Cher - Take It Like A Man (Remixes)

This is one of two singles that were released as a followup to "Woman's World." The Jake Shears-penned song is dripping with the camp and fun that is his work with the Scissor Sisters. It's a perfect dancefloor anthem for the ageless diva. This is one of the many highlights from the album. The first remix package includes mixes by 7th Heaven and Over The Top. 7th Heaven's fabulous mainstream, big room mix is so well done. The Over The Top mixes are in a similar vein as the original, but they have a subtle 80s Hi Nrg flavor which is so appropriate for a song such as this. Both sets of mixes are great.

-Listen to clips and purchase the remixes here (Amazon Germany)
(the U.S. store will have this next week)

Grade: A

Gossip - A Joyful Noise RMX EP

The Indie Rock group known for their quirky and fun songs have enlisted the help of a number of remixers to do reworks of songs from their latest album.

Scissor Sisters - Let's Have A Kiki (Music Video)

The Scissor Sisters have released a cute video of them dancing and performing this Summer's sleeper hit "Let's Have A Kiki." Remixes were serviced to DJs last week.

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

Scissor Sisters - Shady Love

This is the first single off of their upcoming 4th album. This uptempo Electro/Pop track calls to mind early 90s Hip-House as rapper Azealia Banks is featured quite prominently on the verses with the Sisters themselves singing the hook and chorus (like on those he raps, she sings types of songs). The underlying production has all the hallmarks of the Scissor Sisters' music, however, the rap feels a touch out of place within that context (although Azealia is a pretty fierce rapper). The song is a grower.

Scissor Sisters - Invisible Light

This is reportedly the 3rd single off of Night Work. The Pet Shop Boys-sounding track has a multi-layered production calling to mind the UK duo's work during the 80's. The production while having an old school sound also sounds modern with the electro/pop music being made now. With its catchy lyrics, the vocals are also top-notch. Acclaimed actor Ian McKellen makes a guest appearance on the track doing the spoken part (a la Neil Tennant on "West End Girls"). The original version is nearly 6 minutes long, almost ready for club consumption. There are remixes of this by Stuart Price, Boys Noize, Siriusmo, and Sammy Jo & Nita. Stuart's mix is in the same vein as the original. The vocals are a bit clearer, however only some of them are used. It's more like a vocal dub. Aesthetically, it sounds like something Shep Pettibone would have done during the 80's when remixes were based on the original version. The Boys Noize mix is mostly instrumental as well. The Siriusmo mix has that 80's Funk style to it. The Sammy Jo & Nita mix is a bit more laidback, losing much of the 80's sounds. The original is the best of the bunch.

Watch the trippy music video here (YouTube)
NSFW

Grade: A (for the original)/B (for the remixes)

Scissor Sisters - Any Which Way

This is the second single off of Night Work. This funky, sexy disco throwback is much more catchy than the previous single "Fire With Fire." Featuring Jake's falsetto, this one is lots of fun. The lyrics have the right amount of sass and attitude. There are remixes for this by 7th Heaven and Keljet (so far). 7th Heaven's mix has a slight 80's new wave sound which fits so well. Keljet also takes a retro approach, giving the song a funkier feel. Both are quite good.

Watch the music video here (YouTube)
Listen to the 7th Heaven mix here (YouTube)
Listen to the Keljet mix here (YouTube)

Grade: A-

Alphabeat - The Spell

After their breathrough first album last year, they are back with the followup entitled This Is Still Alphabeat which is due later this year. A few weeks ago, the Danish group announced that their new album will be a bit retro-sounding in that they have been inspired by some of 80's and 90's Dance/Pop music. "The Spell" is definitely all that and then some. It is perfectly uptempo, but not too fast (in the 115 BPM range). If some of those 90's boybands and girlbands got together with the Scissor Sisters, this song could be thought of as the product. It's modern, yet retro. It's fun overall. It's a great introduction to their sophomore album.

Listen to the song here (YouTube)

Grade: A