Salsoul UK Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Chicago stalwarts Cratebug and Jamie 3:26 were relatively little-known when they joined forces to create this killer rework of Loleatta Holloway's Salsoul classic "Hit 'N' Run" way back in 2011. The interpretation, which laces choice passages of Holloway's impassioned vocal over a loopy and driving house groove reminiscent of Paperclip People's "Throw", first appeared on vinyl as part of Lumberjacks In Hell's now impossible-to-find Chicago Service compilation four years ago. Happily, Salsoul has decided to reissue it on this must-have, single-sided 12". It's more of a remix than a re-edit, and is guaranteed to get things going at peak-time. Basically, it's a banger, and you need it in your box.

Review: Unlike most disco re-edit EPs, Salsoul's latest instalment of 'Reflex Revisions' are "proper" remixes, making full use of original master stems and session tapes sourced from the parent artists themselves. With all four tracks handled by French producer and remixer The Reflex, we know we're in good hands here - he's been at it since 2012. Reflex Revisions don't just add a janky kick beneath a beatgridded 16-bar loop, but rather, they move and sway with the tracks' original feels. Our case in point: 'A Little Love' completely reimagines the drum section found on Aurra's 1983 original, making the whole sonic experience much clearer and brighter. As much can be said for Metropolis' downtempo 'I Love New York', on which Reflex here makes the song grander, wider. Compared to most re-editors, this is an impressive feat occurring in a different ballpark.

Review: Dimitri has been very generous with his edits this year, having unleashed some of his finest DJ weapons in the form of the "Brooklyn Edits" EP and this refreshed trilogy of classic Salsoul revisions. They need little introduction as we take off with the iconic harmonies and horns of "Ooh I Love It" land with the incredible soul fusion of Love Committee's oft-covered (never bettered) feels odyssey "Just As Long As I Got You". With trips to New York for silky disco with Skyy and a synth boogie freak-out from The Jammers, it's once again another reminder that no one does edits quite like the man from Paris.