Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time (Remixes)

The evergreen classic has been remixed by Alex Gaudino, Bent Collective (Danny Verde and Steven Redant) LordWardd, and Nervo as part of the promo for the 30th anniversary edition of the She's So Unusual album which includes additional material in the form of alternate remixes, edits, and dubs that were previously unreleased on CD or in digital form. This song was also remixed by Eddie Baez and Josh Harris in 2005 when Cyndi remade the song with Sarah McLachlan for her The Body Acoustic album.

Alex Gaudino's mix is the most melodic of the bunch, using all of the vocals and some of the chords and keys from the original. Bent Collective's big room mix is vocally driven but takes an unorthodox approach to the backing melody. LordWarddd's mix has an 80s synthpop vibe. The dissonant melodic structure is a bit jarring at first, but it's actually done quite well. Nervo's experimental approach omits most of the vocals. It's understandable that they tried something different but it doesn't work well here. Alex Gaudino and Bent Collective's mixes are the best of the bunch.

Listen to some of the mixes here: (YouTube)

• Bent Collective
• Nervo

The Nervo mix is available as part of the pre-order for the new edition of the album here (iTunes)

Grade: A-

Melissa Etheridge - Uprising Of Love (Bent Collective Remix)

This is a special new single recorded by the veteran rocker. The timely lyrics speak of getting together and spreading love so it overcomes hate. The positive message is always welcome and is particularly relevant right now. This song surfaced via a couple of remixes by Bent Collective (a remix trio made up of Danny Verde, Guy Scheiman, and Steven Redant). They make this song into a rollicking anthem. Melissa's vocals are awesome and inspiring. These are also maybe the first official club remixes that have ever been done of Melissa's work. Proceeds generated from the sale of the single will go to charity. Read more about the Uprising Of Love initiative here.

Listen to the Bent Collective remix here:


Grade: A+

Tamar Braxton - Love And War (Danny Verde Remix)

The remix by Danny Verde of the lead single from the album of the same name has finally been made available to the public in some form. Nearly 3 singles have been released in the time since this song was a single. A preview of the remix was warmly received, however, the remix remained unreleased until earlier this week. The big room anthem mix is fitting for the ballad. Danny's driving production is superb.

-Listen to the Danny Verde remix and download it here (Soundcloud)

Grade: A

Selena Gomez - Slow Down (Remixes)

The first package of remixes of the Cataracs produced dance/pop song have been released. Chew Fu, Danny Verde, DJLW, Jason Nevins, Smash Mode, Paolo Ortelli & Luke Degree, and Sure Shot Rockers provided the first set.

Chew Fu's mix is close to the original, but it feels watered down. Danny Verde's tribal mix makes it into an anthem. DJLW's has lots of synths and electro breaks but not much else. Jason Nevins' ends up sounding like a noisier version of the original. Smash Mode's mix feels rather underdeveloped. Paolo & Luke's mix is pleasant, staying close to the original but making it more uplifting. The Sure Shot Rockers Reggae mix is soft and summery. Overall, the Danny Verde mix is the best of the bunch.

Listen to all the mixes here:


These mixes will be available for purchase on August 20.

Grade: B+

Cher - Woman's World (Remixes)

The official release of the single finally happened today. The song was first streamed on her official website late last year. The album's release campaign kicked off with the release of the single and a performance of the song on NBC's The Voice.

The new version of the song is very similar to the previously streamed one. That is being considered the demo version. The vocals and production are pretty much the same, but everything is much smoother and cleaner sounding. The song Paul Oakenfold produced song is an empowerment anthem for women in every sense of the word. Cher sounds great.

There are some remixes by Danny Verde, R3hab, and Tracy Young. Danny delivers a hard, dark pulsating circuit anthem. It is the definitive peak hour mix of the song. R3hab's mix has some nice moments, but the noisier sections end up ruining it. Tracy's mix presents her newer sound that is more akin to what is in many of the Electro Dance/Pop songs flooding the radio airwaves right now. This version would actually be the one to use if the song is given a top 40 push. Tracy's mostly instrumental dubs with an emphasis on the piano sections are pretty. Overall, Danny and Tracy's are the best of the bunch.

