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Move Any Mountain

"" is a by the Scottish electronic music group , originally released in 1990 as "Pro>gen" on their third studio album , and reissued in 1991 in a remixed version titled "Move Any Mountain (Progen 91)" which marked their commercial breakthrough. The track, written by Colin Angus and Richard West, features uplifting lyrics centered on themes of determination and altered perception, beginning with "I will not fail nor falter, I shall succeed" and featuring the chorus "Move any mountain". The 1991 remix, produced with contributions from , propelled the song to number four on the , where it spent ten weeks and became the Shamen's first top-ten hit, released by One Little Indian Records. Featured on the reissued En-Tact album, which blended , , and rap elements, "Move Any Mountain" captured the energetic spirit of the early 1990s UK rave scene and helped transition the band from their psychedelic rock origins to mainstream success. Directed by Matthew Glamorre, the song's promotional video showcased surreal, high-energy visuals aligning with its motivational message, further embedding it in the cultural fabric of 1990s club culture. The track's enduring popularity is evident in its later re-releases, such as "Move Any Mountain '96," and its role in defining the Shamen's legacy alongside later hits like "Ebeneezer Goode."

Background and development

Origins as "Pro>gen"

"Pro>gen" originated during the recording sessions for The Shamen's fourth studio album, , which took place between 1989 and 1990. The track marked a significant shift in the band's sound, as they transitioned from their earlier roots—evident in albums like 1987's —to a fusion of influenced by the emerging and scenes in , where the band had relocated in 1988. This evolution incorporated elements of , , and sampling, reflecting the group's immersion in the late-1980s club culture. The song was initially titled "Pro>gen" and produced primarily by band founders Colin Angus and Will Sinnott, with contributions from new member on MCing vocals, drummer Derek McKenzie, and additional production input from Peter Stephenson. Released as a on 26 March 1990 by One Little Indian Records, it featured mixes such as the " Mix" and served as the label debut for after their move from Kaleidoscopic Records. The original version achieved only modest commercial success, entering the at number 55 and spending four weeks in the lower reaches, outside the top 40. This initial release laid the groundwork for the track's later transformation, with a 1991 remix reworking it into the more accessible "Move Any Mountain (Progen '91)" for broader appeal.

1991 remix production

Following the release of The Shamen's album En-Tact on October 30, 1990, the band collaborated with the production team to create the official of their track "Pro>gen," reissued as "Move Any Mountain (Progen '91)." This , released on July 15, 1991, by One Little Indian Records, transformed the original into a more club-oriented version by integrating and elements, such as rhythms, grooves, and synth lines, to enhance its appeal for dancefloors. The production process involved several key technical decisions, including vocal enhancements in mixes like the "Beat Edit" and "Landslide Vox," which layered and processed the original vocals for greater clarity and energy, alongside sample integrations such as the sitar riff from ' "" in the Beatmasters Dub. Engineered by James Reynolds for the ' contributions, the emphasized additional production layers to build dynamic builds and drops suitable for environments. (Richard West), who had recently joined as a key creative force, played a pivotal role in adapting the track by co-ing the "C Mix" with Colin Angus—engineered by Ian Tregoning—which further amplified its techno-infused structure and MC-style vocal delivery to align with emerging dance culture trends. These remixes, building directly from the original "Pro>gen" as base material, were compiled on the 1991 album Progeny (Move Any Mountain - Progen), a featuring over a dozen variations alongside 16 raw samples (such as bass loops, trumpets, and environmental beats) for user-generated remixing, underscoring the era's DIY production ethos.

Musical content

Style and influences

"Move Any Mountain" fuses , , , and pop elements, reflecting the vibrant early 1990s music landscape. The track operates at a of 121 beats per minute in the key of , providing a driving rhythm suitable for environments. Its instrumentation prominently features synthesized basslines, squelching acid lines, and layered percussion that builds a hypnotic, energetic groove. The song's structure begins with an introductory build of shimmering synths and percussive elements, transitioning into a conventional verse-chorus that maintains accessibility while incorporating flourishes. Remixes, such as ' production, extend breakdowns with repetitive motifs and filtered effects, amplifying the track's dancefloor intensity and allowing for prolonged builds typical of club play. This arrangement draws from culture's emphasis on immersive, euphoric soundscapes, positioning the song as a staple of the era's underground and mainstream scenes. Originally released as "Pro>gen" on the 1990 album En-Tact, the track embodied a more ambient, psychedelic electronic style influenced by the Shamen's evolving interest in altered states and sound experimentation. The 1991 remix overhaul shifted it toward an anthemic, high-energy drive, blending house rhythms with pop hooks to broaden its appeal within the burgeoning UK rave movement. Certain mixes incorporate samples, such as elements from The Rolling Stones' "2000 Light Years from Home" in the Beatmasters Dub version, adding textural depth to the electronic palette. The lyrics reinforce the music's uplifting tone, emphasizing themes of determination that align with the track's propulsive energy.

