I Want Muscles
For reasons that I can't quite explain, it's been a while since I had a continuous mix CD come my way. The first one for me to listen to and review for 2010 is Centaur's Big Muscle Remixed by DJ/Remixer/Producer Bill Bennett. The 12-track mix is an energetic affair with lots of upbeat tribal rhythms, big room vocals, and some deliciously dirty beats. It definitely gets the year off to a good start and raises the continuous mix CD bar to a high level for the rest of 2010.

Recently named the #1 leather DJ in North America by Instinct Magazine, Bennett actually started his music career in the early 80's mixing music for his aerobics classes. He had initial DJing success in the Detroit area with a high-profile Saturday night residency at Cobalt Nightclub and subsequently garnered residencies at Splash in New York City and Rich's in San Diego.

This new "Big Muscle Remixed" CD features many of Bennett's productions which include performances by some of the biggest names in dance music including celebrated divas such as Suzanne Palmer, Inaya Day, Pepper MaShay, Thea Austin and Abigail. Tracks in the mix that have already proven popular on the dance floor include "Breakaway" with Day, "Fame" with Palmer, and "Forever Young" with Abagail. In addition to his own exclusive remixes that appear on the CD, there are remix contributions by Edson Pride, Twisted Dee, Klubjumpers and Bryan Reyes.

"Big Muscle Remixed" is available in stores nationwide, including here in Chicago at Borderline Music (3333 N. Broadway). The album can also be purchased at www.centaurmusic.com and www.theoutclub.com, where you can sample each song as well as buy a digital download of the album.

Next Up
First there was Hilary Duff, then it was Miley Cyrus, and now next up on the Disney Channel pop music parade of female stars is Selena Gomez, the long-legged 17-year-old beauty who stars on the Wizards of Waverly Place TV series. Her new debut musical effort, a 12-tracker, is called Kiss & Tell and instead of bubble gum treatments about teenage puppy love, the album contains songs that hint to a Gomez who is wise beyond her years. The first single is called "Naturally," and naturally it has been remixed for the dance floor: three official versions, with three distinct styles, by Ralphi Rosario, Dave Audé, and Disco Fries. Hilary and Miley have struck gold with their forays into the pop music world, and it looks like Miss Gomez is likely to follow in their footsteps.

Tardy Partiers
Fans of Bravo-TV's Real Housewives of Atlanta television series may be happy to know that Kim Zolciak's "Tardy For The Party" has been remixed for the dance floor by superstar DJ Tracy Young. Sped up to a decent bpm and supplied with quality rhythm and beats to go along with the melody and the hook, Young has crafted a remix that's fairly solid and should find favor on the dance floor. And for those who can't take Ms. Zolciak's vocal performance; there's a Dub mix that will probably suit your taste and needs.

Single"s" Life
Here are a few tracks you should definitely think about adding to your playlists.

"Step By Step" (Big Room Remix) by Laidback Luke & Gregor Salto featuring Mavis Acquah – The next big room anthem after "When Love Takes Over."

"I Called U" (Heated Conversation) by ATFC – The searing saxophone part makes this a truly exciting house track.

"Tik Tok" (Tom Neville Crunk & Med Remix) by Ke$ha – This is a nice and twisted remix of one of the hottest songs on the pop charts oin the past six months.

"Why Don't You Love Me (DJ Escape & Tom Coluccio Vocal Mix) by Beyoncé – This is a top notch remix with a rough tough bass line contrasting the airy and trancey keyboards.

"Fresh Out The Oven" (HQ2 Club Mix) by J-Lo as LOLA – This track may be flying underneath the radar, but it is a certified barn burner.

"Did It Again" (Superchumbo Remix) by Shakira – Forget about "She Wolf," this is a much better track and pairs well with the abilities of Tom Stephan's (aka Superchumbo).

"Get Up (Everybody)" (Original Mix & Austin Leeds Remix) by Starkillers & Disco Dollies – This electro-house remake of the Byron Stingily classic is hot and proper.