Disco de Gus Gus: “Ladyshave [US]”

The "Ladyshave" single gave gusGus fans the tingling sensation that the soon-to-be released THIS IS NORMAL would be a more soulful kind of album with a whole lot of vibe. Now that the album has (long) been released, I can say that the "Ladyshave" single is even better than the album it was meant to hype.

First up is the original mix of "Ladyshave." It's a funky, urge-to-dance inducing techno-pop song which features Daniel Agust wistfully singing on the loss of his love, because he guessed he "must have messed it up, when I gave you the ladyshave." Whatever that act might be isn't too mysterious, and this gusGus song has a suave and sensual side.

Next is the Roy Davis Jr. remix of "Ladyshave," which turns it into a soul/Chicago-style house laidback lounge-style track. Roy Davis Jr. remixes the song so that the vocals quietly bubble over the twangy beats, and the result is an excellent remix.

The third track is Tim "Love" Lee's "Fully Bearded Remix" of Ladyshave. This time, the remix is totally alien to the original song. Lee throws out the vocals, instead creating a sinister and threatening techno track. It's different, but still good.

Fourth up is Sasha's "Midnight in Reykjavik" remix of the classic gusGus track "Purple." It's a trippy trance remix that is better than even the excellent original track. This is one of Sasha's best remixes, and its a shame it can be so hard to find.

Last is another song from THIS IS NORMAL, the thumping club-anthemic "Love Vs Hate," which is the same version as on the LP.

All in all, an excellent single and one of my favourite discs.

I was so enthralled with their beautiful 1997 release "Polydistortion." I thought the track "Believe" was the groove. So, naturally, I nearly wet my pants when I discovered the new single "Ladyshave." I wasn't disappointed either. A bit campy and free spirited from their previous blessings to our ears but that just proves how talented they really are. I can believe they can do anything. Look out America...

On the domestic "Ladyshave," you have the original version which is essential. The "Roy Davis Jr. Lady soul remix" and the "Tim Love Lee's fully bearded mix." Both of which are very good. To take it a step further, find the U.K. import CD1 of Ladyshave for the "Old School Lego Mix" for the house fans. On the domestic, you get "Purple (Sasha Midnight in Reykjavik)" which is a essential track for those of you who enjoy trance. "Love vs Hate" is a strong hardhouse thumper which is forthcoming on "This is Normal." Let me put it to you like this... Every DJ I know in this city will get this rammed down their throat basically, by me :) I'll threaten to bite them if they don't play it, and they'll be glad when they hear it. Not to mention the people on the dancefloor as well.

Oh, it's been so long since I've heard from Gus Gus. Not since Standard Stuff for Drama. Well, Ladyshave is groovin', though sounding more acid-jazzy than some of the previous work. I'm diggin' the remixes. And finally we get the full 9 minutes of Sasha's remix of Purple. Que bueno. And lastly, Love vs Hate, a track from the upcoming THIS IS NORMAL! Isn't it awesome? I heard the album version of Teenage Sensation too. They're both frickin' awesome. I am very much looking forward to the release of THIS IS NORMAL.

I saw them at a concert in Paris and I was thrilled and looked forward to hearing something new from them. I must say that I was dissapointed! Although I think the song would have been much better with Hafdis singing it rather then Daniel. Maybe I don't like the song simply because I don't like the voice of Daniel.