SIMPLY RED
REMIXED VOLUME 1 (1985-2000)
RHINO
★★★★
Previously averse to rarities and expanded reissues, it’s pleasing to see Mick Hucknall start to dig into the vaults. Going for a 2CD set of remixes first is fair, as Simply Red’s singles showcased Hucknall’s knowledge of club culture. The Blood And Fire Sound System mix of Ghetto Girl and Jah Wobble’s take on Night Nurse highlight a love of dub, while Perfecto’s dizzying Freedom and Phats & Small’s surprisingly graceful Ain’t That A Lot Of Love demonstrate equal enthusiasm for rave. Arthur Baker brings his impishness to I Won’t Feel Bad. Briefly hyped jazz/soul hybrid Rae & Christian add even more poise to the already lush Love Has Said Goodbye Again. And so it goes on.