Happy Heroes [EP]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Media manipulators, repurposers, spoofers, and critics, Negativland move into the world of advertising--well, sort of--on this 27-minute EP. The remix of "Happy Hero," from the Dispepsi album, makes it the group's most blatant pop song (such as it is--pop vocals and melody on top of a screaming, barking media pastiche). There's also "O.J. and His Personal Trainer Kill Ron and Nicole," which samples from O.J. Simpson's exercise tape, along with a bunch of advertisements for Mertz ("Mertz makes up your mind!"). More blatantly listenable than other Negativland outings, Happy Heroes is as scathing, insightful, and scatological as anything we've come to expect from the mysterious media pirates. A good introduction for those who want to see what the fuss is all about. --Randy Silver

Happy Heroes
Average customer rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
  • an off peak disappointment
  • Highly Dissapointing
  • Not as dead-on as some other releases
  • A nice dose of Negativland between full-length albums!
 Happy Heroes
Negativland
Manufacturer: Seeland Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Alternative General | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
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  1. These Guys Are from England and Who Gives a Shit
  2. No Business
  3. Free
  4. Negativland Presents Over the Edge, Vol. 6: The Willsaphone Stupid Show
  5. DisPepsi

ASIN: B0000064EX
Release Date: 1998-05-12

Tracks:

  1. Mertz #1
  2. Jolly Green Giant
  3. Mertz #2
  4. Chicken Diction
  5. The Black Hole Tube
  6. O.J. And His Personal Trainer Kill Ron And Nicole
  7. Happy Hero: The Remedia Megamix
  8. Mertz End

Amazon.com

Media manipulators, repurposers, spoofers, and critics, Negativland move into the world of advertising--well, sort of--on this 27-minute EP. The remix of "Happy Hero," from the Dispepsi album, makes it the group's most blatant pop song (such as it is--pop vocals and melody on top of a screaming, barking media pastiche). There's also "O.J. and His Personal Trainer Kill Ron and Nicole," which samples from O.J. Simpson's exercise tape, along with a bunch of advertisements for Mertz ("Mertz makes up your mind!"). More blatantly listenable than other Negativland outings, Happy Heroes is as scathing, insightful, and scatological as anything we've come to expect from the mysterious media pirates. A good introduction for those who want to see what the fuss is all about. --Randy Silver

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars an off peak disappointment.......2007-04-02

Every band has works that are not stellar. This album by Negativland is one of them.

Their Mertz stuff is just plain boring. To build an album on that concept is lame. Heck, Don Joyce does better on his lowest "Over the Edge" radio shows than he did on this album.

It's only redeeming quality is the"OJ" interview, it is funny hearing OJ talk about "getting the blood pumping" while hearing screams in the background!

Rather than waste your money on this album, get Dispepsi. Or better yet get anything by Negativland that
includes the nasal whining of my favorite Clorox Cowboy, The Weatherman!

2 out of 5 stars Highly Dissapointing.......2001-07-10

This EP is a sort of companion piece to Dispepsi that also focuses on advertising and media. Unfortunately it is quite weak. "Happy Heroes" is the same song as that on Dispepsi with additional noise added to the background, distracting from the clever lyrics. The various "Mertz" entries are false advertisements for a pill that "makes up your mind for you" but each lack any decent satirical content and are just silly. Ditto "Black Hole Tube" which is good for a short light chuckle only the first time you hear it. And "Chicken Diction" is a recording of Colonel Sanders stumbling over his lines, not very funny in the first place and the remixing doesn't make it much more funny.

The only reason why I still own this cd is because of: 1. the altered Janet Jackson Rolling Stones cover art with OJ and Marcia Clark, 2. "O.J. and His Personal Trainer" (although #1 and 2 and a bit distasteful) and, especially, 3. "Jolly Green Giant" which is largely a recording of Orson Welles telling off some ad execs about how ...they are (which has given me even greater respect for the great artist who was ruined by his refusal to compromise his art for commerciality). Unfortunately, the Orson Welles recording would have been better without the remixing and added noises and samples. Sometimes Negativland doesn't know when to show restraint.

3 out of 5 stars Not as dead-on as some other releases.......1999-09-26

I hope this isn't a sign of a permanent change in the group. This release, while it takes the formula of others like "Dispepsi" and applies it to several original themes, just doesn't "have it" in the same way as other Negativland releases do. Still above average, but check out "Dispepsi" instead, if you haven't already.

