The Wanted - Walks Like Rihanna

The British boyband is back with a song that is an ode to red hot Barbadian singer Rihanna. After "I Found You" failed to launch in the U.S., they are trying something a little different. Co-written and produced by Dr. Luke, this song is tailor made for radio even though the production recalls his earlier work with other artists. Aside from the obvious gimmick of the song, it is extremely catchy and is perfect for the Summer.

-Listen to the radio rip here (YouTube)

Grade: B

Oscar Loya - Learn Something New (Remixes)

The singer and stage performer's latest single was released late last year though the remixes have just been serviced. Oscar represented Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest as part of the act Alex Swings Oscar Sings in 2009 with the song "Miss Kiss Bang Bang." The song's lyrics are based on the old proverb of how one can learn something new each day of their life. The lyrics are a little trite as much of them are clichés. Oscar's vocals are pleasant. The vibraphone instrumental hook is nice as well. Of the remixes by +36, Automatic Panic, and Eddie Amador, the Electro-oriented +36 mix manages to make the song even better.

-Listen to the original here (Soundcloud)
-Buy the original here (iTunes)

Grade: B+

Hurts - Blind

This is the second single from their new Exile album. The Electro midtempo has an epic feel to it. In many ways it is a throwback to the Stadium Rock work U2 did nearly 20 years back, yet it sounds very contemporary. The vocals are absolutely amazing. There is a club remix by Frankie Knuckles. He has transformed this midtempo into a gorgeous slice of classic House recalling the glory days of the early 90s.

-Watch the music video for the original here (VEVO)

Listen to the Frankie Knuckles mix here:


Grade: A

Official Hank - Gonna Get Better (Remixes)

The remixes for this song released nearly 2 years ago have just come out. Official Hank is a singer-songwriter releasing his brand of positive music. "Gonna Get Better" is a straightforward, uplifting song. Though the lyrics are quite simple, given all that is happening in the world at the moment, one could always use some encouragement that it will get better soon. The original is a string-drenched Dance/Pop track. The autotuned vocals give the song a robotic feel which does work quite well here.

House luminary Mark Picchiotti provides the remixes. His main version takes the original up several notches with added piano elements and layers of synths. The dub bears only some resemblance to the main mix in certain sections. This works as a great tease to the main version. Overall, the remixes are wonderful.

Listen to the original here:


Listen to the Mark's vocal mix


Listen to the Mark's dub


Grade: A-

Janelle Monáe feat Erykah Badu - Q.U.E.E.N.

R&B chanteuse Janelle Monáe teams up with Soulful diva Erykah Badu on this rousing funky R&B track. The two singers complement each other perfectly from the verses to the ad-libs. This song is a nice fusion of classic, old school R&B and contemporary R&B/Pop. The sweet production is absolutely hypnotic. This should be a big radio and club hit.

Listen to the song here:

Grade: A

Daft Punk - Get Lucky (feat Pharrell Williams)

The French duo's first studio album in almost 8 years, entitled Random Access Memories will be released in a few weeks. The first single is a collaboration with the legendary Nile Rogers (formerly of Chic) and singer/producer Pharrell Williams (of N.E.R.D. and The Neptunes). "Get Lucky" is a funky Disco-flavored number with Pharrell singing in falsetto for much of it. He is a perfect match for the smooth, soulful production. The song sounds like it could have been made during the Disco heyday of the 70s, but it sounds fresh. With Dance music being ubiquitous on Pop radio right now, it would be an excellent opportunity to send this song to that format. Only the Radio Edit is available right now. The full album version that is 2 minutes longer will be released later on, probably when the album is.

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

Grade: A

Freemasons feat Joel Edwards - Dirty Organ

The British House duo is back with another new vocal track hot on the heels of the dubby "Bring It Back". They fused their usual Disco goodness with some of the Electro sounds popular right now. The title of the song is for the twisted, swirling piano elements on the track. Singer Joel Edwards (of Deepest Blue) provides vocals. It's mostly just a few sung lines and a single "there's something about you, girl" loop repeated throughout the track. In addition to the main club mix, there's a shorter club mix, a radio edit, and an instrumental. This one is quite the grower.

-Listen to clips and purchase here (Beatport)

Grade: A-

DJ/Remixer/Producer Peter Rauhofer Diagnosed With Brain Tumor

The Grammy award-winning remixer, producer, DJ, and record label owner's manager Angelo Russo announced today on his Facebook fanpage that Peter was just diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Dear Friends and Loyal Fans,  

As Peter Rauhofer's manager and dear friend for many years, it is my sad duty to announce that Peter was rushed to the emergency room several weeks ago. After confirming that Peter had a seizure, further testing has revealed a large brain tumor, something that has gone undiagnosed for quite some time.

At this time, Peter's family is working closely with a team of talented Neurologists to determine the overall best treatment option. Please be assured that he is getting the absolute finest care possible, twenty-four hours a day.

