KARMA COUNTY - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR CUSTOMER

“Now heading down the independent route, Brendan Gallagher and his cohorts have produced (in collaboration with Tim Whitten) an album which proves you don’t need a million dollar deal to get a million dollar sound. The, warm rich production and Gallagher’s sonorous voice are the first thigs that impact. So good is the sound, in fact, that you immediately dial up the volume to get the full effect – which is awesome. Gallagher proves that he is not only a fine songwriter but also possesses one of the best voices on the local scene; while the band – which includes Stuart Eadie and Michael Galeazzi (and many guests) – have conjured up some magical sounds for the new album. The addition of a strident horn section and strings (courtesy of Fourplay) make this one of the most musically exciting albums so far this year.

On the title track and the following gorgeous Love Sublime (Subjunctive Mood) Karma County have created something of the atmosphere at which the Blue Nile excelled – with the notes almost bursting out of the speakers (the only complaint being that, at three minutes, the latter song is way too short!). Where Could I Go But Home is redolent of John Lennon with its simple piano intro but it veers off into something more elaborate as the strings wash over the chorus. I was Raised, I Was Lowered alters the mood with some funky rhythms and a Latin feel. The Sea Is A Siren is one of those songs that Paul Weller might have done with The Style Council – it has that same relaxed feel with an improvised vocal from Amber Weedon and (at one stage) a rap from Gallagher. In My Time, written while on tour in Canada, is a classic Karma County loping ballad with lap steel emphasising the mood. Can’t Seem To Shake This Thing, another funky work out, proves that the band can rock out when it wants to – but in style. Darlin’, It’s Arranged a reflective, moving ballad – which highlights the dexterity of Gallagher’s voice – closes the album in memorable fashion.

Happy Birthday Dear Customer is not only one of the best albums I have heard this year it might just be the one to break Karma County internationally – at least it would be nice to think so.”

Brian Wise - Rhythms Magazine August 2001