Hooked On Classics was the album that gave the rock/classical crossover a bad name, classical hits over a lame dance beat. It didn’t deter people from mixing rock and orchestras; Metallica’s S&M (Symphony and Metallica) sold lots but was divisive. It always seems a bit of a flawed idea (unless you’re Jeff Lynne, in which case: genius).

This new album sees the Manchester Camerata team up with Hooky (who owns The Haçienda name) and DJs Graeme Park and Mike Pickering to present what is admittedly a pretty cool take on the old Haçienda dance classics.

It’s very dressing gown and slippers: the old Madchester crowd are now married with kids, and with people carriers parked in the drive. Much as they like the idea of popping some pills and dancing all night, it’s more realistic to slap on this and have a mug of cocoa.

Park and Pickering mixed the tunes, which combine the electronic bits with strings. There are 20 tracks on here, from Blue Monday to Ride On Time and from Pacific State to Good Life.

Probably of no interest if you don’t remember Madchester but a sedately uplifting stroll through your memories if you do.

Buy here: