On paper, the idea of a Curtis Mayfield remix album is radical enough to repel most music fans. But uptight purists who turn their nose at a project like this miss the point. Remix albums don't (and can't) substitute the originals; all they do is provide an alternative take on the recording. On "Mayfield: Remixed," the late soul legend gets tasteful makeovers by some of the most respected DJs in the business: Louie Vega, King Britt, and Eric Kupper to name only a few. They take their songs and explore their potential by adding new and welcome twists, yet preserving the integrity and overall spirit of the original. I was really into King Britt's version of "Little Child Runnin' Wild," in which Britt takes the "Superfly" track through an underground trip of dark beats. Blaze's deep house version of "Freddie's Dead" is an eye opener, as is Eric Kupper's disco update of the upbeat "Move On Up." And Louie Vega gives his expectedly soulful twist in the housed-up version of "Superfly." If you're assuming that this CD is another collection of tacky, revved-up dance cheese, you'd be gravely wrong. "Mayfield: Remixed" affectionately pays due respect to one of the most vital soul pioneers of the 1970s through these classy re-workings.

The word "remix" should never replace the original interpretation of an artist work. But let it be known that even DJs, or mixers, gotta work too. They make a living mixing - and that is an art in itself also. Breathing fresh air into classics is the heart of this project...and it proves to be a worthy ride.

No, this project is not perfect - and it is not compiled with a great deal of patience; probably because of meeting deadlines, but it features a chunkful of gems that are sure to push Mayfield's influence towards today's generation. The bulk of the material bases its foundation on the drive of house/club music (which may not take this album into pop chart fame); yet the original melodies are obviously in place - including Mayfield's voice. Eric Kupper graciously takes on the task of mixing "Move On Up" (which was one of Mayfield's best dance tunes), and does one of the better arrangements of the whole project. The fresh horns and bouncing rhthyms is sure to electrify any club or party setting. Louie Vega and his popular Masters At Work Team adds a greater calypso flow to the original and stretches the song out to a good seven minutes. "Do Do Wap Is Strong In Here", another Mayfield political standout, probably remains true to its original form. With a few add-ons and keyboard effects, fans of the original will surely greet this one with open arms.

Of all the riveting cuts, "(Don't Worry) If There's A Hell Below..." gets the extra hype. It doesn't sound like the original, except for Mayfield's falsetto expressions in the lyrics. But the great part about this one is that it features a hefty electronica bounce that will have you dancing from the very beginning. Of course, it's the lyrics that is one should focus more on (even though the music may distract you), but it's a wonderful ride. Another great track one should check out is the riveting "We Got To Have Peace"; mixed wondrously by Eddie Baez.

Unlike one of the other reviewers, I personally didn't enjoy DJ Grandmaster Flash's take on "We're A Winner". The words were broken up so much and stretched out so drastically that it was hard to enjoy the flow. "People Get Ready" may be the only track that may offend, or upset, fans of the original. A gospel house version of this would have been suffice.

It would have been nice, or unique, to have the songs flow together in one heavy mix (in the form of modern day mix tapes). But individualizing each cut for each mixer probably would have been more beneficial in identifying their work. And plus, who would dare attempt to merge these songs together like that...and get cuzzed out later on.

This is a good journey of music and wonderful way in delivering Mayfield's influential music to today's generation of party-goers. Yes, funk still lives on...and soul music lives on...but what an excellent way of embracing a person's art; to re-introduce it with tribute in mind.

It is exactly what the title says it is...a remix album. If you like house and dance music, it's for you. If you want traditional, untouched Mayfield, stick to his unaltered recordings.

This has got to be one of the worst albums I've heard. Most songs are unrecognizable from the originals. If you like Curtis, skip this. If you are a fan of house music, you may like it.

If you're like me, old enough to remember Curtis in his prime and also old enough to have suffered through Disco, then this disk will be like torture to you. Most of these "remixs" come across and lame, discoizations of superior music. That same old tired "thumpa thumpa" beat is used in song after song.

I believe the "artists" who made these remixes have little or no love nor familiarity with Curtis' materiel. Most of the these tracks seemed to consist of Curtis' vocals being "square pegged" into some canned beat. Only "Move On Up" seems to have been complimented and/or improved by it's treatment on this disk. The rest are regrettable and forgettable Frankensteinian mish mashes that neither entertain nor enlighten.

If you honor and love Curtis and his legacy, avoid this piece of trash like the plague.

Da Worfster