Thanks to the way that music spreads itself about these days, it has become an increasingly rare feat to approach an album with absolutely no-preconceptions or knowledge of what was about to unfold. However that's exactly what happened on my first spin of the debut, self titled record by Happy Birthday. Aside from the name of the band and album, the only other information I had available was that it was being released on Sub-Pop records.Now, of course, the fact that the album was being released on Sub-Pop was a bit of a comfort blanket really. They, like a few other labels, seem to have the knack of only releasing top notch artists. So it was with an element of confidence that this album was first spun and within one minute of the opening track, this confidence was validated.This is because the record kicks off with a strong candidate for single of the year in the shape of 'Girls FM'. A scratchy glam-punk hook opens the song which quickly springs into a ridiculously catchy chorus. It's got a sound of the summer nailed down. It sounds like a revisited version of 'Music To Watch Girls By' made for fans of The Smith Westerns and Clor. It would be worth listening to this record for the opening track alone, but in all honesty there's something of value on each and every track here.It's a little bit scratchy, it's a little bit glam, it's a little bit punk and it's whole lotta fun. If it was to be shoved clumsily into a pigeonhole (as is the way) it would sit somewhere near to where the Girls album was pushed last year - only without the great big pantomime of a back story.So what is the back story of Happy Birthday? Well, they are a three piece from Vermont comprising Kyle Duff (King Tuff in a previous life), Chris Weismann and Ruth Garbus (sister of Merrill Garbus - aka tUnEYaRdS). They initially got together as the frontman (Duff) needed a band to help him perform live because he was too scared to get up on stage on his own... They were promptly snapped up by Sub-Pop after having performed only five gigs.So 'Girls FM' aside, what else of note is there on the record? 'Perverted Girl' comes across a little as it sounds, a little bit sleazy and dirty yet with something strangely allure about it. 'Subliminal Messages' has a chorus and hook that just will simply refuse to leave your head. 'Maxine The Teenage Eskimo' includes a bit of a 60s Beach Boys vibe whereas 'Zit' is a screech-along punk romp that includes the chorus "Now I want to break shit, don't wan't to make shit, just want to waste shit, now". This, for me, sums up the record rather nicely. It's not trying to be overly clever or high brow, but what it is, is something that has been missing from a lot of records recently. It's really good entertaining rock and roll music.Although the debut album from Happy Birthday was initially shrouded in mystery, a few spins later and it's provided a real pleasant surprise. Whilst it may not necessarily be too high-brow or clever in it's nature. This record is 35 minutes of catchy, hook filled glam-punk fun.