Comments on: I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing

Question: I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing

humannaire — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:15:23 -0800

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?

By: [NOT HERMITOSIS-IST]

[NOT HERMITOSIS-IST] — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:20:49 -0800

The Magic Position

By: gursky

gursky — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:21:51 -0800

"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.

By: gursky

gursky — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:23:09 -0800

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)

By: SlyBevel

SlyBevel — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:29:34 -0800

"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.

By: SlyBevel

SlyBevel — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:31:18 -0800

Shonen Knife's "Top Of The World" at YouTube.

By: capcuervo

capcuervo — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:39:44 -0800

Carole King, "Been to Canaan": quiet joy, sweet memory.

By: martinrebas

martinrebas — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:51:25 -0800

Puffy AmiYumi - K2G

By: artdrectr

artdrectr — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:52:27 -0800

'Pulled Up' from Talking Heads first album. It's happy. It's fun. It's cocaine for your ears.

By: martinrebas

martinrebas — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:55:53 -0800

Puffy AmiYumi - K2G again - I found a better version.

By: LobsterMitten

LobsterMitten — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:56:52 -0800

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)

By: Lord_Pall

Lord_Pall — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:56:57 -0800

Teen Angst, Cracker.

By: LobsterMitten

LobsterMitten — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:58:31 -0800

(not sure if you care about the lyrics or just the vibe; lyrics of the above might not be suitable)

By: IndigoRain

IndigoRain — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:03:34 -0800

I love dance music... a lot of it is happy. If you don't mind including Jpop, I love Rhythm Generation by Two-Mix.

By: divabat

divabat — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:07:54 -0800

"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.

By: streetdreams

streetdreams — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:13:37 -0800

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

Belanova - Baila Mi Corazon

By: Kronos_to_Earth

Kronos_to_Earth — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:13:41 -0800

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.)

By: painquale

painquale — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:14:25 -0800

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.

By: ad_hominem

ad_hominem — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:20:22 -0800

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.

By: beige

beige — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:20:57 -0800

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

By: RavinDave

RavinDave — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:25:14 -0800

"Feelin' Groovy" -- Simon & Garfunkle.

About half the Monkees catalogue probably qualifies too.

By: Skot

Skot — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:26:04 -0800

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.

By: equalpants

equalpants — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:26:45 -0800

Super Furry Animals, "Rings Around the World"

By: trip and a half

trip and a half — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:29:48 -0800

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

Anyway, close your eyes and think "ABBA".

By: allen.spaulding

allen.spaulding — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:37:02 -0800

Millionaire by the Mekons. Best answer. End of story.

By: melorama

melorama — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:41:27 -0800

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"

By: RavinDave

RavinDave — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:48:24 -0800

"Yummy, Yummy, Yummy"

By: motown missile

motown missile — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:50:23 -0800

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.

By: chara

chara — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:51:48 -0800

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.

By: Sitegeist

Sitegeist — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:53:31 -0800

Streets of Your Town, The Go-Betweens

By: hal_c_on

hal_c_on — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:56:30 -0800

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.

By: meadowlands

meadowlands — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:57:11 -0800

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.

By: RavinDave

RavinDave — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:58:55 -0800

Are we going for kitsch here? How about Paul Anka's "You're Having My Baby"?

By: hifiparasol

hifiparasol — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:16:29 -0800

Belle and Sebastian, "Legal Man."

By: edmz

edmz — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:17:04 -0800

Seconding Geggy Tah and recommending Tomber la chemise by Zebda.

By: Lemurrhea

Lemurrhea — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:41:23 -0800

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.

By: painquale

painquale — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:58:58 -0800

Really, the only other song as unrepentantly exuberant as Walking On Sunshine is the one from that Folger's commercial.

By: WCityMike

WCityMike — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 01:32:22 -0800

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).

By: misteraitch

misteraitch — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 01:32:23 -0800

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.

By: paperzach

paperzach — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 01:42:30 -0800

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.

By: PenDevil

PenDevil — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 01:52:46 -0800

Yukarin Disco by Yukari Fresh (and a whole bunch of other J-Pop).

