LOOSE ENDS Vinyl & CDs

Review: Decca has seemingly listened to the cries of collectors and diggers everywhere by serving this reissue of two sought-after 7-inch singles from the 1960s Mod era, including their original B-sides intact. This is one of them, 'Tax Man' by Loose Ends, the British Beat quintet formed in 1963 in Bexleyheath in Kent and fronted by Alan Marshall. The band toured alongside acts like The Paramounts (later Procol Harum) and The Birds and this, their second and final single, was released in August 1966 to coincide with The Beatles' original. Featuring an added organ for extra dancefloor appeal, this is a timeless delight that still gets any floor going.

Review: Put simply, Loose Ends' 1985 hit 'Hangin' On A String' is not only a peerless UK soul classic, but also one of the greatest boogie-era dancefloor cuts full stop. You should really already own a copy, but if you don't, then this South Side reissue should be on your shopping list. Not only does it contain the band's brilliant original extended mix (B2) - a sing-along gem rich in hazy organ sounds, jazzy guitar solos and bustling electro-era beats - but also two celebrated 1992 remixes from Frankie Knuckles. Both are amongst the late, great DJ/producer's finest remixes, with the more instrumental and impeccably loved-up 'Reprise' version, in which Knuckles builds gently before eventually unleashing chorus vocals, being our pick of an incredibly strong pair.