Lyrics and themes

The of "Move Any Mountain," written by Colin Angus and Richard West, revolve around and , portraying an individual's unyielding resolve to surmount challenges. The central —"Move any mountain"—functions as a powerful for conquering obstacles, reinforced by verses that evoke inner strength and elevation, such as "I walk so tall, ascending, I stand so high / below me revolving above the ." These elements underscore a of personal triumph and perceptual shift, with lines like "I will not fail nor falter, I shall succeed / My is altered, I do believe" highlighting faith-driven . Thematically, the song promotes positivity and spiritual enlightenment, drawing from philosophies and the shamanic ethos that inspired The Shamen's name and work, emphasizing unity with the and harmonious existence. Imagery of natural flow—"Flowing like a river "—suggests environmental harmony and interconnectedness, aligning with the band's advocacy for eco-consciousness and global awareness. In the early 1990s rave context, these motifs subtly evoke ecstasy-fueled optimism, capturing the era's communal uplift without explicit references. Mr. C's vocal delivery, characterized by rhythmic , infuses the track with dynamic energy, particularly through call-and-response choruses that invite collective participation, mirroring the interactive spirit of gatherings. This approach amplifies the lyrics' inspirational tone, making the song a rallying cry for . The themes of expansion in "Move Any Mountain" echo throughout The Shamen's , from the psychedelic explorations of earlier albums to the planetary consciousness motifs in Boss Drum (1992), reflecting their ongoing fusion of culture with shamanic principles.

Release and promotion

Formats and versions

The original release of the track under the title "Pro>gen" occurred in 1990 through One Little Indian Records in the UK, primarily in 12-inch vinyl format as a 45 RPM single (catalogue number 36TP12), featuring mixes such as the "Land of Oz" mix and "Light>span." Cassette singles were also issued in the UK (36TP7C), alongside limited 7-inch vinyl (36TP7) and CD singles (36TP7CD), with international variants including 12-inch releases in the Netherlands on Torso (Torso 12165) and Italy on Ricordi (TPX 36). In 1991, the track was re-released as "Move Any Mountain (Progen 91)" across multiple formats, including , 7-inch, and 12-inch singles, distributed by One Little Indian in the and various labels internationally. UK editions included the 12-inch single (52TP12) with remixes like "," "Devil," "Rude," and "I.R.P. In The "; the 7-inch single (52TP7) featuring the "Beat Edit" remix by ; and the (52TP7CD) containing the "Beat Edit," "Landslide," "F2 Mello," and "Mountains In The Sky" mixes. Cassette singles (52TP7C) were also available in the UK, while European releases featured CD maxi-singles on Rough Trade (RTD 130.1122.3) and 12-inch vinyl (RTD 130.1122.0) with additional remix variants. A 1996 re-release titled "Move Any Mountain '96" was issued by One Little Indian in the UK, featuring updated remixes such as Radio Mix, 7" Edit, and Rhythm Masters Tomka Mix across formats including CD maxi-singles, 12-inch vinyl (parts 1-3), cassettes, and promo editions. Digital reissues in format became available worldwide in later years through the label's online platforms. The track appeared on The Shamen's 1990 album (One Little Indian TPLP18CD) in its "Pro>gen" form as the opening track, and on the 1991 remix compilation Progeny (Move Any Mountain - Progen) (One Little Indian TPLP32CD), which collected numerous remixes including "Bang to the Beat of the Drum" and "Beltram Dub." Regional variations included US promotional releases on (a subsidiary, 49 74043), with 12-inch and CD singles featuring and mixes, alongside limited editions on One Little Indian for international promo distribution; Australian versions were handled by Liberation Records (X 14029 for 12-inch).

