Fierce Angel Presents Wayne G & Peyton - High

Wayne G and soulful singer Peyton have done a new remake of this song by the Lighthouse Family. It was a hit for them in 1997 and 1998 throughout much of Europe. It had a bunch of remixes, however the François Kevorkian one is the most well-known. Tony Moran also recorded and produced a cover version for his own sets with Nicki Richards and Zhana Saunders. An alternate edit of that was released on the Circuit movie soundtrack. A different mix was unveiled last year, however, a remix by Eric Kupper and Richie Jones was released on the newest Fierce Angel compilation. It is a lush, uplifting mix that is straight out of the Disco era. It's so pretty.

Purchase the Eric Kupper & Richie Jones mix here (Beatport)

Grade: A

Aristofreeks feat Kathy Sledge - Keep It Movin'

This release has been getting the attention of DJs and clubbers alike during the last few months. It features the vocals of the legendary Kathy Sledge (of Disco and R&B group Sister Sledge). It is a rousing, uplifting track. The main versions are in a funky Disco/House direction. There are additional remixes by C-Rod, DJ Ting, Eric Kupper, John Rizzo, Mike Rizzo, Ranny, Razor N Guido, Serving Ovahness, Stingray, and The Degenerates. Every single mix brings something special to the table. The highlights include the Eric Kupper, Razor N Guido, and Serving Ovahness mixes. Eric Kupper delivers a Def Mix era throwback mix with lush pianos. Razor N Guido's darker mixes also utilize an organ-based hook that is further highlighted in their Duhb. Serving Ovahness delivers both a solo and collaboration mix with Alexander which make this into a peak hour circuit anthem.

Grade: A+

Joi Cardwell - The Art Of Being

Joi's brand of Soulful House music with thoughtful, inspirational lyrics is always welcome. She has released a handful of singles here and there in between albums. The Art Of Being is the singer-songwriter's first album in nearly 3 years. It contains a few of the singles that were released separately. This is her strongest album to date. Every single one of the songs is beautifully produced by many of the heavy hitters of clubland. All of the songs have a melodic sound that is distinctly classic but also sounds current. Joi's vocals are amazing! There are a couple of revisits to her earlier singles "Jump For Joi" and "You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else" as well. Every one of the songs is great so it is hard to choose the best ones, but "Confusion", "Return To Love", "Je T'Adore", "Shot Through The Heart", and "Lucky Charm" really stood out. All of the songs could work as singles. With the recent shift towards early 90s House sounds, this record arrives at just the right time.

 Tracklisting:
1. Lucky Charm (Quentin Harris Production)
2. Return to Love (Director's Cut Mix)
3. Confusion (NovoGain Production)
4. Love Somebody Else (Maceo Plex & John Dasilva Mix)
5. Shot Through the Heart
6. Indian Giver
7. I Just Wanna (Kraak & Smaak)
8. Sweet Sadness (Mlle Lucy Mix)
9. Je T'adore (Life+ Mix)
10. Feels Like Heaven
11. Music Saved My Life (Maurice Joshua Mix)
12. Jump 4 Joi (Mike Cruz Radio Mix)
13. Jump 4 Joi (J Zuart Remix)

Purchase the album here (iTunes) and here (Juno) [Juno has it in lossless DJ friendly/collector format]

Grade: A+

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

Charlotte - Somebody's Baby (Peter Rauhofer Remixes)

The singer-songwriter is best known for the club hits "Skin", "Someday", and "Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark." This song appeared on her debut album which remains unreleased in the U.S. These previously unheard, unreleased remixes by Peter Rauhofer, who passed away earlier this year were made available yesterday for the first time. It is unknown exactly when these mixes were completed, but based on the overall sound and style of them, it was reportedly between 1998 and 2000. Peter worked with Eric Kupper on these gorgeous Garage/House mixes. Charlotte delivers a spirited vocal performance which goes perfectly with the production.

