The Shapeshifters – Lola’s Theme

Review: First released in 2003, Shapeshiters' mega-smash 'Lola's Theme' is one of the best-loved disco-house records of the time - a fantastic peak-time workout that made merry with a sped-up sample from Johnnie Taylor's 1982 slo-mo disco gem 'What About My Love'. This reissue naturally leads with the original version, but the headline attraction is a trio of more recent reworks. Nu-disco superstar Purple Disco Machine steps up first, re-framing it as a loopy, filter-rich 'French Touch' style workout, before Tripolism slow the cut down a touch and give the various familiar elements (vocals, the Johnnie Taylor samples and a piano re-play of the famous melody) more room to breathe. Finally, the legend that is Norman Jay delivers a full vocal take featuring heavier, more energetic grooves and plenty of carnival-ready disco sauce.