[Juno Records] (buy)

The fourth volume of Juno Records’ 10th anniversary series shines a light on the British synth-soul trio, Imagination, and includes new remixes by Lindstrøm and Dimitri From Paris. The flamboyant threesome (seriously, check out some of their album art) joined forces in 1981 after stints as back-up singers for The Delfonics and Chairmen of the Board. Their light-hearted tunes were heavily rhythmic, marrying a proto-house sound with the big harmonies and spacious sound design of ELO. Their biggest hit was “Just An Illusion,” a loping synth-funk track whose pristine harmonies, fat-bottomed bass and generous good vibes endeared itself with Americans enough to reach number 27 on the Billboard charts.

Listen to Imagination’s “Just An Illusion” (Lindstrøm vocal remix):

I can’t think of a better candidate to have a crack at “Just An Illusion” than Hans-Peter Lindstrøm; the group’s influence on the Norwegian songwriter is apparent in his easy-striding, bouncy movements, occasionally sharing an instrumental palatte as well. Opting to use only original components in his remix, Lindstrøm’s light touch approach to “Just An Illusion” is closer in style to one of Larry Levan’s extended edits. Whereas the original quickly brought in its entire instrumental arsenal, Lindstrøm imbues well-paced space between sections, such as the sparse, DJ-friendly opening and the gradually unfolding pre-chorus. The dub version is a much more substantial reworking, as Lindstrøm invents a new main riff of jellied arpeggios and loops Rhodes licks into tighter patterns. Either of these would fit perfectly into a cosmic/beardo disco set; and the option to choose a more traditional or progressive version is a big bonus as well. Juno scores again with its anniversary series.