Listen to clips of the 2 mixes here:

The acapella was also released earlier this year as part of Nervous Accapellas Vol 6
 

Grade: A+

Ariana Grande - Baby I (Remixes)

This is the second single off of her critically acclaimed throwback debut album Yours Truly. The R&B midtempo is super catchy with that "oh baby, oh baby..." chorus which instantly recalls Ashanti's orgasmic "Baby." This is much stronger than the previous single which featured Mac Miller. There is a remix by Director's Cut (Frankie Knuckles & Eric Kupper) which is extremely apropos for this type of slow burner.

-Listen to the original here (YouTube)

Listen to the edit of the Director's Cut mix

Grade: A-

Club 69 Back Catalogue Now Available For Purchase!

Club 69 was a production team comprised of the late Peter Rauhofer, Eric Kupper, and Georg O. Luksch. They had a number of hits with their own productions as well as the many remixes they did. Up until recently, only the Best Of Club 69 compilation comprised of the singles and select album tracks from the Adults Only and Style albums was available for digital download. It is unknown when it happened, but all of the Club 69 CD maxi singles, the 2 albums, and the ReStyled remix album released in the U.S. are available now. Some of the remixes, dubs, edits, and DJ tools found on the vinyl singles, promos, import editions have not been made available at this time. and iTunes is the only digital store selling these at the moment. Hopefully other stores like Beatport will carry these so DJs and collectors can purchase them in WAV format.

Here is what is available (the links are for iTunes and will let you hear clips of every track and purchase if you wish to):

Singles

• Diva / Fantasy
• Sugar Pie Guy / Warm Leatherette
• Let Me Be Your Underwear / Always Unique
• Much Better / Drama
• Alright
• Muscles
• Diva (New Mixes)
• Let Me be Your Underwear (New Mixes)
• Warm Leatherette (New Mixes)

Albums

• Adults Only
• Style
• ReStyled (Remix Album)
• Best Of Club 69

DJ/Remixer Peter Rauhofer, 48 passes away

The Grammy winning DJ/remixer/producer/record label owner lost his battle with brain cancer today at the age of 48. Originally from Austria, Peter began his career working as a record label A&R for Gig Records. He made forays into DJing and production a short time after.

Peter's first major release was under the alias Danube Dance with "Unique." which went on to be an underground hit. Under his most famous production alias of Club 69 with Eric Kupper and Georg O'Luksch, "Let Me Be Your Underwear", "Sugar Pie Guy", and "Take A Ride" followed. These appeared on the full length album Adults Only released in 1995. A second album, Style was released in 1997. In addition to usual vocalist Kim Cooper, he introduced a new singer Suzanne Palmer who had only done a handful of songs at the time. "Drama", "Much Better", "Alright", and "Muscles" were the major hits from the album. After Twisted Records closed, Peter created the Star 69 label to release his own tracks as well as for a number of other artists. Amuka, Lula, Offer Nissim with Maya Simantov, and Suzanne Palmer were some of the label's biggest successes.

In addition to the original productions, Peter remixed almost every major artist including Annie Lennox, Beyonce, Cher, Christina Aguilera, Deborah Cox, Depeche Mode, Donna Summer, Duran Duran, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Timberlake, k.d. lang, Kristine W, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Nelly Furtado, Pet Shop Boys, P!nk, Rihanna, Seal, Scissor Sisters, Shakira, Toni Braxton, Tori Amos, Whitney Houston, and Yoko Ono. These are just some who he did remixes for. Of the aforementioned artists, he notably remixed Madonna's songs more than any of the others. Peter won a Grammy in 2000, and was nominated again in 2001 and 2004 (for his mix of Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful"; the category of Best Remixer used to be for a body of work for a particular year until it was changed in 2002).

In just the past year, Peter had begun to actively remix again completing both official and private mixes of Adele, Alicia Keys, Gossip, Inaya Day, Janet Jackson, Kazaky, Madonna, Miasha, Mika, Offer Nissim, P!nk, Rihanna, Scissor Sisters, Swedish House Mafia, Toni Braxton, Tori Amos, and will.i.am & Britney Spears.

