- 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.
TracklistA1 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)