The Lover That You Are

A vocal classic that’s getting on a bit (13 years old already people!), Jellybean Benitez shuffles the pack and freshens up arguably his premier dancefloor movement that over the years has been home to more than one decent, Ritzy-crowd bootleg (yes yes, they may have been sacrilegious, but there’s no denying Antoinette Robertson’s vocals over Camisra’s/Double 99’s biggest moments).

On its re-launch for 2008, NYC veteran, Underground Collective’s Marlon D (pictured), and George Mena (John Legend, Beyonce and Barbara Tucker amongst his remix clients) are handed the task of bringing it back up to speed, specifically told to aim for where the high rollers ordering the most expensive bubbly are hanging out. The Club mix is typecast for the sunshine terrace, coasting out of the latest all-the-rage bar and handpicking stock elements from the soulful house catalogue. Going along the shelf, there’s an unfailing bongo segment where the palms ping off the skins, string scythes cutting urgency into the humid keys, and a notably graceful piano section three-quarters in fanning away any potential Latin loco. Warm, tender, loving, and easing in to proceedings nicely.

The deep and dub mixes aim to have feet leaving the floor, hovering just above it in suspended spiritualism examining its own majesty with arching, snaking chords wafting through despite an initially tough-sounding set of drums. Time and again, funky, soulful house of this ilk freewheels along without ever threatening to uncover its anonymity. Despite this probably being the target more often than not, it’s sometimes too quick to disappear into the background and subsequently from the memory bank of those hanging poolside.

Mena & D set the ripple effect in motion, but having an instantly recognisable vocal to work with – Robertson remains someone not to rile - instantly puts their remixes on an upward turn.  Fans of the original will be pleased that it’s received due respect and that it remains a strong force after all these years. Newcomers will appreciate having such a vocal to hang onto.