The Beloved – Happiness

After this January’s reissue of their 1987 indie – facing compilation of early singles – Where It Is, The Beloved are back with a 30th Anniversary Reissue of this 1st album proper – Happiness.

Happiness was recorded from late 1988 to summer 1989, influenced by the band’s immersion in the nascent UK Acid House scene. Originally a four-piece guitar / synth band, The Beloved MK1 parted ways late 1987 and founder members Jon Marsh and Steve Waddington were newly liberated by their electronic, machine-driven rhythm section. The perfect synchronicity of the Balearic stylings of the underground clubs and exposure to early Chicago House corresponded with a burst in song writing and sonic adventure. The result: Happiness!

Recorded mostly with producer Martyn Phillips (who subsequently worked with Erasure, Jesus Jones, and Londonbeat) the band created a hybrid of British electronic pop music, US club beats, euphoric mood and consistently optimistic and uplifting lyrics.

‘The Wolf Studio Recordings’

Wolf was a small studio in Brixton where Jon and Steve honed their craft with the available synths and drum machines and the expertise of engineer Dominique Brethes. The disc comprises recordings from January 1988 to September 1990, all in the same environment with the same engineer, so has its own, clearly defined sound.

2 x Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, 180g