- Earlier this summer, LuckyMe's Eclair Fifi announced a reissue series focused on alternative DJ mixes of '80s club tracks. Her first pick is the "Drumapella" version of a late '80s Chicago house bomb produced by Mickey Oliver and featuring singer Shanna Jae (AKA Inner City vocalist Paris Grey, of "Good Life" fame). "Never Let Go" is a peak-time vocal track par excellence, and the ultra-sparse arrangement in this version gives the drama level a boost. It's versatile enough to smash big or small dance floors—though at only three and a half minutes, DJs may wonder what happened to the rest of the song.
The new remixes are a mixed bag. The most magnetic of the bunch comes from French producer Strip Steve, who adds a load of breakbeats and hi-hats, as well as a meaty modern kick drum. Aden's radio-friendly version brings in a shiny bassline and an outsized breakdown that turns the charismatic energy into just plain cheesy. Melbourne's Air Max '97 takes a more abstract tack, with deconstructed vocals, heavy gusts of reverb and a sparse groove built on big, syncopated kicks. It's nice to hear a non-4/4 take on the original, though there's not much else about it that leaves a lasting impression. Considering how killer the source material is, this spread of remixes represents a missed opportunity.
Lista de títulosA1 Never Let Go (Original Drumapella)
A2 Never Let Go (Air Max '97 Remix)
B1 Never Let Go (Aden Remix)
B2 Never Let Go (Strip Steve Remix)