XCLUSIV — Fools Are Friendly

Xclusiv – Fools Are Friendly appears on PHANTASY SOUND as catalogue PH151A, a 12-inch vinyl that revisits the 1982 DIY-dancefloor classic in a freshly remastered amber-vinyl repress. The release straddles disco and pop house, offering a sensuous blend of pop and soul that has long resonated on the dancefloor. Within the Phantasy Sound roster, this record follows the earlier PH151 pressing of the same title and arrives on the same day as the Gramrcy / John Loveless double A-side PH149B “Lucid / Feel So”. Earlier in 2026 the label delivered Roman Flügel’s “Tippex In My Eye (ft PYTKO)” (PH152) and Felix Da Housecat’s “Test Press (Aphrohead Remix / Erol Alkan Re-Edit)” (PH154), situating Xclusiv’s offering among a line-up that balances reworks and forward-looking disco-inflected productions. Side A opens with the “Extended Mix”, a lengthened version that preserves the original’s melodic charm while extending its groove for seamless mixing. The track’s structure provides DJs with ample room to layer additional elements, making it a versatile choice for both peak-hour peaks and more drawn-out, hypnotic moments. On the flip, the “Instrumental Mix” strips back the vocal layer, foregrounding the underlying rhythm and harmonic texture. This version serves as a useful tool for producers and selectors seeking to blend the track into sets that require a more stripped-back, yet still melodic, foundation. In the context of Xclusiv’s limited discography, the 2026 reissue revisits the same material as the earlier PH151 pressing, reinforcing the enduring appeal of “Fools Are Friendly”. The record’s placement among Phantasy Sound’s 2026 output—nestled between the energetic reworks of Cowboy Rhythmbox & Josh Caffe (PH155) and the kinetic “Buzz Saw” by Factory Floor (PH153)—highlights the label’s commitment to delivering fresh takes on classic dance music while maintaining a forward-looking aesthetic. For DJs, the extended arrangement of the A-side offers a reliable anchor for building momentum in a set, while the instrumental B-side provides a clean canvas for live remixing or layering with percussive accents. Collectors will appreciate the amber-vinyl finish, which not only distinguishes the pressing visually but also nods to the original era’s aesthetic, and the recreation of the full-colour sleeve that mirrors the 1982 packaging. The record is issued as a 12-inch vinyl, presented in an amber colour that reflects the label’s attention to tactile presentation. The pressing includes both the extended and instrumental versions, delivering the full experience of the original tape-sourced material. Xclusiv – Fools Are Friendly, PHANTASY SOUND, catalogue PH151A, 12-inch vinyl, 2 tracks. Tracklist: A1. Xclusiv – Extended Mix B1. Xclusiv – Instrumental Mix