Tim Rex - Relentless (The Serving Ovahness 2K14 Mixes)

Originally released in 1998, the instrumental tribal track based on a repeated horn riff first got noticed by clubbers and DJs when Junior Vasquez would play it at Twilo. Elements of this track went on to be incorporated in many remixes by Junior and others. The song was re-imagined in 2005 as "Relentless (Was It Just A Game)" with singer Veronica providing vocals (of "Someone To Hold", "Let Me Go...Release Me", and "I'm In Love" fame). The original mixes which only released on vinyl were given a new digital release last month. Newcomer Serving Ovahness has given the song 2 hot and fresh remixes which retain the soul of the original but also update it slightly. The main version is darker and in line with the original while the Deeper one lives up to its name. Both are extremely well done.

Purchase the new 2K14 mixes by Serving Ovahness here (Beatport)

Grade: A

Isabel Rose - Reflections (Remixes)

It's really tough to categorize the singer as she has embodied the styles of so many legends who have come before her. There is a certain theatricality and fabulosity she projects which recalls greats such as Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, and Liza Minnelli. Her current release is a cover of the song made famous by The Supremes. It was also the theme song to the show China Beach. This serves as the lead single from her upcoming album Trouble In Paradise. This cover is faithful to the original, however, it has a slightly more modern arrangement. The retro sound of it is perfect. Isabel's vocals are exquisite. There are some club remixes by Frankie Knuckles with Eric Kupper (as Director's Cut). These mixes are believed to be the final mixes Frankie worked on before he unexpectedly passed away on March 31. The duo deliver a lush, classic sounding production straight out of the early 90s, complementing the rich vocals.

-The remix video can be viewed here. (HuffingtonPost)
-Purchase the remix here (Amazon)

Grade: A

Cedric Gervais feat Coco - Through The Night

French producer/DJ Cedric Gervais became a household name last year when an edit of his remix of Lana Del Rey's "Summertime Sadness" became a top 10 hit in the U.S., and nearly everywhere else. He had been known in clubland previously for his distinct Electro-flavored sound. The new single has a slight Country/Western flavor a la Avicii's smash "Wake Me Up!" fused with 90s handbag House. There are additional remixes by Chris Lake, CID, and Mednas. Chris Lake's noisier EDM production only keeps some of the original elements while making it edgier. CID's mix is best suited for the big room floors as is the Mednas one. The original ends up being the best of the bunch.

-Watch the music video here (YouTube)
-Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Lorde - Tennis Court (Diplo Remix)

She broke out into the mainstream with her hit "Royals" last year and received a number of awards for it. The followup "Team" was slightly less successful than its predecessor. The new single "Tennis Court" has begun to pick up steam on CHR/Pop radio. The song is in a similar style as previous singles though this one feels a tad darker overall. The hook is incredible. Diplo has done a remix that is at a similar tempo as the original but it is dancier. It is funky and current.

-Listen to the original here (YouTube)
-Listen to the Diplo remix here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Irina - Believe

This is the latest single from the Dance/Pop artist. It is as catchy as her previous releases. This one has a lovely summer feel. It recalls the Eurodance brilliance of the mid 90s that artists such as Alexia and Corona were known for with catchy, melodic earworms. The original could easily be played on Pop radio and the longer version would be perfect for the clubs and mixshows. There are nearly half a dozen remixes, but the best one of the bunch is the peakhour friendly NovoGain mix. The mix has some layered uplifting synths coupled with contemporary EDM influences. This is a great mix.

Purchase the original here (Beatport)

Grade: A

Wankelmut and Emma Louise - My Head Is A Jungle (MK Remix)

German producer Wankelmut released this single featuring Australian singer Emma Louise last year and it went on to be a top 10 hit throughout much of Europe. It is a fun Dance/Pop track in its original version. There were additional remixes by MK which transformed this into a 90s handbag House anthem with plenty of happy piano elements. The remix is in MK's signature style with his distinct beats and trademark vocal cut ups. This takes the song to the next level. A radio edit of the remix is about to be released in the UK so this can do better the second time around as MK's sound has made a huge comeback in recent months.

-Pre-order the single here (iTunes)
-Listen to the original here (YouTube)
-Watch the MK remix video here (YouTube)

Grade: A

VELO - Twink

VELO's new single is about this specific type of man that many find attractive. It is a beat-driven circuit track in its original version. David Lee Rotten's mix is a techy Electro House one, while Naked Highway's is more mainstream with some Electro elements. Wayne Numan's mix is the best of the bunch containing the right balance of melody, Electro elements, and drama.

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

Grade: A

John LePage feat. Niki Haris - Not Enough

This is indeed a remake of the Melanie Williams song of the same name from the mid 90s which was remixed by Junior Vasquez and Love To Infinity. Niki Haris delivers a fantastic vocal performance. She remains true to the original, though she did put her own spin on some of the notes. The main version produced by John LePage and Brian Cua is in a similar vein as the classic Love To Infinity mix of the Melanie version. It's a modern take on handbag House. There are additional remixes by Julian Marsh, NovoGain, Peter Brown, and Tony Moran with Warren Rigg. Julian Marsh's happy Hi Nrg inflected House mix is uplifting and pretty. NovoGain's big room, peak hour mix is anthemic. The soft yet moderately anthemic Peter Brown mix has an Ibiza House feel. Tony Moran and Warren Rigg's mix is also for the big room and circuit floors. Theirs is uplifting as well. Overall, every remix is wonderful, however, the NovoGain and Moran & Rigg ones are the standouts.

