 Almighty Records in the U.K. has forged a great relationship with the catalog division of Motown/Universal,Hip-O/Select. Almighty was commissioned to remix many of Diana’s classic records w/The Supremes and as a solo artist. They were most notable for discovering a lost lyric line in “Love Child” that was not only exciting musically, but, also helped to complete the storyline of the song. Various remixes showed up on Diana Ross and The Supremes “#1s” (“You Keep Me Hangin’ On”), “Queer as Folk 2” soundtrack (I’m Coming Out), etc.
Word had been circulating for years that this relationship would eventually lead to Almighty remixing an entire album of those well-known hits. In this tough environment for the music industry, Motown has to be commended in allowing Almighty to have an exclusive license window of the digital album. After initially only being available on the Almighty Records site and iTunes U.K., the digital album is now available on soulmusic.com before its global release in early spring 2010.
For fans of great dance music as well as Ms. Ross’ ardent legion of fans, Almighty does not disappoint. Along with expected triumphs on club classics like “The Boss”, “Love Hangover” and “Livin’ Lovin’ Givin”. The amazing team at Almighty U.K. has transformed Diana’s “Reach Out And Touch (Somebody’s Hands) into a entrancing, late night lounge groove. One of my favorite ballads “I Thought it Took a Little Time” has been remade into a hot, vintage dance record that leaves me almost speechless.
It is the unbelievable mega-mix, “In The Mix” a continuous loop of Diana’s greatest hits that goes on for over and hour and 15 minutes, that is worth the price of this entire album alone. It is within this mix the Almighty Records team of remixers rises to the occasion. It opens up with the all too familiar “If there’s a cure for this, I don’t want it…” from “Love Hangover”. It is both alluring and definitive of what is about to transpire. And if you think you know it well enough, Almighty makes you think again. When I first put on the album, I listened to it almost as background music since I had been familiar with a few of the mixes already. Not being a dance music afficinado, I approached it rather tentatively. About 30 minutes into the mix, you are pulled in. There are great bonuses beats and clever vocal loops that give the songs a renewed life as you trip the light fantastic. One can only wonder at how the remixers leave none of Diana’s vocal ad libs on the cutting room floor to make this glorious celebration of Diana’s finest moments. It all comes together in a most dramatic way. For Ross fans, moments of euphoria are captured as the mix begins one of its numerous auralgasms. A glorious, inspiring sensation welcomes the arrival of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” segueing into a sunny and illumnious entrance of “The Boss” which glides into a hot percussive groove. And then precise vocal edits are extracted from “Remember Me” to greet Ross’ adlibs of oooo’s and yeah’s (Didn’t I inspire…. you a little higher) a fantastic reminder of some of Ashford & Simpson’s fine work with Diana. A fan can only stand up and say, “yes indeed!” (Didn’t I inspire….you a little higher….didn’t I inspire you a little higher) no more of a declaration could better describe Diana’s relationship to her fans. And then the Almighty masters trigger yet another unexpected auralgasm in recreating “I Thought it Took it Took a Little Time” in a triumphant, dance floor filler. Obviously, I could go on and on. You will not be disappointing. You may even find renewed faith in the worn remix album concept. And you most certainly will know why the Almighty Records UK team proudly declares, “We Love Diana Ross”, one of America’s greatest natural resources.
Rating: 10
Kirk Bonin has worked in the music industry for the last three decades. He describes himself as "a child of Motown and the classic rock era." Having spent the balance of his career at Arista Records, his experience and passion gives him a unique perspective on music and the music industry. Kirk can be contacted via email at bokiluis@gmail.com
About the Writer
K. Bonin has worked in the music industry for the last three decades. He describes himself as "a child of Motown and the classic rock era." Having spent the balance of his career at Arista Records, his experience and passion gives him a unique perspective on music and the music industry.
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