December 21, 2011

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Nicki Minaj - Stupid Hoe

This is the second song premiered from her forthcoming Roman Reloaded album. "Stupid Hoe" is an outrageous, over the top, hyper uptempo in which Nicki (as Roman) calls out some very specific people without naming names who have thrown shade at her ever since she arrived on the scene. It is an all around fun track, but does come across as a novelty. Nicki's rapidfire delivery is on point as usual though.

Purchase the song from iTunes Explicit | Clean

Grade: B
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Florenza - Heartbreaker (Remixes)

This is the latest single from the Brazilian singer. She takes after vocal powerhouses Celine Dion and Whitney Houston, who she idolized growing up. Florenza beautifully showcases her vocals on "Heartbreaker" which is a lovely midtempo. There are remixes of this by The Krafters and Manny Lehman. Both deliver equally palatable big room, circuit mixes. Manny's mix is much harder hitting and more melodic and is the better one of the two. This should be a dancefloor smash in the coming year.

-Listen to the original and remixes here (Florenza's website)
-Purchase the digital single here (iTunes)

Grade: A
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Carlos Nóbrega - Pitiful: The Echoes

The original version was previously reviewed on 9/21.
Out today is the remix EP for "Pitiful." There are 9 different versions. Of the uptempo mixes, the circuit oriented JM Castillo & Carlos Del Rio and minimal Sky mixes are the best of the bunch. The Acoustic version is really pretty as well giving the song a slightly more somber feel. Every mix is pretty good though.

The EP includes the following mixes:
-Acoustic version
-Pablo Rodriguez Remix
-FluxKyzum Remix
-JM Castillo & Carlos del Rio Remix
-Paulo Pacco Remix
-Stop Calling Dub Joel Remix
-Sky Remix
-Armada Urbana Remix
-Adri C Remix

-Listen to previews of all 9 mixes here (YouTube)
-The EP can be downloaded for free from Carlos' website. Click the Pay with a Tweet or Facebook button to get it.

Grade: A-

December 19, 2011

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Prince - Dance 4 Me (Remixes)

This song is from his 2009 IMPLSoUND album which was released exclusively through Target stores in the U.S. The song has many of the sounds that have been long associated with the legend throughout his illustrious career from the drums or the pitched up vocals (especially as part of his "Camille" recordings). It's a funky Dance number that could have easily appeared on one of his albums from the 80s. There are some remixes by Jamie Lewis, David Alexander, and Brian Matrix. Jamie Lewis' mix has a Disco/Funky House feel with a hint of Electro. David Alexander's is a full on Electro mix. Brian Matrix's has a circuit feel to it. The Dominatrix and Tribal Drum mixes are just funkier versions of the original. Overall, the Jamie Lewis mix is the best of the bunch.

Listen to the mixes:
Prince "Dance 4 Me" by Purple Music

Grade: B+

December 16, 2011

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Adam Lambert - Better Than I Know Myself

This is the lead single off of his sophomore album Trespassing. Produced by Dr. Luke (known mainly for his work with Kelly Clarkson, Ke$ha, and Katy Perry), this song is a light Electro/Pop midtempo. It has some of the production cornerstones of Dr. Luke's work, however, this has a freshness that many of his productions have lacked during the few years. Vocally, Adam sounds pretty good. He shows a little restraint on this one opting not to show off his impeccable range. This one is a nice change from the full-on ubiquitous Dance/Pop sound of late.

December 15, 2011

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Denis Naidanow feat. Juan Magan - Shuri Shuri (Crazy)

This is the latest release from the DJ/producer. It is an unusual track combining male rap, some vocals in a foreign language, and an irresistible old style instrumental hook. Although a bit jarring at first, this song is quite the grower and would really kill on the dancefloor. The original version is pretty straightforward while the Bodybangers mix changes up the structure a bit and has a production calling to mind Nicola Fasano's "75, Brazil Street", plus some well-timed breakdowns. Overall, this is an interesting song that is in the same vein as "Stereo Love", "We No Speak Americano", and "Mr. Saxobeat." It's worth a listen.

