Happy the Man

I guess they moved on as Oblivion Sun. I'm currently awaiting arrival of their CD, which I have recently ordered

Stan Whitaker's vocals on the OS albums are quite a bit better than the original HtM albums.

Atavachron wrote: BTW they took their name from the Genesis single.

Between admiring my Christensen/Akro/Peltier marble collection (which I have found quite therapeutical when up against my weekly work demands.....) I have spun my Oblivion Sun LP - The High Places. This album is superb, especially the first side (tracks 1-4). I did acquire HTM's debut LP years ago, and love it immensely. Especially the blissfully serene and mellow track 'Hidden Moods'. Great band, Whitaker and his fellow travellers. I really should seek out more of their recorded magic.

Edited by Tom Ozric - September 13 2014 at 17:16

Well I can understand why someone might think they got their name from the early Genesis single but ultimately that's just wishful thinking.  However, it is worth mentioning that when Peter Gabriel struck out on his own after he left Genesis Happy the Man were initially chosen to be his backup band. In the end though Gabriel chose not to have a proper back up band instead going for various studio musicians. What came out of that for Happy the Man was some exposure(no pun intended)and a record deal. 

Second album is great stuff. First album is a bit hit and miss. Third album isn't bad

One of those great bands that not a lot of people know about.

Fantastic band, loved them since Crafty Hands.  Oblivion Sun is awesome too.  It's funny, lots has been said about Stan's singing, I personally love it.  Particularly special to me is his vocals on "Wind Up Doll" from CH.  Their early use of minimoog turned a lot of heads, Kits Watkins was master on that instrument.

^ I've got that '78 live one, it is very good, probably a good starter too





Edited by Atavachron - September 15 2014 at 06:17

Slartibartfast wrote: I still maintain that amongst, prog fans they are relatively unknown.  The essential studio albums are the original Happy The Man (1977), Crafty Hands (1978), and The Muse Awakens (2004).  If you get noting else, go for the 1978 live album.  It may be out of print now.

I still maintain they aren't(although relative is a relative term;) )! For me that's like saying Gentle Giant or Nektar are relatively unknown among prog fans. I think most of the real prog collectors are very familiar with them especially the older ones. I think because this site has a lot of younger fans it seems like they aren't as well known as they really are. I have read that they are the "greatest American prog band." I would say they are one of the most well known US bands(top ten if not top five)imo. I suppose it depends on the prog circles you are in though(I've spent over 15 years studying prog online and off and except on here their name has popped up a lot especially when mentioning US bands). However, you don't get to headline two prog festivals in the US by being an obscure prog band that only a few people know about. But I suppose we'll just have to agree to disagree on this one.

I do agree with essential albums you listed although I only heard TMA once. Better late third is not bad either but I wouldn't start there. I haven't heard the live album.


Edited by Prog_Traveller - September 15 2014 at 13:03