I know Peter would appreciate your kind consideration and positive energy during this extremely difficult period. We will post any updates and progress reports as they become available.
Feel free to post your condolences as well as check into this page for updates.

Sincerely, Angelo

If you want to send him your support and good wishes for a speedy recovery, here is his Facebook fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/PeterRauhoferOfficial/posts/10151562837765042

Peter will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Official Preview Of "The Great Gatsby" soundtrack

The highly anticipated soundtrack to Baz Luhrman's upcoming movie musical The Great Gatsby is now available to preview. Beyoncé and Andre 3000's cover of "Back To Black" (originally by Amy Winehouse) which was heard in the movie trailer wasn't made available as part of the preview. The soundtrack will be released on May 7.


1. "Bang Bang" – Will.i.am
2. "A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)" – Fergie, Q Tip and GoonRock
3. "Young and Beautiful" – Lana Del Rey
4. "Love Is the Drug" – Bryan Ferry with the Bryan Ferry Orchestra
5. "Over the Love" – Florence and the Machine
6. "Where the Wind Blows" – Coco O. of Quadron
7. "Crazy in Love" – Emeli Sandé and the Bryan Ferry Orchestra
8. "Together" – the xx
9. "Hearts a Mess" – Gotye
10. "Love Is Blindness" – Jack White
11. "Into the Past" – Nero
12. "Kill and Run" – Sia

Basement Jaxx - Back 2 The Wild

The Brixton-based duo is back with a new single. The campy, addictive tribal-influenced song is an ode to the beauty and fun of the jungle, from the animals to the plants. The rapid-fire spoken/rapped female vocals with the tribal chants in the background recall the frenetic sample-heavy "Theme From S'Express". The tempos of the two tracks are very similar as well. This song will make for some fun remixes as there is so much that can be done with all the different elements of the track.

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

Grade: A

Jason Derulo - The Other Side

This is the lead single from his upcoming 3rd album. Produced by DJ Ammo and Dr. Luke, this Dance/Pop track is reminiscent of Kelly Clarkson's recent hit "Catch My Breath" and Lady Gaga's "The Edge Of Glory", in terms of the production. The lyrics especially recall the latter. It is a return to form for the singer after most of the singles from his last album underperformed considerably despite being radio-friendly. This should help put him back on top.

-Buy the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A-

Wayne G feat. Brian Kent - With Or Without You

This is indeed a remake of the 1987 number one hit by U2. This song is perfect for a remix treatment and Wayne G steps up to the plate while listing  the vocals talents of Brian Kent. Brian manages to deliver a great vocal, coming extremely close to re-creating the magic of Bono's original vocal, which is a very tough thing to do.

There is a massive package of remixes by Wayne G & LFB, Twisted Dee, Andy Allder, Sean Mac, Julian Marsh, Matt Effect with LFB, Radboy, and Club Junkies. Nearly all of the mixes are in a big room and circuit style with the Club Junkies one being more mainstream and the Sean Mac one being more underground. In addition to the main version, Twisted Dee, Matt Effect with LFB, and Julian Marsh's mixes are the best of the bunch, though every version is quite good.

-Listen to clips and purchase the digital single here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Emblem3 - Chloe (You're The One I Want)

The boyband made an immediate impression on the audience and judges during their stint on the most recent season of X-Factor. Simon Cowell had said that he envisioned big things for the trio during and after the show. Their first proper single premiered a few hours ago. "Chloe" is supposed to be some young woman they fancy, but the song's lyrics could be interpreted as being about Khloe Kardashian (and her famous sister Kim Kardashian is the hotter sister). Regardless of who it is about, the song  is catchy, though the chorus sounds extremely creepy ("I know your sister turns everyone on
But oh baby, I have no doubt you’re the one that I want"). The vocals are solid, but the lyrics and dated production just don't help this one at all. Fans of the boyband should check it out anyway to form their own opinion.

-Listen to the song here (Ryan Seacrest)
-Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: C

Psy - Gentleman

After the massive international success of "Gangnam Style" comes the proper followup. "Gentleman" doesn't deviate much from the formula of the former hit with a similar synth and catchy vocal hook. Even the music video has a similar type of humorous theme and there's a choreographed dance. Though the song is mostly in Korean, the translation indicates this song is a social commentary on how men are typically supposed to be gentlemen. The music video is rather hilarious showing the singer engaging in un-gentlemanly behavior. While this one isn't quite as exciting as his breakthrough hit, this will probably do fine.

-Watch the music video for the song here (YouTube)

Grade: B

Kelly Clarkson - People Like Us

This is the second new song from her first greatest hits album released a few months ago. This song had immediately struck a chord with fans as it is an empowerment anthem that can be embraced by virtually anyone. Kelly's uplifting words are needed now more than at any other time. The Dance/Pop song will be massive on radio when it is released.

There is an official remix package, but the best version is the Show & Tell remix as it makes the song into a hands-in-the-air anthem, retaining the melody and much of the chord progression of the original.

Listen to the Show & Tell club mix here:
Listen to the Show & Tell radio mix here: Grade: A