Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus cover

Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus

Cloud Cult · 2005

64 min · 25 tracks · indie pop · art rock · experimental rock

A whimsical tapestry of layered instrumentation and introspective lyrics that dance between joy and melancholy.

Why this album works

'Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus' received critical acclaim and helped establish Cloud Cult within the indie music scene, charting on various college radio stations. Its innovative approach to song structure and storytelling won it a dedicated following and solidified the band's reputation for crafting emotional and thought-provoking music.
Best for
whimsical, layered sonic textures introspective and contemplative moods gradual builds and payoffs
Context
Released in 2005, 'Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus' is Cloud Cult's third studio album, arriving shortly after their breakthrough with 'Who Are We?'. At this point, the band was beginning to solidify their unique blend of art rock and indie folk, showcasing a more polished sound while still retaining their experimental roots. This album followed a period of intense creativity for the band, marked by extensive touring and a growing fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors
Sufjan Stevens· St. Vincent· Jónsi

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Intro 3:03
  • 2 Living on the Outside of Your Skin Standout 3:06
  • 3 Happy Hippo Standout 2:40
  • 4 What Comes at the End Standout 3:57
  • 5 You Got Your Bones to Make a Beat 3:01
  • 6 [untitled] 0:26
  • 7 Washed Your Car 1:59
  • 8 Transistor Radio 4:08
  • 9 What It Feels Like to Be Alive 0:51
  • 10 Moving to Canada 3:06
  • 11 Start New 1:43
  • 12 Car Crash 2:55
  • 13 Light at the End of the Tunnel 2:45
  • 14 Million Things 2:36
  • 15 Can’t Stop the Journey Now 3:24
  • 16 Clip-Clop 2:30
  • 17 Training Wheels 4:04
  • 18 We Made Up Your Mind for You 2:23
  • 19 That Man Jumped Out the Window 3:46
  • 20 [silence] 0:31
  • 21 Lucky Today 2:10
  • 22 [silence] 1:04
  • 23 Rockwell 4:20
  • 24 [silence] 0:31
  • 25 Bobby’s Spacesuit 3:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata