21, 2006

Hear The Voices In My Head...

This is a great album. Harvey Danger's most well-known song is 'Flagpole Sitta' but there are many great songs on this album. My personal favorites are 'Terminal Annex' and 'Radio Silence'. The guitar riffs are very well matched with the bass lines and drum beats, making great music. The vocals are crooned out in a grungy and neurotic tone by Sean Nelson, which makes the music seem very real to the listener.

1.Carlotta Valdez- 4/5. Not one of my favorites.
2.Flagpole Sitta'- 5/5. All around great song.
3.Wooly Muffler- 5/5. Was stuck in my head for a lonnnng time.
4.Private Helicopter-3/5. Least favorite track.
5.Problems and Bigger Ones-5/5.Catchy.
6.Jack The Lion-5/5. Gave out his last roar.
7.Old Hat-5/5.Great.
8.Terminal Annex-10/5. My favorite.
9.Wrecking Ball-5/5. Such a good song.
10.Radio Silence-10/5.It is very rare that I can handle a ballad.

This is a great album if you liked Marcy Playground and Third Eye Blind. October 29, 2006

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