Stephan Grondin feat Ceevox - Why Can't U Be (Ralphi Rosario Mixes)

This song, originally released last year, is back with new remixes by Ralphi Rosario. Featuring the gripping vocals of soulful vocalist Ceevox, the song is insanely catchy. Ralphi's new remixes are peak hour perfection. The vocal mix is where it's at, though the dub is well-done too with the additional ad-libs. The dub would be excellent for teasing the track before mixing in the vocal mix. This is easily one of the best tracks released this year. 

-Listen to clips and purchase here (Beatport)

Grade: A

Inaya Day & DJ Escape - Make Some Noise (Part 2)

Weeks after the release of part 1 comes the part 2 featuring remixes by Dom Capello, Razor N Guido, and Stephan Grondin & Nick Bertossi. Dom Capello's contemporary tribal/electro dub with just a few spoken parts. Razor N Guido deliver with their usual tribal goodness. Their Duhb is the treat with the re-created "Distortion" piano hook. Stephan Grondin and Nick Bertossi's tribal mix is also quite good. The late 90s 'pots n pans' sound that was characteristic of that time shines through at just the right moments. Also included is a full acapella. Overall, the Razor N Guido Duhb is the highlight of part 2. The Escape & Coluccio club mix and dub from Part 1 is also included as is radio edit.

Listen to clips and purchase here (Beatport)

Grade: A-

Inaya Day & DJ Escape - Make Some Noise (Part 1)

Several months in the making, the Gospel/House diva known for the classics "Keep Pushin", "Hold Your Head Up High", and "Movin' Up" has teamed up with one of the Circuit scene's brightest stars for this new single. This song has the same soul and passion that made her earlier hits so memorable and beloved. Inaya sounds amazing. The main production by DJ Escape with Tony Coluccio is in their signature synthy, tribal style, though it is more anthemic than usual. The dub of the main version would work as a great tease to the full mix. Additional remixes on this first package are by Eddie Elias and Peter Presta.  Eddie's mixes are even harder than the main ones, capturing the big room vibe of Earth era Junior Vasquez mixes (especially the ones he did with Joe Carrano). Peter Presta's mix is hard as well, but it has more of a techy, tribal feel. It's nice as well. Rounding out the package is a DJ tool with just some of Inaya's ad libs and some of the main hook. Overall, every mix is great. A 2nd package with more mixes is planned for a later release with a lineup including Dom Capello, Johnny Vicious, Razor & Guido, Stephan Grondin, Nick Bertossi. This is sure to be the massive this year.

Listen to clips and buy the mixes here:
-Amazon (MP3s)
-Track It Down (MP3s and WAVs)

Grade: A

Paulo & Jackinsky feat Michael G - Chicky Boom! (Remixes)

The main versions of this dark tribal track were released last year. Some additional mixes have been released. DJ Paulo, Nick Harvey, Stephan Grondin, and Tony Moran with Mauro Mozart provided the mixes. DJ Paulo's own Runway mixes are hard and tribal with the occasional tease of those "Love Is The Message" flourishes and that hypnotic male vocal. Nick Harvey's mix is quite the anthem with a big buildup to a long break and then more of a buildup, then it's over. Stephan Grondin's mix is drummy and minimal. Tony Moran & Mauro Mozart's big room mix is the most mainstream of the bunch. Overall, DJ Paulo's mix is the best of the bunch with the others being great too.

-Listen to clips and purchase here (Beatport)

Grade: A-

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

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-