Purchase the digital single here (iTunes)
  • Listen to the Original here (YouTube)
  • Listen to the Bodybangers Remix here (YouTube)

Grade: B+

December 13, 2011

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Tony Moran presents Mix Magic Music Unmixed

Nearly 6 months after the release of his highly anticipated mixed compilation album comes the Unmixed edition featuring full length unmixed, and uncut versions of the songs featured on the compilation, along with some additional radio edits and alternate versions.

December 11, 2011

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Rizzle Kicks - Mama Do The Hump (Remixes)

Hailing from Brighton, England, this Hip Hop duo is ready to take the world by storm with their latest single. Produced by Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim), the song is extremely infectious with its guitar riff loops, marching band drums, and that old school styled vocal hook. There's a full package of mixes, however the Freemasons remixes are the one to go for. The main versions start off at a house tempo and then builds into the tempo of the original before going back to the house one again. Elements from the original version are kept and worked to perfection. Their Boozer version is at the tempo of the original as well.
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Loverush UK! feat Bryan Adams - Tonight In Babylon

This is the Canadian rocker's latest foray into clubland after "Don't Give Up" with Chicane in 2000, which was a major hit. "Tonight In Babylon" is a stunning Electro House (with a hint of Rock) track in its main version with Bryan's amazing vocals.

December 9, 2011

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Dev feat Enrique Iglesias - Naked

This is the lead single off of her sophomore album The Night The Sun Came Up due in January. She teams up with Latin heartthrob Enrique Iglesias. Produced by The Cataracs (who have worked with Dev before), the song is a catchy Electro/Dance/Pop one. Dev and Enrique, complementing each other nicely, go back and forth singing to each other in a somewhat sensual manner. The song is well-produced, well-sung, and is sure to be a smash in the new year.

Grade: A-
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DJs From Mars feat. Fragma - Insane (In Da Brain)

This is the collaboration of the mega bootleg act and the German trio. DJs From Mars are known for their unusual and unlikely bootleg mixes that somehow work. Fragma is the German group responsible for the modern dancefloor classic "Toca's Miracle." Featuring vocalist Damae, the song is in the Electro/Pop style in its original version. This song could easily fit in with the Dance/Pop music that is all over the radio airwaves these days.

There are many, many remixes of this. They are in the range of harder Electro/House all the way to Dubstep. The Gabry Ponte and Muttonheads mixes are the best of the bunch in addition to the original. The other versions are good as well.

Purchase the digital single with all 17 versions here (Radikal)
An abbreviated single is available here (Beatport)

Grade: A-

December 1, 2011

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Mike Posner - Looks Like Sex

After a string of several hit singles from his debut album, he is all set to begin his sophomore album era. "Looks Like Sex" is a midtempo Electro/Pop track.
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Yinon Yahel feat Maya Simantov - Like It (When We Do)

This is the latest release from Israeli producer/DJ Yinon Yahel and singer-songwriter Maya Simantov. "Like It (When We Do)" recalls the production style of earlier Maya tracks produced with both Offer Nissim and Yinon Yahel, specifically the classic "Be My Boyfriend". It combines both that earlier sound with what Yinon has been doing recently. Maya is as good as she usually is on vocals. There are 7 remixes, in addition to the original. All versions are circuit-oriented with some being a little harder, and some with more Electro elements. All the versions are pretty good, however, the Stephan Grondin & Alain Jackinsky and Allan Natal mixes are especially outstanding.

Listen to clips and purchase the digital single here (Yinon's store on Facebook)

Grade: A

November 26, 2011

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Gloria Estefan - Hotel Nacional (Remixes)

This is the latest club single off of her Miss Little Havana concept album. The uptempo number is sort of a throwback with the Milk & Sugar vs. Vaya Con Dios "Hey Nah Nah Nah" samples. It is a sassy, fun song. The lyrics are very campy and novelty-ish, but they're enjoyable.

November 19, 2011

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Deborah Cox - If It Wasn't For Love (Remixes)

First performed and premiered in late July, the new single from Deborah Cox will hit the clubs real soon.

