Aiden Leslie - I Just Go (Remixes)

This is the singer-songwriter's newest single. It is a melancholy midtempo dubstep inflected ballad. It has the feel of an early 90s Erasure track. The song has been spiced up for the dancefloor with a massive package of remixes. All of the mixes are well-done, however, the best of the bunch are by Frank Lamboy, Mike Rizzo, and Taj. Frank Lamboy's is a hard peak hour stormer while Mike Rizzo's is more mainstream and chill. Taj's accessible big room mix with a massive drop will work the best overall.

-Purchase the song here (iTunes)
-Purchase the remix package here (Amazon)

Grade: A

Madonna - Living For Love (Remixes)

This is the lead single from her forthcoming 13th album Rebel Heart. The song is a return to her Dance/Pop roots. It's an uplifting song produced by Diplo about moving forward after a breakup. It features traditional House elements including a groovy piano hook and straight out of church diva backing vocals. There are plenty of remixes already by Dirty Pop, Djemba Djemba, Mike Rizzo, Offer Nissim, and Thrill. The Dirty Pop remix is an electro-drenched one with a limited amount of vocals. The Djemba Djemba one is close to the original however it strips down certain sections. His mix uses all of the vocals. Mike Rizzo's remix takes the concept of the original and turns it into a hands in the air floorfiller. Offer Nissim delivers a darker, big room full vocal take that is appropriately titled as it does bring the drama. Thrill's remix is techy and plays up some of the choir backing vocals but it lacks direction. Overall, Mike Rizzo and Offer Nissim's mixes are the best of the bunch in addition to the fantastic original.

-Listen to the original here
-Listen to the Dirty Pop remix here
-Listen to the Djemba Djemba remix here
-Listen to the Mike Rizzo mix here
-Listen to the Offer Nissim remix here
-Listen to the Thrill remix here

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+

Cher - I Walk Alone (Remixes)

The latest single from her Closer To The Truth album has been remixed for a club release. Pop/Rock diva P!nk wrote this song and also performed the background vocals. The rock tinged song was a fan favorite. The Dance/Rock/Country style of the original works really well and Cher sounds great singing over that production. There are remixes by JRMX, Mike Rizzo, Morlando, and Tracy Young on this first set. JRMX delivers a Disco/House mix reminiscent of the Freemasons' signature sound that works surprisingly well. Mike Rizzo provides an interesting mix that incorporates dub step elements which somehow works. Morlando's 80s sounding mix is anthemic, however, it lacks a certain something that would take it over the top. Tracy Young's mix is a big room oriented Electro House one. It's the most mainstream mix of the bunch.

Grade: A

Shara Strand - I Will Carry You (Remixes)

This is the latest single from the rising star. The remarkable vocalist is a former winner of multiple singing competitions. The original is in a pretty, Adult Contemporary style. It has the feel of something from the 90s, yet it sounds modern.

The massive remix package includes remixes by D1 Music, DJ Corey Dee, DJ Escape with Tony Coluccio, Edson Pride, Klubjumpers, Mike Rizzo, and Soulbeats. With the exception of the DJ Corey Dee, Mike Rizzo, and Soulbeats mixes, all of the mixes are in different variations of the big room, circuit style. DJ Escape & Tony Coluccio is especially good, working well at peak hour and in mainstream sets. Naturally, the dub is harder. Mike Rizzo's is more of a mainstream Dance/Pop one. The Soulbeats mix has a tribal element but it's subtle. Overall, all of the mixes are really good.

-Listen to clips and purchase here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Hayla - I'm Free (Remixes)

This is the debut single from the Middle Eastern beauty. "I'm Free" is the perfect showcase for her impressive vocals. One minute she is whispering and cooing softly, the next she is soaring and harmonizing. The lyrics are rather lovely.

There are many remixes of this by Ralphi Rosario, Mixin Marc & Tony Svejda, Mike Rizzo, Super Stylers, Dave Matthias, Klubjumpers, Massi & De Leon, and DJ Bam Bam. All of the remixes' productions beautifully complement the vocals. They are all in an uplifting vein. The Dave Matthias one is a little more hard-hitting and is the highlight of the bunch.

Grade: A

Adele - Someone Like You (Remix)

This is the second major single off of her fast-seller 21. The wistful piano ballad about wishing her ex the best with his new wife is absolutely stunning. Adele is in excellent form here. It is astounding how the simple the production is (just a piano) and it is all that is needed.

Joe Zangie - You Remind Me

Longtime singer Joe Zangie is back with a brand new single entitled "You Remind Me." Joe delivers a strong vocal, as well as memorable lyrics. There are remixes by Mr. Mig & Mike Rizzo, Giuseppe D, and Beat Bangerzz. The Mig & Rizzo mix is a eurodance/house hybrid, fitting nicely into traditional house and even circuit sets. Giuseppe D's mix plays up the euro flavor. The tribal/electro Beat Bangerzz mix would fit into a variety of sets. Also included is a Rhythm Radio version which has that Electro/Pop sound that is all over radio right now. The Mig & Rizzo is the best one of the bunch.

