Album Reviews

Album Review: Reel People – Seven Ways To Wonder: The Remixes (Papa Records)

By | Published on Monday 10 November 2008

Reel People

Somehow I missed the release of the original version of ‘Seven Ways To Wonder’, so I’m glad I’ve caught up it via this remix package, because it’s a little treasure trove of tracks. Papa Records headman Oli Lazarus first teamed up with Mike Patto from Restless Soul in 2001, aiming to create some quality soulful music. Here the results of their labour is taken to new levels by some of the biggest names in remix. First drum n bass pioneers 4hero take us pure bossa (as they have done previously with Courtney Pine) with their rather good remix of ‘Outta Love’, complete with Omar on lyrics. Soulful househeads Kyoto Jazz Massive, meanwhile, bring a Midas touch to ‘It Will Be’ making fora really touching track with a sunny lounge feel. ‘Amazing’ gets NY don Jon Cutler, taking it taught house bordering on garage, while West London’s Bugz in The Attic go all broken beat on us with their rework of ‘Upside’. Next Domu takes his trademark busted beat approach to roughen up ‘Anything You Want’ while the Tarantulaz go upbeat to create an uplifting pacey version of ‘Amazing’. Pete Kuzma takes ‘Upside’ funky downtempo, so Darien’s great vocals become more prominent, before the final track, ‘Alibi, gets what is a slightly obtuse remix from Dennis Ferrer, making it a bit of a strange finale. But, that aside, there are no bad tunes on here at all – and ‘Upside’ may appear three times but with remixes this good, who cares? A real grower and one to warm the soul on these cold drawn in autumnal nights. And for the Nu-soulsters out there, an essential purchase. PV

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