Various artists
Red Hot + Dance (Columbia) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
The 1990 ”Red Hot + Blue” compilation packaged current pop stars`
interpretations of Cole Porter`s music to raise money for AIDS education and relief. This time around, the spotlight is on deejays and producers, the hook being that each one will take a ”donated” song and remix it into something danceable. Not surprisingly, Brian Eno`s take on EMF`s ”Unbelievable” is the most adventuresome piece and best captures the intended spirit of the album. Gutting the original of everything but the guitar solo and vocals, he reconstructs the song to create something entirely new. Subtler changes are made by Sly and Robbie, who still manage to have a little fun with Madonna`s
”Supernatural.” Richie Rich solves the thorny problem of remixing a remix-PM Dawn`s ”Set Adrift on Memory Bliss”-by simply replacing the sleepy drum track of the ”original” with his own hyperkinetic creation. Todd Terry adds a few drum fills to Sly Stone`s ”Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” while Frankie Knuckles houses-up Lisa Stansfield`s ”Change.” George Michael, who initiated this project, includes three original, self-produced numbers, but only the raunchy ”Happy” carries any weight.
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