Shades of Technology: A Drum and Bass Journey
DJ DB
F-111/Higher Education
Although still on the penumbra of mainstream consumer taste, drum-n-bass does possess sufficient cachet for Warner Brothers to start up F-111, a label under the auspices of English expatriate DJ DB. This 14-track mix explores the various d-n-b textures that have ripped apart dancefloors throughout the past year. From Decoder's "Stash," where John Barry-meets-tech-step, to the anthemic "Funktion," courtesy of Ed Rush and Optical, this mix will have your crowd asking for a rewind every time.
Brian O'Connor

 

"Sing It Back"
Moloko
Echo (U.K. Import)
This amazing female vocal comes available on three separate import 12-inch singles. Check Todd Terry's production magic with his beautiful, dreamy organs and funky catchy keyboards. Boris Dlugosch really serves us DJs with a musical gem filled with wicked "deep house" bass and a brilliantly placed guitar. This is an excellent garage vocal and a must-have record for any DJ who wants to hold a floor.
Shawn Christopher

 

 

"Tainted Love"
Soft Cell vs. Club 69
Twisted
Peter Rauhofer has done it again, this time combining some big-beat grooves with an '80s synth-pop classic from soft cell. Club 69 has restored and repumped this engaging Soft Cell jam. By keeping the basic track intact and enhancing some of the original sounds, this remix could actually find a home on radio. The "Club 69 Future Mix" is an epic pop groove with a boomin' bass that will keep your mainstream crowd very happy indeed.
Phil Turnipseed

 

"Flamenco Addition"
Twin Presents The Flamenco
Stoneyboy/Waako
Twin rips it up on this spicy, Spanish-sampled, Latin-house track that's surrounded by a barrage of bouncy beats, booming bass, pounding percussion and catchy guitar licks. "Flamenco Addition" is the perfect peak-hour floor pusher, the kind of tune that commands respect from both DJs and dancers alike. Save room at the front of your crate for this tasty morsel. Highly recommended. Taken from the "Stockholm Sound Clash Vol. 1" EP. 129.9 BPM. For more information, contact 212-944-2590.
Peter A. Colon

 

"House Down"
Dana Kelley Presents Alpha
Sugardish
This after-hours house thumper offers a healthy helping of NYC mood and attitude. Blanketed by a misty cloud of background strings and a steady 4/4 beat, the track's charm stems from its bottom-heavy bass line and filtered effects. For a journey into late night bliss, try this tempting treat on for size. It won't disappoint 124.9 BPM. For more information, contact 212-509-5322.
Peter A. Colon

 

The Imperial
Flipmode Squad
Elektra Records
If you're gonna' buy one record this year featuring Busta Rhymes, this is it. Including the pop nugget, "Cha Cha Cha," The Imperial shines throughout thanks to knob-man D.J. Scratch. He masterly loops a descending piano motif around the incendiary delivery of the squad _ a co-educational one, at that, _ on "I Got Your Back" and then does the same for the reflective "Money Talks." Busta's in fine rhyme, but teamwork _ Flipmode features six MCs — is the game here.
Brian O'Connor

 

"Everything Is Beautiful"
Alex J.
Sugardish
Excellent new offering from newcomer Alex J that's surprisingly polished. Featuring a sexy female lead vocal, the production is a deep house groove with a couple nice keyboard hits and a hypnotic bass _ with some nice strings thrown in for texture. Very enticing. There's also a phat little dub called "Beautiful Remix," which showcases a juicy bassline as well as an acid type string hook. Very trippy. On the flipside, "The Dweller" kicks an epic trance groove.
Phil Turnipseed

 

Universal
Móa
Tommy Boy
With her Billie Holiday-styled vocal delivery and techno-flavored musical compositions, this Icelandic Uma Thurman lookalike is set to take the club world by storm. Standout songs here include "Toy," a drum-n-bass ditty with playfully feminist overtones, "Declaration Of Love," a bold statement of affections and "Memory Cloud," an inspirational passage set to an uplifting beat. Refreshing material. Contact 212-388-8300 for more information.
Peter A. Colon

"My Friends"
Dewey B feat. Kim Baker
Yellorange
Phat! Phat! Phat! Tony Humphries' label unleashes a deep garage house jam that is so sweet. With a deep moving bass as a foundation, the groove becomes a soulful anthem. Newcomer Baker displays a great delivery as her voice glides over some sexy keyboard work. The original mix is definitely the pick here, a classic soulful house jam produced by Dewey B, who should get lots of props for this one 'cause it's on!
Phil Turnipseed

 

Sounds Of The Underground, Vol. 3
Various Artists
Mic Mac
The legendary New York City-based label has brought together some of the industry's biggest names to remix a variety of classic dance tunes for this series' third volume. People like Todd Terry, Tony Humphries, Jason Nevins and more have applied their considerable skills to such gems as Colonel Abrams' "I'm Caught Up," "Straight For Your Heart" by N-10-City and "Love Will See Us Through" by Abby Lynn. In addition to these treats, the entire project has been mixed, in nonstop club fashion, by DJ Keith Rubin D. For more information about this Underground DJ Coalition Presentation, call 212-253-9667 ext. 11.
Peter A. Colon