We're On The Philly Track

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To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Philadelphia International, the musical home of sophisticated soul producers and songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff who paved the way for disco, Harmless Records will release a few albums in a short period of time. First up is 'Philadelphia International: The Re-Edits' that will be out on January 16th. One of the edits is a wonderful 're-kutt' from Todd Terje that I also selected for this mix. Other standout tracks on the album are 'Strategy' from Archie Bell & the Drells [Touchsoul Re-Edit] and 'Let The Dollar Circulate' from Billy Paul [ScratchNSniff Extended Re-Rub].

I like the final result, but most of the edits on 'Philadelphia International: The Re-Edits' stay very close to the originals. Compilers Ian Dewhirst and Jay Negron (Jski) did a great job, but they probably could have taken a few more risks here and there. Or aren't they the ones to blame and did the copyright owners block the more extreme make-overs? For instance, the 'Tim MacAllister Re-Edit' of 'Be for real' from Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes adds quite a lot to the original version, but it's a pity that this edit is an exception on this project.

Besides some original Philly gems, I gathered a couple of edits that are not on the album for one reason or another. Check them out, they're certainly worth listening to, so let's enjoy this (almost) 90 minutes Philly ride! You can find my previous Philly cloudcasts right here. And tell me, do you like the idea of reworking the Philly classics or is does it feel a little bit like cursing in church? Is it some kind of blasphemy?

Tracklist:

The Jones Girls – You're Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else [Leftside Wobble Edit]
Dee Dee Sharp Gamble – Easy Money [Todd Terje Rekutt]
South Shore Commission – We're On The Right Track [The Delayed Edit]
Jackie Moore – What A Man [ScratchNSniff Extended Re-Rub]
Eddie Holman – This Will Be A Night To Remember [Jski Extended]
Double Exposure – Ten Percent
Teddy Pendergrass – The More I Get, The More I Want [Dimitri From Paris Super Disco Blend]
First Choice – Smarty Pants [A Tom Moulton Mix]
The Dells – Don't Trick Me, Treat Me
Melba Moore – Promised Land [Jski Pt 2 Extended]
Vincent Montana, Jr. & Philly Sound Orchestra Feat. William 'Smoke' Howard – That's What Love Does [Jski Extended]
Anglo Saxon Brown – Straighten It Out
Ecstasy, Passion & Pain – I Wouldn’t Give You Up
The Modulations – It's Rough Out There
T.U.M.E. - Love Shortage
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes – Tell The World How I Feel About 'Cha Baby [A Dimitri From Paris Disco Re-Edit]


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