I’M BACK!!! Thanks for the notes and inquiries about the column. No, all has not been quiet in the music world but my schedule didn’t allow for an update in recent weeks. We’re gonna try a new approach with updates to the column on the 15th of the month and music reviews, interviews and other music goodies comin’ at ya in between. Sound like a plan? Okay, so let’s hit the club…
THE DIVAS ARE BACK!!! Annie Lennox, Madonna, Britney, Madonna, Kristine W, Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Madonna…Yes, those are the voices of some of your favorite artists singing to you. But there appears to be some truth to the rumor of the death of anthems because these ladies actually sing (or rap, but we won’t go there). Beats are more likely to be flavored with a deeper groove than a drum crescendo. Screaming vocals have been replaced by seductive tones. Move over Junior, Thunderpuss and Hex Hector and make way for names like Scumfrog, Murk, Sander Kleinenberg, Satoshi Tomiie and Orange Factory.
First up is Mz. Lennox’s latest hit, “Wonderful” (J Records), with notable mixes by Sander K and Dave Aude. Not to be outdone, Sarah McLachlan’s “Fallen” (Arista) has risen with mixes by Satoshi Tomiie and Gabriel & Dresden. Norto Cotto will make you fall for Thalia’s “I’m In Love” (Virgin) by giving her a welcome make-over in his dub version. You won’t complain about “Wasting My Time” when you hear the West London Deep mix of Kosheen’s latest track on Arista. Deep Dish’s take on Dido leaves her “Stoned” while the mastery of Scumfrog will make everyone surrender to Dido’s “White Flag” (Arista). However, lest we think that anthems are completely dead, Ralphi and Junior each give Kristine W’s “Fly Away” (Tommy Boy) a lift on the charts, Chris Cox resuscitates Michelle Branch’s “Breathe” (Maverick) and Widelife bangs out “Haru”, an anthem with an Arabian flavor. And let’s hear it for the boiz! As with the ladies, the deeper, darker sounds are dominating the popular mixes. Enrique Iglesias is as “Addicted” (Universal) to Scumfrog as the rest of us and Seal proves that “Love’s Divine” (Warner) with Murk’s Dark & Dirty Dub.
Did someone mention Madonna? How could I forget? As if trying to be the next J.K. Rowling wasn’t enough, the big M is determined to set a new record for the number of songs in the top 40 simultaneously. First, she recently made the dubious claim that “Nobody Knows Me” with Rauhofer giving her proper treatment in his funky mix (Maverick). Next week will feature the release of her “Remixed and Remastered” EP (no word on why Maverick didn’t include Ralphi’s mix of “Love Profusion” as originally planned…), followed two weeks later with the “Nothing Fails” maxi-single with noteworthy remixes by Tracy Young and Rauhofer. And don’t forget her recently released ‘duet’ with Britney, “Me Against The Music” (Jive Records), with two electro-funk mixes that are downright dirrty…. (apologies to Christina… but you kissed her too!) Speaking of Britney, our baby girl is growing up! With a net worth of over $100M at age 21, politicians making death threats at her, and already being featured on VH-1’s “Behind The Music” without first meeting the required number of trips to rehab (yet), this girl appears destined for greatness. It’s almost as if she’s getting advice from someone like… um, well, Madonna… D’OH!
Madonna’s pal, Victor Calderone, has also been busy of late. Pounding away on the dance floor, his mix of Superchumbo’s “This Beat Is” (Twisted) was well worth the wait. Superchumbo will return the favor by remixing Stacy Burkett’s “Shake Down”, a track to be released on Victor’s label, Statrax. But first Victor will release his own track “Resonate” with mixes by That Kid Chris, Dimas (aka D-Formation) and DJ Vibe. Finally, rumor has it that Victor has just finished “Naughty Girl”, the next single from Beyonce.
Moving to the funkier side of the room, you’ll hear X-Press 2 throw down “Milkshake” by Kelis (Virgin), a fun mix for the playground. The block party continues on 19th Avenue (the next edition in the popular series) with a mash-up of Cevin Fisher’s “The Freaks Come Out” and De’Lacy’s “Hideaway” on one side and “Sweet Dreams” by Annie Lennox on the flip. Meanwhile, the Hoxton Whores are smoking their own special blend of “2 Fat Guitars” and flip them over to be “Blinded by the Xstacy”. But you’re not done until you “Get It Off” with That Kid Chris’ mix of Monica’s new track. Do it quickly, though, because Ralphi will encourage you to speed it up with his mixes of Alma Matris’ “Rapido” (Mantra).