In addition to his many remixes and productions, Peter DJed regularly, often playing his many private collection mixes. For several years, he had a regular residency at the legendary Roxy club until its closure. He also played at Spirit and Stereo at various times too. He notably played at The Saint At Large's Black Party held at Roseland. Peter had his Work party events several times year, often co-headlining with other newer DJs.

Despite the many changes in Dance music both in terms of tastes, styles, and industry shifts, Peter constantly reinvented himself staying relevant and successful more than 2 decades. He leaves behind a tremendous body of work that is almost unparalleled by any of his contemporaries. He will be truly missed.

Condolences, messages, and stories may be posted and shared on his official Facebook page here

Some of Peter's best remixes:

Eurythmics - 17 Again (sorry, it won't let me embed)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIfsXlSMbYw

 

Colton Ford - Let Me Live Again (Remixes)

The main versions of this uplifting, inspirational song were released last year however, new remixes of this have been done by Wawa, Director's Cut (Eric Kupper & Frankie Knuckles), Craig C, JC, Tony Moran & Warren Rigg, and Bill Bennett & Tyler Nelson. Colton delivers one of his best vocal performances to date on this heartfelt song. Wawa, who also produced it, provides three main versions. The Club Mix is a synthy electro house production with the vocals heavily reverbed. The Original Back To Mine mix is a variation on their main mix but certain elements have been played up. This one sounds most like a Freemasons mix. The Endless Summer mix is more tribal. The Director's Cut beautiful 90s Disco House throwback. Craig C's mix almost seems to pick up where the second Wawa mix left off and is just a bit more uptempo and "hands in the air" sounding. JC's mix has aggressive electro synth stabs and soulful sections. Tony Moran & Warren Rigg's mix begins like their usual anthemic mixes, however, the piano loops throughout it add a little something extra. Bill Bennett & Tyler Nelson's is very pretty as well with the uplifting synthwork. Overall, the second Wawa, Director's Cut, and Tony Moran & Warren Rigg mixes are the best of the bunch, even though all of the mixes are quite good.

-Listen to the original here (YouTube)
-Listen to clips of all the mixes and buy them here (Amazon)

Grade: A

Vanessa Daou - Consequence

This is the latest from the electronic artist. "Consequences" is very much in the same vein as her earlier work. Her ethereal vocals just float over the sparse production of the original. There are remixes by Eric Kupper, HarLum (David Harness and Chris Lum), Terry Lee Brown Jr., Timewriter, and Blank & Jones. Soulful and deep, Eric Kupper delivers a stunning mix. HarLum delivers two mixes, the Main one being hard yet soft, and the Peaktime Tribal one being a little more accessible. Terry Lee Brown Jr.'s mix is in a similar vein as Eric Kupper's, however, this one has a little more going on. The Timewriter mix is mostly a layered instrumental dub with just a sprinkling of vocals. The Blank & Jones mix is very sparse and uplifting. This is great for closing off a set. Overall, every single remix is excellent!

Grade: A+

Ananda Project - Kiss Kiss Kiss

Originally released back in 2004, "Kiss Kiss Kiss" was an underground classic. Now it's back with some new mixes courtesy of Frankie Feliciano. In his usual soulful, elegant style, he revitalizes this song. In his Classic mix, it has all the makings of a light, early evening or late night floorfiller. His Ricanstruction mix adds a bit of Latin percussion but it isn't overly hard. Both are absolutely stunning, classy pieces of house music. The vocals by Heather Johnson and Terrance Downs are wonderful. Also included on the package are mixes by Eric Kupper, Sir Piers and The Mischievious Two from the 2004 release.

