:D

November 6, 2010 5:22 PM

Recommend me aggressively happy music. The kind of music that punches happiness into you no matter how much you don't want it to be there. The sort that explodes into spiky neon flowers.

The first things that come to mind are The Aquabats and Los Campesinos!, Octopus's Garden, and Of Montreal's album The Gay Parade, but by no means limit this to pop music. Anything excessively happy — and a big-lettered EXCESSIVE is the key here, more so than just "happy" — is welcome.

posted by Rory Marinich to media & arts (185 answers total)

Right by Your Side - Eurythmics is my go to perk up song.
posted by Duffington at 5:26 PM on November 6, 2010 [5 favorites]

Well, I kind of think this is the most obvious one, if it's not too tired...
posted by dubitable at 5:27 PM on November 6, 2010

Make Me Dance All Night by 3 Speaker High
posted by Jacqueline at 5:29 PM on November 6, 2010

Walking On Sunshine - Katrina & The Waves
posted by Confess, Fletch at 5:31 PM on November 6, 2010 [5 favorites]

How about some of the suggestions from this askme?
posted by hattifattener at 5:31 PM on November 6, 2010

Love Generation by Bob Sinclair
posted by Jacqueline at 5:32 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Love Generation, Bob Sinclair
Living In The Sunlight, Loving In The Moonlight Tiny Tim
posted by shinybaum at 5:33 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

500 Miles by the Proclaimers
posted by Jacqueline at 5:33 PM on November 6, 2010 [10 favorites]

Komeda has some aggressively happy songs, like "It's Alright Baby" and "B-L-O-S-S-O-M".
posted by mynameisluka at 5:35 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Groove is in the Heart

(Might just be that "explodes into spiky neon flowers" made me think of the video...)
posted by craichead at 5:35 PM on November 6, 2010 [3 favorites]

Top of the World by The Carpenters.
posted by bardophile at 5:37 PM on November 6, 2010

I Gotta Feeling (Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night) by the Black Eyed Peas
posted by Jacqueline at 5:37 PM on November 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

Anything by Junior Senior!
posted by lhall at 5:37 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Happy Together by the Nylons.
posted by alms at 5:38 PM on November 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

Time To Pretend by MGMT. The lyrics aren't necessarily relentlessly happy, but the sound certainly is.
posted by Jacqueline at 5:40 PM on November 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

90% of the oeuvre of the band Tullycraft is like this. Check out "Wild Bikini" and "The Punks are writing Love Songs" for good examples.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 5:41 PM on November 6, 2010

How about "Home" By Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb9jY8yAxgs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjFaenf1T-Y
posted by Spamfactor at 5:43 PM on November 6, 2010 [5 favorites]

Fascination by Alphabeat
posted by danb at 5:44 PM on November 6, 2010 [4 favorites]

AWESOME THREAD. Hell yes Los Campesinos!

Grand National "Cherry Tree"
Ted Leo & the Pharmacists -- E.G. "Me & Mia", "Shake the Sheets"
Rolling Stones "Gimme Shelter" (just me?)
Moxy Fruvous "King of Spain"
A lot of "They Might Be Giants"
Lemon Jelly has a few songs off of their EP LemonJelly.KY that alswy make me start dancing happy -- E.G. "A Tune jor Jack", "His Majesty King Raam," "Homage to Patagonia"
and there's a very obscure one off of a CD called "Nordic Roots 3" called
"Suvetar" by Gjallerhorn -- seriously, ALWAYS makes me bust out dancing around, no matter what I'm doing.
posted by kitarra at 5:44 PM on November 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

For me, Dragostea Din Tei by O-Zone will always be associated with "aggressively happy" music because of the pure joy radiating out of the Numa Numa Guy in his webcam performance.
posted by Jacqueline at 5:45 PM on November 6, 2010 [6 favorites]

I'll Fly With You by Gigi D'Agostino
posted by Jacqueline at 5:51 PM on November 6, 2010

Smells like Happiness by the The Hidden Cameras
posted by Maude_the_destroyer at 5:51 PM on November 6, 2010

The Magic Position, by Patrick Wolf.
posted by Narrative Priorities at 5:51 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

I Gotta Feeling (Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night) by the Black Eyed Peas

Does anybody know if there're remixes of this song that take out everything but the chorus and make it something great? I listened the shit out of this song at the crappy camp dances I supervised over the summer, and while I agree that it's giddy as hell, the verses are so bad they make me cringe.

Rolling Stones "Gimme Shelter" (just me?)

I dunno if I'd call it happy, but by coincidence that Mick Jagger article a day or two ago got me to listen to the Rolling Stones after a 20-year virginity and I am in love with that song right now. Also it's come up two other times during my day and I like that suddenly it's everywhere.
posted by Rory Marinich at 5:52 PM on November 6, 2010

Here In Your Arms by HelloGoodbye. The music video is really sweet and cute too.
posted by Jacqueline at 5:53 PM on November 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

Well, I'm not sure if this falls into your category, but I always found Beyond the Blue Horizon to be a really sweet, happy song.
posted by The Dutchman at 5:53 PM on November 6, 2010

Actually, "Paint it Black" by the Stones really works for me too -- if I'm in a bleak mood, it makes me laugh at myself a bit ("No colors anymore, I want it to be black" -- so teen goth, so ridiculous, so exactly how I was probably feeling that it wakes me up a bit); if I'm already upbeat, the driving rythm and catchy tune go straight to my happy receptors.
posted by kitarra at 5:54 PM on November 6, 2010

ELO's Mr. Blue Sky.
posted by MrMoonPie at 5:55 PM on November 6, 2010 [5 favorites]

Say Hey (I Love You) immediately comes to mind for me...