November 13, 2011

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Alex M.O.R.P.H. feat Sylvia Tosun - An Angel's Love

Trancemaster Alex M.O.R.P.H. teams up with vocalist Sylvia Tosun for this big room Trance epic. The production is a absolutely stunning, calling to mind the same sort of higher tempo, uplifting Trance that was coming out at the start of the 2000s. Sylvia's ethereal vocals are exquisite, floating beautifully over the production. The additional remix by Alex with Chriss Ortega unfortunately loses the beauty and drama of the main versions, sounding like one big Electro mess. The breaks in between capture what the main versions had, but at the lower tempo, it doesn't work well.

November 12, 2011

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Tony Moran feat Jennifer Holliday - Magic

This is the latest single culled from Tony Moran's Mix Magic Music compilation. Legendary singer Jennifer Holliday delivers a fiery vocal performance. Her voice is in excellent form. The main version produced by Tony Moran, Warren Rigg, and Dave Saronson is every bit the big room anthem one would expect from them.

November 5, 2011

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Guinevere - Crazy Crazy

She is a new Dance/Pop singer-songwriter hoping to make a name for herself with this Cirkut produced song. Her voice and visual image call to mind Gwen Stefani, Ke$ha, and Lady Gaga. The memorable hook and chorus is just so cute.

There are are remixes for this by Dave Aude, DJ Escape & Tony Coluccio, and DJ Kue.
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Aiden Leslie - Trying To Leave Now

This is the latest single from the New York-based singer. Aiden's vocal style calls to mind Boy George, Andy Bell, and a little of The Human League. The song is really catchy. The original is an Electro Dance/Pop with a hint of Rock song.

There are many remixes of this by Orly Productions, Nick Harvey & Scott Aviance, Joe Mancuso, Joe C & David Petrilla, Jerome Farley & Floor One, and The Werkin' Brothers.

November 2, 2011

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Wayne G feat Melissa Totten - Beautiful Stranger

This is indeed a remake of the Madonna song from 1999. This remake began life as a private mix featuring the original vocals, however, professional Madonna impersonator Melissa Totten has recorded new vocals for it. She tries to remain faithful to Madonna's vocal performance, managing to capture some of the subtle nuances and affects of Madonna's voice. But nothing compares to the real thing. The big room production on Wayne G and Andy Allder's main mixes contains some replayed elements from the Victor Calderone club mix of the Madonna one. Joe Gauthreaux, Casey Alva, and James Torres provide additional remixes. Joe's mix is far less dramatic than his usual. Casey Alva's mixes are really synthy. And James Torres's are more dubby. Overall, the main mix is the best of the bunch. Please do check out the Victor Calderone mixes of the original if you haven't already.

The digital release will happen on November 8.

Listen to clips of the mixes:



Grade: B+

October 31, 2011

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Lady Gaga - Marry The Night

This is the 5th single off of her Born This Way album. This song is a funky synthpop number that could easily be mistaken for something out of The Human League's illustrious catalogue. Gaga's vocals are beautifully showcased on this one.

A radio edit has been made for its single release. The beats sound a bit more pronounced in certain parts. The breakdown towards the end has been consolidated and taken in a bit. The edit is subtle and effective.

There is an additional radio version by David Jost which is a bit more electro and big room-ish. A longer version of this would be perfect for the clubs.

An alternate version called the Zedd Remix was included on the deluxe edition of the album. It is a chunky electro mix.

-Listen to the radio edit here (SoundCloud)
-Listen to the David Jost mix here (DJCity)

Grade: A

October 22, 2011

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Yolanda Be Cool feat Crystal Waters - Le Bump

After the surprising success of "We No Speak Americano" last year, they return with a fitting followup with the vocal talents of House diva Crystal Waters. An infectious piano hook guides the song along with Crystal's warm vocals. The main vocal hook is almost as memorable as her "La da di, la da da" hook from "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)." This one has the makings of a major smash. Those who loved Ida Corr's "Let Me Think About It" from a couple of years ago will love this too.

