The Wonder Stuff : “Happy Now” (Polydor)

Here he comes again, Miles Hunt giving out. This time his fighting friend is the victim in this admirable anti-violence tirade. Examining his mate’s cuts and bruises, he poses the question which forms the title of this song. The real joy here, however, is the sweeping mandolin and guitar line to be found after every chorus. Seemingly The Wonder Stuff have grown up and can now balance both extremes of their sound effectively, as this track mixes elements of both The Eight Legged Groove Machine and the later, string-inspired Never Loved Elvis. All in all, another solid single release from one of my most enduring teenage loves.