-Purchase the song here (iTunes)
-Watch the music video here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Britney Spears - Hold It Against Me (Remixes)

This debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 based on just a week of sales, and has now begun to take off on radio. Remixes for this have begun to be promoted. Abe Clements, Adrian Lux & Nause, Jump Smokers, Mike Rizzo, Ocelot, Smoke n Mirrors, The Alias, and Tracy Young have remixed this so far. Since there are so many mixes, it would be a bit much to describe all of them in great detail.

The Abe Clements, Mike Rizzo, and Tracy Young's mixes are the best of the bunch. All are equally energetic, especially Mike's. Abe's incorporates the dubstep section nicely. Tracy's is dark and tribal, and her handling of the breakdown is a bit unexpected. Adrian Lux & Nause, Jump Smokers, Ocelot, and Smoke n Mirrors mixes are a bit on the busy and noisy side, and are just okay. The Alias mix sounded promising but feels a bit too metallic and is painful to listen to.

An extended version of the original is desperately needed and would be a great addition to this package.

Grade: B (for the package overall)/A- (for Abe, Mike, and Tracy's versions)

Solange - I Told You So (Remixes)

This is the 6th single from the Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams album era. This is a club-only single at this time. It is a smooth midtempo with an old school feel in its original version. Solange's vocals are great. There are remixes for this by Razor N Guido, DJ Escape & Tony Coluccio, and Mike Rizzo. Razor N Guido offer some circuit-oriented mixes which will take listeners back to the early part of their career, sonically speaking. Their production goes so well with the song, transforming it into a rollercoaster of sound for the dancefloor. Their Duhb mix could be thought of as a whole new production as it bears little resemblance to their main mixes. This is quite a fun ride with its straight out of Twilo references including "Wer*Ship" and "Your Child." DJ Escape & Tony Coluccio offer something tribal/electro oriented, but it's a bit darker and minimal and doesn't really go anywhere. Mike Rizzo's mixes have an 80's electro/pop feel which works well. Razor N Guido's are the best of the bunch.

Grade: A+

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+

Sun - Fancy Free (Remixes)

First reviewed on 9/28/09

Nearly three months after the initial release of the song come the remixes. As has happened with earlier singles, there are plenty of them. Dave Aude, Digital Dog, DJ Escape & Johnny Vicious, Mike Rizzo, Wawa, Pete Tong & Paul Harris, and 3 Amigos provide the remixes (so far, there could even end up being more later on). Dave Aude and Mike Rizzo both maintain the swing beat of the original. Both could easily pass as clubbier versions of the original. They don't stray too far from that and they sound great. Digital Dog's is their standard funky house mix. The bassline is killer. DJ Escape & Johnny Vicious provide a big room treatment that works pretty well. Wawa's is somewhat electro/funky house-ish like the Digital Dog one, but this has a fresher feel. Tong & Harris opt for a lighter, more soulful sound. Very pretty. 3 Amigos go in a minimal, afterhours direction. There's a little something for everyone.

Buy the original version of "Fancy Free" here (iTunes)
Watch the music video here (YouTube)

Grade: A

L2 - Boys Or Girls

"Boys Or Girls" is a campy, humorous song about a woman wondering whether a potential love interest is gay or straight. The description may make this song seem a tad off-putting, but it's done tastefully. There are remixes of this by Mike Rizzo, Tracy Young, Almighty, and Lenny Bertoldo. Mike's mixes are electro-pop oriented, easily fitting in on Pop radio. Tracy's mix is suited for a big room environment, but it's mild enough for house sets too. Almighty's mix is funky house-oriented, with a light euro nrg undercurrent. Lenny's mix is in-between and would fit into a wide variety of sets. All versions are well-done.

Purchase the digital single here (Amazon)

Grade: A-

Kaylah Marin - On The Floor (Oh Baby Please)

This is the sexy new single from rising star Kaylah Marin. She sings about how she wants her potential suitor to take her on the dancefloor. Her vocals are quite good on this track. The original is a midtempo and would work well remixed. There are remixes by Mike Rizzo, Tracy Young, Rod Carillo, Josh Harris, and The Perry Twins. Mike Rizzo's is a simple dance/pop mix. Tracy Young's is her usual big room, circuit mix. Rod Carillo's is electro-oriented. Josh Harris' mix has a nice 80's synthpop feel to. The Perry Twins go in a simple dance/pop direction as well, a bit of a departure from some of their other work. The package is really great overall.

Buy the digital single here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Utada - Dirty Desire

This is the latest single off of her second English language album. "Dirty Desire" is much racier than some of her earlier singles. It has a sleazy, naughty feel that may be a bit much for some of her fans, but it's nice to see Utada doing different types of songs. There are some remixes of this song for the clubs by Digital Dog, Mike Rizzo, and Razor N' Guido so far. Digital Dog provide a funky electro house mix with some light synths. Razor N' Guido offer some dark circuit-oriented mix that take the sexual aspect of the song up like 100 notches. This song lends itself well to remixes.

Listen to the original here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Ron Perkov - Miss You

This is his latest single after nearly 18 months. Having had a circuit-oriented release of some sort every so often, this one is tailormade for that very scene. Written and produced by Tony Moran, this one isn't nearly as memorable as other releases, but the various mixes on the release help to make this resonate more with DJs and fans alike. The main version by Tony Moran and Warren Rigg is their usual uplifting, tribal goodness. Manny Lehman, Twisted Dee, and DeMarko!'s mixes are in a similar direction. Twisted Dee's is a bit more housey while Manny's is more uplifting. DeMarko! manages to be in between both styles. Mike Rizzo's mix isn't circuit-oriented. His mix is perfect for Dance radio and mixshows. A good package overall.

Buy it here (Masterbeat)

Grade: B+

Kristinia DeBarge - Goodbye

She is the daughter of James DeBarge of the legendary 80's group DeBarge. This is her first single. Sampling a bit from Steam's "Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye", the song is quite catchy and addictive. It does sound like a milder version of Britney's "Womanizer". That song has spawned a number of similar songs, especially with the production. Kristinia's voice is decent. She seems interesting enough.

There are remixes of this song by Mike Rizzo, Hot 22, and DJ Paulo. Mike Rizzo's are in a similar direction as the original. He keeps the swing beat. It's really good. Hott 22 and DJ Paulo's mixes lose the swing beat. Hott 22's are really nice, classy House mixes. Very pretty. DJ Paulo's are not as dark as one may expect given his previous work. These are a nice blend of tribal/electro sounds. A strong package overall.

Masterbeat is selling the remix package.

Grade: A-

SaFire - Exotique

She had a handful of hits in the late 80's and early 90's during the Freestyle era with "Don't Break My Heart", "Let Me Be The One", and "Boy I've Been Told." She did experiment with other styles of music during the 90's. In 2001, she released an album which featured some new mixes of her earlier hits plus some new songs.

"Exotique" was announced during the late part of 2008. Now it's here. It was totally worth the wait. She sings about the person she loves and how "exotique" he is. SaFire's vocals are in full form and are a delight to hear.

There are many remixes of this that make this one suitable for a variety of dancefloors. The original is light Dance/Pop oriented with some light Middle Eastern elements. It's very pretty. Mike Rizzo's mixes are a little meatier and are more radio mixshow oriented. The atmospheric elements coupled with the electro production are great. The Johnny Vicious mix is a bit darker and harder, but still has tons of melody. The vocals sound great with this sort of production. Jamie J. Sanchez's continue in that direction too. Mark Alston's has the big room feel that the previous two mixes have, but with a milder beat. DJ Renegade & Mark Alston's Dub has lots of fun vocal manipulations and loops over a hypnotic production. The Jim Heinz mix is circuit-oriented as well and is really fast and energetic.

Overall, the whole package is really solid. All mixes are great. Hopefully this is the first of many new releases from SaFire.

-Check SaFire out on MySpace
-Masterbeat has all the mixes available for purchase. Other stores should have it when actual release happens on May 19.

Grade: A+

Jipsta - I Want Your Sex

This is the Chicago-based rapper's followup to last year's club hit "Middle Of The Dancefloor." This is a cover of the popular George Michael song. Instead of singing the song, Jipsta speaks/raps it instead. As a club track, this sort of delivery of the lyrics actually works.

The main version by Mike Rizzo has a gritty, sleazy feel which is appropriate given the content of the song. Alexander & Mark VDH take the song in a darker, tribal direction. Manny Lehman's is much harder and more tribal. The After 6 mix is a bit more afterhours-ish and is quite minimal. Oscar Velazquez, Ranny, and Edson Pride's are all tribal in nature as well. Twisted Dee's is surprisingly lighter than all of the other mixes. It could be played during peak hour, but also during other times.

It's good that the package is quite extensive, There is not as much variety as there could have been. The Mike Rizzo mix is the real gem of the release. It's just right. Twisted Dee's is a close second.

Listen to the George Michael original here (YouTube)
Listen to the Jipsta version here (MySpace)

Grade: A-

Anjulie - Boom

This is the latest single from Anjulie. "Boom" is a blend of R&B/Pop/Electro. It immediately calls to mind "Mercy" by Duffy, however, this is not just a copy of that. "Boom" has this indescribable retro vibe that makes it so palatable. Anjulie's warm vocals make "Boom" very memorable.

There are a few remixes of this song by Bimbo Jones, Mike Rizzo, Brazilian Girls, and Greg Kurstin. Greg's mix is a standout. It's not overly uptempo, but it's really funky and just fun. The Bimbo Jones mix is more club-oriented. It's well-done too.

Check Anjulie out on MySpace.

Grade: A-