Yinon Yahel feat. Maya Simantov - Take The World

This is the latest collaboration of the Israel-based producer/remixer/DJ Yinon Yahel and singer/songwriter Maya Simantov. They have worked together numerous times in the past on their own songs and with Offer Nissim, with whom several albums were produced. This is in a similar vein as their earlier work, however, this one sounds more contemporary and in line with Yinon's own production style which has a slightly harder Electro influence. Maya's vocals are soft and haunting, particularly in the beatless portions where she is highlighted.

Listen to clips and purchase here (Beatport)

Grade: A

Tony Moran feat. Martha Wash - Free People (Vol 1)

The legendary big voiced diva has teamed up with Tony Moran once again for another uplifting club track. The main version produced by Tony Moran and longtime collaborator Warren Rigg is big room-oriented with big synths. Martha's vocals are fantastic. The first of two volumes of remixes has been released and features an all star lineup including Antony Reale, Cruelty, Funky Junction, Giuseppe D, The Noisemakers, Rene Ablaze, Splashfunk, Laera & Jeyjon, Victor Dinaire & Bissen, and Yinon Yahel. Antony Reale & Funky Junction deliver a big room-oriented House mix which feels like a meatier Freemasons remix. Cruelty provides a 90s Rave meets Handbag House remix. Giuseppe D's piano-heavy is especially hard-hitting and beautiful. The Noisemakers mix is in a soft House style. Coming out of left field is Rene Ablaze's epic big room Trance remix which uses only a limited amount of vocals. Splashfunk, Laera, and Jeyjon's mix is also piano-heavy. Victor Dinaire & Bissen deliver something techy. Yinon Yahel's mix is dark and dramatic. Overall, Giuseppe D and Rene Ablaze's mixes are the best of the bunch.

Listen to clips and purchase here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Yinon Yahel feat Meital De Razon - Share The Night

This is the latest collaboration of the producer and vocalist. Meital's gorgeous vocals take center stage on this. The production starts off hard then softens for a moment, then it builds to a hard, progressive riff. The TLV Vocal is the hard version. The In Love In NY mix is much lighter and uplifting and the riff is less aggressive. An edit of this version could have potential to cross over to radio just as that other Avicii "I Could Be The One" track is doing right now.

TLV Vocal Mix
 

In Love In NY Mix


Grade: A-

Yinon Yahel - Who Da' Fuck?

This is the latest track from the Israeli producer/remixer/DJ. The somewhat brazen title isn't 100% indicative of the song's lyrics. The song is mostly instrumental with the title lyric only appearing in some of the buildups. It has a quirky, almost sax-like electro synth hook with some tribal beats. There are 3 main versions of this. The New York mix is longer and has a dark feel while the TLV mix is a minute shorter. It starts up a little quicker. Last but not least is the GDL mix which is the darkest of the 3. This will fit into a variety of DJ sets.

Listen to the 3 mixes on Soundcloud
-New York Mix
-TLV Mix
-GDL Mix

Grade: A-

Yinon Yahel feat Alon Sharr - Reach Out

After the surprising success of Swedish House Mafia's recent single "Don't You Worry Child", there is a greater opportunity for Electro/Pop songs with male vocals to cross over as well. The Israeli producer/DJ's latest release is exactly one of those. The production is lighter than his usual, but it still packs quite the punch especially during the break. The deep voiced Alon Sharr's vocal performance is great too. The song sounds like it would work well in a ballad arrangement if such a version existed. With the right push, this could be a hit.

Grade: A-

Yinon Yahel feat Maya Simantov - Like It (When We Do)

This is the latest release from Israeli producer/DJ Yinon Yahel and singer-songwriter Maya Simantov. "Like It (When We Do)" recalls the production style of earlier Maya tracks produced with both Offer Nissim and Yinon Yahel, specifically the classic "Be My Boyfriend". It combines both that earlier sound with what Yinon has been doing recently. Maya is as good as she usually is on vocals. There are 7 remixes, in addition to the original. All versions are circuit-oriented with some being a little harder, and some with more Electro elements. All the versions are pretty good, however, the Stephan Grondin & Alain Jackinsky and Allan Natal mixes are especially outstanding.

Listen to clips and purchase the digital single here (Yinon's store on Facebook)

Grade: A

Offer Nissim - Pride All Over 2010

This is a new continuously mixed compilation showcasing some of his recent productions and remixes. It begins with two new Epiphony tracks including "Mr. Charming" and "Boxing Ring." "Mr. Charming" sounds like the darker cousin of their earlier hit "Out Of My Skin" while "Boxing Ring" has some electro influences. Next is Offer's remix of "Why Tell Me, Why" by Anita Meyer which is based on the original. He beautifully turns the light Disco track into a club anthem. Following that is "The One & Only" with Nikka is a pretty, uplifting but dark track. Suzanne Palmer's cover of Melba Moore's "You Stepped Into My Life" is up next. It features additional vocals by Maya Simantov. It's mostly instrumental except for the few vocal samples and occasional breaks with Maya's vocals. The electro-tinged production with buildups and breakdowns is really fun. The next two tracks are in other languages including Greek and Turkish, respectively. Shlomi Saranga's "Essi" is a dark, moody track with some emotion-filled vocals. "Yeni Beni (Out Of My Skin)" is a cover of Epiphony's "Out Of My Skin" sung by a male vocalist. Some Epiphony vocals are used too. Ivri Lider's "F*** Off Berlin" is next. It's rather dark as well. It must be mentioned that it's not a song bashing the city of Berlin. Following that is a twisted techy-tribal update to Flickman's "The Sound Of Bamboo." Two more classic songs in other languages come next. The French "Nuit Magique" by Lara Catherine and the Hebrew "Adaa'in Kan" by Shoshana Damari. Both are really stunning. The latter is really haunting and dramatic. The compilation closes on a positive note with "Freedom To Y'all" by Mickiyagi. The unexpected 'symphony' break in the middle is a lovely touch. Overall, this is a good compilation. The mixing could be thought of as 'segueing' as each track does blend seamlessly into each other, but only for a few seconds at the end. The standouts include the Epiphony, Suzanne Palmer, Shoshana Damari, and Mickiyagi tracks.

