Club Beat #80: Cloud 9, Do You Want Me Baby (Dusky & Total Science Remixes)

Released on Monday, Victor Simonelli’s classic Cloud 9 track, ‘Don’t You Want Me Baby’, has been remastered for 2012 and updated by London deep duo Dusky and drum n bass legends Total Science resulting in three very different tracks, building on Toolroom Records’ already diverse  back catalogue.

Victor Simonelli, irrefutably a master of house music, has spent his life devoted to music: through DJing, producing, mixing, song writing and running his own label. He is one of the pioneers of New York’s underground dance music movement, leading the way with his unique and uplifting music. His name is synonymous with the cutting edge of the dance music scene. Thus, Toolroom have paid homage to this history and updated one of his classics, Cloud 9’s Do You Want Me Baby, with a set of three eclectic remixes.

London’s own Alfie Granger-Howell and Nick Harriman, aka Dusky, have a very interesting take on house music, releasing productions that allude to the genre’s traditions whilst maintaining a distinctly UK underground edge. Drawing influence from everything from deep Detroit techno and UK garage to classical and avant-garde electronica and as comfortable writing elegant orchestral pieces or stirring piano motifs as they are house and techno grooves, they have solidified their reputation as producers with a broad appeal. With all this in mind, Dusky are a great choice to give Do You Want Me Baby a revamp whilst maintaining the essence of the original track. Their remix keeps those classic piano chords and the emotional vocals whilst adding depth and building on the bass. They have (re)created a house classic for a new generation.

In contrast, Total Science’s Jason Greenhalgh and Paul Smith take the track in a completely different direction with a sub heavy liquid remix that pays homage to old school drum n bass. The result of these legendary producers’ work mirrors the heritage that the original track holds in house circles. Plus with Total Science’s Toolroom support already including Bailey, DJ Marky, Friction and Mistajam, this transformation of Do You Want Me Baby holds promise to cause waves with the bass scene elite.

Last but certainly not least, Simonelli’s 1993 classic is refreshed for 2012 with improved production. With Cloud 9’s original anthem accompanying Dusky and Total Science’s remixes, this is not only a diverse release but also a nod to the heritage of modern dance music and the connections between the different genres.

Cloud 9’s ‘Do You Want Me Baby (Dusky & Total Science Remixes)’ are available now.

Follow Toolroom Records, Victor Simonelli, Dusky and Total Science on twitter.

- Ann Bartholomew