Dirty Disco Feat Debby Holiday - Was That All It Was

Originally recorded by Jean Carn in 1980, the R&B/Disco song became a classic at the legendary Saint club. Kym Mazelle and Hannah Jones went on to cover it. The Hannah Jones recording was also quite successful. This new version is faithful to both the original and the Hannah Jones versions. Debby's vocals are powerful and soulful. The main version is a Garage meets Tribal House affair, resembling something that would have been produced by Peter Rauhofer in the 90s as part of his Club 69 project. It captures that sound nicely. There are additional mixes by Leo Frappier, Phil B, Ralphi Rosario, and Space City. Leo Frappier & Phil B deliver a darker Tribal mix which turns this into an anthem. Phil B's solo mix is in a Hi Nrg/Disco House style. Ralphi Rosario's mixes have a Tribal flavor but they are Disco-oriented. The dub brings all the drama. The Space City Dub is minimal and is great for later in the evening. Overall, this is a solid package. It's hard to choose a favorite as all of the mixes are so well-done.

Grade: A

Tony Moran feat Debby Holiday - I Like You

Tony Moran has teamed up with Dance diva Debby Holiday to cover Phyllis Nelson's 1985 hit "I Like You". The main version produced by Tony and longtime collaborator Warren Rigg is an uplifting peakhour masterpiece. Debby's vocals are mesmerizing. There are additional remixes by Edson Pride with Leandro Moraes, James Anthony, Nick Bertossi, Phil B with Andy Allder, and Twisted Dee. Edson Pride and Leandro Moraes keep the peakhour vibe of the main mix, however, there's is a tad harder. James Anthony's mixes are much darker and have some dazzling, Trancey synths. Nick Bertossi's mix is more tribal and has some well-timed electro buildups and breakdowns. Phil B & Andy Allder provide a Hi Nrg meets Electro House mix which has a slight 80s vibe. It has a deep bassline. Twisted Dee's mix has a big room Trance flavor to it as well. Every single remix is great with the main one being the best of the bunch, but all are thoroughly enjoyable.

Listen to clips of all the mixes and purchase the single here (Beatport)

Grade: A

Farley feat Debby Holiday - Fantasy (Remixes)

The remix package for the Eurohouse throwback club track has arrived! Joe Carrano provides several addition versions which have a different production from the previous club mix he did. His Peak Hour Dub is much harder and darker, and it makes use of less vocals but they are used strategically. The Instradub omits the vocals and serves as a great tease to the main club mix. The Percapella gives this song a different feel, letting Debby's glorious vocals be the focus. The Synthapella is really pretty. It actually could work well at the beginning or end of a set. The previously released club mix and edit plus the original versions have been included as well.

Listen to clips of all the version here:


Purchase the single here

Grade: A

Farley feat Debby Holiday - Fantasy

This is the much-awaited collaboration of up and coming producer/remixer/DJ Jerome Farley and club diva Debby Holiday (of "Dive" and "Surrender Me" fame). The lyrics are delightful and Debby's delivery of them is great. The "la da dee da da" hook reminiscent of Crystal Waters' House classic "Gypsy Woman" is so addictive. The main edit's electro/euro-house production has a mid 90s yet contemporary feel. There is an alternate mix by Joe Carrano who gives the song a big room reworking. It's really pretty. Additional remixes are expected in the coming weeks.

Listen to all the versions on Spotify:


Purchase the digital single here (iTunes) and here (JunoDownload--for lossless)

Grade: A

Wayne G feat Debby Holiday - Dive '13 (Part 2)

The 2nd set of remixes of the club classic is out now. Chris Cox, Club Junkies, Jerome Farley & Joel Dickinson, LFB, LuckyDeejay, Mark VDH, Matt Consola & LFB, and Nu Collective provide the new mixes.

Chris Cox delivers a slamming update to his earlier mix. The beats are not as hard, but the overall structure including the synths and main production elements are the same. The Club Junkies mix is very mainstream. Farley & Dickinson's dark, drummy mix is really good too. LFB's mix is also on the dark side, but it has the feel of late 90s Almighty 'definitive' mixes. This adds some much needed drama. LuckyDeejay's has lots of soaring synths. Mark VDH's tribal mix has a slight Rock edge. Matt Consola & LFB's is circuit-oriented, but it will work well on mainstream floors too. Last but not least is Nu Collective's circuity mix with a touch of 90s Handbag House is lovely. Nu Collective, Farley & Dickinson, LFB, and Matt Consola & LFB's mixes end up being the best of the bunch though all are great.

-Listen to clips and purchase here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Wayne G feat Debby Holiday - Dive '13 (Part 1)

The 2004 club hit has been given a bevy of brand new mixes by Gustavo Scorpio, Isaac Escalante & Xavier Santos, Phil B, Scott Anderson (Solar City), Scotty K, Wayne G with Andy Allder and LFB. Aside from the Scotty K, Drew's mix, and the Wayne & LFB, all of the versions are circuit-oriented with Phil B and Scott Anderson's being the most anthemic. All of those are great. Scotty K's new mix is light and uplifting. It has a delightful 80s hi nrg feel. The Drew and Wayne & LFB mixes are downtempo, ballad ones.

Listen to clips and purchase here (iTunes)

A second package of mixes is planned as well.

Grade: A

Tony Moran - The Event Unmixed Total Collection 2012

The double disc compilation containing mostly brand new material was originally released in 2007 along with a modified digital edition the following year. This special unmixed edition includes 41 tracks comprised of full length versions of most of the songs that appeared on both compilations plus some alternate versions, radio edits, dubs, and some previously unreleased tracks.

Some of the highlights include the alternate mix of Kristine W's "Walk Away" that is far more hard-hitting and anthemic than the well-known original version. The full length version and alternate mixes of Nicki Richards' "Freedom" are lovely as well. The previously unavailable 10 minute Altar mix of "La Fiesta (Relive Your Kiss)" featuring vocals by Kara Dioguardi is a floorburner. The original version of that song appeared on one of Tony's compilations over a decade ago.

Overall, this is an excellent collection at a great price.

Purchase it at Amazon | iTunes

Grade: A

John LePage featuring Debby Holiday and LFB - Heaven

This is another diva anthem. Featuring circuit diva Debby Holiday, "Heaven" is a pretty, happy, and uplifting song. The main versions are circuit-lite oriented. Jamie J. Sanchez takes things in a harder direction while maintaining the pretty vibe of the original with the addition of lush piano keys. Wayne G's mixes are also in a similar style. These are much more piano-driven. Finally is Jeff Poirier's dub which is really hard and fast-moving. There are plenty of vocal loops and and buildups and breakdowns. Overall, all are really great.

Purchase the digital single here (Masterbeat)

Grade: A

Jason Dottley and Debby Holiday - Party Round The World

This is the newcomer's first single. He teams up with club diva Debby Holiday for "Party Round The World." Featuring mixes by Barry Harris and Chris Thomas, the song is meant to be a feelgood, fun song. Unfortunately, Jason's vocals make the song difficult to enjoy. They feel lifeless and lack the energy needed for a song about partying. However, Debby is her usual best. Jason could potentially do well with a different song somewhere down the line. Based on some of Jason's other songs, he has a decent voice so this song doesn't truly do him justice. The Barry Harris remixes have a nice Latin/light tribal feel. The dub is the one to go for. It has just enough of Jason and Debby's vocals. And the fun Latin production is really highlighted. Some of the drums call to mind Barry's club classic "Dive Into The Pool." Chris Thomas' are electro/tribal-oriented and a bit more hard-hitting. Pretty good as well. Overall, this is a good track.


Grade: B+