Grade: A-

Yinon Yahel featuring Maya Simantov - Bringing You Home

After this was premiered more than half a year ago, this finally gets a release. "Bringing You Home" is yet another Maya Simantov vocal track that that strikes an emotional chord with the listener. Many of the songs her and Offer Nissim recorded in the past dealt with the subject of love and loss, topics that they turn into some really mesmerizing songs. Yinon's production is progressive/electro/tribal. The beatless parts are absolutely stunning. The main riff is reminiscent of the riff used in Offer's mixes of "Home" by Suzanne Palmer nearly 4 years ago. It's a nice nod to the past. This is a great track overall.

Buy the main mix here (Amazon)

Grade: A

Coming Soon: Amber - I Don't Believe In Hate (Drip Drop)

This is her much-awaited new single. In its original version, it is a lush piano ballad. Amber's vocals are delicate yet powerful on this. Lyrically, it is very positive and creative. This song is written by Kelly Mueller.

The remixes are by Pathos V2 and Yinon Yahel. The Pathos V2 mixes are Electro/Pop-oriented. These would be most suited for radio and clubs. Yinon Yahel's mixes are much darker and dramatic and would be most appropriate for the clubs.

It will be released on July 21, 2009 for purchase through Amazon, iTunes, and at most other digital retailers.

A limited CD single will be available. For more information about how to order it, please see this posting at DJRicoMixshow.

Listen to clips of all the versions here (Amazon)

Watch this video in which Amber shares some interesting background info about the song, the remixers, and some other fun stuff.

This is a very strong release overall.

Grade: A+

Offer Nissim featuring Maya - Hook Up

This is their latest single. Offer has been playing this one for a few months now. "Hook Up" is somewhat of a departure from their usual songs about love and loss. This one is a bit more sexual. Maya sort of speaks/raps the lyrics instead of singing them. It may sound a bit bizarre, but it works. The original is pretty tribal and slightly electro (think of taking the fun sleazy vibe of Starkillers or Hector Fonseca's productions and combining them with Offer's usual big room offerings). The gorgeous piano breaks and key stabs make up for the lack of sung vocals. Yinon Yahel's remix sounds more like what Offer would usualy do with his tracks. There are piano breaks in his mix as well. Those not liking the original may prefer this version. Ana Paula's mix has a nice strings break. The mix has a carnival-like atmosphere. Very good too. The Dimitri Vegas and Ben Preston mixes are both in a similar vein. They are much more electro-oriented.

A great package overall.

Buy the mixes here (Star 69 Records)

Grade: A-

Offer Nissim - Remixed

This is the first of two Offer Nissim releases that are being reviewed this week.

This collection is the latest release from the Israel-based DJ/remixer/producer.

Disc 1 contains remixes of some of Offer Nissim and Maya Simantov's earlier singles by other remixers. None of these mixes have been released previously on singles or other compilations. Some have been availabe at the digital retailers. Overall, a number of the mixes are Electro/House in style. Some of the highlights include Peter Rauhofer's mostly instrumental take on "Happy People", Ana Paula's reworking of "Love Me" with those lush strings and the Zoltan Kontes remix of "Only You."

Disc 2 contains the original versions of the last six Maya songs, including "For Your Love", "Wish You Were Here", "I'm In Love", "Happy People", "Why" and "Love Me", plus the new Epiphony track, "Out Of My Skin", the Symphony Extreme track "Remember My Name", which is based on the classic "Fame", Offer's new instrumental entitled "Bimbo" and Offer's revisit to Dana International's "Petra." Noticeably missing are the new tracks with Maya including "Hook Up" and "You'll Never Know How" and the two new covers of "I Close My Eyes And Count To Ten" and "Believe" with vocals by Hila Davidson (Symphony Extreme) and Meital De Razon (Epiphony), respectively. The new Epiphony track "Out Of My Skin" is one of his stronger works to date without Maya on vocals. Meital's vocal performance is quite good. The Symphony Extreme track "Remember My Name" is mostly instrumental, however the few vocals by Hila are decent. This one may have worked better with more vocals. The other instrumental, "Bimbo" is pretty good too. Really energetic. Some of the instrumental elements call to mind Offer's mix of "Ze She'Shomer Alay" from last year. The updated mix of Dana International's "Petra" is really good. Only some of the vocals from the original are used. The production fits extremely well.

All tracks on both CDs are full length, and totally unmixed. Physical editions of the collection are available at the Star 69 website. Digital downloads of the discs individually are available there too.

This collection is a must-have.

Grade: A