4 out of 5 stars A nice dose of Negativland between full-length albums!.......1999-03-02

A few choice bits o' Negativland served in a pleasing arrangement with peas garnish. enjoy.
Handel - Joshua / Aler · Baird · Fortunato · Ostendorf · Brewer Chamber Orchestra · Palmer
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • follow up
  • diamond in rough
  • An occasional Haendel.
 Handel - Joshua / Aler · Baird · Fortunato · Ostendorf · Brewer Chamber Orchestra · Palmer

Manufacturer: Newport Classic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000003W2B
Release Date: 1993-10-01

Tracks:

  1. Act One: Ov - Brewer CO/Rudolph Palmer
  2. Act One: Chor: Ye Sons Of Israel, Ev'ry Tribe Attend - The Palmer Sgrs/Cynthia Richards-Hewes
  3. Act One: Recitative: Behold, My Friends, What Vast Rewards Are Giv'n - John Aler/John Ostendorf
  4. Act One: Recitative: Matrons And Virgins, With Unweary'd Pray'r - Julianne Baird
  5. Act One: Recitative: Caleb, Attend To All I Now Prescribe - John Aler/The Palmer Sgrs/Cynthia Richards-Hewes
  6. Act One: Accompanied Recitative: So Long The Memory Shall Last - John Aler
  7. Act One: Recitative: But Who Is He? - Tremendous To Behold! - D'Anna Fortunato
  8. Act One: Recitative: Joshua, I Come Commission'd From On High - The Palmer Sgrs/Cynthia Richards-Hewes/John Aler
  9. Act One: Recitative: To Give Command, Prerogative Is Thine - John Aler
  10. Act One: Chor: The Lord Commands, And Joshua Leads - The Palmer Sgrs/Cynthia Richards-Hewes
  11. Act One: Accompanied Recitative: In These Blest Scenes - D'Anna Fortunato/Julianne Baird
  12. Act One: Aria Da Capo: Hark! 'Tis The Linnet And The Thrush - Julianne Baird
  13. Act One: Recitative: Oh Achsah! Form'd For Ev'ry Chaste Delight - D'Anna Fortunato/Julianne Baird
  14. Act One: Fanfare/Recitative: The Trumpet Calls: Now Jericho Shall Know - D'Anna Fortunato/The Palmer Sgrs/Cynthia Richards-Hewes
  15. Act Two: Recitative: 'Tis Well! Six Times The Lord Hath Been Obey'd - John Aler
  16. Act Two: March Of The Ark: Glory To God - John Aler/The Palmer Sgrs/Cynthia Richards-Hewes
  17. Act Two: Recitative: The Walls Are Levell'd! Pour The Chosen Bands - John Ostendorf

Tracks:

  1. Act Two: Aria: To Vanity And Earthly Pride - Julianne Baird
  2. Act Two: Recitative: Let All The Seed Of Abrah'm Now Prepare - John Aler/The Palmer Sgrs/Cynthia Richards-Hewes
  3. Act Two: Recitative: Joshua, The Men, Dispatch'd By Thee To Learn - John Ostendorf/The Palmer Sgrs/Cynthia Richards-Hewes
  4. Act Two: Recitative: Whence This Dejection? - John Aler/The Palmer Sgrs/Cynthia Richards-Hewes
  5. Act Two: Recitative: Now Give The Army Breath - D'Anna Fortunato
  6. Act Two: Recitative: Indulgent Heav'n Hath Heard My Virgin Pray'r - Julianne Baird
  7. Act Two: Recitative: Surely I'm Deceiv'd! With Sorow I Behold- - John Ostendorf/D'Anna Fortunato
  8. Act Two: Recitative: Brethren And Friends, What Joy This Scene Imparts - John Aler/John Ostendorf
  9. Act Two: Solo And Chor: Oh! Thou, Bright Orb, Great Ruler Of The Day - John Aler/The Palmer Sgrs/Cynthia Richards-Hewes
  10. Act Three: Chor: Hail! Mighty Joshua, Hail! - The Palmer Sgrs/Cynthia Richards-Hewes
  11. Act Three: Aria Da Capo: Happy, Oh Thrice Happy We - Julianne Baird
  12. Act Three: Recitative: Caleb, For Holy Eleazar Send - John Aler/John Ostendorf/The Palmer Sgrs/Cynthia Richards-Hewes
  13. Act Three: Recitative: Oh Caleb, Fear'd By Foes, By Friends Ador'd! - D'Anna Fortunato/John Ostendorf
  14. Act Three: Chor: Father Of Mercy, Hear The Prayer We Make - The Palmer Sgrs/Cynthia Richards-Hewes
  15. Act Three: Recitative: In Bloom Of Youth, This Stripling Has Acheiv'd - John Aler/The Palmer Sgrs/Cynthia Richards-Hewes
  16. Act Three: Recitative: Welcome, My Son! My Othniel Good And Great! - John Ostendorf/D'Anna Fortunato/Julianne Baird
  17. Act Three: Recitative: While Life Shall Last, Each Moment Will Improve - D'Anna Fortunato/Julianne Baird
  18. Act Three: Recitative: While Lawless Tyrants, With Ambition Blind - John Ostendorf/The Palmer Sgrs/Cynthia Richards-Hewes