Ooo, or Mr. Blue Sky.
Or the classic You Make My Dreams by Hall and Oates.
posted by BevosAngryGhost at 5:57 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Queen: Bicycle Race, You're My Best Friend
Bishop Allen: Rain
Noah and the Whale: 5 Years' Time
Tally Hall: Banana Man
We Are Scientists: After Hours
James Brown: Shout
Hot Chocolate: You Sexy Thing
The White Stripes: We're Gonna Be Friends
posted by hoperaiseshell at 5:57 PM on November 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

Heaven by DJ Sammy
posted by Jacqueline at 5:58 PM on November 6, 2010

How about some of the suggestions from this askme?

Ooh, perfect! Anything that opens up with Katamari Damacy and They Might Be Giants is pitch-perfect.
posted by Rory Marinich at 5:58 PM on November 6, 2010

Oh, and totally obvious, Louis Armstrong, What a Wonderful World.
posted by hoperaiseshell at 5:59 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

"Now That's the Barclords" by Urge Overkill. Play loud.
posted by scratch at 5:59 PM on November 6, 2010

Manu Chao-- Bongo Bong

Makes me smile every damn time I hear it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJMLJVha5sw
posted by peripatetic007 at 5:59 PM on November 6, 2010

Good Day - Nappy Roots
25 Miles - Edwin Starr
Walking on Sunshine (punk cover) - Ghoti Hook
posted by Paragon at 5:59 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Soggy Bottom Boys' Man of Constant Sorrow does it for me every doggone time.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 6:00 PM on November 6, 2010

Starry Eyed Surprise by Paul Oakenfold -- more of a mellow happy, but still makes me feel good
posted by Jacqueline at 6:00 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Classical is rich to mine for this, too. Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, Beethoven's Ode to Joy, Mussorgsky's The Great Gate at Kiev...
posted by kitarra at 6:04 PM on November 6, 2010

Dreaming by Blondie. The Utah Saints Remix or the version from the Remixed and Remastered album are peppier than the original.
posted by Jacqueline at 6:05 PM on November 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

An aggressively up-tempo dance remix of "Now We Are Free" from the Gladiator soundtrack, happened upon by chance ten years ago, which I've kept squirreled away in my college website's temp folder so that I'll never lose it.
posted by Narrative Priorities at 6:05 PM on November 6, 2010

Matt and Kim! Matt and Kim!
posted by shortyJBot at 6:06 PM on November 6, 2010

Oh, and Junior Senior!!
posted by shortyJBot at 6:06 PM on November 6, 2010

These always seem to brighten me up:

Tout le Bonheur du Monde by Sinsemilia

Blame the Viking by Ceann

Kick the Bucket by Charlie Winston
posted by wiskunde at 6:07 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Video Killed the Radio Star by the Buggles doesn't have happy lyrics, but I think it has a really happy sound. I guess I'm just a sucker for the "Oh-a-oh!"
posted by Jacqueline at 6:07 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work
5 Years Time - Noah and the Whale
Mardy Bum - Arctic Monkeys

Just to name a few...
posted by buzzkillington at 6:07 PM on November 6, 2010

I have a shameless love of The B52's
posted by ecurtz at 6:10 PM on November 6, 2010

Modest Mouse, "Float On" (at odds with most of their music)
Cunninglynguists, "Beautiful Girl" (about marijuana but really just the feel of the song is amazing)
Wilson Pickett, "Funky Broadway" (sounds a lot like James Brown; any J.B. song could be on the list)
posted by scose at 6:10 PM on November 6, 2010

Hooked on a Feeling (Ooga Chaka) -- I have no idea who the original performer is (my iPod says "Various Artists") but this David Hasslehoff music video version is hilarious.
posted by Jacqueline at 6:12 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Jim Kweskin and the Jug Band -- they inspired a lot of Muppets sketches. I spend a lot of time wading through the clinical depresshons, so believe me when I tell you, a few moments of "Ukelele Lady" always make a difference.
posted by Countess Elena at 6:15 PM on November 6, 2010

Also? POLKA AS FUCK.
posted by Countess Elena at 6:18 PM on November 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

99 Luftballons by Nena. Just ignore that the lyrics in the original German are about a narrowly averted nuclear war and it's damn peppy. :)

I recall there being various dance remixes that are even better suited to the "aggressively happy" category, but I can't find a good one right now.
posted by Jacqueline at 6:19 PM on November 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

I love Type O Negative's cover of Seals & Croft's Summer Breeze - They both put a smile on my face, but the cover's funnier(*). They also did a great cover of Cinnamon Girl as well.
(* - Your Sense Of Humor May Vary. Offer void where prohibited.)
posted by Orb2069 at 6:22 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

The lyrics aren't terribly happy, but Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah always makes me feel giddy.
posted by likorish at 6:23 PM on November 6, 2010

Some of their lyrical content aside, The Exploding Hearts are (were) energetic and jangly and full of power-poppy goodness.
Throwaway Style.
I'm a Pretender.
posted by 1UP at 6:29 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Our Love is Heavenly. The video will make you happy too.

Sometimes if I'm feeling down I force myself to play this while I'm driving somewhere and sing along to it. But you have to smile when you're singing, otherwise it doesn't sound right.
posted by Put the kettle on at 6:31 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

The Jackson 5. I Want You Back, ABC.
The Muppet Show theme.
This is the New Year by Ian Axel. (The video is really what makes it EXCESSIVELY happy.)
posted by sarahnade at 6:32 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

seconding Matt & Kim -- specifically, "Daylight" and its video. try and watch that without grinning :)
posted by changeling at 6:36 PM on November 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

Janelle Monáe - Tightrope (really the whole album, but this is a good start)

The Ramones - Blitzkrieg Bop (again really the whole album)
posted by grapesaresour at 6:39 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind. Yeah, it's about drug addicts, but it's such a happy-sounding song about drug addicts.
posted by Jacqueline at 6:39 PM on November 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

All the Small Things by Blink 182
posted by Jacqueline at 6:41 PM on November 6, 2010

Pretty much anything by Puffy AmiYumi will fit the bill. Illustrated History is a favorite album of mine.
posted by trunk muffins at 6:42 PM on November 6, 2010

Hear My Name by Armand Van Helden (hmm, never watched the video before... interesting...)
posted by Jacqueline at 6:43 PM on November 6, 2010

Lola's Theme by the Shapeshifters
posted by Jacqueline at 6:47 PM on November 6, 2010

I just heard MMMBop at the grocery store and literally not one person in the frozen food aisle with me could resist some combination of singing/humming/tapping/bopping along -- not the huge weightlifter guy, not the goth girl with the blue hair and three lip rings, not the elderly man in the walker, and not me. (Seriously, people can sneer at Hanson all they want, but that first album is essentially perfect bubblegum pop.)

My personal go-to is early Madness -- It Must Be Love, House of Fun, Embarrassment, Baggy Trousers, Our House, One Step Beyond, Night Boat to Cairo, The Sun and the Rain -- just to name a few! Seriously, Madness is like a musical SSRI.
posted by scody at 6:47 PM on November 6, 2010 [6 favorites]

Manu Chao: Me Gustas Tu

Weezer: Island In The Sun
posted by prenominal at 6:52 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

I can't believe nobody's mentioned The Flaming Lips yet. What's wrong with you people?
posted by axiom at 6:54 PM on November 6, 2010

You're the First, the Last, my Everything by Barry White

My husband is making me knock it off now (he is not a fan of aggressively happy music and I've been blasting through my collection since you posted your question) but I'll be back later tonight or tomorrow with more recommendations. :)
posted by Jacqueline at 6:57 PM on November 6, 2010

General Public - "Tenderness."

It turns my frowns upside down and makes them frolic and dance.
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 6:59 PM on November 6, 2010

Beach Boys?
posted by dzaz at 7:00 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Stevie Wonder, Songs in the Key of Life, 1976. I Wish (I don't think it's possible to listen to that song and NOT be propelled forcibly into a good mood), Sir Duke, Isn't She Lovely.
posted by Sublimity at 7:00 PM on November 6, 2010 [3 favorites]

Oh also, The Thermals... thinking specifically of Now We Can See.
posted by axiom at 7:01 PM on November 6, 2010

Pizzicato Five -
Groovy is my Name
Sophisticated Catchy
Happy Sad
It's a Beautiful Day
etc. etc etc.
posted by merocet at 7:01 PM on November 6, 2010

Thirding "They Might Be Giants"... particularly their early stuff like the eponymous album from 1986 and Lincoln and Flood... the music is so catchy and the lyrics so absurd and silly that you can't go wrong.

I mean, picture a bouncy song with lyrics like "If I were a carpenter I'd hammer on my piglet, and I'd collect the seven dollars and I'd buy a big prosthetic forehead, and wear it on my real head..." etc. Good god, you can't go wrong here.
posted by crapmatic at 7:02 PM on November 6, 2010

Some of these may not fit exactly…

Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield
Can You Get To That by Funkadelic
Gotta Get Up by Harry Nilsson
Breakfast On Pluto by Don Partridge
Sugar Baby Love by The Rubettes
Lalita by The Love Language
Overjoyed by The Circulatory System
Heavy Hand by Drink Up Buttercup (The studio version has more punch, but I can't find it online.)
Mis-shapes by Pulp
Pop Song by Starfucker
Nobody But Me by The Human Beinz
Gemini (Birthday Song) by Why?
The Daily Planet by Love
If it is the deep sea, I can see you there by Melt Banana
Plenty Is Never Enough (covered) by The Shins
Vanity Fair by Mr. Bungle sounds happy if you don't read the lyrics...
Mugiboogie by Mugiboogie
Weird by Menomena
My Heart Rate Rapid by Metronomy
Wonderlust King by Gogol Bordello
Me & Nikolai by Pale Young Gentlemen

Also many things by ELO, The Shins, The Flaming Lips, ABBA, and The Unicorns, etc.
posted by yaymukund at 7:04 PM on November 6, 2010 [5 favorites]

Carolina II, Awilo Longomba. It's my go to happy song and I forgot it :(
posted by shinybaum at 7:12 PM on November 6, 2010

Almost anything by Aqua.
posted by zompist at 7:15 PM on November 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

Also anything at all by Daler Mehndi.
posted by shinybaum at 7:25 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Well, "Hey Ya," of course.

