I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing

March 27, 2008 10:15 PM

What is the happiest and catchiest (mostly) unknown pop song you know?

Oy-yea!! My friends and I are video recording a publicly-performed improv-type dance number, and we need one ridiculously but genuinely happy music song.

What is sought is really happy happy happy pop-type song that is either so obscure that it's practically unknown....or brand new. Something that will surprise people.

Think if Walking On Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves were undiscovered. Yes, that happy! Like a song that would be the opposite of anything Marvin the depressed robot would sing. Something outrageously happy!

Recommendations?

posted by humannaire to media & arts (115 comments total)

The Magic Position
posted by [NOT HERMITOSIS-IST] at 10:20 PM on March 27, 2008

"alright" by the Lost Patrol.
it is the feel-good song in my house!

lyrics: here


it might be hard to find/download, so let me know if you have trouble and i can send it to you.
posted by gursky at 10:21 PM on March 27, 2008

i lied! it's not hard! here it is: youtube

(i think the version i've heard might be a cover, because it's much poppier)
posted by gursky at 10:23 PM on March 27, 2008

"Top Of The World," by Shonen Knife.

It's a cover of the Carpenters' original, and it's incredibly bubbly/poppy/Japanese. Really fun, and always completely unexpected.
posted by SlyBevel at 10:29 PM on March 27, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

Shonen Knife's "Top Of The World" at YouTube.
posted by SlyBevel at 10:31 PM on March 27, 2008

Carole King, "Been to Canaan": quiet joy, sweet memory.
posted by capcuervo at 10:39 PM on March 27, 2008

Puffy AmiYumi - K2G
posted by martinrebas at 10:51 PM on March 27, 2008

'Pulled Up' from Talking Heads first album. It's happy. It's fun. It's cocaine for your ears.
posted by artdrectr at 10:52 PM on March 27, 2008

Puffy AmiYumi - K2G again - I found a better version.
posted by martinrebas at 10:55 PM on March 27, 2008

My first two thoughts -
AWOO by the Hidden Cameras (Myspace page, plays the song immediately)

Any of several songs by the Islands - of the songs on that page, try Swans (start at the 1:00 minute mark) or Rough Gem (again Myspace, plays a song immediately)
posted by LobsterMitten at 10:56 PM on March 27, 2008

Teen Angst, Cracker.
posted by Lord_Pall at 10:56 PM on March 27, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

(not sure if you care about the lyrics or just the vibe; lyrics of the above might not be suitable)
posted by LobsterMitten at 10:58 PM on March 27, 2008

I love dance music... a lot of it is happy. If you don't mind including Jpop, I love Rhythm Generation by Two-Mix.
posted by IndigoRain at 11:03 PM on March 27, 2008

"Up with People" seems to be rather cliche for this, but I doubt anyone's actually heard the song proper. I've got MP3s of it if you wish.
posted by divabat at 11:07 PM on March 27, 2008

You didn't mention if it had to be in English or not, but if it doesn't:

Belanova - Baila Mi Corazon
posted by streetdreams at 11:13 PM on March 27, 2008

It's happy, catchy, and mostly unknown (probably by dint of its age): Dino's Song by Quicksilver Messenger Service. If it's over the top you need, well...no. The studio version is sharper. It's available in iTunes. (Again, this is nowhere near new.)
posted by Kronos_to_Earth at 11:13 PM on March 27, 2008

I don't really have my finger on what's well-known and what's mostly unknown, but Johnny Boy's You Are The Generation That Bought More Shoes causes happiness to soar. (The lyrics are maybe inappropriate, but they're inscrutable, so I choose to believe they're as happy as the music).

