This compilation features artists from the Happy Happy Birthday to Me label, as well as musician friends of the label's owner, Mike Turner. The CD serves as a follow-up for the label's first compilation. The Late B.P. Helium appropriately kicks off the CD with an up-tempo and upbeat song, and the remainder of the disc remains largely blissful. Highlights include the Princeton Reverbs Colonial (xylophone highlighted, along with steady vocals), Boys' Star Library (a fade-in at the beginning leads to the quirky, playful, toe-tapping "On Tour With Audio Sound"), and Seasick Crocodile, who offer the acoustically strummed, and softly sung song "American Evenings." Unbunny counters with a decidedly direct and focused song with guitar, keyboards, and high-pitched vocals. Scott Spillane's (a member of Neutral Milk Hotel, Olivia Tremor Control, and the Gerbils, among others) song on the collection has an understated, front-porch feel, very different from his band work. San Diego's Boyish Charms' track consists of a balanced attack of the usual suspects of drums, guitar, and bass, resulting in subdued, laid-back, casual, low-tempo song. Portland, OR's All Girl Summer Fun Band created a slowed-down song, different from their usual upbeat fare. Red Pony Clock kicks off the second half of the compilation with a hauntingly moody and mostly instrumental piece. Florida's Golden Synthetic Songbook's "In the Sun" is unabashedly quirky and undeniably playful. Dear Nora's "Up on the Roof" is quite possibly the catchiest song of the bunch. Athens, GA's Wee Turtles provide a subdued, Southern style to the mix. Finally, Army of the Red Museum closes the door on the CD with a simple, distant song, complete with crowd sounds. As a whole, the Happy Happy Birthday to Me, Vol. 2 compilation serves as a sneak peak into part of the American independent music scene that rarely makes a mark on the radar. The collection has more hits than misses. It is an assembly of indie pop experimentation. ~ Stephen Cramer, All Music Guide
