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