- The last time we saw Jersey-based analog-house outfit Pink Stallone they were self-releasing a gritty bit of slow-mo sleaze called "The Six," an ostensible ode to the thrills and spills of public transportation. Like its predecessor, "Dancing in Time" handily captures a spirited meeting of old school and new school. Vocalist Joey Washington, who cut a number of memorable tracks on Strictly Rhythm in the early '90s, rekindles his collaboration with the group, and the deployment of vintage gear, in bonky drum patterns and analog swoosh, feels simultaneously retro and edgy. The biggest difference is that Stallone have cleaned up their act for the better, sounding certainly poppier but also generally more streamlined and focused, and showing a more judicious use of embellishment. "Dancing in Time" exudes the off-the-cuff charm of early vocal house, with Washington's falsetto bobbing in and out of a winding groove composed of fragmented disco drums and fuzzy synthesizers, and its agreeable, feel-good nature make it about as easy to resist as free beer.
No Regular Play's remix is both sexier and dancier, yet they manage to maintain the original's rough appeal: both the bass and the big, bright synths have a rowdy, hand-played feel to them. Mugwump's remix comes off shined-up and sophisticated, with a round, dubby low-end and classy piano chords—a tuxedo and martini version where the original sticks to hi-tops and hot dogs. Washington's voice sampled and replayed in angelic chords is a nice touch. The last remix features another old-new team-up in the form of Stallone mastermind Daniele Barbarosa together with Washington's old Strictly producer Paul Scott. A cranked-up tempo and a bricklayer rhythm section, all chunky drums and slap bass, provide the backbone of the tune's heaviest rework, turning the original's hang-out vibes into disco carthasis.
Tracklist A1 Dancing In Time
A2 Dancing In Time (Mugwump Remix)
B1 Dancing In Time (No Regular Play Remix)
B2 Dancing In Time (BOP & Daniele B Remix)