WE WANT SOME DRUMS!!! The progressive side of the house seems to be filling up and Kade will make sure that you “ Don’t Bring Me Down” (Plastica Red) with a dub that is out of this world! Meanwhile, Jaimy & Kenny D will “Rise Up” (SoundShapes), Tribal Target gets “Dirty Live” (Cinnamon Flava), Evolved v. Oba bring us back to the jungle in “Afrika: The Drum” (Sondos), Peace Division makes you ask “What Is This Sound” with mixes by Superchumbo, and Moshic da Silva speaks a whole lot of “Gibberish” (Kismet). Finally, you’ll be haunted by the sounds of Pillbox “Pounding My Soul” (Stealth Records), Orielle telling us “All I Know” in a 4Tune 500 Remix (Incentive), and Jessica Eve is sure to send shivers down your spine in “Calling Me” (Subusa).
As we exit the club, let’s stop by the lounge to boost our spirits with some funk flavored with spunk. The Gambafreaks will make you feel “Special” in their mix of this re-vamped track by Lee Cabrera (Credence). David Guetta will tell you how he wants “Just A Little More Love” (Virgin) and Wally Lopez certainly delivers it. Monkey Bars will provide a tinge of funky reggae (a la UB40) in “You Be Want Some Fun” (Sublimina) but Smooth & J will insist that you don’t leave until you “Get Naked” on the floor (Motus Music). NOW GET OUT!!!
watch for… FEROSH!!! Tracy Young is out to prove that the Queen bee of the circuit doesn’t just hang out in the hive. Drawing on years of experience in the industry and a vast network developed through professionalism and genuine charm, Tracy has taken it to the next level by launching her own label, Ferosh Records (www.ferosh.com). Tracy produced Ferosh’s first release, The White Party 2003 CD compilation, which is hitting stores now with tracks by such artists as Cyndi Lauper, Robbie Rivera and Gloria Estefan (featuring Tracy’s mix of “Wrapped”). And in December, two original tracks on the compilation will be the first tracks released on Ferosh Records, “Ferosh” by Alan T and “Believe In We”, an original production by Tracy and Ceevox. Look for many surprise announcements in upcoming months as Ferosh continues to sign strong artists who share Tracy’s vision.
have you heard…? Barry Harris & Chris Cox… Thunderpuss no more! After months (years?) of speculation, they’ve officially announced the end of a 5 year era of teamwork that produced hits that spanned the gap between the world of pop artists and the tough-to-please Circuit scene. They brought us the classic “Kiss The Rain” by Billie Myers in their early days together and never slowed down, producing hits for every diva over the years, from Abigail’s “Let The Joy Rise” to Kina’s “Me”, to some of their final tracks together, including LeAnn Rimes’ “Tic Toc” and Anastacia’s “Love Is A Crime”. Let’s hope their solo efforts are equally as successful. Good luck to both of you! (@ Hydrate Chicago: Barry Harris on Saturday, December 6th - Chris Cox on Saturday, December 13)
track of the week – Krome Avenue feat. Shauna Solomon – Movin’ On (Harlequin)
Consider yourself lucky if you snatched this promo… DJs will be camping outside their local record shop to grab Harlequin’s soon-to-be hit record. Both the NYC Club and Dark Dub pump energy into any dance floor with driving beats and Shauna’s powerful voice creeping in as the track builds, repeating “I don’t want you, I don’t want you…” Shauna may be movin’ on but everyone will follow close behind to see what she has in store for us next. This is a MUST HAVE!
