Weekender (Flowered Up song)

"Weekender" is a song by the British indie dance band Flowered Up, released in 1992. It is widely considered their signature song and a seminal track in the early 1990s indie dance music scene, often associated with the Madchester and rave movements.

The song is characterized by its blend of house music beats, psychedelic rock influences, and spoken-word samples taken from the 1967 film The Trip, starring Peter Fonda. The samples contribute to the song's euphoric and hedonistic atmosphere, reflecting the drug culture and free-spirited attitude prevalent within the rave scene.

"Weekender" achieved considerable critical acclaim and commercial success upon its release, reaching number 20 on the UK Singles Chart. Its popularity was further bolstered by its inclusion on numerous compilation albums representing the sounds of the early 1990s dance music scene.

The song's structure features a driving beat, layered with synthesizers and guitars. The spoken-word samples, including lines like "The only way to travel," are interspersed throughout the track, adding to its hypnotic quality. Lyrically, the song evokes the excitement and anticipation of the weekend, a time for escape and liberation.

"Weekender" has had a lasting influence on electronic music and continues to be celebrated as a classic of the indie dance genre. It exemplifies the fusion of indie rock sensibilities with the energy and rhythms of electronic music, a defining characteristic of the early 1990s music landscape. The song's impact extends beyond its immediate commercial success, contributing to the cultural identity of the rave generation.