XTC's We're All Light generates an embarrassing amount of serotonin.
posted by painquale at 11:14 PM on March 27, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

My vote is for "Whoever You Are" by Geggy Tah. Guaranteed to stick in your head for the rest of your life. The song starts about 30 seconds into the video.
posted by ad_hominem at 11:20 PM on March 27, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

i don't know how well known they are (relative to where you are, demographics etc etc) but these are two songs which are ridiculously upbeat (musically and lyrically).

pure - the lightening seeds
better things - the kinks (sorry about the link to a cover version, best i could do in short time; the original, or cover by Fountains of Wayne' are great.)

also v. catchy and upbeat (if you don't listen to the lyrics to closely - so maybe not what you're looking for):

up with people - lambchop
posted by beige at 11:20 PM on March 27, 2008

"Feelin' Groovy" -- Simon & Garfunkle.

About half the Monkees catalogue probably qualifies too.
posted by RavinDave at 11:25 PM on March 27, 2008

The Dandy Warhols' TV Theme Song.

Hey la, See Saw
Hey Rah, Yee Hah
Ooh, ooh, ooh

Hey la, see rah
Hey rah, see saw
Hey
Ooh, ooh ooh,

Hey la, see saw
Hey la, de dah
Oooh, ooh ooh,
Aaaah.
posted by Skot at 11:26 PM on March 27, 2008

Super Furry Animals, "Rings Around the World"
posted by equalpants at 11:26 PM on March 27, 2008

I'm sure I'm an idiot, but "unknown pop music" sounds like an oxymoron to me.

Anyway, close your eyes and think "ABBA".
posted by trip and a half at 11:29 PM on March 27, 2008

Millionaire by the Mekons. Best answer. End of story.
posted by allen.spaulding at 11:37 PM on March 27, 2008

They're not unknown in the UK, but in the US, don't know anybody who has ever heard of The Housemartins, and thier head-bouncingly peppy, "Happy Hour"
posted by melorama at 11:41 PM on March 27, 2008

"Yummy, Yummy, Yummy"
posted by RavinDave at 11:48 PM on March 27, 2008

Seconding The Housemartins Happy Hour, and adding Me And The Farmer by the same...unfortunately, I have no link to provide, but it's an infectiously goofy and happy tune, well worth hearing even if it doesn't get used.
posted by motown missile at 11:50 PM on March 27, 2008

Hokus Pick - "I'm So Happy" :perky ska song about the best day evaaar

Dave Richmond - Movin' Along: sounds like a cross between a cheesy 70's soundtrack and jousting music


These are not as obscure, but still relatively out of the mainstream spectrum:

Monty Python - Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

Yatta!

Rancid - Ruby Soho

Check out some They Might Be Giants songs too. "Why Does the Sun Shine" or "Yeah Yeah" seem like they'd be what you're looking for, just to name a few.
posted by chara at 11:51 PM on March 27, 2008

Streets of Your Town, The Go-Betweens
posted by Sitegeist at 11:53 PM on March 27, 2008

My vote is DEFINITELY Positive Bleeding by Urge Overkill. Watch AT LEAST the first 80 seconds of the video/credits before you make a decision.

God, I loved that band.
posted by hal_c_on at 11:56 PM on March 27, 2008 [2 favorites has favorites]

How about the version of "We don't have to take our clothes off" (just to have a good time) by Clea? I still laugh every time I hear it.
posted by meadowlands at 11:57 PM on March 27, 2008

Are we going for kitsch here? How about Paul Anka's "You're Having My Baby"?
posted by RavinDave at 11:58 PM on March 27, 2008

Belle and Sebastian, "Legal Man."
posted by hifiparasol at 12:16 AM on March 28, 2008

Seconding Geggy Tah and recommending Tomber la chemise by Zebda.
posted by edmz at 12:17 AM on March 28, 2008

So you say you want some happy songs? Well, my friend, then you're asking for some Cat Empire! I'd check out Beanni, Hello, or Manifesto off the top of my head, but really listen to everything in that list and choose by yourself.

Alternatively, recently I've been falling in love again with Neutral Milk Hotel's Holland, 1945: for some reason it's making me both want to dance, and sit down and cry. Check it out before calling me foolish.

Finally, on Cloud Cult's new album, Feel Good Ghosts, there is a song called It's What You Need, which is pretty much a minute of pure happy.

