BEGINNINGS

They say it's good to look to the beginnings...and in this case there is nothing wrong with that. While this album is not a masterpiece, and thus can not compare to HTM first two albums, this will provide you with some excellent unrelease material. One thing that I notice is that the heavier use of percussion instruments (such as, woodblocks, sleigh bells, etc), which I think is a nice touch, and a path I wish they would have continued on. Highlights included the fabulous and album worthy Leave That Kitten Alone, Armone. This is the first of many delicious melodys found on this album. And it really takes a turn for the better towards the end. One of the my favorite HTM songs. Don't Look To The Running Sun is another lost gem, IMO. Great lyrics, drumming, guitar, sax...well pretty much everything. This is another one that I feel could have made an album. The album dips a little in the middle, but each song still has something to speak positively for. It ends strong with Broken Waves and Portrait of a Waterfall, which really shows off the softer side of HTM. All the musicians sound like they have been doing this for more years then they have, and stated before, create top notch melodies.

All in all, Beginnings is a great addition to any HTM collection. While people unfamilar with their work should try either HTM or Crafty Hands, this album should not disappoint once you fully digest the essense of Happy The Man. 3.5 stars.