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| Operation Hummingbird | 
 enlarge | Artist: Death In June
Label: Neroz / Tesco
Category: Music
Buy New: $32.98
New (1) Used (2) Collectible (1) from $27.77
Avg. Customer Rating:  6 reviews
Sales Rank: 588592
Format: Import
Media: Audio CD
UPC: 017533262324
EAN: 0017533262324
ASIN: B00004SU9D
Release Date: June 13, 2000
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Tracks:
| • | Gorilla Tactics | | • | Kapitulation | | • | Flieger | | • | The Snows of the Enemy | | • | Handrandes and Olympic Flames | | • | Winter Eagle | | • | Let the Wind Catch a Rainbow On Fire |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
This studio album contains seven brand new songs recorded in cooperation with Albin Julius (Der Blutharsch). Considered a mini-album intended as a follow-up to the Take Care and Control release.
Album Description
This album continues the harsh and lush direction of "Take Care & Control" incorporating string samples. The songwriting is more confrontational and less introspective. Studio album with seven songs. Includes the "Der Blutharsch" mini album as a bonus.
Album Details
This Album Continues the Harsh and Lush Direction of "Take Care and Control" Incorporating String Samples. The Songwriting is More Confrontational and Less Introspective. Studio Album with Seven Songs. Includes the "Der Blutharsch" Mini Album as a Bonus.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...
 Another glorious album from DIJ July 12, 2000
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
Ever since buying "But, What Ends..." (my first DIJ album) I've found his music enthralling, beautiful, wonderful, so I expected as much of "Operation Hummingbird." However, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it-- it's a very short album (under a half hour) and is a followup to "Take Care And Control," assisted again by Albin Julius-- I liked TCC but I actually like this album much more-- it's equally wonderful as a whole album as well as in regards to each song taken individually (whereas with TCC it was more of the former). I've had it for about a month now, loved it from the first listening, and still can't get enough of it-- the music, lyrics, and as always Douglas's voice, are haunting and beautiful-- if these songs are like B-sides then they must be some dang great B-sides! Glorious, enchanting, and darkly beautiful album-- I can't wait to see what is to come, his music continues to be mesmerizing... I couldn't say how good this would be as an introductory album for someone who'd never heard DIJ before, but, I adored it so I recommend it highly!
"Operation Hummingbird" is a work of art. June 23, 2000
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
In the strange evolution of Death In June, Douglas P. has upped the ante for anyone using creative sampling- though anyone familiar with the man and his music should not be surprised. Upon founding, the group sounded more or less like early Joy Division, drum machines, acoustic guitar, and whining keyboards wrought with fascist dramatics. Then they dropped the drum machines and went rather folky, though keeping the same theme and musical structure. Eventually, after personnel changes and countless collaborations, the sound became something resembling a collision between European folk music and Johnny Cash paying tribute to Aliester Crowley. All the while experimenting with sampling and sound effects. "Operation Hummingbird" continues in Death In June's current trend of seamlessly fusing classical musical sampling with martial rhythms (and themes), a continuation of the last studio recording "Take Care And Control", though a bit more...exotic? The opening track "Gorilla Tactics" is a heavily percussive number, similar to earlier drum-based songs, yet far more densely layered. "Flieger" and "Winter Eagle" are carried by skillfully mixed orchestral pieces, the former accompanied by funk/lounge keyboard lines and sound effects. Assisted by Albin Julius (Der Blutharsch), the team make quite a sound in such a short amount of time- the album is under half an hour long; I was once told Douglas Pierce is a big fan, oddly enough, of the Pet Shop Boys...perhaps they should take a listen to this. I am not much of a fan of Mr. Pierce's ideals (controversial at best) and beliefs, but after hearing "Operation Hummingbird" I can recommend it to anyone who truly loves music- no matter what genre. A word of advice though- take the lyrics with the proverbial grain of salt!
Interesting.... April 25, 2001
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
I love DIJ's patented apocalyptic folk-noir sound from brilliant releases like "Rose cloud of holocaust" and "But, what ends when symbols shatter?", but I really think the input of sound-architect Albin Julius (of Der Blutharsch) makes "Operation Hummingbird" a VERY interesting experience, infusing the DIJ sound with a sublime warped industrial/orchestral feel. A track like "Let the wind catch a rainbow on fire" is just so deliciously twisted, yet at the same time strangly sensual... ..And that goes for a lot of the other tracks as well... The album is a little too short(27 minutes)to grant the 5th rating star, but this release surely wets the appetite for future DIJ/Albin Julius collaborations...
Achtung! Faaaaalling in luff, again...... January 7, 2002
3 out of 7 found this review helpful
Addictive but tasteless record. One does not readily associate the Third Reich with bubble gum pop but it's obviously not such a goose step for the most eccentric man in rock (now Viv Stanshall is no longer with us). The first track is a whinge about being banned from performing. A bit like the man who stubs his foot on the bed and curses his wife. Ominous, I thought. That self pitying ranting screwed up Lenny Bruce's career. Sadly, 'All Pig's Must Die' confirmed my fears. This is the CD before the mask finally slipped. Fantastic keyboards, lyrics beyond self parody.
DIJ For the Club Set? Operation Hummingbird - Its Groovy January 28, 2005
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Operation Hummingbird is a great album that is so divergent from Death in June's normal style. The musical score is richer and the synth/sample fusion that Albin Julius whipped up makes these tracks seem like club tunes rather than DIJ. While the lyrics are far more simple and less contemplative or introverted than normal DIJ albums, it does not detract from its greatness. Two years prior to the release of this album at a DIJ show I witnessed Douglass Pierce stop a scuffle in the bathroom at Man Ray in Boston and he exclaimed "I just want to make groovy music man!". Well I guess this album is testament to this. This album is catchy, not too serious and a great listen for fans and others alike.
Many of the samples come from the soundtrack to the film "Alexander Nevsky" composed by Prokofiev (an album which I also recommend). This highly orchestrated backdrop provides a rich backdrop for the rest of the rhythms and Pierce's vocals. I think "Flieger" is the most surprising song. It is some sort of ecstatic imagination of flight in an me262 or me163 German wonder weapon. The song has a great driving sound with a cool feel that keeps it in my play list constantly.
This album is a certain must have for any DIJ fan but I also recommend the album to anyone who appreciates true avant garde masterpieces. Yes, the lyrics aren't exactly PC. But if you don't take it seriously, as Pierce certainly isn't taking it seriously, you will find this album and artistic and amazing experience that will reward the listener time and time again.
-- Ted Murena
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