As a sidenote, because doing things like publicly hosting songs and then telling people to download them will bankrupt me, I'll probably lock that down again next week - any Mefite who's curious should feel free to check them out, though. Please excuse the old-school feel, I'm lazy.
posted by Lemurrhea at 12:41 AM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

Really, the only other song as unrepentantly exuberant as Walking On Sunshine is the one from that Folger's commercial.
posted by painquale at 12:58 AM on March 28, 2008

Really, don't watch the video of this link, but Red Sweater, by the Aquabats, is wonderfully upbeat.

I also hadn't really had U.G.L.Y. by Daphne & Celeste cross my radar.

The Gourds did a cover of Snoop's Gin & Juice that must be heard to be believed.

Similarly, Hayseed Dixie's cover of Centerfold is fairly fun.

And Mindless Drug Hoover's "Reefer Song" is cheerfully hilarious.

And there's Rabaue's Pizza Hut.

A lot of mashups of popular songs produce fairly wonderful songs that are not known themselves. For example, "No One Takes Your Freedom" or "We Got the Soulja Boy" (Soulja Boy meets 'We Got the Beat'). Or one of my most favorite mashups, "The Wild Voodoo Girl Stop", which takes as its base Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now", itself wonderfully catchy (but presumably well-known).
posted by WCityMike at 1:32 AM on March 28, 2008

Scandinavian bands seem to have a knack for absurdly happy tunes: You Can't Say No Forever by Lacrosse is a good recent example. And you may well already know Move Your Feet by Junior Senior.
Also, another song that was popular in the UK which you might not have heard: Alright by Supergrass.
posted by misteraitch at 1:32 AM on March 28, 2008

ABBA is an excellent place to look for amazing pop songs that most folks (at least in the USA) are not very familiar with. I'll offer "Waterloo," "Bang-A-Boomerang," and "Does Your Mother Know," which may work for you.

"Love Wheel" by Daniel Johnston
- Fun from the first second, though his voice can be a little weird to some. (this is not an official video, methinks)

"Flathead" or "Chelsea Dagger" by The Fratellis
- These might be too well known... Not sure how unknown you're looking for.
posted by paperzach at 1:42 AM on March 28, 2008

Yukarin Disco by Yukari Fresh (and a whole bunch of other J-Pop).
posted by PenDevil at 1:52 AM on March 28, 2008

Mike Keneally, "Live in Japan." Nonsense lyrics, but a brilliantly happy song.
posted by futility closet at 3:08 AM on March 28, 2008

Onelinedrawing - Smile
posted by heavenstobetsy at 3:58 AM on March 28, 2008

Almost anything by Tullycraft, particularly "Miss Douglas County," which I can't find online in full form. Here's Georgette Plays a Goth

Velocity Girl's I Can't Stop Smiling or Nothing.
posted by banjo_and_the_pork at 3:59 AM on March 28, 2008

XTC's Rocket From a Bottle from their Black Sea album.
posted by Koko at 4:29 AM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

Anything by the Orange Peels, especially "Circling the Sun"
posted by jbickers at 4:37 AM on March 28, 2008

The Flatmates: "Happy All The Time," "I Could Be In Heaven," and more on iTunes. Exuberant 80s indie pop.
posted by quarked at 4:44 AM on March 28, 2008

From the 90s: Pizzicato Five, Happy Sad. Really would have chosen "Good!" from the same band but I can't find a video of it online.
posted by dreamphone at 4:49 AM on March 28, 2008

Seconding the Go-Betweens, they have a lot of great songs.

My two pence - Rip it Up by Orange Juice. Tune!
posted by TheWaves at 5:18 AM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

It's Brit-pop-y, but definitely uptempo: Local Boy by the Rifles.
posted by AV at 5:18 AM on March 28, 2008

Okay, some part of me feels ashamed for knowing about this song, but Arashi's Happiness, is ridiculously upbeat and cheery. Also not in English.

Zenryoku Shonen (by Sukima Switch) is also of that summer-release extra-upbeat feel, but all the videos I can find online have some timing issues.
posted by that girl at 5:26 AM on March 28, 2008

Spoon - 'The Underdog'
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 5:27 AM on March 28, 2008

Seconding the Pizzicato 5 and something like Twiggy Twiggy.

