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It's called Happy Hardcore (and sometimes Fun Core and Happy Gabba) because it's an offshoot from the Hardcore/Breakbeat Techno scene, as much as Gabber is. The Hardcore basics are all there: fast (160-200 BPM) beats, distorted/compressed kick drums and claps, furious crescendo snares, and the sliding edgy synths. It's fused with Eurocheese downbeat basslines and uplifting (sentimental? cheesy!) lyrics. And yes, all the melodies are in a major key.

I've been listening to Hardcore and Gabber since 1994, when Rotterdam and Rob Gee ruled the scene. At that time, it was apparent the style would progress. How could the scene not evolve from the I-want-to-fuck-you-til-you-bleed, fuck-you-and-your-mother, are-you-prepared-to-die type songs? Like the way the pop charts shifted from grunge to bubblegum pop in the mid-90's, Happy Hardcore was a reaction to what had become a stasis.

Some artists have gone with the change (or sold out, depending on your perspective). Charly Lownoise and Mental Theo, who have often appeared on Thunderdome albums, released songs like Your Smile and Next to Me. Some artists like Paul Elstak manage to keep their tracks rooted in Hardcore. Others, like Bang! (responsible for the Happy Hardcore anthem Shooting Star) barely resemble their predecessors.

To me, Happy Hardcore is another sign of electronic and dance music's maturity. To have a sub-genre that is so silly gives more credence to its parent.

And for the flipside - Happy hardcore is mostly little more than a four-on-the-floor beat toppled by cheesy samples. Throw in some synth chords and maybe French disco flares and you have a hit. No innovativity.

Also, the name is an oxymoron. Hardcore is about not giving a fuck about your physical well-being, xp, or other 'happy' things. It's going to an Atari Teenage Riot show and starting a pit, not leaving until you have a gash somewhere or another and having a good fucking time while you're at it. It's not about taking sissy drugs and listening to Fat Albert samples.

"But piq," they whine, momentarily spitting out their candy-pacifyers, "we like this music, and we just want to have a good (duuh) time."
The thing that pisses me off the most are the incredulous looks I get when telling people I listen to Digital Hardcore, which is the polar opposite of Happy "hardcore." There should not be a need for an explanation, for only one is Hardcore in any sense of the word. Disagree and I'll kick your pacifyer-sucking ass. Hardcore style. =)

Raverbashing!!! Let's GO!