Pretty much anything by Fantastic Plastic Machine. I suggest "Take Me to the Disco", "Lotto", "Theme from Luxury"

"Kate" by Ben Folds Five.

"Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by the Police

"Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen
Saint-Saens' Carnival of the Animals -- Finale

And I am such a hipster because I loved Jamiroquai's "Canned Heat" WAY before it was in Napoleon Dynamite. WAY before.
posted by Madamina at 7:35 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Come On Eileen, by Dexy's Midnight Runners.
posted by hot soup girl at 7:35 PM on November 6, 2010 [4 favorites]

The Style Council's My Ever Changing Moods. And anything from Flight of the Conchords--particularly, because of the bike theme, this.
posted by Morpeth at 7:39 PM on November 6, 2010

Bjork: Big Time Sensuality
Cub: My Chinchilla, New York City and many others
The Cure: Friday I'm In Love
Edison Lighthouse: Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Grows)
Herman's Hermits: I'm Into Something Good
The Little Ones: High On A Hill and Let Them Ring The Bells
Modern English: I'll Melt With You
Parliament: Give Up The Funk and Flash Light
Everlasting Love by either Robert Knight or Carl Carlton
posted by plastic_animals at 7:41 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

I Only Want to Be With You by Dusty Springfield forces me to be in a good mood in that happiness-explodey way you mention.
posted by Put the kettle on at 7:42 PM on November 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

Looking at the Sun-- Gramercy Arms
posted by jschu at 7:47 PM on November 6, 2010

Oooo, Sublimity reminded me of Superstition. 70s happy!
posted by grapesaresour at 8:03 PM on November 6, 2010

Junior Kickstart by The Go! Team
posted by fso at 8:04 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

I'm pretty sure that Rooke - Meet When I'm Asleep is about being too passive to act on suicidal depression, and so sleeping all the time and dreaming about an ex...but it's so cheerful and bouncy that I always grin when I listen to it. The contradiction is much silly. It looks like you ought to be able to listen to it at that link, not just buy it.
posted by galadriel at 8:04 PM on November 6, 2010

Reasons To Be Cheerful (Part 3), Ian Dury and the Blockheads. A catchy happy tune and some of the loveliest lyrics ever.
posted by HandfulOfDust at 8:05 PM on November 6, 2010

practically anything by Petty Booka
posted by Confess, Fletch at 8:07 PM on November 6, 2010

Laid by James makes me smile every... stinkin'... time...
posted by meindee at 8:08 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Much/most of Great Big Sea especially When I'm Up and Ordinary Day (but really everything except the ballads :)
posted by purlgurly at 8:16 PM on November 6, 2010

This is why I listen to dance music, so many upbeat perky songs! And yes yes yes to the Katamari Damacy soundtracks! You might want to check out the Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) soundtracks as well.

A few of my favorites (not all dance)

Light of a Clear Blue Morning by Dolly Parton
Together We Got The Power by Da Buzz
When The Sun Comes Out by DanceCore Allstars
Anything by The Genki Rockets, particularly Breeze and Smile
Fly by Tiffany (of "I Think We're Alone Now" fame, on her 2005 album)
Fly On The Wings Of Love by XTM
Healing Hands by Elton John
Man in Motion (from St. Elmo's Fire) by John Parr
Lucky Star by Karma Club
Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
Let It Rock by Kevin Rudolf
Walk of Life by Dire Straits (particularly if you've seen the music video, which is all sports bloopers)
Affirmation by Savage Garden

DDR soundtrack songs: I'm Alive, I'm in the Mood for Dancing, Bam Bam Bam, I Do I Do I Do, Follow the Sun

As much as I don't enjoy religion anymore, Testify to Love by Avalon always makes me happy.
posted by IndigoRain at 8:17 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Together in Electric Dreams from the movie Electric Dreams, The Tra La La Song covered by Liz Phair and Material Issue.

Also, Jupiter from Holst's "The Planets" keeps ending up on my upbeat driving playlists.
posted by rmd1023 at 8:18 PM on November 6, 2010

Oh God, DDR. Fond memories of dancing on Jersey boardwalks. I only wish they'd have songs longer than 90 seconds on there; too many songs seem to cut off before they draw to their close.
posted by Rory Marinich at 8:20 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

U2 also did a cover of Everlasting Love.

If you like I Got A Feeling even a little, David Guetta is worth checking out. When Love Takes Over fits your requirements most closely, I think, but songs like Delirious, and Gettin' Over You are in that general category.
posted by gnomeloaf at 8:23 PM on November 6, 2010

I've been clicking through these at random and I am loving everything I've heard. Put the kettle on, you've just given me a new weekend singer in the form of Dusty Springfield. Gorgeous!
posted by Rory Marinich at 8:24 PM on November 6, 2010

Because They Might Be Giants have been mentioned so much, and because they're one of my utter favorites, let me submit their divine but lesser-known cover of I Enjoy Being A Boy by the Banana Splits.
posted by Rory Marinich at 8:40 PM on November 6, 2010

The Zombies, "Care Of Cell 44," 1968. Hands-down the happiest song I know. And it's about getting out of prison.
posted by koeselitz at 8:50 PM on November 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

This is my favourite happy music video of all time. It's not so much the song, but I can't watch it and not be utterly, completely, ridiculously happy.
posted by shinybaum at 9:00 PM on November 6, 2010

Mates of State are pretty relentlessly happy, to the point that it can sometimes get a little annoyingly saccharine.

