(Newswire.net — January 3, 2015) — As thousands of people post their own version of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” video, this catchy melody is quickly becoming the most recycled song ever. At the time of this writing, the number of times a different version of the song was posted online has reached 1,950, and it’s still rising. The latest viral video released is the version of “Happy” performed by the Russian Red Army Choir.
Opening scene of the video is shot near Kremlin, featuring a police officer pulling a vehicle over, and asking the driver for his documents. Seconds later, the officer’s phone is seen ringing the “Happy” tune, and he starts dancing.
Ironically, the police officer in this video was not so happy after the Russian Minister of Internal Affairs placed him under investigation for performing while on duty. It is not clear, however, whether the investigation included other officers involved in the shooting of the video, also while on duty.
The Red Army Choir’s Happy version, released on December 29, raised public and police opinion stating that fellow officer should be honored for his style of civic duty, rather than punished. Reportedly, his supporters were not aware that it was all a part of a planned performance, and it seems unlikely the investigators will look into the “happy feet” officers’ case too seriously, since the Red Army Choir is also part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD).
First formed in 1939 during the “Great Patriotic War” in order to raise the morale of Soviet troops who were fighting the Nazi invasion, the choir recently became better known for belting lighter songs, reflecting the better times and higher standard of living.
Several of their unique Renditions of western chart toppers include Adele’s “Skyfall” and Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” which the choir performed during the opening ceremony of the Sochi 2014, grabbing the international attention and sympathies.
Their version of “Get Lucky”, was also blessed with a touch of Williams smooth vocals and trademark falsetto.
After its release in January last year, the single “Happy” sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, making it one of the most popular songs ever. Since then it inspired approximately 1,950 fans tribute videos with 152 countries through its simple yet magnetic formula – presenting a bunch of happy people singing a song in public. Most of them, however, just lip-sync the original. The Red Army Choir powerful vocals, of course, gave an original a cappella touch to the hit.