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars follow up.......2003-12-14

Oops, sorry, forgot about the soloists. John Aler has a brighter tenor sound, not as dark as Robert Tear, but the way he handles the recitative text is very similar. Both he an John Ostendorf are a little heavy on the vibrato for my taste, but their diction is not that much skewed by it. J. Ostendorf is a heavy, rich bass, which is striking when you first hear it against Aler's brighter lyric voice. It almost seems wooly, but he steers it away from any Wagnerian tendancies to create a striking bu handsome compliment. Baird is gorgeous- it's that simple. She is not my favorite, but she comes real close. With a voice reminiscent of Emma Kirkby and expression along the lines of Janet Baker, it's a refreshing treat among all these increasing Helden-Sopranos who think that baroque music gives them an excuse to through all delicacy out the window. Over all, this recording is more of a 4 1/2, and I think the most well balanced one may come across.

4 out of 5 stars diamond in rough.......2003-12-14

The conductor may be no Raymond Leppard, but he's preferable by a great stretch than some of these other "new baroque" recordings out there where everything is a forte marcato allegretto. He maintains the baroque atmosphere, much like Harnoncourt's sound (is this he? I don't know who the conductor is). The chorus also has the baroque sound, but my goodness! Thank God for a chorus with proper vowels and a nice sound! Much better than some Deutsche Grammaphon choruses I've heard. If you like the Monteverdi Choir with Gardiner, you'd probably like this chorus as well (I myself am a choister and soloist specializing in oratorio and other such sacred music).

4 out of 5 stars An occasional Haendel........1999-10-26

The enclosed booklet is too poor. The singers are only good (the best is the soprano). Only good also the conductor . In this way this Haendel's work seems a minor one. Is really so?
John Blow, Henry Purcell: Welcome Ev'ry Guest
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		John Blow, Henry Purcell: Welcome Ev'ry Guest

    Manufacturer: Campion Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OdesOdes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B00001R3DL
    Release Date: 1995-09-01
    Sick/Happy
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Sick/Happy
      Hell Is For Heroes
      Manufacturer: Universal
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B00005LEVD
      Shores of Liberty
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Shores of Liberty
        Kimi Hayes
        Manufacturer: Happy Mellows Music Company
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD
        ASIN: B000CAAQF2
        Release Date: 2001-01-01

        Tracks:

        1. Shores of Liberty

        Music:

        1. Hard Candy
        2. Hard Time [Live]
        3. History in Reverse
        4. Hot Caribbean Hits, Vol. 2 [Enhanced]
        5. I Love You And What You've Done With The Place
        6. I'm a Human Being-Live [Live]
        7. Industrial Breakdown [EP]
        8. It's Madness [Import]
        9. Johnny the Horse Pt.2 [CD-single]
        10. Join the Dots: B-Sides & Rarities 1978 T

        Music

        music

        Music

        World Tour [Live]

        Tippett: Piano Concerto; Praeludium; Fantasia on a Theme of Handel

        Tribute to Polnareff [Import]

        White

        Ultimate Disco Mix [Import]

        Sudando el Ritmo

        Timeless Tango

        The Strangest Things

        Ultimate Collection [Import]

        The Spirituals Of William L. Dawson (#2159)

        Three's a Crowd [Import]

        The Alternative Takes: 1935-1943

        Sigo Enamorado

        Peace In The Valley: A Country Music Journey Through Gospel

        In Loving Memory Of...