Personally, when I want to feel happy, I listen to Domenico Scarlatti harpsichord sonatas and Django Reinhardt.
posted by dfan at 9:12 PM on November 6, 2010

I can't believe it hasn't been posted yet, since it's the happiest album on the planet... "Graceland" by Paul Simon!!!
posted by Glendale at 9:22 PM on November 6, 2010 [3 favorites]

Sunrise Bennie K
posted by jlunar at 9:22 PM on November 6, 2010

Touch of Grey - Grateful Dead
Rockstar - Nickelback
It's the End of the World As We Know It - REM
Morning Has Broken - Cat Stevens
Don't Worry, Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin
Sister Kate - The Ditty Bops
Just A Ride - Jem
You Gotta Be - Des'ree
Soak Up the Sun - Sheryl Crow
Never Let You Go - Third Eye Blind
Meet Virginia - Train
Navajo Rug - Jerry Jeff Walker
The Safety Dance - Men Without Hats
Karma Chameleon - Culture Club
Come On Eileen - Dexy's Midnight Runners
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 9:32 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

A lot of the Kikujiro soundrack, a lot of Joe Hisashi for that matter. It's not really high energy happy, but this kind of drippy sentimental/nostalgic happy.
posted by juv3nal at 9:39 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Fun Trick Noisemaker by The Apples in Stereo
In Case We Die by Architecture in Helsinki
Thunder, Lightning, Strike by The Go! Team
posted by eddydamascene at 9:41 PM on November 6, 2010

Oh wait, ignore the previous link, here's the album arrangement of the same song which is better.
posted by juv3nal at 9:41 PM on November 6, 2010

Gamma Ray's Beyond the Black Hole!

FLY! Beyond the gates of space and time!
Another universe is mine
And I can't wait until tomorrow

Fuckin' happy German metallers. Irrepressible!

Wu-Tang Clan's Shame on a Nigga. Despite talking about teeth gettin' knocked the fuck out, it's brimming with glee.

And finally, not much is more packed with good cheer than the Super Mario Bros. 2 overworld theme.
posted by ignignokt at 9:58 PM on November 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

A disclaimer: I am not much of a listener of music intended to manipulate emotions myself, but I am amazed that nobody else has mentioned the insanely manic and aggressively gleeful genre of happy hardcore here yet.

happy
happy
happy
happy
happy
happy
happy
happy
happy
posted by idiopath at 9:59 PM on November 6, 2010

Dancing In the Street - Martha and the Vandellas

I Get Around - Beach Boys

Fun Fun Fun - Beach Boys

Locomotion - Little Eva

Jingle Jangle Jingle - Tex Ritter

Glamour Boys - Living Color

California Shoeshine Boys - Laura Nyro

Zippety Doo Dah

Hot Stuff - Donna Summer

Pass the Dutchie - Musical Youth

What a Feeling (Flashdance) - Irene Cara

I Feel Good - James Brown

Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes - Paul Simon

Footloose

Say Hey Good Lookin' - Hank Williams
posted by nickyskye at 10:01 PM on November 6, 2010 [2 favorites]

soukous loketo
posted by nickyskye at 10:10 PM on November 6, 2010

Bran Van 3000 - Love Cliché
Supergrass - Alright
Boo Radleys - High as Monkeys
posted by talkingmuffin at 10:54 PM on November 6, 2010

System F - Out Of The Blue
posted by dohmer at 11:11 PM on November 6, 2010

A couple of people have mentioned Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners, which I love, but I'm also a big fan of the cover by Save Ferris.

I also loved the song in those Target commercials so much that I bought the full version: Brand New Day by Tim Myers (feat Lindsay Ray)
posted by clerestory at 12:59 AM on November 7, 2010

Snow is Gone by Josh Ritter. LOVE. There used to be live version for download on his website that was even better, because you could hear the joy so clearly, but I can't find it any more.
posted by celerity at 1:08 AM on November 7, 2010

My Heart is Beating Like a Jungle Drum - Emiliana Torinni. Love this song so much!
posted by carolr at 1:13 AM on November 7, 2010 [1 favorite]

Spiky neon flowers of joy he wants?

Rocket's Tail - Kate Bush.

That is all.
posted by flabdablet at 2:35 AM on November 7, 2010 [1 favorite]

Little Secrets-Passion Pit

So happy!
posted by d13t_p3ps1 at 3:52 AM on November 7, 2010 [3 favorites]

Some would suggest I get a sockpuppet for this, but I've got to go with Montana by Venus Hum
posted by Mngo at 4:56 AM on November 7, 2010

The first thing that springs to mind is the NiGHTS into dreams soundtrack.

One more videogame example, this time from God Hand.


Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention - Sofa No. 1

Gentle Giant - Betcha Thought We Couldn't Do It

Jethro Tull - Ring Out Solstice Bells

Kate Bush - Burning Bridge

Mr Bungle - Squeeze Me Macaroni
posted by Bangaioh at 5:08 AM on November 7, 2010

Since I don't think anyone has mentioned it yet:

Popcorn by Hot Butter

And in high school I started most of my horrible mornings with the long version of Jesus Built My Hotrod by Ministry, but the album version is still good.