Or maybe Bow Wow Wow - Wild in the Country.

Or Brigitte Bardot – Tu Veux Ou Tu Veux Pas
posted by rongorongo at 5:45 AM on March 28, 2008

Pointer Sisters - Should I Do It. I heard this on the sound system at a record store in 1981, harassed the clerks until I found out what it was, and bought a copy instantly. That didn't happen very often.

"Yummy, Yummy, Yummy"

I don't think a #4 song counts as "unknown." Besides, it would make half the audience want to kill the singer.
posted by languagehat at 5:58 AM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

The Go! Team - Huddle Formation
posted by Navelgazer at 6:08 AM on March 28, 2008

Children of the Night by Nakatomi
Boom Boom by the Vengaboys
Linda Linda by the Bluehearts (starts at around 4:02)
posted by 23skidoo at 6:19 AM on March 28, 2008

The story is a little sad, but The Bike by Amy Correia is hard not sing along with -- especially if you do actually ride around on your bike. Anyway, it was the first song that came to mind in the 'obscure, happy' category for me.
posted by nnk at 6:23 AM on March 28, 2008

Ich Kann Nicht Rappen and Millionär by Die Prinzen contain an unreasonable amount of happiness and cheer as well as some really catchy musical phrases.

You can find a couple of fan videos with the later as a soundtrack on Youtube. Here's one.
posted by weston at 6:41 AM on March 28, 2008

So Much Love by Rocket Summer
posted by jasondigitized at 6:45 AM on March 28, 2008

'Love Shack' by the B-52's.
Not unknown unless they've been forgotten by people younger than me, but totally danceable.

'Short Skirt and Long Jacket' by Cake

'Christmas Wrapping' by The Waitresses

'Get Up Offa That Thang' by James Brown
Also not unknown, but DAMN it's funky!

and to bring you back to reality after all of that:

'Famous Blue Raincoat' by Leonard Cohen
posted by arcadia at 6:46 AM on March 28, 2008

Stuck in the Middle by The SnowLeopards
posted by tiburon at 6:56 AM on March 28, 2008

I have only one answer.

Nice Weather for Ducks, by Lemon Jelly.
posted by bettafish at 7:01 AM on March 28, 2008 [3 favorites has favorites]

Nami Unreal - Livin it Up
http://www.three21media.com/content/?page_id=101
(Full disclosure, she's my sister)
But the song makes me happy and bob my head
It's newish and unknownish
posted by bleucube at 7:05 AM on March 28, 2008

Good as Gold (Stupid as Mud) by The Beautiful South. (YouTubed BBC-filmed live performance from Glastonbury; the words yelled back by the crowd are "Carry on regardless.")

Alternatively, The Way by Fastball. (I seem to be stuck in the late '90s. Oh dear.)
posted by Pallas Athena at 7:08 AM on March 28, 2008

What, no Guided By Voices yet? Sheesh. Heathens.

Echoes Myron
The Closets Of Henry
Bulldog Skin
Motor Away

Take your pick. Pop gems, all. Not gonna be on cereals commercials.
posted by littlerobothead at 7:09 AM on March 28, 2008

The Dharmas were a British group that drew a cult following around festival goers in the mid 90s before falling into problems with their record company. But their singles are available for download or streaming. Something like "Whirlwind" "Three Miles High" might be good perhaps.
posted by rongorongo at 7:11 AM on March 28, 2008

The Kinks -- "Picture Book" from The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society. In fact, just go ahead and grab that entire album. The whole thing makes me extremely happy.
posted by jenfu at 7:17 AM on March 28, 2008

I'll throw in a vote for "Everything You've Done Wrong" by Sloan.
posted by Johnny Assay at 7:54 AM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

Scandinavian bands seem to have a knack for absurdly happy tunes

I'll add "I Read You Like an Open Book" by The Tages. I heard it on the second Nuggets set (last track on Disc 1). Brilliant little song.
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 8:24 AM on March 28, 2008

Lollypop by Mika well it makes me happy anyways
posted by meeshell at 8:36 AM on March 28, 2008

Move Your Feet by Junior Senior would be perfect for this.
posted by Benjy at 9:08 AM on March 28, 2008

The Plimsouls - "Now" (from ...Plus) is the perfect power-pop song.
posted by rfs at 9:10 AM on March 28, 2008

ELO - Mr. Blue Sky
posted by stenseng at 9:11 AM on March 28, 2008

I'd like to add "Little Whirl" to the Guided By Voices list.

