This Soulwax remix came out in 2002, the same year as 2manydjs’ ‘As Heard On Radio Soulwax Pt 2’. But it wasn’t included on the album. Only one previously released Soulwax remix, ‘I Sit On Acid (Soulwax Remix)’, is.
Arthur Argent was an alias used by Arthur Baker, the legendary NY producer who produced or remixed tracks for the likes of Afrika Bamaataa (‘Planet Rock’), New Order, Freez (‘I.O.U.’), Hall & Oats, Diana Ross, Pet Shop Boys and many more.
So you can understand why the Dewaeles might have been interested in doing a remix for him, on his brand new ‘Whacked Records’ label.
‘Hold Your Head Up’ samples the 1972 track with the same name from English rockband Argent. The band was founded in 1969 by keyboardist Rod Argent, formerly of the Zombies and was released on their album ‘All Together Now’.
It samples the chorus of the 1972 track. The lyrics ‘When it’s love that brings you down, don’t ever let them know. However hard they hurt you, don’t ever let them know. Hold your head up.’ is loosely based on the original lyrics by Argent (‘And if it’s bad, don’t let it get you down, you can take it. And if it hurts
don’t let them see you cry, you can make it. Hold your head up’.)
Arthur Baker’s mix on the 12” (‘AB Original Head Up Mix’) samples the original tune more in a Daft Punk style before the beats make it sound like a late 80’s New Order remix .
The remix was released on 12” and there’s also a white label version. Baker’s ‘Whacked Records’ label would only have one more release and has been defunct ever since.
Baker makes a cameo at the end of Soulwax’ E Talking video as the bouncer who would not let the band in the club (although you can clearly hear David say they are on (Danny) Tenaglia’s guest list).
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