Technohead – I Wanna Be A Hippy

To celebrate 29 (?) years of this Techno classic, Mokum Records has trundled out some remixes because fuck it why not. There's an mp3 version with a few more remixes which range from semi decent to awful. The three that did make this vinyl cut are different in design but the end results are oceans apart.

I would say the most curious remixxx here is the Rudebwoy Radio Mixxx by the always excellent Wicked XXX and a rare cameo by Mokum head honcho, Fred Berkhout. Despite my general dislike for radio mixes of Hardcore tracks, that's not really the case here. In a clever twist, the boys have used the famous Flamman and Abraxas kickdrum so it might be the hardest radio mix ever! I like this because it's the Flamman and Abraxas Radio Mixxx on the original record in 1995 that made this song famous. Long overdue justice for their remix and a lovely homage. The ragga vocals and piano break are great additions, plus the hard Breakbeats all have the hallmarks of good creative decisions by Wicked XXX. Don't let the title fool you, this is a solid remixxx.

The original song has been updated for modern audiences, in other words, it sounds slightly cleaner. Fastest song to ever hit the Australian Top 40. Because of the CD single, it would have been the first time the average person would have seen the words "Dano" "Speedfreak" and deodorant free "No Sweat". You may have your own story, but every time I hear this song from the start it reminds me of Marc Smith's Rez Equinox mix or my old copy of Hardcore Cheddar - The Dutch Masters Volume Two that I left in the back of my car on a hot summer day. Australian summers will destroy your records! I assume its CD 1 Track 9 Thunderdome VIII for everybody else. :D

I Wanna Be A Hippy (Elvis Jackson Bootleg Mash-Up). Why do you exist?

By far the pick of the bunch is the fantastic Formek Remixxxxxxxxxxx. XXX. It takes all the well known elements of the original and famous radio mixxx, adding all those tasty Formek sounds that makes him a modern day Ruffneck/Leviathan. In many ways this is a scintillating Cenobite remix considering Tellurian isn't on remixxx duty. The ethereal sections, driving basslines, mandatory Acid riff, proper bloody fucking Hardcore! This isn't even a complaint, maybe something to look out for the vinyl DJs: There's no real first breakdown and you'll have to deal with a long-ish (but awesome) ethereal intro. Similar to Jiiieehaaaa, track selection is mega important and beat mixing correctly without touching the record is the key. Or you could just play the track from the start. Well done Formek!

I was hoping this would be MOK 310½ or 310⅓ or 310 4/20! Like most of the new Mokums, if Wicked XXX and Formek are involved, it's an instant purchase. Surprisingly, I bought this record from Mark N @ Noisexchange. His note for this record was: "good god I hate this record." :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hqyBWTh5Ec (English subtitles)

Rest In Peace Lee Newman.

This is the tune I used to end my sets with as a challenge to the next DJ >:)

Technohead producer Michael screwed Flamman & Abraxas over big time. Flamman & Abraxas made the radio version of "I Wanna Be A Hippie" which went to number 1, but they never earned a dime. Technohead is so evil that they even removed Flamman & Abraxas from the title of that track on all streaming platforms.

Tracks 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 10 are a big pile of crap unfortunately. Seems like all the newest mixes are just a disgrace to this tune...

Despite making this release a HUGE commercial success, Jeroen Flamman and Jeff Porter didn't get paid for their Flamman & Abraxas remix.

Pretty much everything has been said here. Just in case you are wondering, the difference between MOK 37 and MOK 37 ½ is the first track. On the MOK 37 we have the Zippy Mix while on the ½ version we can hear the Original Mix (the one from MOK 32). Also Speedfreak and the famous Flamman & Abraxas Mix changed positions on the B-Side.

Special mention gets the Speedfreak Mix, I like his approach of creating new darker harmonies to the main melody in the second half of the song.

This has to be one of the best worst songs I've ever listened to.

Originally written by David Peel, this version is just insane.

I was in with Joy Ryder and pop songwriter Mariana Ensenzburg when we found out from her friend Mariana that Technohead's "I Wanna Be A Hippy," was playing and we called David Peel to inform him that he was being Plagiarized. It turned into his #1 Gold record, 1995 playing in the BeNeLux countries UK and . Rock In Peace, David Peel, friend of 50 years!

This soooooo needs a re-release. Infectious slammin beat under that joyous cheeky vocal, "I wannbe a hippy and I wanna get stoned", how can anyone not smile when this drops. Hardcore never died, timeless.