Wayne G feat Melissa Totten - Beautiful Stranger

This is indeed a remake of the Madonna song from 1999. This remake began life as a private mix featuring the original vocals, however, professional Madonna impersonator Melissa Totten has recorded new vocals for it. She tries to remain faithful to Madonna's vocal performance, managing to capture some of the subtle nuances and affects of Madonna's voice. But nothing compares to the real thing. The big room production on Wayne G and Andy Allder's main mixes contains some replayed elements from the Victor Calderone club mix of the Madonna one. Joe Gauthreaux, Casey Alva, and James Torres provide additional remixes. Joe's mix is far less dramatic than his usual. Casey Alva's mixes are really synthy. And James Torres's are more dubby. Overall, the main mix is the best of the bunch. Please do check out the Victor Calderone mixes of the original if you haven't already.

The digital release will happen on November 8.

Listen to clips of the mixes:



Grade: B+

Paul Goodyear feat Caroline Lund - Outlaw

This is indeed a remake of the Olive song from 1997. Caroline Lund nails it vocally, doing great justice to the song. There are many remixes of this on the release, however, the standout versions are by Paul Goodyear, Casey Alva with Solar City, and Wayne G with Andy Allder. Paul Goodyear's trance/circuit mix is uplifting and pretty as it is hard-hitting. An instrumental version is also included on the package. Casey Alva and Solar City's circuit mix is perfect for peak hour play. Wayne G and Andy Allder's circuity electro/tribal mix well-produced as well. The additional mixes not reviewed here are good too.

Listen to clips of the mixes here:



Purchase MP3s and WAVs here (Juno)

 Grade: A