Listen to the original version here
Danny Verde | R3hab | Tracy Young

Grade: A

Nikki Williams - Glowing (Remixes)

This is the current single from the South African singer/songwriter. After the midtempo "Kill, Fuck, Marry" comes this Dance/Pop song. In the midst of all the generic Dance/Pop singles that are all over radio, Nikki's song is in a league of its own as the lyrics are not just about dancing and drinking, and the vocals are absolutely amazing. This song could easily be a power ballad if the Electronic elements were removed.

Though quite Dance-oriented in its original version, there are remixes by Cazzette, Danny Verde, and Fedde Le Grand. Cazzette's hard electro/tribal mix pumps up the energy of the song while Danny Verde's mixes are in the same vein as the original, making it just a little harder. Danny's mixes are very pretty. Fedde Le Grand dirties things up with his synthy electro mix. Overall, Danny Verde's are the best of the bunch.

-Listen to a preview and buy the original here (iTunes)
-Listen to a preview and buy the remixes here (iTunes)

Grade: A

CeCe Peniston vs Rosabel - Finally vs Let Me Be Myself (Danny Verde Private Mashup)

CeCe Peniston's club classic, especially in the form of the David Morales remixes has been remixed, sampled, and remade hundreds if not thousands of times in the two decades it has existed. You may be thinking, "Oh no! Not another update!" This mashup by red hot remixer/producer Danny Verde manages to successfully reinvents the song. Danny used the instrumental he produced for Rosabel and Tamara Wallace's "Let Me Be Myself" for the mashup. The result is absolutely amazing.

Listen and download here:

Grade: A

Avicii vs Nicky Romero - I Could Be The One

Although released last year, this song has begun to gain traction in the U.S. and around the world, recently topping the UK charts. Though the song's lyrics aren't exactly groundbreaking, but coupled with the hypnotic production, it all works well. There is a really great remix of this by the Bent Collective (Danny Verde, Guy Scheiman, and Steven Redant) coming soon that significantly improves upon the original. It is much harder and gives the song some much needed drama.

-Watch the music video here (YouTube)
Listen to the preview of Bent Collective's mix here:


Grade: A- (for the original)
            A for the Bent Collective mix

Scissor Sisters - Let's Have A Kiki

Taken from the glampop band's 4th album Magic Hour, this has been a fan favorite and underground club hit. It is a throwback to the runway and bitch tracks that were a mainstay of the NYC circuit scene in the 90s. It's a cute tribal romp that you just can't help but smile and dance along to.

There are remixes for this by 2 Bears, Almighty, Danny Verde, DJ Nita, and Olugbenga. The 2 Bears mix is a lower tempo, minimal electro house one. It would work well as a transition record. Almighty's big room electro house treatment feels too pretty for such a sleazy, naughty song. Danny Verde nails it with his dark tribal circuit mix. This is every bit the tear-off-your-shirt anthem that fans and DJs have been waiting for. DJ Nita gives the song a hot runway feel. Olugbenga's mix is very downtempo and almost romantic-sounding, but such a production doesn't work with the song. Overall, Danny Verde takes the prize with this one.

Watch the bootleg music video here (a little NSFW)

Grade: A

Cyndi Lauper - Sex Is In The Heel

Cyndi's latest release arrives just as the Pride celebrations get under way. This ultra campy track about shoes is from the upcoming Broadway musical Kinky Boots. The song's subject matter is unconventional indeed, however, it is so fun to hear as sung by Ms. Lauper. The song has a "Vogue"-esque 'rap' section. The original is produced by Rich Morel. He opts for an early 90s runway house styled production which is so apropos given the nod to fashion in the song's lyrics. Rich provides another mix along with Danny Verde, Honey Dijon, Jochen Simms, and RLP. Rich's Hot Sauce mix is darker and has more of an electro sound. Danny Verde offers a hard circuit-oriented mix, turning the song into a full on anthem. Honey Dijon's mix is tribal and drummy taking inspiration from the heyday of 90s X-beat mixes. Jochen Simms has a chill 80s sound. RLP's mix is similar with some pretty synths.  Overall, every single remix is wonderful with Rich Morel's original mix, Danny Verde and Honey Dijon's mixes being the best of the bunch.

Listen to streaming previews of the mixes here (MaxiPromotion)

Grade: A