There are 4 remixes here, including drum&bass from Lenzman and smooth but sorta broken, electro-boogie care of Hidden Spheres. However, it’s Mali-I’s radical reggae reimagining that really leaps out.* The original track, lifted from 2024’s Desire! EP, already showcased Private Joy’s spellbinding vocals and characteristically clever but catchy lyrics, with the high notes recalling the high points of iconic `80s R&B divas, but now they’re backed by a very “organic” roots sound. 

A piano steps in a “Funky Kingston” fashion, there are little flashes of Jackie Mittoo-esque organ, and the B-line resembles Robbie Shakespeare. Guest MC Fox’s slick but gruff slice of toasting providing a cool contrast to PJ’s seductive sweetness. The results are a polished piece of lovers rock, and the production is then given even more opportunity to shine when spatially separated  on the deadly accompanying dub. Delay-drenched and pretty spectacular this twists the sonics inside out in clear tribute to Jamaica’s `70s pioneers. The bottom end gurgling, under the command of manhandled high-pass filters. Cymbals flying. For the Balearic-ally inclined you could slot this in right alongside Mad Professor’s shake of Sade or the Muffin Mix of The Beloved’s Time After Time.

Private Joy’s Pure Love Remixed can be ordered directly from Rhythm Section International.

*Mali-I’s Sunday Feel – on Turbo Guidance – got some love from us back in the autumn of 2020.