Listen to a clip of the song and purchase it here (Beatport)

Grade: A+
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Erika Jayne - Party People (Ignite The World)

She is back with another dancefloor smash waiting to happen! "Party People (Ignite The World)" is an extremely catchy little ditty. The original version is in an electro/tribal style that is both suitable for the clubs and radio. This song feels like the sassier cousin of The Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling." There are remixes by Bimbo Jones, Cory Enemy, Hector Fonseca, Jody Den Broeder, and Whiiite. The Bimbo Jones mix is in a similar vein as the original with some additional electro synth breaks. Cory Enemy's big room mix is uplifting, however, it is more like a dub. Hector Fonseca's mix is similar, however, it lacks direction. Jody Den Broeder's big room/electro house mix contains the full vocals ans is really pretty. The Whiiite mix is mostly instrumental with a few vocal drops here and there. The buildups with the funky synthline are really great. Overall, the Original and Jody Den Broeder mixes are the best.

Grade: A-

October 14, 2011

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Kazaky - Love (Peter Rauhofer Mix)

Ukrainian boyband Kazaky has gotten a significant amount of attention for their flamboyant, barely there costumes, racy videos, and good looks. Their somewhat catchy brand of dance/pop music has gotten lesser attention. "Love" has very few lyrics and lacks a traditional verse-chorus structure, however, the chorus that it does have is somewhat memorable.

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Eddie Amador Feat. Kimberly Cole & Garza - Arrow Through My Heart (Remixes Part 1)

The reality TV star turned Dance/Pop princess' single "Arrow Through My Heart" saw a release a few weeks ago, along with a bunch of remixes by Richard F, Ian Nieman, DJ Irene, and Finbarr Massi with Dan De Leon.
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Jei - Show Me The Money

This is the latest single from reality TV star Jane Castro from VH1's Tough Love. Produced by the legendary Giuseppe D, the catchy song has a strong 90's Eurodance flavor. Jei's vocals do sound somewhat autotuned, however, they sound fine. The additional rap also adds to the Eurodance feel calling to mind some of those "he raps and she sings" songs that defined that period. This is a fun Dance/Pop song overall.



Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: B+

October 6, 2011

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Kelly Clarkson - What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)

This is basically the title song from her new album due out at the end of the month. Returning to more familiar territory, this song is a semi-anthemic Pop/Rock one. The lyrics are slightly cliched (as with the first single "Mr. Know It All"), but again, it's Kelly's singing and delivery that brings it all home. And within the context of the album, this would work better. This is much stronger than the previous single.

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Adele - Someone Like You (Remix)

This is the second major single off of her fast-seller 21. The wistful piano ballad about wishing her ex the best with his new wife is absolutely stunning. Adele is in excellent form here. It is astounding how the simple the production is (just a piano) and it is all that is needed.

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Willow Smith feat Nicki Minaj - Fireball

After the cool reception to "21st Century Girl" after the smash success of "Whip My Hair" comes another clubbanger entitled "Fireball." With its hard drums and sirens, the song will cause maximum dancefloor damage. This song is far more energetic and catchy than the previous single. Guest Nicki Minaj is a perfect match for Willow's verses and chorus. The chorus immediately calls to mind MC Lyte's "Cold Rock A Party". This one will probably fair much better.

Listen to the song here (YouTube)

Grade: A-

September 30, 2011

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Robin Thicke - Love After War

This is the lead single off of his forthcoming album of the same name. The song is very smooth and sensual from Robin's delivery to the production. The midtempo R&B production with some Latin drums is just so hypnotic as is the title refrain throughout. The relatable lyrics are so poetic. Everything about this song is simply perfect, and is a great preview of things to come with the new album.

Listen to the song here (Rap Up)

Grade: A+
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Hannah Jones - And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going

The classic song originally sung by Jennifer Holliday from Dreamgirls has been given yet another update featuring the vocals of Hannah Jones. She originally covered this song in 1999. A subsequent re-release in 2006 occurred when the movie version of Dreamgirls starring Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, and Eddie Murphy was in theaters. Hannah's vocals are really great. This is one of the better renditions. The new Almighty Boys Mix is a lush Hi Nrg/Disco House hybrid. Also included are the original Almighty mix from 2005 and the Xavier Ramirez mix from 1999. The 2005 mix is a Eurodance throwback while Xavier Ramirez offers up a percussive circuit treatment. The new Almighty Boys mix is the standout.

