If you knew house in the UK back in the mid 90s, chances are you knew Hard Times, the promoters responsible for bringing some of the US’ best house affiliated jocks to the UK at a time when such appearances on these shores were far rarer than they are today. What’s often overlooked, however, is the fact that Hard Times put out a pretty impressive list of tracks themselves, with Karen Pollard’s ‘Reach Out (To Me)’ amongst the label’s finest hours. And with the label being reformed once more, it’s only right that it’s Pollard’s vocal gem that’s been given a new lick of paint here. And boy, do the remixes arrive thick and fast on this one. Sometimes 8 remixes could be accused of a ‘too many cooks’ philosophy, but on this release each one maintains its own charm. The first to arrive on the scene is Angel Moraes, who roughs up the original with a Latin flair that’ll go down a treat with Morillo et al. DJ Spen & Soulfuledge do what they do best on their New Jersey inspired edit; a bassline-heavy jam that’s cut from a similar cloth to vintage Kerri Chandler planes. Kayper’s remix is a fluffy, lighthearted one that’s oh-so-80s, before Louis Bailey goes all soulful and deep on his 95 Vibe Mix. Of all the tracks that metaphorically transport us back in time, it’s Bailey’s which really stands out from the herd. Mineo’s remix is more East London warehouse than it is NYC charmer, and as an added bonus The Paberboys remix is included here too. Regular collaborators Ralph Lawson and Tuccilo team up once more for their bumping remix, and the EP signs off with Mat Playford’s relentless, attitude-filled remix. Top draw stuff from a label that’s sure to finally get the kudos it serves thanks to a canny series of remixes.
5 out of 5
Reviewed by Ian Fleming
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