Chicane feat Bryan Adams - Don't Give Up (Reboot 2013)

Originally released in 2000 and then re-released in 2004, the song topped the UK chart in its initial release. It was also a big hit in U.S. clubs via the remixes by Johnny Vicious, Michael T. Diamond, Peter Rauhofer, and Tomski. As part of the new special edition release of its parent album Behind The Sun, a new version of the song has been produced. Certain melodic elements that made the original so special, along with the vocals are there, however, this new version has a lot of dull, soulless electro sounds that just don't work. This rework is totally unnecessary. The original version and its accompanying remixes and even the 2004 updates are significantly better.

-Listen to the new version here (YouTube)

Grade: C- (for this remake) / A (for the original 2000 version)

Chicane feat Duane Harden - One More Time

Taking a page from Avicii's recent hit single "Wake Me Up" which also incorporates a Country style banjo and Electronic music, "One More Time" is in a similar vein. Duane Harden (of "You Don't Know Me" and "What You Need" fame) provides the few soulful vocals. It is mostly instrumental with just a few vocal drops. In addition to the dubby original is the slightly similar Disco Citizens mix which is a bit more accessible and clearer sounding. The Andi Durrant & Steve More mix is extremely noisy and it adds absolutely nothing of note to the song.

-Buy the song here (iTunes)

Listen to the song here:


Grade: A-

Loverush UK! feat Bryan Adams - Tonight In Babylon

This is the Canadian rocker's latest foray into clubland after "Don't Give Up" with Chicane in 2000, which was a major hit. "Tonight In Babylon" is a stunning Electro House (with a hint of Rock) track in its main version with Bryan's amazing vocals.

Various - Just Dance Volume 3

This is the third installment of the compilation series. Featuring an assortment of remixes of Pop, R&B, Rap, and Alternative songs, plus some Dance thrown in for good measure. There are only a couple of exclusives, most notably the Jason Nevins remix (one of them) of Mariah Carey's "H.A.T.E.U.", which has not been released previously. Continuously mixed by Mike Rizzo and Joey Arbagey, they mix together 16 songs in just 68 minutes. The tracklisting is pretty good, except for a minor misstep with the Akcent song at the end.

Tracklisting:
1-Rihanna Feat. Jeezy -Hard-(Jody Den Broader Club Remix)
2-School Gyrls-Something Like A Party-(Ralphi Rosario Club 1)
3-Mariah Carey-H.A.T.E.U.-(Jason Nevins "Loves U" Mix)
4-Taio Cruz Feat. Ludacris-Break Your Heart-(Wideboys Club)
5-MANN Feat. Jason Derulo-Text-(Chew Fu 'He-Mann' Fix)
6-deadmau5 Feat. Rob Swire-Ghosts N Stuff-(Vocal Mix)
7-Mr. Hudson-Supernova-(Dave Aude Club)
8-Shiny Toy Guns-Major Tom (Coming Home)-(Adam K & Soha Remix)
9-Chicane Feat. Natasha Bedingfield-Bruised Water-(Michael Woods Full Vocal)
10-Ludacris-How low-(Groove Police Club Mix)
11-Utada-Dirty Desire-(Mike Rizzo Club Mix)
12-Kim Sozzi-Secret Love-(Stellar Project Remix)
13-Inna-Love-(Club Version)
14-Robbie Rivera Feat. Fast Eddie-Let Me Sip My Drink-(Chuckie Remix)
15-Tiesto Feat. C.C. Sheffield-Escape Me-(Extended Remix)
16-Akcent Feat. Lora-That's My Name-(That's My Name 2010)

Purchase the compilation digitally and physically on June 8 (Amazon)

Grade: B+

Chicane - Come Back And Stay

This is yet another remake reportedly from the still unreleased Rework EP. "Come Back And Stay" was recorded by singer Paul Young in 1983 and that was a hit in the both the U.S. and UK. This is the next single which precedes an upcoming album. The remake features just a few vocals. The production is lightly electro-tinged and is very chilled and uplifting. A full vocal version would have been nice, however, the few vocals that are present are quite nice. An eye-catching video for this song has made its way to the internet. It appears that it is meant to look like a fanmade video that captures the essence of the song but is so appropriate and a nice change from the usual proper studio video.

Watch the music video here (YouTube)

The single is supposed to be released in mid April in the UK. A remix package with mixes by Shock One, Riley & Durrant and Sidney Samson, in addition to the original versions will be available.

Grade: A

Frankie GoesTo Hollywood - Relax 2009

This is considered a classic in many circles. There have been several revisits to this song ever since the early 1980's release. Most notably the 1993 one by Jam & Spoon and then again in 2001 by Peter Rauhofer (and others of course). While an update of this nature isn't necessary, it's a great opportunity to introduce this song to a whole new generation.

New mixes by Chicane, Jody Den Broeder, LMC, Lockout, Spencer & Hill, and Scott Storch have been completed. Chicane may seem like an unusual choice, but he delivers a nice chilled mix which has a similar vibe as the original, but nice and modern. Jody's has some elements from the original. But it's mostly funky house. It's pleasant. The LMC mix is very true to the original. This is close enough to the original that it has the right amount of nostalgia, but brings something new. The Lockout mixes do the same thing as LMC's. A little less Euro-sounding. Spencer & Hill's mix sounds good during the beatless parts, but it's mostly electro-house-ish and not very fresh. Scott Storch turns this into a hip/hop club banger. It actually works. Overall, this package is quite good. A little something for everyone.

All clips are hosted by YouTube

• Chicane
• Jody Den Broeder
• LMC
• Lockout
• Spencer & Hill
• Scott Storch
  

Grade: A

Chicane - Hiding All The Stars

This is a new single from UK-based producer Nick Bracegirdle. It is a followup to "Poppiholla." While that was an instrumental, this one has some vocals. The track has an epic electro/house feel. It's almost metallic sounding in some places. The vocals are interesting. Samples from the main riff in Gary Numan's "Cars" make several appearances in the song. Unfortunately, the samples don't seem to fit that well due to their placement and short length. Perhaps a remix that integrates them a little better could do the trick. A creative edit removing the samples could help to salvage the track. This pales in comparison with earlier efforts.

Listen to the main version here (YouTube)

Grade: C+

Chicane - Poppiholla

This is one of several songs on the Rework EP that will be released soon. "Hoppipolla" was originally recorded by Sigur Ros (watch here). Even though this is a remake, this song translates well into the style Chicane (Nick Bracegirdle) became known for especially during the 90's. This has that chilled, Baleric sound. It's absolutely stunning. The remixes are decent but the original and single versions are the best of the bunch.

Watch the video here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Friday Flashback: Chicane - Saltwater

This song became an Ibiza anthem almost overnight in 1999 when it was released. It was based on the song "Theme From Harry's Game" by the folk group Clannad. Lead singer Maire Brennan from Clannad provided the vocals for this lush track. The main versions were in a similar vein as Chicane's previous hits "Offshore" and "Sunstroke", however, this one was a lot more mellow. The remixes by the Thrillseekers, in both Ambient and House versions were absolutely stunning. And Tomski vs. Disco Citizens' mix was quite amazing as well. Check out the great video.