When the English experimental new wave band The Flying Lizards cover one of my favourite soul classics, nothing is left untouched.

“Move On Up” was released in 1970 on Curtis Mayfield’s debut album Curtis. Nearly nine minutes long, driven by propulsive percussion and horns, the track became one of the great soul classics and a permanent dancefloor weapon in my DJ crate.

The Flying Lizards turn Mayfield’s classic into something completely different, and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. 

Their version, released in 1980, is cool, minimalist, and almost mechanical. Instead of a groove explosion, you get stripped-down beats, dry sounds, and detached vocals.

A soul classic in experimental new wave form, simply brilliant, and as a very affordable 7-inch a true no-brainer for the collection.