LOOSE ENDS レコード& CD

Review: Put simply, Loose Ends' 1985 hit 'Hangin' On A String' is not only a peerless UK soul classic, but also one of the greatest boogie-era dancefloor cuts full stop. You should really already own a copy, but if you don't, then this South Side reissue should be on your shopping list. Not only does it contain the band's brilliant original extended mix (B2) - a sing-along gem rich in hazy organ sounds, jazzy guitar solos and bustling electro-era beats - but also two celebrated 1992 remixes from Frankie Knuckles. Both are amongst the late, great DJ/producer's finest remixes, with the more instrumental and impeccably loved-up 'Reprise' version, in which Knuckles builds gently before eventually unleashing chorus vocals, being our pick of an incredibly strong pair.

Review: As far as timeless deep house classics go, Loose Ends's 'Cheap Talk' is right up there. It is a mid-tempo cut with some steamy overtones and has all the key elements from warm and dusty groove to soulful atmospheres. The track's smooth bassline, lush chords, and hypnotic vocals all draw you in deep and invite you to lose yourself on the dancefloor in the same way now that they did back in 1991. This MCA reissue features the extended remixed version as well as a B-side Bad Boy mix that gets more raw and heavy.