These days I usually indulge in the now ironic (after the scene in Pulp Fiction) peppiness of Stuck In The Middle With You by Stealer's Wheel.
posted by monopas at 5:30 AM on November 7, 2010

Belle and sebastian !
posted by Jireel at 6:32 AM on November 7, 2010

Magazine's The Thin Air might do it for you too. Works for me.
posted by flabdablet at 7:06 AM on November 7, 2010

And while you're trawling the FZ back catalog, don't forget Willie The Pimp!
posted by flabdablet at 7:18 AM on November 7, 2010

San francisco, by Scott McKenzie

Lemon Tree, by Fool's Garden

Get Some Sleep, by Bic Runga

Twist and Shout, The Beatles

Russian Dance, from the Nutcracker, by Tchaïkovski

Tangled up in blue, by Bob Dylan

Rainbow Warriors, by Cocorosie

Siffler sur la colline (and a few others) by Les Croquants

I wish that I could see you soon, by Herman Dune

Soul meets body, by Death cab for cutie

Me and Julio down the Schoolyard, by Simon & Garfunkel
posted by Jireel at 7:35 AM on November 7, 2010 [1 favorite]

And where would any of us be now without I Feel Love?
posted by flabdablet at 7:44 AM on November 7, 2010

Got that one wrong :

Lemon Tree, by Fool's Garden

Dirty dream # 2, by Belle and Sebastian

Sleep the clock around, by Belle and Sebastian

.... and many others by Belle and sebastian.. a blissful band, if you don't mind the christian vibe they subtly give...
posted by Jireel at 7:45 AM on November 7, 2010 [1 favorite]

Unemployed - bluejuice
posted by flabdablet at 8:03 AM on November 7, 2010

Seconding Great Big Sea, who kill me, and adding Hothouse Flowers, especially the early album Songs From the Rain.
posted by kostia at 8:11 AM on November 7, 2010

Dusty Springfield did a song with the Pet Shop Boys, What Have I Done to Deserve This. Speaking of whom, I love their cover of Where the Streets Have No Name. yeah, I've been on a big retro gay club hits kick lately
posted by rmd1023 at 8:38 AM on November 7, 2010 [1 favorite]

I can't believe no one mentioned Good Day Sunshine!
posted by Lobster Garden at 8:46 AM on November 7, 2010 [1 favorite]

Oh yeah, my secret weapon these days is this cover of Heart It Races! Never fails!
posted by yaymukund at 8:47 AM on November 7, 2010 [1 favorite]

Joy to the World, Three Dog Night.
posted by endless_forms at 9:20 AM on November 7, 2010 [1 favorite]

Kites are Fun by the Free Design. I defy you not to smile.
posted by .kobayashi. at 9:23 AM on November 7, 2010 [1 favorite]

Syrup USA tends to sound awfully damn cheerful. When I need to be cheered up I listen to the Boredoms and Pylon, Wire's first album too, but maybe that's more just because they're energetic than "happy" per se. The Ramones are a good example of music that sounds really happy even when it's not. The Buzzcocks too.
posted by ifjuly at 9:52 AM on November 7, 2010

Oh, and I can't listen to Sam Cooke singing without a big wide smile spreading on my face. Buddy Holly is in the whole "actually sort of sad but so cheerful sounding" camp.
posted by ifjuly at 9:53 AM on November 7, 2010

Also, Fats Waller's Do Me A Favor (not a great link, but all I could find) does it for me every time.
posted by .kobayashi. at 9:56 AM on November 7, 2010

DAN DEACON!!!! - pretty much anything on Spiderman of the Rings.
posted by benzenedream at 9:57 AM on November 7, 2010

Also, and I can barely explain it, but for years Blossom Dearie has been my A+ can't fail go-to mood lightener. I can't listen to her and not end up grinning. Examples: I'm Hip, Rhode Island is Famous for You, Blossom's Blues, Everything I've Got, & The Surrey with the Fringe on Top.
posted by .kobayashi. at 10:03 AM on November 7, 2010 [1 favorite]

OKAY sorry last post here, but Urvasi Urvasi is all about a "take it easy policy" and the video is incredible.
posted by yaymukund at 10:14 AM on November 7, 2010 [1 favorite]

What, no-one has mentioned Cee Lo Green/Gnarls Barkley? Start off with Fuck You (Mefi thread) and go from there.
posted by ceri richard at 11:25 AM on November 7, 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6hxhLzPTR8
the maines cover of akons "i wanna love you"
posted by freddymetz at 12:11 PM on November 7, 2010

This instrumental track by Matt and Kim will punch you in the face with joy.
posted by joeyjoejoejr at 1:25 PM on November 7, 2010 [3 favorites]

Sunshine, lollipos and rainbows
posted by rux at 1:50 PM on November 7, 2010

Late to the party, but there's always room for Shonen Knife taking on the Carpenters.
posted by anagrama at 3:54 PM on November 7, 2010

Does anybody know if there're remixes of this song that take out everything but the chorus and make it something great?

DJ Earworm's "United States of Pop 2009" always makes me smile, and one of the songs included in the mash-up is I Gotta Feeling.