Music video

The music video for "Move Any Mountain (Progen '91)" was directed by Matthew Glamorre and filmed in early 1991 on the slopes of Mount Teide in , , . The production captured the band performing against the stark volcanic terrain, with visuals emphasizing dramatic natural formations that echoed the song's theme of overcoming obstacles. The video runs for approximately four minutes and incorporates sequences set within this rugged environment, blending aesthetics with the island's otherworldly landscape. Tragedy struck shortly after filming concluded, when The Shamen's bassist and keyboardist Will Sinnott drowned on 23 May 1991 while swimming off the coast of nearby during a period of post-production relaxation in the . Sinnott was pulled under by strong currents, marking a devastating loss for the band just as the single gained momentum. The video remains available on through official uploads by Entertainment and has been featured in various The Shamen video compilations.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its re-release, "Move Any Mountain" garnered praise from music critics for its euphoric energy and the versatility of its numerous remixes, which allowed it to bridge underground scenes and mainstream pop audiences. Dance music reviewer James Hamilton described the track as "rather more compulsive than their current promo," highlighting its driving rhythm and uplifting appeal that contributed to early sales success in the market. The song was often characterized as a "techno-pop anthem," blending accessible melodies with the raw credibility of influences, making it a standout in the emerging genre. This mix of enthusiasm reflected the track's bold evolution from the band's psychedelic roots to a more commercial sound. In retrospective analyses during the , the single was credited with playing a key role in mainstreaming music, introducing electronic dance elements to broader pop listeners through its empowering lyrics and infectious hooks. A 2004 review of The Shamen's emphasized how "Move Any Mountain" established the band's signature formula of chugging beats, monosyllabic vocals, and earnest self-empowerment themes, cementing its status as a pivotal crossover .

Commercial performance

"Move Any Mountain" achieved significant commercial success upon its 1991 release, peaking at number 4 on the and spending 10 weeks in the top 100. A re-release titled "Move Any Mountain '96" entered the in late 1996, reaching a peak position of number 35 over three weeks. In the United States, the single climbed to number 38 on the in March 1992, marking its highest position on the all-format chart. It performed even stronger in the dance music market, topping the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart for two weeks in November 1991. The track saw moderate European chart performance, including peaks of number 4 in Ireland and number 17 in the Netherlands, but did not receive major certifications from bodies such as the British Phonographic Industry.

Legacy

Cultural impact

"Move Any Mountain" gained renewed prominence in 2014 when it was performed during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, accompanying the entrance of the Scottish athletes as an uplifting anthem that energized the crowd at Celtic Park. The song's lyrics featured prominently in the 2015 ninth series of the British comedy series , where they were adapted as parody wedding vows recited by the character Super Hans in the episode "Gregory's Beard," highlighting the track's enduring cultural resonance in humorous contexts. Deeply embedded in 1990s rave culture, "Move Any Mountain" played a key role in bridging underground electronic music with mainstream audiences, serving as a spiritual and energetic voice for the emerging scene through its fusion of , , and rap elements. Reflecting ongoing 90s nostalgia, the track has appeared in various media references, including radio playlists and online retrospectives as late as 2025, evoking the era's legacy. The song's release profoundly influenced The Shamen's career trajectory following the tragic drowning of bassist Will Sinnott in May 1991 during the filming of its in ; dedicated to his , it achieved success that propelled the band forward, leading to subsequent hits like "" and solidifying their place in electronic music history.

Remixes and covers

In 1996, released an updated version of "Move Any Mountain" titled Move Any Mountain '96, featuring several official remixes tailored for the mid-1990s club scene. Notable among these was the 12" Mix, which incorporated a more upbeat house-infused rhythm while retaining the original's euphoric synth hooks, and the 7" Edit, a high-energy rework popular in superclub sets. The Mix added a trip-hop edge with breaks and subtle vocal layering, reflecting the band's evolving electronic influences. Unofficial bootlegs and fan remixes emerged sporadically in the 2000s, often circulated in underground electronic communities, though few achieved widespread distribution. Examples include re-edits blending the track with progressive house elements, shared via early digital platforms like SoundCloud precursors, but these remained niche without official endorsement. The song has been sampled in various electronic and game soundtracks, highlighting its iconic bassline and vocal refrain. Mato Grosso's 1992 track "Thunder" incorporated the main hook into a hardcore techno framework, while composer Yuzo Koshiro sampled it for "Under Logic" in the 1992 Sega Genesis game Streets of Rage 2, embedding the riff in a chiptune context. Sampling databases like WhoSampled document several such uses, underscoring the track's enduring influence on producers seeking its uplifting energy. Covers are limited, with no major official reinterpretations by prominent artists. Singer-songwriter Kate Walsh released an acoustic version in 2009 on her album Peppermint Radio, stripping the track to piano and vocals for an intimate folk rendition. The song frequently appears in interpolations during electronic DJ sets and live performances, where artists like those in the and genres weave its melody into mashups for crowds. "Move Any Mountain" has been featured in numerous DJ mixes and compilations, particularly those celebrating rave culture. It was included on Ministry of Sound's Back to the Old Skool (2001), a double-disc set curating and early anthems, where the Beat Edit version energized retrospective club nights. By the 2020s, the track saw remastered releases for streaming platforms like and , enhancing audio quality for modern listeners without introducing new official remixes as of 2025. These updates focused on archival preservation rather than reinterpretation, maintaining fidelity to the original and 1996 versions.

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