Soul Grabber Pt 3: The Remixes – A Timeless Canadian House Odyssey
Let’s get one thing straight: Paul Jacobs’ Soul Grabber Pt 3: The Remixes isn’t just another album from the late '90s—it’s a vibe. Released in 1998 under Aquarius Recordings, this Canadian gem dives deep into the electronic house scene with four remixes that feel like they were made for sweaty dance floors and late-night drives alike. If you’re into beats that grab your soul (pun intended) and don’t let go, this is your jam.
Now, I’ll be honest—I’m not someone who remembers every track on an album, but two cuts here stuck with me like gum on a summer sidewalk. First up, there’s “Soul Grabber Pt. 3 (M1 Jinxx Vocal Soul Mix).” This version hits different. It starts off smooth, almost teasing you with its sultry vocals before exploding into a groove so infectious it feels illegal. You know those moments when you’re walking down the street, headphones on, and suddenly you’re strutting like you own the place? Yeah, that’s this mix right here. The blend of soulful singing and thumping basslines creates this perfect storm of nostalgia and energy. Honestly, if DJing was still a thing I did (spoiler: it never really was), this would be my go-to opener.
Then there’s “Soul Grabber Pt. 3 (Tha S-Man Stole Ya Soul Mix)”, which flips the script entirely. Where the M1 Jinxx mix leans melodic, this one goes full-on dark and moody. Imagine being at some underground club where the lights are low, the air smells faintly of smoke, and everyone’s lost in their own little worlds. That’s the vibe here. The stripped-down drums slap hard, and the eerie synths give it this hypnotic edge. At one point, I swear I heard what sounded like whispers—like the track itself was trying to steal MY soul. Props to whoever “S-Man” is because this remix doesn’t mess around.
The other two tracks, “Tha Soulsonic Dub” and “Starvin’ Beats,” aren’t slouches either. They round out the EP nicely, each offering its own flavor of house goodness. But let’s keep it real—they didn’t leave as big a mark on me as the first two. Maybe it’s because they play it safer, sticking closer to classic house formulas without venturing too far into uncharted territory. Still solid though—definitely worth spinning if you’re building a playlist.
Here’s the thing about Soul Grabber Pt 3: The Remixes: it’s more than just music. Listening to it feels like stepping into a time capsule that somehow still works today. Sure, the production has that unmistakable '90s sheen, but the grooves are timeless. And yeah, maybe part of me loves it because it reminds me of simpler days when finding new music meant digging through crates or begging friends to burn CDs.
But here’s the kicker—this album makes me wonder: whatever happened to Paul Jacobs? Did he retire to a cabin somewhere and become a mushroom farmer? Or is he out there somewhere, quietly making bangers no one knows about? Either way, hats off to him for crafting something that still resonates over two decades later. So grab your copy (if you can find it!) and let these remixes remind you why house music will always have a piece of our collective soul.