And even though it's more mainstream, I can't sit still through Earth, Wind & Fire's "Sing a Song."

Check out the Zombies, too. "Friends of Mine" and "Don't Cry for Me" come to mind.
posted by breezeway at 9:41 AM on March 28, 2008

"Treehouse" and just about anything else by I'm From Barcelona, who are actually from Sweden.
posted by kmtiszen at 10:04 AM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

You want Debbie Gibson, circa Electric Youth. You really do. We Could Be Together and Who Loves Ya Baby? are about as upbeat as you can get.

And if I haven't just drilled my indie cred enough into the ground, I'm also going to enthusiastically recommend Britney Spears' One Kiss From You - it wasn't released as a single, so probably new to a lot of ears.

Mandy Moore's Candy and Savage Garden's I Want You are not exactly obscure, but might be good choices nonetheless.

Oh, and Erasure's cover of Everyday! And Trio's Boom Boom!

And just about anything from Dressy Bessy, Freezepop, Peach Union, Shonen Knife.

But, seriously, DEBBIE GIBSON. Debbie Gibson makes me deliriously happy.
posted by Metroid Baby at 10:22 AM on March 28, 2008

"Love You" or "Kites are Fun" by The Free Design
posted by YoungAmerican at 10:26 AM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

it doesnt get any happier than "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows" by Leslie Gore
posted by canoehead at 10:35 AM on March 28, 2008

"Faking Amnesia" by Bikeride. Sounds like ecstatic man-sized chipmunks on speed.
posted by waltzing astronomers at 10:36 AM on March 28, 2008

A couple of Great Big Sea entries
When I am King
Shines Right through Me
Everything Shines
posted by genefinder at 10:37 AM on March 28, 2008

seconding junior senior, free design, and pizzicato five.

also, 'windy' by the association.
posted by blapst at 10:43 AM on March 28, 2008

The theme song from Napolean Dynamite (We're Going to be Friends).
posted by tdischino at 10:57 AM on March 28, 2008

Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You
(This would work very well, although it is well known in Europe, as far as i know). Obligatory youtube video link.

Before I found stardust in my music library:
nth'ing Junior Senior - Move your Feet ....

Tiga - Far from home (a techno ditty)
Sloan (especially their song 'can't you figure it out')
Elefant - Uh oh Hello

Humannaire,

I would be interested to know what you chose and how the performance turned out. Break a leg.
posted by fizzix at 11:16 AM on March 28, 2008

The Go! Team comes to mind. "Huddle Formation."
posted by ifjuly at 11:21 AM on March 28, 2008

Traffic - You Can All Join In
posted by maggieb at 11:22 AM on March 28, 2008

Mika - Big Girl (You are Beautiful) (track 9). I swear Mika is Freddie Mercury reincarnated.
posted by kidsleepy at 12:16 PM on March 28, 2008

This thread may give you some good ideas too.
posted by triggerfinger at 12:18 PM on March 28, 2008

Oh and I've said it before but I'll say it again - Damn Good Times by They Might Be Giants. Guaranteed fun.
posted by triggerfinger at 12:24 PM on March 28, 2008

B4-4's "Get Down" is probably the best song and video ever recorded. Very surprised it never was a FPP in its own right.
posted by yeti at 12:40 PM on March 28, 2008

Modern Nature by Sondre Lerche! SO HAPPY.