By: futility closet

futility closet — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 03:08:56 -0800

Mike Keneally, "Live in Japan." Nonsense lyrics, but a brilliantly happy song.

By: heavenstobetsy

heavenstobetsy — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 03:58:07 -0800

Onelinedrawing - Smile

By: banjo_and_the_pork

banjo_and_the_pork — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 03:59:40 -0800

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.

By: Koko

Koko — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 04:29:32 -0800

XTC's Rocket From a Bottle from their Black Sea album.

By: jbickers

jbickers — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 04:37:04 -0800

Anything by the Orange Peels, especially "Circling the Sun"

By: quarked

quarked — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 04:44:05 -0800

The Flatmates: "Happy All The Time," "I Could Be In Heaven," and more on iTunes. Exuberant 80s indie pop.

By: dreamphone

dreamphone — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 04:49:16 -0800

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.

By: TheWaves

TheWaves — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 05:18:19 -0800

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

My two pence - Rip it Up by Orange Juice. Tune!

By: AV

AV — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 05:18:31 -0800

It's Brit-pop-y, but definitely uptempo: Local Boy by the Rifles.

By: that girl

that girl — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 05:26:15 -0800

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.

By: fearfulsymmetry

fearfulsymmetry — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 05:27:46 -0800

Spoon - 'The Underdog'

By: rongorongo

rongorongo — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 05:45:09 -0800

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

By: languagehat

languagehat — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 05:58:51 -0800

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.

By: Navelgazer

Navelgazer — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 06:08:01 -0800

The Go! Team - Huddle Formation

By: 23skidoo

23skidoo — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 06:19:42 -0800

Children of the Night by Nakatomi
Boom Boom by the Vengaboys
Linda Linda by the Bluehearts (starts at around 4:02)

By: nnk

nnk — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 06:23:55 -0800

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.

By: weston

weston — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 06:41:35 -0800

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.

By: jasondigitized

jasondigitized — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 06:45:13 -0800

So Much Love by Rocket Summer

By: arcadia

arcadia — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 06:46:46 -0800

'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

By: tiburon

tiburon — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 06:56:15 -0800

Stuck in the Middle by The SnowLeopards

By: bettafish

bettafish — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:01:50 -0800

I have only one answer.

Nice Weather for Ducks, by Lemon Jelly.

By: bleucube

bleucube — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:05:51 -0800

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

By: Pallas Athena

Pallas Athena — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:08:48 -0800

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.)

By: littlerobothead

littlerobothead — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:09:37 -0800

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.

By: rongorongo

rongorongo — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:11:27 -0800

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.

By: jenfu

jenfu — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:17:03 -0800

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.

By: Johnny Assay

Johnny Assay — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:54:39 -0800

I'll throw in a vote for "Everything You've Done Wrong" by Sloan.

By: Lentrohamsanin

Lentrohamsanin — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 08:24:03 -0800

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.

By: meeshell

meeshell — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 08:36:36 -0800

Lollypop by Mika well it makes me happy anyways

By: Benjy

Benjy — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:08:48 -0800

Move Your Feet by Junior Senior would be perfect for this.

By: rfs

rfs — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:10:26 -0800

The Plimsouls - "Now" (from ...Plus) is the perfect power-pop song.

By: stenseng

stenseng — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:11:50 -0800

ELO - Mr. Blue Sky

By: breezeway

breezeway — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:41:25 -0800

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.

By: kmtiszen

kmtiszen — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:04:13 -0800

"Treehouse" and just about anything else by I'm From Barcelona, who are actually from Sweden.

By: Metroid Baby

Metroid Baby — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:22:47 -0800

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.

By: YoungAmerican

YoungAmerican — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:26:21 -0800

"Love You" or "Kites are Fun" by The Free Design

By: canoehead

canoehead — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:35:57 -0800

it doesnt get any happier than "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows" by Leslie Gore

By: waltzing astronomers

waltzing astronomers — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:36:02 -0800

"Faking Amnesia" by Bikeride. Sounds like ecstatic man-sized chipmunks on speed.

