The legendary Hard Times stands to attention this May, showcasing two new remixes of Karen Pollard’s classic ‘Reach Out To Me’ by Paul Woolford.
When you think of Hard Times, like us you will think of the classic club nights in Leeds, or the famous records covers, brilliant in white with just simple black text, or even the stunning live LP ‘A Night In The Life Of Todd Terry’ or the must have Roger Sanchez collection ‘Hard Times – The Album’.
However you remember Steve Raine’s much loved and idolised party turned label, there was a catalogue of music that has been pretty untouched since the mid 90’s. Recently Raine has unlocked the vaults and started to drip feed us some remixes and edits of classics like Michael Watford’s ‘Love Changeover’ or Todd Terry’s ‘Bounce To The Beat’ and now it’s time for the classic 1996 track, ‘Reach Out To Me’ by Karen Pollard who also recorded as Karen Pollack.
Albeit there was a set of remixes released back in 2014 from the likes of Spen, Paperboys and Ralph Lawson & Tuccillo, fast forward ten years and there is a welcoming embrace for a new brace of remixes, especially from the fellow Leeds-raised Paul Woolford aka Special Request aka Bobby Peru.
“‘Reach Out To Me’ has always been one of my favourite US garage records, so when the opportunity to rework it came up one hazy summer evening last year, I knew it had to be done. Both mixes have been road-tested and have caused havoc in all sorts of situations, from warehouse raves to basement afters to peak-time sessions and beyond.” Paul Woolford
The Paul Woolford remix is a chugging, straight up House track. Energetic drums, spin backs and summer-washed guitar solos set the table for Pollard’s rich, soul-drenched vocal to start engulfing the vibe. From it’s lazy, sun-soaked intro the track quickly moves into weaponised mode, bulbous bass tones and energetic drums begin to drive us to the dance floor heavens.
The Special Remix is not really for us but does offer a great alternative for those who loved the early to mid 90’s UKG sound reminiscent of Ice Cream Records & RIP Productions. Plenty of fun energy on this one, just imagine Tuff Jam or Norris Da Boss Windross hammering this back in the day and from what we hear the young generation on the floors are loving this kind of sound again today.
Overall a great package and we look forward to giving the Woolford a spin out at the weekend! Pre order the release here now.
