Jamie Lidell - Multiply
[Warp]

Lidell looks like a refugee from the Pogues on the cover of this single, taken from his album of the same name. But somehow, he’s been possessed by the spirit of Tamla Motown.

Multiply owes its origins to the world of Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson and Al Green, but isn’t just a derivative pastiche. Simple beats, easy guitar and deep down dirty soul vocals – there’s not much to say other than: This is a great tune.

The three remixes are also gems. Herbert’s Hoedown Bump skas things up rhythm-wise, and adds in weird squelches and tweets of electronica, while Hot Chip’s Mouth Remix firmly re-establishes the link between soul and house with its driving beat, pared down vocals and harmonica interludes. You need to hear this version in a dark and sweaty club. The Gonzales Piano Mix is cheesily brilliant – all lounge-bar piano, handclaps and gospel backing vocals. It swings.