Released: 1983

Huge 80′s disco classic released on Island Records. Squeaky, funky synths accompanied by a bouncy bassline. Big with djs such as Greg Wilson, Francois Kevorkian, Frankie Knuckles and Larry Levan, with the latter also providing a remix on the U.S. release.

The single reached the number 13 spot of the UK charts, and the former singer with Brit Funk favourites Hi Tension also charted with the follow-up single “Let’s live it up (Nite people). The song got extra recognition when Greg Wilson was the first dj to demonstrate live mixing on U.K. Television (Channel 4′s “the tube”), using two decks, the Revox and two copies of this song.

YouTube | Island Records

Released: July 2008

This Justice style cover of Lerry Levan’s classic remix of the Joubert Singers. It is a healthy update indeed, and judging by the mystery and hype surrounding it, it will be another huge French house hit. Rumors are suggesting Justice is behind it, perhaps as a major label alias outside their usual Ed Banger home.

The original was given a proper release on Next Plateau records back in 1985 (with a Tony Humphries mix). However, it was recorded live three years before it’s release in the First Baptist Church in Crown Heights, NYC. Walter Gibbons lived in area, and soon picked it up and the it made its way into legendary nightclubs like the Loft, Garage and Zanzibar. More recently it made an appearance on Little Louie Vega’s “Choice – A collection of Classics” compilation. 

YouTube 

Released: Not sure, but around 1979 me thinks.

I was turned onto this by the one and only Gilles Peterson who included it in one of his podcasts (if you haven’t signed up...) and also included it on his excellent “Digs America” compilation released on Ubiquity. Dee Edwards might have been better known for her single “All the way home” on D Town, but for me personally this is her best track.

Great positive soul vibe from the former Paragons singer. Detroit soul at its finest.

Ubiquity Records | Gilles Peterson Worldwide | Fat City

Another great mash up by the mighty Zamali. From the unlikely home base in Belgium (!) these guys are delivering funk gems faster than Coca-Cola bottles soft drinks! The keyword is combining and editing old Motown classics into contemporary dancefloor favorites. This 7″ single combines Jackson’s ABC and a great funkbeat from Krafty Kuts.

The b-side mash up Jurrasic 5 and The Detroit Spinners – decent enough work, but compared to the flip it is never able to compete.

Fat City | MySpace |

With releases from artists like Rex the Dog, Wolfmother, Digitalism, and some smokin’ compilations, Kitsuné Music is delivering by the bucket. But the collective is not satisfied, and being a style crusader in their vocabulary means also producing clothing and some decent artwork. No limits to creativity.

“I wanna be a style crusader” starts out as a funky groove and cool vocals, before breaking down into a driving electro banger with massive playful synths and full on rock guitars. Excellent! Two remixes mixes is included on the release, my favorite being David E. Sugar’s Paradise Garage mix which adds an additional squeaks and cliks to make it even more funky. The Data remix provides a slow and continuously building guitar-fueled gem. Described by the label as “New wave from Scotland via New York City and Paris” – you will hear the influences from all these great places.

Youtube | Kitsuné Music | Amazon | iTunes

Released: 02/03/2008

This tune is crazy! One of the best mashes I have hear for a while. Beastie Boys “Tripple trouble” neatly laid together with Billy Ocean’s 1980 smash hit  “Stay the night”. What a baseline! Manmade the latter gives it a up-tempo workout and the Beastie’s additional layer of attitude. This one could lighten up even the most uptight dancefloor!

Fat City Records