Selena Gomez - Slow Down (Remixes)

The first package of remixes of the Cataracs produced dance/pop song have been released. Chew Fu, Danny Verde, DJLW, Jason Nevins, Smash Mode, Paolo Ortelli & Luke Degree, and Sure Shot Rockers provided the first set.

Chew Fu's mix is close to the original, but it feels watered down. Danny Verde's tribal mix makes it into an anthem. DJLW's has lots of synths and electro breaks but not much else. Jason Nevins' ends up sounding like a noisier version of the original. Smash Mode's mix feels rather underdeveloped. Paolo & Luke's mix is pleasant, staying close to the original but making it more uplifting. The Sure Shot Rockers Reggae mix is soft and summery. Overall, the Danny Verde mix is the best of the bunch.

Listen to all the mixes here:


These mixes will be available for purchase on August 20.

Grade: B+

Graph Gonzales - Eyes In The Dark (Remixes)

This is the latest single from the Toronto native. The 80s synthpop throwback "Eyes In The Dark" is a joy to listen to from the hypnotic production that calls to mind classics by E.G. Daily, Laura Branigan, and France Joli to the stellar vocals. The unforgettable chorus will be in your head after just a single listen.

There are remixes by Chew Fu, Jochen Simms, Automatic Panic, and Ian Nieman. The first three go in an Electro-House direction while Ian Nieman maintains the slightly dark vibe of the original, modernizing it just a bit. Aside from the excellent original, Ian Nieman's is the mix of choice. This is an excellent 80s inspired track.

• Listen to clips and buy the mixes here (Amazon)
• Watch the music video here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Willow Smith - 21st Century Girl and Whip My Hair (Remixes)

21st Century Girl
This is the followup to her debut smash "Whip My Hair." This is a fun, family-friendly song perfect for the clubs. The hard four on the floor beats and trancey synths are really hot. Don't let the fact that it's a 10 year old singing it deter you from checking this one out. Willow's delivery of the vocals sounds rather mature for her age. She immediately calls to mind Rihanna and Katy Perry vocally. Overall, this is another fun song.

Listen to the song:
21st Century Girl - Willow Smith by HSDElliot

Grade: A

Whip My Hair (Remixes)
The song that got people whipping their hair all over the place has been remixed for the dancefloor. The original was already suitable for clubs, however, several remixers have made it more club-friendly. Fanatic (aka Andreao “Fanatic” Heard) and Jerome Farley with the Del Pino Brothers have done a set of circuit-oriented mixes. They tone done some of the frenetic nature of the original, keeping it fun and moving. Mark Jason provides a mix of a similar nature as well. Chew Fu also did a busy electro/house mix which runs across multiple tempos. All three are highly recommended.

-Listen to the Fanatic & Jerome Farley mix here (promoter's website)
-Listen to the Mark Jason mix here (YouTube)
-Listen to the Chew Fu mix here (YouTube)

Grade: A

DJ Dan - Fascinated

This is a remake of the Freestyle classic made famous by Company B in the mid 80's. Suzanne Palmer and Carol Jiani most notably recorded and released covers of this as well. This remake is really faithful to the original both in terms of production and vocals (that familiar riff is there too!). The main version could basically be thought of as a modernized version of the original. The Late Night mix loses a bit of the original flavor. DJ Bam Bam's mixes keep only a little bit of the original feel. Chew Fu however uses just the right amount. In addition to the original, Chew Fu's is the best of the bunch. Fans of the original must check this out.

Listen to clips and purchase the release here (Amazon) and here (Juno)

Grade: A

Blake Lewis - Heartbreak On Vinyl

The title track is the second single off of his second album. On this semi-melancholy uptempo, Blake sings about a lost love and a record store. The song has a somewhat strong 80's feel which is so appropriate. Lyrically it's very catchy. Vocally, Blake sounds really great. This one has remixes as well by Bimbo Jones, LA Riots, and Chew Fu. Bimbo Jones goes in a familiar direction, but maintains enough of the 80's feel. The LA Riots mix is a bit on the electro side. Chew Fu goes in a similar direction, but it's closer to the original. It's one of his most mainstream sounding mixes so far.


Listen to the song here (YouTube)

Grade: A-