Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time (Remixes)

The evergreen classic has been remixed by Alex Gaudino, Bent Collective (Danny Verde and Steven Redant) LordWardd, and Nervo as part of the promo for the 30th anniversary edition of the She's So Unusual album which includes additional material in the form of alternate remixes, edits, and dubs that were previously unreleased on CD or in digital form. This song was also remixed by Eddie Baez and Josh Harris in 2005 when Cyndi remade the song with Sarah McLachlan for her The Body Acoustic album.

Alex Gaudino's mix is the most melodic of the bunch, using all of the vocals and some of the chords and keys from the original. Bent Collective's big room mix is vocally driven but takes an unorthodox approach to the backing melody. LordWarddd's mix has an 80s synthpop vibe. The dissonant melodic structure is a bit jarring at first, but it's actually done quite well. Nervo's experimental approach omits most of the vocals. It's understandable that they tried something different but it doesn't work well here. Alex Gaudino and Bent Collective's mixes are the best of the bunch.

Listen to some of the mixes here: (YouTube)

• Bent Collective
• Nervo

The Nervo mix is available as part of the pre-order for the new edition of the album here (iTunes)

Grade: A-

Lady Gaga - Do What U Want (Remixes)

Due to some unexpected behind the scenes issues with her management, the release of the remixes and the video were put on hold, however, it appears that those issues have been resolved. Dance mixes by DJ White Shadow, Kronic, Samantha Ronson, Steven Redant (with and without Amp Lexvas) will be released on February 25.

DJ White Shadow's remix is at a similar tempo as the original and has the R. Kelly vocals. This has fun 80s vibe. Kronic's EDM heavy mix is a tad noisy, however, it includes some additional vocals not heard in the other versions. Samantha Ronson's mix is interesting, however, it lacks cohesion. Steven Redant delivers 3 different mixes that include the Christina Aguilera vocals. His Madrid mixes are more mainstream while the Barcelona mix is more suited for peak hour. The third mix with Amp Lexvas is in an Inner City throwback style complete with those "Good Life" keys. It is also at a lower tempo, allowing the vocals to sound a little less frenzied. The separation of some of the ad libs and backing vocals adds nicely to the mix.

-Listen to all of the mixes here (YouTube, on Lady Gaga's official channel)

Grade: A

Melissa Etheridge - Uprising Of Love (Bent Collective Remix)

This is a special new single recorded by the veteran rocker. The timely lyrics speak of getting together and spreading love so it overcomes hate. The positive message is always welcome and is particularly relevant right now. This song surfaced via a couple of remixes by Bent Collective (a remix trio made up of Danny Verde, Guy Scheiman, and Steven Redant). They make this song into a rollicking anthem. Melissa's vocals are awesome and inspiring. These are also maybe the first official club remixes that have ever been done of Melissa's work. Proceeds generated from the sale of the single will go to charity. Read more about the Uprising Of Love initiative here.

Listen to the Bent Collective remix here:


Grade: A+

Kat DeLuna - Stars (Remixes)

This is the latest single from the starlet who had a big hit with "Whine Up" several years ago. "Stars" is another club track. It has an 80s feel during the verses. The song immediately calls to mind Alexis Jordan's Stargate-produced "Acid Rain" minus the hard electro breaks. The song is extremely catchy. Kat sounds great. There are some remixes by Chris Cox and Steven Redant. Chris Cox's mixes are nice and peak hour-oriented. Steven Redant's are harder hitting with the pulsating production. Overall, both did a great job.

Listen to the original here (YouTube)

Listen to the Chris Cox mix:
 

Listen to the Steven Redant mix: 

Grade: A-

Avicii vs Nicky Romero - I Could Be The One

Although released last year, this song has begun to gain traction in the U.S. and around the world, recently topping the UK charts. Though the song's lyrics aren't exactly groundbreaking, but coupled with the hypnotic production, it all works well. There is a really great remix of this by the Bent Collective (Danny Verde, Guy Scheiman, and Steven Redant) coming soon that significantly improves upon the original. It is much harder and gives the song some much needed drama.

-Watch the music video here (YouTube)
Listen to the preview of Bent Collective's mix here:


Grade: A- (for the original)
            A for the Bent Collective mix

Chris Cox & DJ Frankie feat. Crystal Waters - Oh Mama Hey (Remixes)

The main versions for this mega-collaboration were released a few a weeks ago. Chris Cox and DJ Frankie's production is very poppy, with the usual blend of electro house. The lyrics especially delivered in Crystal's voice just make this track so infectious. The main version could easily be on radio right now.

There are remixes by Stonebridge vs. J-C, Koko, Vanity Police, Trent Cantrelle & Jquintel, Steven Redant & Phil Romano, and Rosabel. Of the main versions, the Chris Cox Dub has just enough of the vocals and the dark production makes for a great tease into the original. Of the remixes, the Redant & Romano and Rosabel mixes are the best. Redant & Romano's mix is really synthy and tribal. Rosabel deliver two dark circuit/tribal mixes. The dub is particularly exciting with all the loops, buildups, and drops, but overall the vocal mix works the best.

This is a great track.

Listen to clips and buy the remixes here (Beatport)

Grade: A