It's a duet between a male and female singer, that might be an important detail if matching with your dance number.
posted by catburger at 1:16 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

Quite a few things by the Getaway People - She Gave Me Love is a good example, although I think Come Love Me (which I couldn't find with a cursory googling) is a better one.
posted by restless_nomad at 1:24 PM on March 28, 2008

Poi Dog Pondering! Their cover of Love Vigilantes is so frigging happy sounding even though it really shouldn't be. The clip doesn't really do this one justice in regard to how over-the-top happy sounding it is. You really need to hear the flute hook. HA!
posted by 2oh1 at 1:34 PM on March 28, 2008

Beat Control by Tilly and the Wall.
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 1:50 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

Oh, of course. "Everytime I Think Of You" by the Babys.
posted by breezeway at 3:03 PM on March 28, 2008

The correct answer is: Nous Sommes Bi-Bi Ba-Ba Baum-Baum by Les Lunaurs, on the Freak Out Totale! vol. 3.
posted by klangklangston at 4:39 PM on March 28, 2008

When Men Were Trains, by Big Dipper (no link that I could find, sorry).
posted by UrineSoakedRube at 7:44 PM on March 28, 2008

Sparks are pretty much the catchiest band ever. I'd recommend 'Sex Town U.S.A.' or 'Barbecutie,' I think in this case. But, really any Sparks. Some of their songs sound misleadingly happy. Also, after consulting my Catchy Music database (and to follow up quarked's Flatmates suggestion), I'd add 'Sweet Revenge' by The Chesterf!elds and 'I'm Alright With You' by The Pastels.
posted by Mael Oui at 9:07 PM on March 28, 2008

The Pipettes' Pull Shapes is perhaps not so obscure? Anyway, happy stuff.
posted by dawson at 9:11 PM on March 28, 2008

Oh wow, I DO wholeheartedly second paperzach's recommendation of 'Love Wheel' by Daniel Johnston! 1) It is infectious.. one of those songs that could easily go on forever. Put it on repeat and it'll be like riding on a dizzying carousel of euphoria! 2) It is a TRULY happy song.

(Also, not that I really liked the song much, but I do think Geggy Tah's 'Whoever You Are' fits the bill on both counts, as well.)
posted by Mael Oui at 9:18 PM on March 28, 2008

Psyche Rock by Pierre Henry
posted by Freen at 9:57 PM on March 28, 2008

Silly Putty by Primus (Trust me, it's funky.)
posted by Freen at 9:58 PM on March 28, 2008

From the top, but if it was too popular already I skipped over it (thanks, though!:

[NOT HERMITOSIS-IST]—Patrick Wolf/The Magic Position:
"Glad to have heard, great song"

gursky—The Lost Patrol Band/Alright:
"You are probably right that the other version was different, I think it was originally done by Dennis Lyxzén performing solo as Lost Patrol. Incidentally, he is more a punk guy. Here's his live cover of The Clash's Bankrobber. BTW, this really nailed the Katrina & the Waves reference. Thanks!"

SlyBevel—Shonen Knife/Top Of The World:
"Hmmm. I'll have to think about it. Good choice."

capcuervo—Carole King/Been to Canaan [YouTube link]:
"Too soft....but always lovely to hear again, thanks, capcuervo."

martinrebas— Puffy AmiYumi/Y2G:
"One of the kids I train is a big Teen Titans fan, and I have Puffy AmiYumi embedded deeply in my brain at some level. This one also I am re-thinking."

lobsterkitten—Hidden Cameras/AWOO:
"Wow. This may be it."

Lord-Pall—Cracker/Teen Angst:
"Good suggestion, one of my favorite droning vocal ["Up there with flapjax at midnight/Samm Bennett"] rock tracks EVA. I think it's too well known. But definitely the right intensity."

IndigoRain—Two-Mix/Rhythm Generation [YT link]:
"Perhaps a little too well-known for what I have in mind, nonetheless, this would a hit with the DDR set, for sure! "

divabat—Up With People:
"Which version did you mean? The original? The lyrics are right on, as you said, but we'd need a toe-tapping remix, I think, to really make it work. Good suggestion. Right on the money for vibe."

streetdreams—Belanova/Baila Mi Corazon:
"Thanks for reading through what I was looking for, and english was not a qualification (ie Numa Numa, of course!). This is a good song. In a way it reminds me of Bloodhound Gang's The Bad Touch."

