Koop - Waltz For Koop (Alternative Takes)

WALTZ FOR KOOP (ALTERNATIVE TAKES) takes Koop's marvelous album and puts it through the remix machine, with good results overall. Nicola Conte's take of "Tonight," for instance, makes it speedier and more in line with Conte's own aesthetic. Refitting the waltz-rhythm lyrics into a strict 4/4 beat is troublesome, however, and the vocals seem a little off-kilter because of it (a problem that also plagues DJ Patlife's drum 'n' bass version of "Waltz for Koop"). Richard Dorfmeister and Madrid de Los Austrias house up "Relaxin' at Club F****n" even further, and Rima send "Bright Nights" into dubbed outer space. The standout on the album, however, is the Markus Enochson mix of "Summer Sun," which retains the bright, warm atmosphere and gives it a house kick drum. Perhaps it's a testament to the strength of the original that it can be so easily converted into a deep house club hit. Conversely, the 2 Banks of 4 mix of "Modal Mile" is somewhat bland, despite the addition of Valerie Etienne's considerable voice. A mixed bag, certainly, with quality taking the lead.