Also: Tokyo (Vampires and Wolves) and Let's Dance to Joy Division, both by the Wombats.
posted by Ziggy500 at 4:23 PM on November 7, 2010 [1 favorite]

So Much Love - The Rocket Summer
posted by Lina Lamont at 7:14 PM on November 7, 2010

Just one look at you and I know it's gonna be a lovely day.
posted by Anything at 11:44 PM on November 7, 2010

Chumbawumba Tubthumping
Ricky Martin La Vida Loca
They Might Be Giants Istanbul

And then I had a little high school nostalgia moment and went all Robbie Williams, New Kids on the Block, Tiffany, Guns n Roses, Starship We Built this City, and, inexplicably, Sisquo's the Thong Song. But although all of those make ME grin like a maniac, I suspect that might be about their historical associations, rather than anything intrinsic.
posted by lollusc at 2:10 AM on November 8, 2010

"Shiny Happy People" - REM
"Buena" - Morphine
"Why can't I be you" and "Closer" - Cure
"Just can't get enough" - Depeche Mode

And yes: When I read this question, "MMMBop" started playing in my head. It was fun to see this reflected by scody's grocery store buddies.
posted by springload at 4:55 AM on November 8, 2010

Dancing in the Moonlight - Toploader
posted by onegoodthing at 6:52 AM on November 8, 2010 [1 favorite]

The Go! Team has a bunch--"Huddle Formation", "Ladyflash"

Scout Niblett - "Fuck Treasure Island" ('cause I was so excited just to be in your car.../my smile's as wide as the bay/did you see it didn't die/for hours and hours and hours/I was alive that day)

Stereolab - "Peng! 33" (find the Peel session version...it is way, way more energetic and life-affirming, the record version feels kind of neutered to me, I think it's how low the drums are mixed relative to the Peel one or something)

Wire - "I Feel Mysterious Today"

Hang Ups - "Jump Start"

Kings of Convenience - "I'd Rather Dance with You"

Luna has this song called "I Can't Wait" that I doubt is about happiness, but it sounds so damn happy to me.

Daniel Johnston - "I Feel So High", "Happy Time" (the dog and cat, the welcome mat...)
posted by ifjuly at 7:51 AM on November 8, 2010 [3 favorites]

Talking Heads - And She Was
posted by Dirk Squarejaw at 8:46 AM on November 8, 2010 [1 favorite]

We Are Golden by Mika... actually, almost all of his discography is happy making music.
Lately, I've gotta recommend Raise Your Glass by Pink (P!nk?)
And, my perennial favorite, Guilty Pleasure by Cobra Starship
posted by Xoder at 9:09 AM on November 8, 2010

Taken from my iTouch "Happy Playlist":

"Steal My Sunshine" - Len
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" - Bobby McFerrin
"Get Down Tonight" - KC & The Sunshine Band
"88 Lines About 44 Women" - The Nails
"Dancing In The Moonlight" - King Harvest
"Jackie Blue" - Ozark Mountain Daredevils
"Mirror In The Bathroom" - The English Beat
"Time Out For Fun" - Devo
"Freedom" - George Michael
"Ain't Talkin About Love" - Van Halen
"It Came Out Of The Sky" - Creedence Clearwater Revival
"Moonlight Feels Right" - Starbuck
posted by sundrop at 9:40 AM on November 8, 2010

lollusc: “... and, inexplicably, Sisquo's the Thong Song...”

Oddly enough, Kyuss' Thong Song fits this too, I think.
posted by koeselitz at 10:19 AM on November 8, 2010

Friend of mine who's a classical music scholar suggests:

The first act finale of Rossini's L'italiana in Algeri has a happy combination
of zizzy looniness and hair's-breadth precision; the last movement of Mozart's
string trio K 563 is sure to cheer; the furiant in Dvorak's 6th symphony is the
apotheosis of mania; and the carnival in scene 4 of Stravinsky's Petrushka is a
kind of conspectus of joy.

Metafilter: a kind of conspectus of joy.
posted by Sublimity at 1:13 PM on November 8, 2010 [2 favorites]

PYT by Michael Jackson.
posted by pickingoutathermos at 2:49 PM on November 8, 2010

I have no idea what they're singing (okay, a bit of an idea), but Bonde Do Role - Solta o Frango is fun.
posted by jabberjaw at 4:40 PM on November 8, 2010

Aqua is a good start but Cartoon Heroes is even more exact.
posted by The Whelk at 8:11 PM on November 8, 2010

can't believe no one's mentioned The Lion Sleeps Tonight yet.

Robert John's version always did it for me.
posted by philip-random at 8:37 PM on November 8, 2010

Pretty much all of Seeed's New Dubby Coquerors is a most joyous noise. The dub in German makes me smile big. Fire The Hidden is the standout track though if I were to pick one. I'll refund you the 99 cents if it doesn't make you happy.

Marshall Crenshaw's Fantstic Planet of Love is my personal happy song.

Jump up and down little Johnny needs ritalin happy: XTC Outside World.
posted by Devils Rancher at 8:44 PM on November 8, 2010

Also: XTC Burning With Optimism's Flames.
posted by Devils Rancher at 8:53 PM on November 8, 2010

Also: XTC Stupidly Happy.
posted by philip-random at 11:24 PM on November 8, 2010

I'm currently crazy about the musical "Wicked", so almost any song there goes for me right now. But, if I really want to perk up my mood, I just blast the song Defying Gravity. It has never failed to make me smile and want to get up and dance.
posted by elisynn at 12:11 AM on November 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

I love myself today - Bif Naked
posted by srboisvert at 10:35 AM on November 9, 2010

Ben Folds - Zak and Sara
posted by schleppo at 2:00 PM on November 9, 2010

Hanson - Thinking 'Bout Somethin' (yes, seriously).
posted by schleppo at 2:04 PM on November 9, 2010

