The Human League has released a remix of its classic 80s hit “Don’t You Want Me.”
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the track that made them a household name, the English trio has teamed up with German DJ and producer Purple Disco Machine to give it a new lick of paint. This new version of “Don’t You Want Me” puts a fresh, modern twist on the original while still retaining its 80s essence.
“I can’t say how happy I am with the Purple Disco Machine remix of ‘Don’t You Want Me,’ because my favorite pop music ever is Disco,” explains The Human League’s lead singer Phil Oakey.
“I’ve been following Tino Schmidt for a few years, both for his original songs and his terrific remixes. Although I’m happy with those remixes that are a completely alternate take to the original I’m really knocked out that Tino’s mix is the first since the original that totally understands the spirit and enhances it while bringing our track right up to date, standing powerfully up against my favorite contemporary dance tunes.”
“And now I’m going to listen to it again, as loud as the neighbors will stand!” “I am absolutely honored to remix ‘Don’t You Want Me,’” adds Purple Disco Machine. “It is quite simply one of the best records ever made and I’ve been desperate to play a version in my DJ sets for years.
“I deliberately kept my remix faithful to the original as I knew I could not tamper too much with those incredible verses and chorus as they deliver such powerful recognition and joy from the audience. Already everybody sings the words back to me when I play it in my DJ sets! I’ve hopefully brought enough Purple Disco Machine to proceedings to make it worthy of the 40th anniversary.”
“Don’t You Want Me?” was originally released in 1981 and became the biggest selling single of the year, also claiming that year’s Christmas No.1 spot. It later became the fifth best-selling single of the 80s, and is the 23rd most successful single in British chart history.
The Human League will be touring the UK in December to celebrate 40 years of their landmark record Dare, which “Don’t You Want Me” is taken from.
Human League: A Very British Synthesizer Group is available on CD and DVD.