Kronos_to_Earth—Quicksilver Messenger Service/Dino's Song:
"Great pick. A little to much of a dirge, but I really had to give it thought."

painquale—Johnny Boy/You Are The Generation That Bought More Shoes:
"To be honest too sad, but what a beautiful song. Don't hate me for saying it reminds me of something from The Dream Academy's first album. I mean that as a compliment. This is a deeply touching song. I linked to it on one of my music blogs."

ad_hominem—Geggy Tah/Whoever You Are:
"Funny song. I get the feeling you may be right. Stay tuned."

beige—Lampchop/Up With People:
"I landed on this song from divabat's recommendation. That is one creepy video, but lovely tune."

Skot—Dandy Warhols/TV Theme Song:
"Considering, but probably too rocky. Still, considering."

equalpants—Super Furry Animals/(Drawing) Rings Around The World:
"I love it, and that ending seals the deal. Great vibe. Definitely in the running."

allen.spaulding—The Mekons/Millionaire:
"No."

melorama—The Housemartins/Happy Hour:
"One of my all-time favorite pop tunes. Maybe time for a comeback for the song? Anyhow, thanks for that swell live link!"

motown missile—Housemartins/Me and the Farmer [link]:
"Good song (and great video) but not right for the project I have in mind."

chara—Hokus Pick/I'm So Happy [YT link]:
"Ska's a tough sell. But YATTA!? WOW! [eyes bugging] We may have a winner!"


Sitegeist—The Go-Betweens/Streets of Your Town:
"Geez, is that nice on the ears or what!"

hal_c_on—Urge Overkill/Positive Bleeding:
"For the record, Presidents of the United States of America is one of my favorite bands, and the drums in UO and POTUSOA really strike me as similar. And that's "a good thing!" I'm going to pass this one up. It's on the list because it would be so good to choreograph."

meadowlands—Clea/We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off:
"LOL. I get what you mean. Good jam."

hifiparasol—Belle & Sebastian:
"Strong but not groovy enough (my whole problem with B&S, btw, though I know that others love them dearly). This is a great track in any case. It has real soul."

edmz—Zebda/Tomber la chemise:
"Now that's a groovy track! It makes my whole body want to move. In the top three so far, good pick!"

Lemurrhea—Cat Empire/Sly, Manifesto:
"Downloading. I'm downloading! Horns! IMO CE needs better (bigger, more professional) production, but you are right, this is Fun Unlimited! In the running. You have my word on it."

....and that's where I left off after three hours. Thanks so far, everyone! I'll check the other half (or next third as the case may be) tomorrow. And for the record, the song we pick is going to be part of a really excellent "in public" video and dance production with a pretty good budget. So your consideration is part of a larger vision. Thanks!
posted by humannaire at 10:01 PM on March 28, 2008

Abra Moore, Four Leaf Clover.
posted by Phred182 at 1:00 PM on March 29, 2008

...withdrawn. She got a grammy.
posted by Phred182 at 1:29 PM on March 29, 2008

Supernaturals - Smile
MEn Without Hats - Pop Goes The World
Anything by The Polyphonic Spree
posted by softlord at 6:03 PM on March 29, 2008

Perhaps not as obscure as you're looking for, but ludicrously upbeat and happy: Plastic Bertrand - Ça Plane Pour Moi
posted by astrochimp at 8:29 PM on March 29, 2008

This springs to mind:

Architecture In Helsinki - Hold Music
posted by FarOutFreak at 5:16 AM on March 30, 2008

Matt and Kim (YouTube ). Freakishly happy. That crazy-happy smile you see on Kim's face in that video? She maintains it pretty much through their entire live show, every show.

It's downright unnerving. Also, prepare to have that song in your head for the rest of the day.
posted by 2or3whiskeysodas at 8:26 AM on March 30, 2008

"Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon" by Queen.

