SIMONE - Mabsouta (reissue)

These days we're used to obscure dance records from around the world getting the reissue treatment. Even so, this previously CD-only Egyptian release from 1991 is a particularly deep pick. Happily, it's well worth the reissue treatment, particularly the breezy, colourful and deliciously groovy opener "Mabsouta", a bubbly and breathy synth-pop cover of Suzanne Vega classic "Tom's Diner" that wraps Simone's Egyptian vocals and sparkling pianos around a stunning synth bassline. You'll find more summery, almost Balearic synth-pop on the flip via the cheeky Hammond organ riffs, glistening guitars and dewy-eyed chords of "Al Eih". To round things off in style, Castro-Moore offers up a brilliant "Bonus Beats Chant" version of sparse but heavy drum machine and synthesizer jam "Rekka".