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Voodoo People
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Wikipedia article
"'Voodoo People'" is a song by British electronic group the Prodigy, released as their eighth single on 12 September 1994. It was the third single from their second album, 'Music for the Jilted Generation' (1994). It was also released as a 12" single and in EP format in the United States in 1995 through Mute Records. The guitar riff is based on "Very Ape" by Nirvana and is played by Lance Riddler.
Critical reception
Music writer James Masterton wrote, "The new single has little of the commercial charm or potential of that last hit ("No Good (Start the Dance)"), but its a creditable chart performance nonetheless." Maria Jimenez from 'Music & Media' complimented it as a "superb break-beat track". Andy Beevers from 'Music Week' rated it five out of five, adding that "this is one of their most accessible tracks with its rock guitar riffs and flute flurries." Brad Beatnik from the magazine's 'RM' Dance Update noted, "It's a sort of Jethro Tull-goes-hardcore and the result is a brilliant slice of uncompromising yet defiantly commercial techno." Another editor, James Hamilton described it as "psychedelic guitar and flute prodded flurrying tribal techno". Dele Fadele from 'NME' wrote that "Voodoo People" "likens the rave scenario to a black magic ritual. With The Prodigy as witchdoctor, of course."
Videos
The original music video was directed by Walter Stern and Russell Curtis. It was filmed on location in Saint Lucia and it showed Leeroy Thornhill as a voodoo priest. This version included scenes featuring real witch doctors, but these were cut because of problems with television censorship. A number of other more graphic versions of the video are available, one of them appearing in the Prodigy's 'Electronic Punks' documentary.
Remixes and covers
The British release included a remix by the Chemical Brothers.
The song has been covered by Refused and British funk band 6ix Toys as well remixed by Pendulum (see Voodoo People (Pendulum Remix)) and other known and less known artists such as Eskimo, Alvaro and Shayning. Croatian cello duo 2Cellos have recorded an instrumental version for their album 'In2ition' and have been performing it live on their subsequent tour.
Use in media
The track has also been a part of many soundtracks, such as 'Hackers', 'Dobermann', 'Wasabi', amongst others.
Track listing
'UK 12-inch vinyl'
'US 12-inch vinyl'
'Benelux CD single'
'CD single'
'North American EP'
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Certifications
References
Category:The Prodigy songs
Category:1994 singles
Category:XL Recordings singles
Category:Songs written by Liam Howlett
Category:Music videos directed by Walter Stern
Category:1994 songs
Category:Number-one singles in Finland
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