Listen to clip and purchase the single here (TraxSource)

Grade: A+

Sir Ivan - Kumbaya

This is his latest single which is also a cover of a positive, uplifting type song. "Kumbaya" was recorded earlier this year, but it remained unreleased until now. There are some changes to the lyrics though. It features mixes by Eric Kupper, Christopher Lawrence, and Tony Moran & Warren Rigg. Eric Kupper's mixes are slightly circuit-oriented, but they are really light. They feature some select samples from U.S. President Barack Obama's speeches. Christopher Lawrence takes things in a trancier direction. Tony Moran & Warren Rigg's mixes are their usual circuit anthem, but they are also is in a light epic trance direction. The dub is nicer as there's just some vocals and it gives listeners the opportunity to hear the stunning production. While this release may not be everyone's cup of tea, give it a chance. The production on all the mixes is solid and well-done.

Buy the remix EP here (iTunes)

Grade: A-

Nicki Richards - Why You Wanna Hurt Me So Bad?

Known for her powerful vocals as both a backing and lead vocalist, Nicki Richards is back with another single from her current album. It is a smooth R&B midtempo in its original version. Nicki's vocals are excellent. The lyrics are quite deep.

The remixes by Tony Moran & Warren Rigg, Matthias Heilbronn, Eric Kupper, and Daryl James take this to the clubs and back. Tony and Warren deliver their usual fierce club anthem. With it's hard driving beats and soaring synths, the production meshes flawlessly with Nicki's vocals. Both Matthias Heilbronn and Eric Kupper take things in a more soulful direction. Very elegant. These have a very 'classic' feel. The Darryl James mix is an R&B/Hip Hop type mix. This plus the original could plenty of radio airplay if they were promoted to the mainstream. It's great.

The CD maxi single can be purchase here (CD Baby). Previews of all versions can be heard. Other digital stores may have the single for sale at some point too.

Check out Nicki on MySpace. The album version of this song can be listened to there also.

Overall, this is yet another great single from Ms. Richards. Here's to many more.

Grade: A

Inez - Stronger

With the opening vocals of the song, many may swear they are listening to an iiO/Nadia Ali song, but they're not. Inez's voice has the same ethereal, earthy quality that Nadia's has. After having seen a small release over a year ago, "Stronger" finally gets the proper release it deserves via Tommy Boy Records.

In addition to some of the mixes that appeared on the original release, there's a new mix by Jody Den Broeder. Jody's is a light electro-house production that stays close enough to the original. Eric Kupper's mix is a perfect balance of Dance with Pop sensibilities. Inez's vocals are the focal point on all the vocal mixes.

A CD maxi with the Jody Den Broeder mix can be purchased at PerfectBeat. The U.S. iTunes store has some of the mixes from the original release too.

Jody Den Broeder mixes
Grade: A

Eric Kupper mixes
Grade: A

All the other mixes
Grade: A- (average of all of them; they were all pretty good though)

They want danger

They first gained attention with "The Rejection" over a year ago and followed it up with an EP featuring several tracks. No proper album yet, but hopefully one is in the works. Of the Dance/Rock-oriented EP, "Give Me Danger" became the next single. It has the feel of a Depeche Mode or Erasure track. The vocals definitely will call to mind Dave Gahan. Not a bad thing though. This similarity could hopefully cause fans of Dangerous Muse to check out Depeche Mode and Erasure if they have not done so already.

Just as was done with "The Rejection", "Give Me Danger" has received some remixes. Peter Rauhofer headlines on this project, however, there are over half a dozen other mixes that are worthy of attention as well. Peter Rauhofer opted to go in the electro-house direction he has been dabbling in for the last couple of years. For a song of this nature, it is quite appropriate. The slowed-down vocals lose some of the "oomph" found in the original. The production doesn't have the feel of "danger" as may have been expected, however, it is pretty decent.

A CD maxi containing the original, Rauhofer and other mixes was issued a few weeks back. It is available at some brick n' mortar stores, however PerfectBeat and Amazon are good options as they have carried it and may do so for some time.

Original Version
Grade: A

Peter Rauhofer mixes
Grade: B+