Tobtok And Oliver Nelson Rework The Flirtations’ Northern Soul Classic ‘Nothing But A Heartache’

Multi-million streaming Swedish producers Tobtok and Oliver Nelson link up to rework one of their favourite ever tracks, The Flirtations ‘Nothing But A Heartache’. The original was released in 1968, eventually reaching no.34 on the Billboard Hot 100, before its later discovery and revival as a Northern Soul classic. Decca’s A&R team went back to the vaults to find the original master and asked the Swedish duo to work on a new version. The prolific producers set to work, keen to preserve the magic of the original, while updating it for a new generation of listeners. The stunning vocal talents of The Flirtations shine through, and the result is an uplifting, soulful dance tune set to rule the airwaves as we close out the summer. Stream / download it here: https://TheFlirtations.lnk.to/NBAHeartachePR

Tobtok a.k.a Tobias Karlsson has generated over 600 million streams globally across remixes and productions for Joel Corry, Robin Schulz and Karen Harding to name a few. His original work includes ‘Fast Car’ – double platinum in Australia – and ‘New Levels’ – BBC Radio 1 ‘Tune of the Week’. Oliver Nelson has crashed through 400 million streams globally with high profile remixes for the likes of NEIKED, Ella Henderson, Kesha, Joel Corry and most recently Donna Summer. The in-demand producer collaborated with chart-topper Kygo on ‘Riding Shotgun’ and last year, saw his infectious bootleg of The Wombats ‘Greek Tragedy’ go viral on TikTok. Tobtok and Oliver Nelson were both discovered and signed by Perfect Havoc, the independent label behind the huge success of Joel Corry.

Decca Records is a much-loved label with a rich heritage and a back catalogue overflowing with seminal tracks and undiscovered gems, not least ‘Nothing But A Heartache’. The Flirtations released two albums on Decca in the late 60’s and early 70’s and continue to perform and record. The group have enjoyed highlights and successes around the world, touring with Sir Tom Jones, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops and more, appearing twice on Top of the Pops, and performing at Wembley Stadium, as well as enjoying multiple chart hits. ‘Nothing But A Heartache’ continues to be rediscovered and revered by subsequent generations of music lovers and looks set to be once again. 

Taking the irresistible chorus as the main hook, Tobtok and Oliver Nelson put The Flirtations’ vocals front and centre, accompanied by glorious horns and strings that evoke memories of classic 60’s soul from the likes of The Supremes and Martha & The Vandellas. With pumping house beats and a breakdown guaranteed to fill the dancefloor, this sunshine-soaked groove is impossible to ignore. 

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