"When I'm 64" by John Pizzarelli.

"Your Mother Should Know" by the Beatles.
posted by ibmcginty at 7:18 PM on March 31, 2008

Ugh, don't click on that "Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon" above; try this one.

"Tomorrow Will Be Like Today" by Money Mark (which is more fun when the sound quality is better than this).
posted by ibmcginty at 7:28 PM on March 31, 2008

Oh, just thought of one: Convenience by Bob. I could only find it online as part of this podcast - about 40 minutes in as I recall. They recorded it off the John Peel show as well.
posted by crocomancer at 4:33 AM on April 3, 2008

Shine by Take That. Happy British Pop is hard to beat.
posted by Phire at 8:50 AM on April 3, 2008

In the brand new category of happy songs.

Happiness by Goldfrapp.
posted by Sitegeist at 1:33 AM on April 10, 2008

Bob Dylan's Mozambique. [youtube] [last.fm]
posted by maggieb at 10:54 AM on April 11, 2008

[picking up where I left off...]

WCityMike—The Aquabats/Red Sweater:
"Wow, I loved the video! And what a terrific song! It breaks the ska barrier. Good fun. (FYI, "I am a huge fan of the mash-up form, and "We Got the Soulja Boy" is one of my faves. I listen to it often!)

misteraitch—Lacrosse/You Can't Say No Forever:
"Happy song, a little to rock, but a keeper. (And great video....happy puppets!)

futility closet—Mike Keneally/Live In Japan [link]:
"Whoa, I forgot about MK, I used to really be into him when I was associated with grow room ops in California."

heavenstobetsy—Onelinedrawing/Smile [link]:
"Pleasant, eighties feel."

banjo_and_the_pork—Tullycraft/Miss Douglas County:
"Good vibe-y happy music, indeed. Fun and kitchy. And I love Velocity Girl."

jbickers—Orange Peels/Circling The Sun"
"There is a real consistent post-weezer thread running through this thread. This song definitely included."

quarked—The Flatmates/Happy All The Time:
"Yum. Undiscovered eighties fuzz rock? Yum yum."

AV—The Rifles/Local Boy:
"Yeah, I am sucker for this on-the-fringe-side, post-Northern Soul stuff."

that girl—Arashi/Happiness [link]:
"YEA!! This is the right vibe! My second favorite so far! Good one, that girl! How can one not llove it?!"

Navelgazer—The Go! Team/Huddle Formation:
"I could really make a mix of songs with this same feel from the thread. Regardless, this one differentiates itself because of the cheerleader-chant thing which makes it lots more fun."

23skidoo—Venga Boys/BOOM BOOM BOOM:
"How did you miss this video? I am now in love with this song."

jasondigitized—Rocket Summer/So Much Love:
"Very new rockstar."

tiburon—Snow Leopards:
"I like very much. Very unique and contemporarily different. Gary Numan-y and Le Tigre-y. Thank you, tib."

bettafish—Lemon Jelly/Nice Weather For Ducks:
"Well. Color me surprised. I am going to have to re-think this a little bit."

bleucube—Nami Unreal/Livin' It Up:
"Neat. Good beat. Really good beat. And hip-hop is so played out, so that luke-mild video does the really good beat a disservice—this song could be big. Good luck to your sister/have her make a new video!"

Johnny Assay—Sloan/Everything You've Done Wrong:
"Not unknown if you've spent anytime in Canda! More horns!"

fizzix—Stardust/The Music Sounds Better With You:
"Everyone knows this song....tell me they do!! This is like the biggest song of last year. I hear it everywhere....and yet you are right, fizzix, this is obscure enough to pass! (Full Disclosure, DJ Peter Worth is my best friend.) GREAT PICK!"

...and that's it for now. I'll pick up where I left off later. Thanks again to all!
posted by humannaire at 12:07 PM on April 12, 2008

Do You Like Waffles?
Happy Boys and Happy Girls
posted by hjo3 at 2:10 PM on April 22, 2008