Flashback 1992

Urbanized ft Silvano - Helpless [Maxi Records]

Heading back 29 years revisiting a track that is every bit as effective on the right floor now as it was back in the day. I'm clear about when I first heard this; Pete Tong had taken over the Friday evening slot from Jeff Young on Radio 1; his weekly show packed with upfront tunes that straddled virtually the full spectrum of this thing we call house. Between his show and DJ mag I would then head to the record store armed with my wish list for the coming weeks. "Helpless" was one of those tracks I first heard on his "Essential Selection" and I was hooked from the first few bars of hearing the Kenlou Remix as Louie Vega and Kenny Dope nailed it and then some. I can't believe there are too many house heads who haven't played or danced to this many times over the last few decades. Considering the pedigree of everyone involved (Urbanized are another alias of John Ciafone & Lem Springsteen aka Mood II Swing), it should come as no surprise just how long "Helpless" has endured.

Track Review

Mood II Swing - Deep Rooted Album Sampler [Foliage Records]

Over the last 25 years or so, John Ciafone & Lem Springsteen aka Mood II Swing have been responsible for a huge amount of amazing music. Between their original productions and remixes they have collaborated with Loni Clark, Carol Sylvan, Blaze, Gerideau, Ultra Nate, Leee John, Nu Yorican Soul, Lucy Pearl, Kim English, Fonda Rae & Janet Jackson. They have appeared on the most iconic labels including Nervous, Strictly Rhythm & Defected, and that's just picking out the obvious highlights. Their latest finds them on fine form with two distinctive tracks. "Get Up" features the stunning vocals of former En Vogue & Lucy Pearl singer Dawn Robinson and is a mid tempo, funky, disco flavoured vibe that has a slight 80s tinge to it. "Beautiful" is a deeper, moodier affair with live bass, gorgeous keys and haunting, atmospheric strings that compliment Lea Lorien's breathy vocals perfectly. Two great tracks from an accomplished duo on a label that always seems to come up with the goods. Available on promo now through Traxsource with an official realease date of September 28th.

Reviewed by Dean Serafini

Flashback

Fonda Rae - Living In Ecstacy [Freetown Inc]

Released back in 1996 on Freetown Inc (also on Wave Music in the US), this has the most infectious groove. Fonda's distinctive vocals and Mood II Swing's production skills prove an irresistible force; so funky and so catchy I always find myself singing along and unable to sit still. At the time it was a staple in my sets and it sounds as relevant 22 years on as it did back then. Still available to buy on Traxsource for anyone who missed it all those years ago or who just wants a digital copy.

Reviewed by Dean Serafini