Step On (Remix '91) Review

07/13/2005 4:17 AM, AMG


The last real attempt to break America by the Happy Mondays, or more accurately the band's American label, resulted in this single, which wasn't a great success but did provide a useful catchall of recent remixes. Steve Osborne did a version of the title track aimed at straightforward radio-friendliness, a reasonable enough translation of Madchester for the airwaves that isn't quite as good as the original but still makes for good fun. A slightly longer mix follows, the Stuff It In mix; it and the subsequent 12" mix of "Loose Fit" were handled together by the original production team of Osborne and Paul Oakenfold. The "Loose Fit" mix is the winner -- a chilled, stoned take on the original that sneaks along with both bliss and subtle threat. Pete Lorimer's take on "Groovy Afro" wraps things up, a frenetic, hard-hitting breakbeat fest, revamping the pop-funk of the original into a driving, epic number -- it's well worth seeking out. ~ Ned Raggett, All Music Guide