-Listen to clips and purchase here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Barry Harris - Toronto World Pride Set

Barry Harris, best known for his work with Chris Cox as Thunderpuss from 1997 until 2003. During their time together, they produced chart-topping remixes with their distinct tribal, big room sound with melodic elements for many heavyweights of the music industry including Amber, Britney Spears, Cher, Christina Aguilera, Donna Summer, Enrique Iglesias, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Holliday, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Shakira, Tamia, and Whitney Houston. Both Barry and Chris have continued to produce ever since they split in 2003.

Earlier this week, Barry released an extract of one of his live sets for Pride containing a number of brand new reworks and updates to some of the songs that him and Chris had remixed as Thunderpuss. Many of the new mixes contain elements from the original mixes they did, but they also contain contemporary sounds as well.

Part of or full tracks included in the set:
Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azaela - Problem
Barry Harris feat. Pepper MaShay - Dive Into The Pool
Barry Harris feat. Pepper MaShay - I Got My Pride
Britney Spears - I'm A Slave 4 U
Chad Jack - Gag On It
Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya & P!nk - Lady Marmalade
Ed Sheeran - Sing
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX - Fancy
Katy Perry - Birthday
Kon Kan - I Beg Your Pardon 2K14
LeAnn Rimes - Can't Fight The Moonlight
Madonna - Don't Tell Me
Madonna - GHV2 Megamix Part 2 ("Ray Of Light", "Deeper And Deeper", "Music")
Mary J. Blige - No More Drama
Queen - We Will Rock You
Simone Denny + Barry Harris - Drama Queen (Texting U)

Suzanne Palmer - Hide U

Tamia - Stranger In My House
Whitney Houston - It's Not Right But It's Okay

Listen and download here:

Stonebridge & Crystal Waters - Be Kind

Two icons of the 90s club scene have united for this new single. This is everything one could expect from such a duo. The Dance/Pop production is clubby enough for the clubs and has the Pop sensibilities needed for a crossover, and of course, there are Crystal's always warm and inviting vocals delivering the amazing hook. There is a full package of remixes as well, and most of them are in a similar vein as the original, however, the S69 Classic mix is pure Disco bliss with the sax solo and uplifting keys and strings.

Listen to the original here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Kiesza - Hideaway

This is the Canadian singer's debut single. It recently topped the UK singles chart and has quickly become a favorite all over the world. It has begun to get some buzz in the U.S. and is being sent for adds on CHR/Pop radio in July. It features a quirky uplifting vocal over a lush bassline driven handbag House instrumental. It could easily have been produced in the 90s and discovered just now, yet it's still very current. This is poised to be a worldwide smash.

-Watch the music video here (YouTube)

The song will be available for purchase in the U.S. on July 8.

Grade: A

Aiden Jude - Tonight (NovoGain and 6KU Remixes)

This Electro/Trap vocal track has taken clubland by storm during these last few months. The main vocal sections of the song sung by Nafsica are the most identifiable parts and they lend themselves well to being adapted and remixed in other production styles. The definitive remixes for this song have been done by NovoGain & 6KU. The the hooky vocal takes center stage and is supported by a throbbing peak hour production. A DJ friendly radio edit and instrumentals are included as part of this package.

The original can be streamed and purchased here (Beatport)

Listen to the club mix here:


Grade: A

Santana and Wyclef feat Avicii and Alexandre Pires - Dar um Jeito (We Will Find a Way)

To herald the arrival of the FIFA World Cup, several festive songs have become the anthems of the games. Other songs composed specifically for the World Cup by Pitbull & Jennifer Lopez with Claudia Leitte, Shakira, Ricky Martin, and Aloe Blacc have also become quite popular. This one by the legendary Carlos Santana with Wyclef Jean on lead vocals, production by Avicii and additional vocals by Alexandre Pires ends up being a rousing, tribal anthem that is sure to get people up on their feet and into the mood. It's a positive and universal song. There are a number of club mixes of the song, however, Cutmore's is the best as he stays close to the original making it a little dancier.

-Watch the lyric video here (YouTube)
-Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Cherie Lily - Body (The Remixes, Part 2)

This is the second set of remixes for the sexy workout song. The Carry Nation, Dani Toro, Nick Bertossi, and Nick Harvey provide the new mixes. The Carry Nation delivers a bass heavy peak hour mix. Dani Toro's mix is tribal, but it has some cute 90s Handbag House elements. Nick Bertossi's mix is percussion driven with all sorts hard drums and buildups. Nick Harvey's main mix on this second package is different from the ones he did previously. It's harder. His Instradub is really hot too. Overall, every mix is great.

Listen to clips and buy the mixes here (Beatport)

Grade: A

KAPTN - La La Land

This is the followup to "Ricky Ricardo" which got some buzz and moderate airplay last year. The new single is in a similar vein as prior singles, however, this one is based around a prominent sample from Green Velvet's international hit "La La Land." The new lyrics are a great match for the sampled ones. Coupled with the colorful music video, this one will easily be a viral hit and finally introduce KAPTN to the masses.

-Watch the music video here (YouTube)
-Download the song here (KAPTN's official site)

Grade: A-