Listen to clips and purchase the CD-r, MP3s, and WAVs here (Almighty's website)

Grade: A-

September 23, 2011

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The Wanted - Lightning

This is the 3rd single off of their second album. It is an uptempo Dance/Pop love song, not deviating too much from the other singles from this album. Despite the similar style, it is just as enjoyable. Lyrically, it is a tad more exciting. The electro/pop production is radio and club ready.

Watch the music video here (YouTube)

It is due for a release at the end of October in the UK.

Grade: A-
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LMFAO - Sexy And I Know It

The L.A.-based duo are at it again with this infectious, hilarious novelty song. It follows in the fashion of several of their earlier singles. The lyrics are really bland and unexciting. The electro-house production is pretty hot though. This one would be quite the floorfiller in the clubs.

The song has gotten even more attention with the risque music video which is unfortunately really unsexy and vulgar.

-View the music video here (YouTube) NSFW
-Buy the song here (iTunes)

Grade: B

September 22, 2011

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Rihanna - We Found Love

Just as the last single from Loud ("Cheers") is still getting some radio airplay, a brand new single from her upcoming 6th album was released. "We Found Love" is produced by Calvin Harris. It is an atmospheric, big room electro-pop song. The song feels as if the vocals were meant for a ballad but then it was remixed into a Dance track. Either way, Rihanna is perfectly in her element on this song. This is a great way to kick off what is sure to be another hit album.

Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A-

September 21, 2011

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Carlos Nóbrega - Pitiful

This is the first single from newcomer Carlos Nóbrega. The catchy song is strongly influenced by the synthpop of the 1980s. Vocally, Carlos calls to mind Boy George and even a little bit of The Human League. Lyrically, the chorus is extremely memorable. Overall, this is an ambitious first single.

Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A-

September 13, 2011

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Honey Dijon feat Dajae - Until The Day

Miami's Funky Green Dogs (the duo of Ralph Falcon and Oscar Gaeten with then vocalist Pamela Williams) had a hit with this in 1998 with mixes by Peter Rauhofer, Masters At Work, Superchumbo, and Marshall Hansen. This has been given a deep house makeover courtesy of Honey Dijon with the help of a few people including Alex Kenji, Uner, and Aki Bergen. Legendary singer Dajae does a fine job on the vocals, taking thing in a different direction. Alex Kenji's mix is an electro/house floorfiller. Uner's minimal mix is deeper while Aki Bergen's is much darker slightly industrial sounding.

Listen to clips and purchase the mixes here (Beatport)

Grade: A-

September 1, 2011

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Paul Goodyear feat Caroline Lund - Outlaw

This is indeed a remake of the Olive song from 1997. Caroline Lund nails it vocally, doing great justice to the song. There are many remixes of this on the release, however, the standout versions are by Paul Goodyear, Casey Alva with Solar City, and Wayne G with Andy Allder. Paul Goodyear's trance/circuit mix is uplifting and pretty as it is hard-hitting. An instrumental version is also included on the package. Casey Alva and Solar City's circuit mix is perfect for peak hour play. Wayne G and Andy Allder's circuity electro/tribal mix well-produced as well. The additional mixes not reviewed here are good too.

Listen to clips of the mixes here:



Purchase MP3s and WAVs here (Juno)

 Grade: A

August 29, 2011

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Billy Waters - I Say

This is the debut release from remixer/DJ Billy Waters. Already known for having completed a number of remixes (as part of trio Audio Assembly and with other collaborators) during the last 2 years, it was only a matter of time before he would branch out into original productions. "I Say" is a dark, tribal peak hour track with a few manipulated male vocals sprinkled throughout it. This will fit well into circuit and afterhours sets. In addition to the main version and an instrumental, there are several DJ tools including beats, synthapella, and an acapella.

Listen to previews of all the versions:




Purchase the mixes in MP3 and WAV formats here (Juno)

Grade: A

August 26, 2011

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Kelly Clarkson - Mr. Know It All

This is the lead single off of her long-awaited 5th studio album Stronger. The lyrics to the song were released a couple of days back. They read like a mediocre version of "Miss Independent" (from her first album Thankful). However, when sung by Kelly and put to a Pop/Rock production, the result is actually pretty good. Vocally, Kelly sounds great. The production calls to mind the Bruno Mars song "Just The Way You Are". Overall, this is a decent song.

