The Happy Thoughts: The Happy Thoughts

In a perfect world, Eric LaGrange would be a household name, a rock ‘n’ roll legend on par with Buddy Holly—or at least Gentleman Jesse. Maybe we’ll get there yet. In the meantime, the man who’s previously sent message boards buzzing with Midwest garage outfits such as Cave Weddings and Romance Novels has emerged with a long-in-the-works and thoroughly infectious full-length album on venerable Chicago imprint HoZac Records. Previously known as Eric & The Happy Thoughts, the band with a newly shortened moniker’s debut album consists mostly of songs previously released on singles, which, though a potential disappointment for diehards, is perfect for the uninitiated since it’s essentially a singles compilation with additional songs tacked on.