Twee Pop – mantric rover

album review

A review of the debut self-titled EP from the indie-pop pioneers Beat Happening

When Calvin Johnson (founding member of Beat Happening) was asked why he ranked Beat Happening’s debut EP number one he answered, “This is the only real Beat Happening album. All the rest of the albums are just albums we recorded. But this album is what Beat Happening was.” Listening to Beat Happening is something I think many will have trouble with. The album feels barely put-together, and sounds like a mix of eclectic 60’s pop B-sides recorded in someone’s basement. But these songs weren’t from the 60s, and they weren’t B-sides either. They were the sound of a genre starting to take shape. Beat Happening is to Indie Pop what Led Zeppelin is to Hard Rock. When the genre is brought up, Beat Happening is one of the first bands to be acknowledged, and for good reason. Really, that’s a major reason why this album is so highly-regarded: it’s influence is massive. Beat Happening‘s lo-fi, no-longer-than-3-minute tracks are, as I said before, peculiar to say the least. Each song offers some sort of eclecticness and encompass this feeling of DIY that compliment the lo-fi sound. Truly, that would become the indie-pop spirit: DIY. Nowadays we’re so used to pitch-perfect, overproduced songs on the top 100 that Beat Happening sounds alien and aimless. That’s really why this album struck a chord with me. Tracks like “Our Secret” and “I Love You” resonate this lovable, uncanny indie spirit.”Down At the Sea” gives off an off-beat, uneasy feeling yet maintains a poppy sound, and “In Love With You Thing” highlights the band’s DIY approach, as the track is barely even a song, in the best way. One of the first things you’ll notice listening to Beat Happening is particularly Calvin Johnson’s deep, off-key echoing voice of abnormal yet child-like nature. Johnson shares the job of vocalist with Heather Lewis, whos voice is a bit more accessible, and sounds more like other indie pop vocalists, yet both voices embody the peculiarity and effort-less approach to Beat Happening. The lyrics are innocent and simple, a-lot like the albums sound, and these two elements of the album complement each other with great effect. The tracks along with their unique elements come together to make an album that propelled a genre, and established a humble sound. The indie aesthetic wouldn’t be as solidified as it is now without this wonderful album, and the band’s influence spans over many lo-fi/DIY and indie-pop bands forming and making music since the debut release. Although the record may not be accessible enough for some, it’s one that calls out to those who can see and hear the beauty within simplicity and eccentricity, as Beat Happening uncovers the indie spirit within them.