Happy Birthday, Ratboy

Happy Birthday, Ratboy is a 2021 studio album by American indie rock band Ratboys. The surprise album[2] is a re-recording of the band's earliest material and has received positive reviews from critics.

Happy Birthday, Ratboy
A birthday cake with a beach scene on it
Studio album by
ReleasedApril 1, 2021 (2021-04-01)
StudioType One Studios and band members' homes
GenreIndie rock[1]
Length37:31
LanguageEnglish
LabelTopshelf
Producer
  • Adam Beck
  • Ratboys
Ratboys chronology
Printer's Devil
(2020)
Happy Birthday, Ratboy
(2021)
The Window
(2023)

Reception

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Editors at Pitchfork Media scored this release 7.2 out of 10 and critic Pete Tosiello stated that this album contrasts "cozy nostalgia with hard-rocking instincts", with a more "somber and reflective" tone than 2020's Printer's Devil.[1] Mark Moody of Under the Radar scored this album a 7 out of 10, stating that "the addition of a permanent rhythm section in Marcus Nuccio (drums) and Sean Neumann (bass), the decade old songs are brought to fuller frame" and praised several tracks, noting album closer "Go Outside" as a highlight.[3] "Go Outside" was also recognized as one of the best songs of the week at Paste, where Carli Scolforo considered the title good advice to listeners during the COVID-19 pandemic which also marked a change in the band's sound to a country music influence[4] and the album release was included on a short list of best albums of the week as well.[5]

Track listing

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  1. "The Stanza" – 3:29
  2. "Down the River" – 2:34
  3. "Intense Judgment" – 5:04
  4. "Key" – 3:37
  5. "At 39 Is Annie the Oldest Cat?" – 4:17
  6. "Space Blows" – 1:46
  7. "Collected" – 4:16
  8. "Cacao to Cacao" – 2:17
  9. "Have a Heart" – 3:36
  10. "88 Fingers Edward" – 3:46
  11. "Go Outside" – 2:49

Personnel

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Ratboys

Additional personnel

  • Jason Cupp – mixing
  • Johnny Fabrizio – photography
  • Lizzy Jordan – cello on "Have a Heart"
  • Mallory Linehan – violin on "Have a Heart"
  • Evan Loritsch – Rhodes piano on "Key"
  • Pat Lyons – pedal steel guitar on "Go Outside"
  • Sam Porter – photography
  • Kim Rosen – audio mastering

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Tosiella, Pete (April 6, 2021). "Ratboys: Happy Birthday, Ratboy Review". Albums. Pitchfork Media. Condé Nast. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  2. ^ Corcoran, Nina (April 1, 2021). "Ratboys Surprise Release New Album Happy Birthday, Ratboy". Music > New Music Releases. Consequence of Sound. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  3. ^ Moody, Mark (April 1, 2021). "Ratboys: Happy Birthday, Ratboy (Topshelf)". Reviews. Under the Radar. ISSN 1553-2305. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  4. ^ Scolforo, Carli (March 4, 2020). "The Best New Songs: St. Vincent, Japanese Breakfast, Ratboys and more". Music > Lists > Best New Songs. Paste. ISSN 1540-3106. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  5. ^ Scolforo, Carli (April 2, 2020). "New Albums to Stream Today: Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Dry Cleaning, Flock of Dimes and more". Music > Lists > New Albums. Paste. ISSN 1540-3106. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
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