Eli Escobar - Happy Again (2017)

There's something pleasingly old-fashioned about Happy Again, an album of alternative versions and remixes of tracks from Eli Escobar's acclaimed Happiness full-length. Thanks to the presence of DJ-friendly dubs, rhythm tracks and acappellas, it feels like Classic looked to the pioneering remix albums of the 1980s for inspiration. What really makes it stand out, though, is the quality of the material. Kon's rework of "Happiness (Part 2)" offers the perfect balance between subtle house and voodoo disco, while Soulphiction and Soul Clap steal the show with contrasting deep house takes on "Can't Stop Dancing" and "4 Luv". We're particularly impressed, too, with the freestyle-tinged revision of "Chaka Khan" by The Carry Nation, while Escobar's own dub of "Happiness (Part 2)" is a loose, warm and groovy treat.