Released 7 December 1987 Length 3:42 (7"), 7:04 (12") | Format 7", 12", CD Label Factory - FAC 193 | |
Genre Alternative dance, Hi-NRG, synthpop Writer(s) Gillian Gilbert, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, Bernard Sumner | ||
"Touched by the Hand of God" was a single released by New Order on 7 December 1987. The song was originally recorded for the soundtrack to the film Salvation! and the version released as a single was remixed by Arthur Baker. The B-side was a dub remix, titled "Touched by the Hand of Dub" and the release had the catalogue number FAC 193; production duties are credited to New Order.
Contents
Although not a track pulled for release from a studio album, "Touched by the Hand of God" appears on the 2008 Collector's Edition of New Order's album Brotherhood in its remix version, on the 1994 compilation The Best of New Order and in remixed form on 1995's The Rest of New Order. In the US, the song was released as the B-side to the group's following single "Blue Monday 1988", though it was billed as a double A-side on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play and Maxi-Singles charts.
Video
The video that accompanied the song was directed by Kathryn Bigelow, and parodied glam metal groups of the same period, with the band miming to the music while costumed in long wigs and leather clothing. The video also contains a love scene that is intercut with the performance shots, and stars Rae Dawn Chong and a young Bill Paxton. The concept was proposed by manager Rob Gretton, and was inspired by the band having seen the clichés of then-popular videos on MTV while touring America.
Track listings
All tracks written by Gillian Gilbert, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner; except where indicated.
Chart positions
Notes: