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

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

DJ JST feat Jenn Cuneta - Nothing Compares 2 U

DJ JST and Jenn Cuneta step up to the challenge of taking on one of the most beloved songs of the 90s and covering it as a dance track. The original was written by Prince and most famously sung by Sinead O'Connor. The dramatic, melancholy nature of the original is preserved in this update. Jenn does change up the delivery of the song slightly, however, she does a wonderful job. The production on the main version has a beautiful, haunting violin break. Barona & Hull, Jared Jones, Oliver Watts, and Phil B provide the remixes. Barona & Hull pack in lots of drama with their dark mix. Jared Jones manages to give the song an Ambient Trance feel a la early 2000s era Chicane and Alex Gold. Oliver Watts and Phil B both keep things uplifting. Every remixer does a stellar job maintaining the overall mood of the song and letting Jenn's vocals remain as the focus.

-Purchase the digital single here (iTunes)
-Watch the music video here (YouTube)

Grade: A