Silk - Hooked On You - (1995)

Elektra ‎– EKR212CD, Elektra ‎– 7559-66055-2

Discovered by Keith Sweat, Silk are an American R&B group, formed in 1989 in Atlanta, Georgia. They are best known for their 1993 hit single, "Freak Me", which reached number-one on the US Billboard Hot 100. They've had a string of other hits, but this one is my favourite.

There are a suite of remixes on here but the Original Extended Mix is by far the best to my ears. 

We start with DJ Clark Kent's mix, sampling Isaac Hayes' A Few More Kisses to Go, no doubt inspired by Redman's use of the sample.

Next up are the Trackmasters, and while I normally find them a little formulaic for my tastes, this is a surprisingly good mix.

The Chucklife mix is kinda boring to me so moving on quickly to The Trackmasters Hip Hop mix, which features Foxy Brown and Tyme dropping a bar each.

Which all brings us back to the highlight of this CD for me, the Original Extended Mix; simply perfect. I love those Ironside style sirens!

All in all, this was a really great value CD, packed with multiple versions. I'd have liked an acapella but I've lost count how often I say that!

Enjoy!

Tracklist

1. Hooked On You (Radio Edit)
2. Hooked On You (D.J. Clark Kent Remix Edit)
3. Hooked On You (Trackmasters Remix)
4. Hooked On You (Chucklife Remix)
5. Hooked On You (Trackmasters Hip-Hop Remix)
6. Hooked On You (Original Extended Mix)

Download: S-HOY.7z | Filesize: 62.4MB

Keith Sweat - I Want Her (UK '97 Mixes) - UK CDS - (1997)

Elektra ‎– E3887CD, Elektra ‎– 7559-63887-2

Originally released in September 1987 and produced by Keith Sweat and Teddy Riley. This anthem was a real highpoint and defining moment for New Jack Swing.

This rerelease and suite of remixes was released on the decade anniversary and actually bought some new and interesting vibes to the table.

First up we have The Young Disciples' Femi Fem doing his thing. It sticks mostly  to the vibe of the original but has some nice new instrumentation. There are three flavours with a radio mix, full length and instrumental to pick from. Really nice!

Funky DL comes next, bringing a 90s Hip Hop tinged feeling to things. This mix is probably my favourite of the new versions. I love the bounce and it feels incredibly summery. I keep wanting to bop around to it so it must have a certain X-factor to it.

There are two versions from the Dubaholics next, a full vocal and a dub, and actually, although I'm normally dismissive of four-to-the-floor remixes of tracks that I love, these are pretty damn good, and would certainly have their place in the club. These are not some half-assed house remixes - they actually work. Booty shakin' and nice (even if they are my least favourite versions on this disc).

Lastly, there is the Teddy Riley original. An impeccable, timeless and legendary classic. Do I really have to say anything about such an awesome piece of New Jack Swing & R&B history?

All in all, it's a really tight release to mark the tenth year anniversary of a classic. None of the new mixes let the original down and it still has the original full length version as well. Result!

Tracklist

1. I Want Her (Femi Fem's '97 Radio Mix)
2. I Want Her (Femi Fem's Master Mix)
3. I Want Her (Femi Fem's Instrumental)
4. I Want Her (Funky DL Remix)
5. I Want Her (Dubaholics Vocal Dub Mix)
6. I Want Her (Dubaholics Deep Club Dubb)
7. I Want Her (Album Version)

Download: KS-IWH-97.7z | Filesize: 81.1MB