Curtis Mayfield - Curtis Remixed (CD)

A Curtis Mayfield remix album - and it works.

By Nubian ∑agle ©™  Oct 16, 2006

Pros: Innovative and fresh re-workings of Mayfield hits

Cons: Soul snobs will cringe in horror

On paper, the idea of a Curtis Mayfield remix album is radical enough to repel most music fans. But uptight purists who turn their nose at a project like this miss the point. Remix albums don't (and can't) substitute the originals; all they do is provide an alternative take on the recording. On "Mayfield: Remixed," the late soul legend gets tasteful makeovers by some of the most respected DJs in the business: Louie Vega, King Britt, and Eric Kupper to name only a few. They take their songs and explore their potential by adding new and welcome twists, yet preserving the integrity and overall spirit of the original. I was really into King Britt's version of "Little Child Runnin' Wild," in which Britt takes the "Superfly" track through an underground trip of dark beats. Blaze's deep house version of "Freddie's Dead" is an eye opener, as is Eric Kupper's disco update of the upbeat "Move On Up." And Louie Vega gives his expectedly soulful twist in the housed-up version of "Superfly." If you're assuming that this CD is another collection of tacky, revved-up dance cheese, you'd be gravely wrong. "Mayfield: Remixed" affectionately pays due respect to one of the most vital soul pioneers of the 1970s through these classy re-workings.