I Love My Life, Todd Rundgren (2 parts)

One World, Utopia

Now That I've Found You, Foundations

And also, I have to say:

It's Raining Men, the Weather Girls - a song I was too snobbish to enjoy when it came out, but man oh man is it FUN. Also? Written by Paul Shaffer.
posted by kristi at 3:58 PM on November 9, 2010

So I'm coming in late, but I can't help myself posting, because, well . . . We've missed some. *grin*

I'm flabbergasted only two people (go dzaz and nickyskye!) mentioned anything disco, or disco-era. (No debates about whether or not the Village People ruined disco!)
The Village People - Y.M.C.A.! If that song doesn't lift your spirits, I hereby pronounce you defective. ;)
Also:
Macho Man
In The Navy . . . et cetera.

The BeeGees - Stayin' Alive
You Should Be Dancing
Earth, Wind and Fire - Boogie Wonderland

Also, the Numa Numa song, anyone? That one makes me grin every time.
Dragostea din Tei, by O-Zone.

Another one that gets me happy and dancing:
Baroque Hoedown, by Moog. Don't recognize the name? Click on it anyway. If you're older than 25 and went to Disneyland as a child, it will most likely induce happiness. :)

I find MIKA to be rather happy-making -
Love Today, and
Lollipop, in particular.

C'est La Vie by B*Witched

And Malmö Night Beach Party by Slagsmålsklubben forces me to get up and dance about my house, so I think that counts. (Also, I like that animation more than I probably should. It expresses most of what I think about gyms quite well.)

All I can think of, for now. If you'll excuse me, I have dancing to do!
posted by po at 6:25 PM on November 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

Pull Shapes - The Pipettes
Pencil Full Of Lead - Paolo Nutini
Fat Sam's Grand Slam
If You Wanna Be Happy - Jimmy Soul
Theme from Happy Days
Catch My Disease - Ben Lee
Music To Watch Girls By - Andy Williams
posted by jonnyploy at 6:49 PM on November 9, 2010

Perhaps IFUCKINGLOVEYOU by Big Black Delta.
posted by nrobertson at 10:23 PM on November 9, 2010

Joan Jett and Paul Westerberg's version of Let's Do It.
posted by Ahab at 1:12 AM on November 11, 2010

I'm flabbergasted only two people (go dzaz and nickyskye!) mentioned anything disco, or disco-era

Was Donna Summer's disco licence revoked while I wasn't looking, then?
posted by flabdablet at 3:30 AM on November 11, 2010

The Polyphonic Spree, fronted by Tim DeLaughter(!!!), are what their name suggests...and I think they're about due for a fourth album soon.
posted by kittyprecious at 6:11 AM on November 11, 2010

I don't see much love for the 2000s so far. :(

Here's a couple 2000s suggestions:

nthing 'now we can see' by the thermals
move your feet by junior senior

Maybe I'm showing my relatively youth here, but this always gets me in a cocky mood:

On a boat by lonely island
posted by fizzix at 9:44 AM on November 11, 2010

flabdablet: "I'm flabbergasted only two people (go dzaz and nickyskye!) mentioned anything disco, or disco-era

Was Donna Summer's disco licence revoked while I wasn't looking, then"

Ack! I thought I was thorough looking through the thread. Apparently not. You get a gold star, too, flabdablet! :)
posted by po at 5:48 PM on November 11, 2010

Everybody's Gonna Be Happy by The Kinks
posted by heatherann at 5:53 AM on November 12, 2010

I agree with Polyphonic Spree. They are musical Prozac.
posted by jfricke at 12:32 PM on November 12, 2010 [1 favorite]

Dance along to these:
Archie Bell and the Drells - Tighten Up
Jackson 5 - Blame It On The Boogie
Wild Cherry - Play That Funky Music White Boy

And sing along to these:
The Foundations - Build Me Up Buttercup
Freda Payne - Band of Gold
Wham! - Jitterbug

Instant happiness! As long as you allow yourself to look/sound absolutely ridiculous.

Also:
Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al
Beach Boys - Wouldn't It Be Nice
posted by melloscope at 10:37 PM on November 14, 2010

The Twilight Singers did a goofy cover of "Kites are Fun" too, and it cheered me up greatly this windy fall morning.

Also, the Push Kings' infectious silly pop bomb "Macy Macy".
posted by ifjuly at 9:46 AM on November 22, 2010

Don't Falter by Mint Royale (Featuring Lauren Laverne)
posted by holterbarbour at 1:04 AM on December 1, 2010

Ah, and All Our Dreams Are Coming True by Gene Page (Produced by Barry White). A rare instrumental in this category.
posted by holterbarbour at 1:11 AM on December 1, 2010

Swear I'm almost done here:

Lo Mevater ("I won't give up") by Hadag Nachash

Hustle by Tunng
posted by holterbarbour at 1:30 AM on December 1, 2010

Still life in this thing?

The Five Stairsteps performing "O-o-h Child" on Soul Train
posted by philip-random at 11:33 AM on December 1, 2010

Candye Kane! Especially "The Lord Was a Woman," "I'm a White Trash Girl," and "All You Can Eat." She has musicality, a great big voice, and lots of sass--and the songs are lots of fun.
posted by Amy NM at 11:15 AM on May 24, 2011