Grade: B+

August 25, 2011

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Lady Gaga - You And I

This is the 4th single off of Born This Way. The Mutt Lange-produced (best known for his work with former wife, Country chanteuse Shania Twain) Country/Rock/Pop midtempo was first performed live last year on tour prior to its inclusion on the new album. It drew many comparisons to the song "Speechless" from her The Fame Monster. This song really showcases Lady Gaga's brilliant songwriting abilities and vocals.

There are two additional versions which would help this on radio (the original is already stunning) by Mark Taylor and 10 Kings. The Mark Taylor mix calls to mind those Pop single mixes often created for Shania Twain's singles back in the day. It adds some additional elements including swing beat drums. The production aesthetic of the original is still there. The 10 Kings mix feels like it is cut from the same cloth as last single "The Edge Of Glory" with its 80s synthpop meets Eurodance sound. Both versions are pretty good with the Mark Taylor one being the better one of the two.

Some additional versions of the original radio edit have been made with Lady Gaga replacing the Nebraska references with other states for those particular markets.
  • Watch the music video here (YouTube)
  • Listen to the Mark Taylor mix here (YouTube)
  • Listen to the 10 Kings mix here (YouTube)
Grade: A+ (for the original)/A (for the Mark Taylor mix)/A- (for the 10 Kings mix)

August 22, 2011

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Gigi D'Agostino - I'll Fly With You (Goldilya Remix)

This song was originally featured on Gigi's album L'Amour Toujours back in 1999 under the same name. It became a worldwide hit a couple of years later. This new version by Goldilya manages to trend that fine line between the old and the new really nicely. The light trance/breaks original is transformed into a chilled piano-house mix. Certain instrumental hooks from the original and Tanzen Vision mixes have been replayed as a pretty piano. The gorgeous vocals sound as great as they did 12 years ago. This is a stunning update.

Purchase the new version here (iTunes)
The 1999 album version can be purchased here (iTunes) Note: It's track 2; It was released under the name "L'Amour Toujours" outside the U.S.

Grade: A-

August 13, 2011

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Joe Jonas - Love Slayer (Remixes)

This is the former Disney star's second solo single. After a midtempo, he is shooting for a club-oriented track to showcase his versatility. Vocally, Joe is surprisingly strong. The original is pretty club-ready, however, there are some remixes by Ralphi Rosario, Stephan Grondin & Alain Jackinsky, Static Revenger, and Jump Smokers which take the song to another level. Though Ralphi's mixes are in a similar vein as some of his recent mixes, this sound works perfectly here. The Stephan Grondin & Alain Jackinsky mixes are harder, and better suited for peakhour play. Their Vocal mix with early 90's rave pianos works better than the Tribal mix which feels a little too over-produced. The Static Revenger mixes have a tinny, gritty electro-house sound which somehow works. The Jump Smokers basically souped up the original version, making it a little more epic for the dancefloor. Overall, the Ralphi Rosario mixes are the best of the bunch.

Grade: A-

August 11, 2011

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Jennifer Lopez - Papi (Remixes)

This is the sexy new single from her Love? album. A Latin, club-oriented track in its original version, this gets a full package of remixes by DJ Kue*, Mixin' Marc & Tony Svedja, R3hab, and Rosabel. Mixin Marc & Tony Svedja's synthy big room mix feels like a souped up version of the original. R3hab opts for a heavy electro-house sound. Rosabel's piano-laden tribal mix is surprisingly tame, but pretty. Overall, the Mixin Marc & Tony Svedja mix is the best of the bunch.

*DJ Kue mix was not available at press time and was not reviewed.

Listen to the original here (YouTube)

Grade: A-

August 9, 2011

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Evanescence - What You Want

This is the lead single from their highly anticipated new album due this October. The soaring vocals of Amy Lee take ahold of the listener from the first note. The hook is simply incredible. The production calls to mind the sound of 80's hard rock. It has a classic feel. This has many of the hallmarks of the typical Evanescence sound that made many fall in love with their work.

Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A
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The Wanted - Glad You Came

Shifting gears in the U.S., the UK boyband's current UK single is now the single set to be released in the U.S. after "All Time Low" was inexplicably canceled or failed to catch on--it isn't clear which of these is the real reason. It has an adds date of September 13 in the U.S. Beginning seemingly as a ballad, it jumps into an electro-pop synthy production with hard dance beats. The group's vocals are sublime. This one is slightly stronger than "All Time Low" and may have a better chance at catching on. So far, there are remixes by Alex Gaudino. His mix just ups the energy ever so slightly, toning down the pronounced synths from the original.

-Watch the music video for the original here (YouTube)
-Listen to the Alex Gaudino mix here (YouTube)

Grade: A

August 5, 2011

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Gloria Estefan - Wepa (Remixes)

The highly anticipated remix package for the Pharrell Williams-produced song has finally arrived! Gloria's song is reworked by long-time collaborators Pablo Flores and Rosabel. This release marks the return of Pablo Flores to remixing after nearly a decade away. There are many, many remixes by Ralphi Rosario, Rosabel, Pablo Flores, R3hab, Gustavo Scorpio, DJ Africa, Keisha Mai Ash & Tony Mardini, and Emilio Estefan & Tony Mardini so far.

Ralphi's solo mixes are straightforward circuit/tribal. The dub works a lot better here. Rosabel's mixes are the hard-hitting circuit anthem that this song is screaming for. Pablo Flores shows us that he's still got it with his Latin House mixes. They are in a similar tempo as the original and add a frenzied carnival feel. He delivers both an English and Spanish version. R3hab's gritty electro treatments leave much to be desired as it is a mostly instrumental take. Gustavo Scorpio offers up a chunky Latin-ized big room mix. The Klubjumpers electro/house mix also doesn't go very far. DJ Africa's simple tribal/electro mix is effective as well. The Keisha Mai Ash & Tony Mardini mix is a festive, drummy one. Emilio Estefan & Tony Mardini's tribal/electro mix has some well-timed electro breaks, but it just lacks cohesiveness.

Overall, the Rosabel, Pablo Flores, and Gustavo Scorpio mixes are outstanding with the Klubjumpers and R3hab ones being the weakest.

Purchase the digital EP featuring a few of the mixes here (iTunes)

Grade: A

August 2, 2011

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Michael M - Dear Diary (Riddler Mix)

The candid club track about the nightlife and all its trimmings is back again with a hot new mix by Riddler. It gets a fun rave-ish tribal/electro makeover. The unexpected piano dropout in the middle is lovely.  Michael's computerized spoken vocals are just as hypnotic as they were on the initial release nearly 6 years ago. Although mostly a vocal dub, this track will fit into a wide variety of sets.

This will be released on August 7 for purchase through Beatport.

Check out a preview of the mix here:
Dear Diary Riddler's Miami 2011 Mix by The Michael M

Watch the cute and funny music video of the original here (YouTube)

Grade: A-
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Sash! feat Jean Pearl - Mirror Mirror

German Dance/Electronic act's latest single "Mirror Mirror" utilizes the main hook from their 1997 hit "Ecuador". The production has that ubiquitous Electo-house sound characteristic of Dr. Luke and Klaas productions (particularly the "Infinity 2008" song). Pop vixen Jean Pearl provides the cutesy vocals. The song is a far cry from many of the vocal gems they cranked out during their glory days. The paint by numbers track could easily do well on U.S. radio if given the right push. There are over a dozen remixes on the single, with the significant majority sounding very similar. The Sash! Classic Style Edit is the only version that is even remotely close to the style that many used to love.

Watch the music video here (YouTube)

Grade: C
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Die Apotheka – Welcome To Apotheka

This is yet another unusual track. It takes a German language public announcement warning against drug use and puts it over an electro production. The largely instrumental track is hard and aggressive. Many sections of the instrumental call to mind Lady Gaga's faux German track "Scheiße" (let the mashups/medleys begin!). One could drop in or mix in that song with this one for a really wicked dancefloor treat. All 5 versions are relatively similar, with the dub containing just a few samples.

Listen to clips and purchase the mixes here (Radikal)
Get lossless WAV files from Beatport here

Grade: A-
 
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