Alice Russell can belt out a tune, she has one of those modern day classic soul voices, a voice that connects with most people, that lifts your soul, and puts a smile on your face. After the success of 2008’s Pot Of Gold, it seems obligatory these days to release a collection of remixes, but remix collections are often problematic, especially double disc compilations, such as this. Maintaining a consistency with the style, and quality of the remixes is often hard to achieve.
Spread over two discs, Pot Of Gold Remixes contains remixes by Kidkanevil, DJ Vadim, Mr Scruff, Mocean Worker, Kid Gusto, Herma Puma, Emika, Laura J Martin, Clonious, Lilste, J-Boogie, Shawn Lee, Captain Planet, Llorca, Dusty, Ohmega Watts, ZNTN, Ticklah, DJ Day & Clutchy Hopkins, Yellowtail, The Heavy, and GRC.
Mr Scruff’s remix of “Living The Life Of A Dreamer” is somewhat subdued for this producer, but the subtle latin rhythms work well, while Kid Gusto’s more upfront latin rhythms on “Universe” make for a very catchy tune. Herma Puma, a relative unknown, come across like a modern day Fila Brazillia with their version of “Two Steps”, while J-Boogie injects his funk jazz stylings into “Got The Hunger?”. Shawn Lee adds some smooth orchestrated funk into “Two Steps”, and Dusty adds his catchy latin shuffle to “Universe”. Ohmega Watts lays down a harder edge beat with guitar hook on “Two Steps”, as does Ticklah on “Got The Hunger?”, but with a subtler more laid back approach. The DJ Day meets Clutchy Hopkins remix of “All Alone” is one of the highlights, infectious vibes, brroding break beats, warm keys and sweet strings. The Heavy do a great job of “Got A Hunger?”, keeping the drums hard but sparse, with Stevie Wonder style keys.
Even with the same tracks remixed more than once, the differing styles, and the varied quality of remixes, Alice Russell’s voice still shines through, there are a number of remixes here that would suit different tastes, but to purchase a double CD on the strengths of these I am unsure. With Alice Russell, and even with the remixes here, when it’s good, it’s very good.
Wayne Stronell
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