About this album
Where they were
Released in 2005, 'Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus' is Cloud Cult's third studio album, arriving shortly after their breakthrough with 'Who Are We?'. At this point, the band was beginning to solidify their unique blend of art rock and indie folk, showcasing a more polished sound while still retaining their experimental roots. This album followed a period of intense creativity for the band, marked by extensive touring and a growing fanbase.
Why it matters
'Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus' received critical acclaim and helped establish Cloud Cult within the indie music scene, charting on various college radio stations. Its innovative approach to song structure and storytelling won it a dedicated following and solidified the band's reputation for crafting emotional and thought-provoking music.
Essential tracks
- "Living on the Outside of Your Skin" — This track encapsulates the album's themes of self-reflection and existential questioning, blending lively melodies with poignant lyrics that resonate deeply.
- "What Comes at the End" — A standout moment featuring an orchestral arrangement that highlights the band's ability to merge lush instrumentation with introspective lyrical content, making it a fan favorite.
- "Happy Hippo" — The title track serves as an emblem of the album's playful spirit, combining catchy hooks with a message of embracing life’s lighter moments amid complexity.
Release Date
January 1, 2005
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Intro 3:03
- 2 Living on the Outside of Your Skin 3:06
- 3 Happy Hippo 2:40
- 4 What Comes at the End 3:57
- 5 You Got Your Bones to Make a Beat 3:01
- 6 [untitled] 0:26
- 7 Washed Your Car 1:59
- 8 Transistor Radio 4:08
- 9 What It Feels Like to Be Alive 0:51
- 10 Moving to Canada 3:06
- 11 Start New 1:43
- 12 Car Crash 2:55
- 13 Light at the End of the Tunnel 2:45
- 14 Million Things 2:36
- 15 Can’t Stop the Journey Now 3:24
- 16 Clip-Clop 2:30
- 17 Training Wheels 4:04
- 18 We Made Up Your Mind for You 2:23
- 19 That Man Jumped Out the Window 3:46
- 20 [silence] 0:31
- 21 Lucky Today 2:10
- 22 [silence] 1:04
- 23 Rockwell 4:20
- 24 [silence] 0:31
- 25 Bobby’s Spacesuit 3:02