featured artist… Cyndi Lauper
Maturing like a fine wine, Cyndi Lauper continues to evolve, this time going back a number of years and lending her own voice to a selection of classic tracks that have been released on her latest album, “At Last” (Daylight Records/Epic). Click here for more…
dj spotlight… Roland Belmares
Becoming a DJ practically overnight, this talented man is returning to Chicago to blast the roof off at ANTHEM this Sunday (Nov 23) as he feeds his energetic style into the powerful system at the newly revamped Crobar Chicago. Click here for more…
THE DIVAS ARE BACK!!! Annie Lennox, Madonna, Britney, Madonna, Kristine W, Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Madonna…Yes, those are the voices of some of your favorite artists singing to you. But there appears to be some truth to the rumor of the death of anthems because these ladies actually sing (or rap, but we won’t go there). Beats are more likely to be flavored with a deeper groove than a drum crescendo. Screaming vocals have been replaced by seductive tones. Move over Junior, Thunderpuss and Hex Hector and make way for names like Scumfrog, Murk, Sander Kleinenberg, Satoshi Tomiie and Orange Factory.
First up is Mz. Lennox’s latest hit, “Wonderful” (J Records), with notable mixes by Sander K and Dave Aude. Not to be outdone, Sarah McLachlan’s “Fallen” (Arista) has risen with mixes by Satoshi Tomiie and Gabriel & Dresden. Norto Cotto will make you fall for Thalia’s “I’m In Love” (Virgin) by giving her a welcome make-over in his dub version. You won’t complain about “Wasting My Time” when you hear the West London Deep mix of Kosheen’s latest track on Arista. Deep Dish’s take on Dido leaves her “Stoned” while the mastery of Scumfrog will make everyone surrender to Dido’s “White Flag” (Arista). However, lest we think that anthems are completely dead, Ralphi and Junior each give Kristine W’s “Fly Away” (Tommy Boy) a lift on the charts, Chris Cox resuscitates Michelle Branch’s “Breathe” (Maverick) and Widelife bangs out “Haru”, an anthem with an Arabian flavor. And let’s hear it for the boiz! As with the ladies, the deeper, darker sounds are dominating the popular mixes. Enrique Iglesias is as “Addicted” (Universal) to Scumfrog as the rest of us and Seal proves that “Love’s Divine” (Warner) with Murk’s Dark & Dirty Dub.
Did someone mention Madonna? How could I forget? As if trying to be the next J.K. Rowling wasn’t enough, the big M is determined to set a new record for the number of songs in the top 40 simultaneously. First, she recently made the dubious claim that “Nobody Knows Me” with Rauhofer giving her proper treatment in his funky mix (Maverick). Next week will feature the release of her “Remixed and Remastered” EP (no word on why Maverick didn’t include Ralphi’s mix of “Love Profusion” as originally planned…), followed two weeks later with the “Nothing Fails” maxi-single with noteworthy remixes by Tracy Young and Rauhofer. And don’t forget her recently released ‘duet’ with Britney, “Me Against The Music” (Jive Records), with two electro-funk mixes that are downright dirrty…. (apologies to Christina… but you kissed her too!) Speaking of Britney, our baby girl is growing up! With a net worth of over $100M at age 21, politicians making death threats at her, and already being featured on VH-1’s “Behind The Music” without first meeting the required number of trips to rehab (yet), this girl appears destined for greatness. It’s almost as if she’s getting advice from someone like… um, well, Madonna… D’OH!
Madonna’s pal, Victor Calderone, has also been busy of late. Pounding away on the dance floor, his mix of Superchumbo’s “This Beat Is” (Twisted) was well worth the wait. Superchumbo will return the favor by remixing Stacy Burkett’s “Shake Down”, a track to be released on Victor’s label, Statrax. But first Victor will release his own track “Resonate” with mixes by That Kid Chris, Dimas (aka D-Formation) and DJ Vibe. Finally, rumor has it that Victor has just finished “Naughty Girl”, the next single from Beyonce.
Moving to the funkier side of the room, you’ll hear X-Press 2 throw down “Milkshake” by Kelis (Virgin), a fun mix for the playground. The block party continues on 19th Avenue (the next edition in the popular series) with a mash-up of Cevin Fisher’s “The Freaks Come Out” and De’Lacy’s “Hideaway” on one side and “Sweet Dreams” by Annie Lennox on the flip. Meanwhile, the Hoxton Whores are smoking their own special blend of “2 Fat Guitars” and flip them over to be “Blinded by the Xstacy”. But you’re not done until you “Get It Off” with That Kid Chris’ mix of Monica’s new track. Do it quickly, though, because Ralphi will encourage you to speed it up with his mixes of Alma Matris’ “Rapido” (Mantra).
