Barona & Bouvier feat Abigail - Surrender

This is a new collaboration of Peter Barona and Bill Bouvier with the ethereal vocals of Abigail (of "Let The Joy Rise", "If It Don't Fit", "You Set Me Free", and "Lay Down" fame). The main version has a Circuit meets Trance feel, complementing Abigail's soaring vocals and the great lyrics. The song has a melancholy feel that immediately calls to mind Talk Talk's classic "Such A Shame."

There are additional remixes by Manny Lehman, Matt Consola & LFB, Oliver Watts, Rafael M & Mr. Anderson, and Sted-E & Hybrid Heights. Manny Lehman's mix continues in a similar direction as the original, and plays up the Trance elements. Matt Consola & LFB's isn't as hard, but has an uplifting hi nrg feel. Oliver Watts also brings a Trance flavor with his mix. It calls to mind some of Valentin's work from the mid 2000s. Rafael M & Mr. Anderon's hi nrg/tribal mix is also quite pretty with the subtle piano elements. Sted-E & Hybrid Heights' mix is the most contemporary of the bunch with its aggressive Electro sound, though it works well.

Overall, every single remix is great. It's hard to pick a favorite as all are really so well done!

-Listen to clips and purchase the digital single here (iTunes)

Grade: A+

Bill Bennett

Two new singles off of Bill Bennett's Big Muscle album have been released. The singles are "Manhunt" featuring Pepper MaShay and "Forever Young" featuring Abigail.

Bill Bennett featuring Abigail - Forever Young
This is the latest remake of the Alphaville classic. Some may be thinking that this cover might be a bit unnecessary as this song has been done hundreds of times if not more. But this is actually a pleasant remake. Abigail (of "Let The Joy Rise" and "You Set Me Free" fame) does justice to this one. The main version has a nice Euro/Hi-Nrg feel. The addition of the male harmonies in the back are a nice touch. Electric Allstarts provide a nice Euro/Electro/Pop mix. It calls to mind some of Madonna's Confessions Of A Dance Floor album. Edson Pride & Filipe Guerra's mix is circuit-oriented and does what it's supposed to. It's not overly special. Pete Barona and Blaine Soilieu's mix is circuit-oriented as well, but it's a lot more melodic and keeps some of the instrumental elements that made the original Alphaville one such a classic.

Purchase the single here (Masterbeat)

Grade: A-

Bill Bennett featuring Pepper Mashay - Manhunt
This sexy new single features club legend Pepper Mashay. She sings about her search for that perfect man. It has an old school feel, but is modern-sounding. The Guitar Hero Edit is a Dance/Rock-hybrid. It immediately harkens back to the underrated Eurythmics single "I Need A Man." The Jose Spinnin Sex In The Office Mix stays close to the previous version, but it loses all the rock elements. The Bryan Reyes and Amy Alderman mix is a nice tribal/circuit one. Edson Pride provides a good Latin/Tribal mix. Chris Wren goes in a chilled, Summery sounding direction. It calls to mind some of Yves LaRock's recent work. The Butchers Dub is Electro/House-oriented.

Purchase the single here (Masterbeat)

Watch the video here (YouTube)
Warning: It's a little NSFW.

Grade: A-