By: genefinder

genefinder — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:37:41 -0800

A couple of Great Big Sea entries
When I am King
Shines Right through Me
Everything Shines

By: blapst

blapst — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:43:55 -0800

seconding junior senior, free design, and pizzicato five.

also, 'windy' by the association.

By: tdischino

tdischino — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:57:36 -0800

The theme song from Napolean Dynamite (We're Going to be Friends).

By: fizzix

fizzix — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:16:27 -0800

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.

By: ifjuly

ifjuly — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:21:23 -0800

The Go! Team comes to mind. "Huddle Formation."

By: maggieb

maggieb — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:22:08 -0800

Traffic - You Can All Join In

By: kidsleepy

kidsleepy — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:16:57 -0800

Mika - Big Girl (You are Beautiful) (track 9). I swear Mika is Freddie Mercury reincarnated.

By: triggerfinger

triggerfinger — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:18:49 -0800

This thread may give you some good ideas too.

By: triggerfinger

triggerfinger — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:24:13 -0800

Oh and I've said it before but I'll say it again - Damn Good Times by They Might Be Giants. Guaranteed fun.

By: yeti

yeti — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:40:13 -0800

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.

By: catburger

catburger — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:16:37 -0800

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.

By: restless_nomad

restless_nomad — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:24:12 -0800

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.

By: 2oh1

2oh1 — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:34:15 -0800

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!

By: Unicorn on the cob

Unicorn on the cob — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:50:18 -0800

Beat Control by Tilly and the Wall.

By: breezeway

breezeway — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:03:03 -0800

Oh, of course. "Everytime I Think Of You" by the Babys.

By: klangklangston

klangklangston — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:39:45 -0800

The correct answer is: Nous Sommes Bi-Bi Ba-Ba Baum-Baum by Les Lunaurs, on the Freak Out Totale! vol. 3.

By: UrineSoakedRube

UrineSoakedRube — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:44:12 -0800

When Men Were Trains, by Big Dipper (no link that I could find, sorry).

By: Mael Oui

Mael Oui — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:07:42 -0800

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.

By: dawson

dawson — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:11:56 -0800

The Pipettes' Pull Shapes is perhaps not so obscure? Anyway, happy stuff.

By: Mael Oui

Mael Oui — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:18:34 -0800

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.)

By: Freen

Freen — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:57:29 -0800

Psyche Rock by Pierre Henry

By: Freen

Freen — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:58:06 -0800

Silly Putty by Primus (Trust me, it's funky.)

By: humannaire

humannaire — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:01:59 -0800

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!

By: Phred182

Phred182 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 13:00:10 -0800

Abra Moore, Four Leaf Clover.

By: Phred182

Phred182 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 13:29:14 -0800

...withdrawn. She got a grammy.

By: softlord

softlord — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:03:23 -0800

Supernaturals - Smile
MEn Without Hats - Pop Goes The World
Anything by The Polyphonic Spree

By: astrochimp

astrochimp — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 20:29:59 -0800

Perhaps not as obscure as you're looking for, but ludicrously upbeat and happy: Plastic Bertrand - Ça Plane Pour Moi

By: FarOutFreak

FarOutFreak — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 05:16:13 -0800

This springs to mind:

Architecture In Helsinki - Hold Music

By: 2or3whiskeysodas

2or3whiskeysodas — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 08:26:18 -0800

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.

By: ibmcginty

ibmcginty — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:18:50 -0800

"Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon" by Queen.

"When I'm 64" by John Pizzarelli.

"Your Mother Should Know" by the Beatles.

By: ibmcginty

ibmcginty — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:28:10 -0800

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).

By: crocomancer

crocomancer — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:33:56 -0800

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.

By: Phire

Phire — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:50:42 -0800

Shine by Take That. Happy British Pop is hard to beat.

By: Sitegeist

Sitegeist — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:33:58 -0800

In the brand new category of happy songs.

Happiness by Goldfrapp.

By: maggieb

maggieb — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:54:14 -0800

Bob Dylan's Mozambique. [youtube] [last.fm]

By: humannaire

humannaire — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:07:44 -0800

[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!

By: hjo3

hjo3 — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:10:40 -0800

Do You Like Waffles?
Happy Boys and Happy Girls