WE WANT SOME DRUMS!!! The progressive side of the house seems to be filling up and Kade will make sure that you “ Don’t Bring Me Down” (Plastica Red) with a dub that is out of this world! Meanwhile, Jaimy & Kenny D will “Rise Up” (SoundShapes), Tribal Target gets “Dirty Live” (Cinnamon Flava), Evolved v. Oba bring us back to the jungle in “Afrika: The Drum” (Sondos), Peace Division makes you ask “What Is This Sound” with mixes by Superchumbo, and Moshic da Silva speaks a whole lot of “Gibberish” (Kismet). Finally, you’ll be haunted by the sounds of Pillbox “Pounding My Soul” (Stealth Records), Orielle telling us “All I Know” in a 4Tune 500 Remix (Incentive), and Jessica Eve is sure to send shivers down your spine in “Calling Me” (Subusa).
As we exit the club, let’s stop by the lounge to boost our spirits with some funk flavored with spunk. The Gambafreaks will make you feel “Special” in their mix of this re-vamped track by Lee Cabrera (Credence). David Guetta will tell you how he wants “Just A Little More Love” (Virgin) and Wally Lopez certainly delivers it. Monkey Bars will provide a tinge of funky reggae (a la UB40) in “You Be Want Some Fun” (Sublimina) but Smooth & J will insist that you don’t leave until you “Get Naked” on the floor (Motus Music). NOW GET OUT!!!
watch for… FEROSH!!! Tracy Young is out to prove that the Queen bee of the circuit doesn’t just hang out in the hive. Drawing on years of experience in the industry and a vast network developed through professionalism and genuine charm, Tracy has taken it to the next level by launching her own label, Ferosh Records (www.ferosh.com). Tracy produced Ferosh’s first release, The White Party 2003 CD compilation, which is hitting stores now with tracks by such artists as Cyndi Lauper, Robbie Rivera and Gloria Estefan (featuring Tracy’s mix of “Wrapped”). And in December, two original tracks on the compilation will be the first tracks released on Ferosh Records, “Ferosh” by Alan T and “Believe In We”, an original production by Tracy and Ceevox. Look for many surprise announcements in upcoming months as Ferosh continues to sign strong artists who share Tracy’s vision.
have you heard…? Barry Harris & Chris Cox… Thunderpuss no more! After months (years?) of speculation, they’ve officially announced the end of a 5 year era of teamwork that produced hits that spanned the gap between the world of pop artists and the tough-to-please Circuit scene. They brought us the classic “Kiss The Rain” by Billie Myers in their early days together and never slowed down, producing hits for every diva over the years, from Abigail’s “Let The Joy Rise” to Kina’s “Me”, to some of their final tracks together, including LeAnn Rimes’ “Tic Toc” and Anastacia’s “Love Is A Crime”. Let’s hope their solo efforts are equally as successful. Good luck to both of you! (@ Hydrate Chicago: Barry Harris on Saturday, December 6th - Chris Cox on Saturday, December 13)
track of the week – Krome Avenue feat. Shauna Solomon – Movin’ On (Harlequin)
Consider yourself lucky if you snatched this promo… DJs will be camping outside their local record shop to grab Harlequin’s soon-to-be hit record. Both the NYC Club and Dark Dub pump energy into any dance floor with driving beats and Shauna’s powerful voice creeping in as the track builds, repeating “I don’t want you, I don’t want you…” Shauna may be movin’ on but everyone will follow close behind to see what she has in store for us next. This is a MUST HAVE!
featured artist… Cyndi Lauper
Maturing like a fine wine, Cyndi Lauper continues to evolve, this time going back a number of years and lending her own voice to a selection of classic tracks that have been released on her latest album, “At Last” (Daylight Records/Epic). Click here for more…
dj spotlight… Roland Belmares
Becoming a DJ practically overnight, this talented man is returning to Chicago to blast the roof off at ANTHEM this Sunday (Nov 23) as he feeds his energetic style into the powerful system at the newly revamped Crobar Chicago. Click here for more…
