Rocktrospectiva: The Stormy And Flamboyant "Hallelujah EP" Turns 35

 

Released on this month 35 years ago, "Hallelujah EP" was a 7-track EP by the Manchester band Happy Mondays, the EP was exclusively for the US and Australia markets, and featured a number of remixes by Paul Oakenfold, such as "Hallelujah (MacColl Mix)" which ws created by Steve Lillywhite featuring the vocals of Kirsty MacColl. The "Hallelujah (MacColl Mix)" was remixed with the help of Andrew Weatherall and "Rave On" with Terry Farley 

 

The idea to released this EP was to draw attention in the United States mainly, as a result, the listener got a good balance between rambling and intense funky dance music the band was famous for, including the major dance floor-oriented tracks, indeed Steve Lillywhite's "Hallelujah" mix served as a highlight to introduce the band, sneaking with MacColl voice around the chorus performed by Ryder and the band following with this massive bumping sound, the other tracks "Rave On" is the especial version of "Madchester, Rave On", which was the most remarkable of this set, with its heavy vocals and thumping sound. 

 

The rest of the three tracks were remixed by Oakenfold, working alongside with Andrew Weatherall and Terry Farley, "Hallelujah", "Rave On" (Club Mix) and of course "W.F.L. (Think About The Future)" using a sample of Jack Nicholson from the Batman film, to balance the sound on this rock/acid house classic that could stand face to face to Primal Scream's creations back then. 

 

An acid house/madchester testament and legacy from a era that never seems to be outdated. 

 

Hallelujah EP Track List: 

 

1. Hallelujah (MacColl Mix)

2. Clap Your Hands

3. Holy Ghost

4. Rave On

5. Hallelujah (Club Mix)

6. Rave (Club Mix)

7. W.F.L. (Think About The Future Mix)

8. He's Gonna Step On You Again - Step On (Stuff It In Mix) after Rave On *

 

* The Australian edition only.