Becky Baeling - Diva (The EDM Mixes)

The first set of mixes came out in mid June. This is the second set of remixes geared towards those enjoying the current hands in the air, synthy EDM production style. Beechkraft, Jason Scot Taft, and Sam Michaels vs. Klubjumpers provide the remixes this time. Beechkraft's big room Electro-oriented mix is clubby yet mainstream sounding. Jason Scot Taft (he has produced under the name DJ JST in the past) delivers two hot synth and drum-heavy mixes. Sam Michaels vs. Klubjumpers' mixes are very mainstream as well. Every mix on this second package is well-done too.

-Purchase The EDM Mixes here (iTunes) or here (JunoDownload)

The first set of mixes of "Diva" by Griffin White, Mike Bordes, Oliver Watts, Peter Barona & John Hull along with the brand new Tony Moran mix of "Supernova Light" are also available for purchase.

-Purchase the first set of mixes here (iTunes) or here (JunoDownload)

Grade: A

DJ JST featuring Jenn Cuneta - Nothing Compares 2 U (Remixes Part 2)

(Part 1 reviewed here back in June)
Their lovely dancefloor-oriented cover of the Prince-penned song "Nothing Compares 2 U", originally recorded by Sinead O'Connor has a second set of remixes. The additional mixes are by Barona & Hull, Jason Jayma, and Glenn Friscia & Frank Lamboy. Barona & Hull's mix is actually a radio edit of their already wonderful dark circuit/trance mix from the first release. Jason Jayma's mix really shines in its extended version with the gothic synths and hard tribal drums. The edit it nice too, but it's best enjoyed long. Friscia & Lamboy's mix is very atmospheric and has a lovely 80s synthpop feel, however, it has some contemporary electro synths too. Every version is great! Overall, Jason Jayma's mix is the best of the bunch.

-Purchase the new mixes here (iTunes)

Grade: A

DJ JST feat Jenn Cuneta - Nothing Compares 2 U

DJ JST and Jenn Cuneta step up to the challenge of taking on one of the most beloved songs of the 90s and covering it as a dance track. The original was written by Prince and most famously sung by Sinead O'Connor. The dramatic, melancholy nature of the original is preserved in this update. Jenn does change up the delivery of the song slightly, however, she does a wonderful job. The production on the main version has a beautiful, haunting violin break. Barona & Hull, Jared Jones, Oliver Watts, and Phil B provide the remixes. Barona & Hull pack in lots of drama with their dark mix. Jared Jones manages to give the song an Ambient Trance feel a la early 2000s era Chicane and Alex Gold. Oliver Watts and Phil B both keep things uplifting. Every remixer does a stellar job maintaining the overall mood of the song and letting Jenn's vocals remain as the focus.

-Purchase the digital single here (iTunes)
-Watch the music video here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Consuelo Costin - Feel So Alive

After her first single "Naked" comes the much stronger followup with remixes by Almighty, Oliver Watts, DJ JST, Gustavo Scorpio, and Tony Moran & Warren Rigg. Consuelo finally comes into her element on "Feel So Alive." The Euro-house mixes by Almighty are uplifting and pretty. Oliver Watts' mixes are uplifting and lighter, being a good fit for Dance radio. The last three offer up circuit/big room treatments. DJ JST's is the hardest of the bunch with the hard drums and trancey synths. Gustavo Scorpio's is much lighter. Tony Moran & Warren Rigg's mix isn't quite the anthem some may expect, but it is lovely too. Overall, every mix is great! The Oliver Watts and DJ JST ones are the standouts.

Grade: A

Inaya Day and BetBoyz - Higher Place

This is a collaboration involving singer Inaya Day plus Randy Bettis and David Boyd. Inaya delivers the goods as only she can with a soulful, yet stirring performance. All versions of this song are circuit-oriented. There are remixes by Randy and David, DeMarko!, Peter Barona & Hull, JMBW & Joel Dickinson, and Almond Brown. The main version by Randy and David is hard and driving. DeMarko!'s is much harder and more big room-oriented. Peter Barona & Hull's mix is very synthy. JMBW & Joel Dickinson's mix is a bit darker. DJ JST's is both darker and harder. The Almond Brown mix is minimally produced with just a little bit of everything. Overall, every version of this song is very good!

Purchase the digital single here (Traxsource)

Grade: A+

Zelma Davis - Free Love

This is the highly anticipated new single from the C&C Music Factory songstress. Written by Bill Friar and Zelma, this song is positive, uplifting. Zelma's vocals are great on this. There are remixes by Mike Bordes, DJ JST, Solar City, Rafael M, Peter Barona, and Barry Harris. Mike Bordes offers a soulful house mix. DJ JST's has the soulful undercurrent but is more circuit-oriented. Solar City's is a little lighter. It has a Euro flavor to it. Rafael M's is more bassline driven. Peter Barona's is a nice big room mix. Very much in line with his recent work. And last but not least is Barry Harris with a light circuit mix which also maintains the soulful vibe. The entire package is really good. DJ JST and Barry Harris' are the best ones.

Purchase the digital single here (Juno) and here (Amazon)

Grade: A