*Compilation of The Month*
Let's All Make Mistakes: Globus Mix Volume 5
Matthew Herbert
Tresor 157
Eclectically brilliant Matthew Herbert brings together some of the finest tracks to recently grace the techno culture in his first compilation work with Tresor. Contrary to what the title may imply, this album is an impressive coalition of tracks that are simultaneously quirky, funky, dark and brilliant. Under the moniker of Wishmountain, Herbert presents what is undeniably the most breathtaking piece on the compilation, “Radio.” Hypnotically intense, almost industrial in its sound orientation, “Radio” is electronic genius. Herbert also successfully remixes Moloko’s “Sing It Back” into a deep funky electro groove. Other fine additions include Green Velvet’s “Technologies Out of Control,” Si Begg’s “Test Tube Baby,” Radio Boy’s “The Pigeon Fanier’s Holiday” and Plastikman’s “Hypokondriak.”
– Erin McFee

"Livin' For Love"
Natalie Cole
Elektra
Straight from her Greatest Hits, Volume 1 CD comes a floor-filling jam if I’ve ever heard one. Hex Hector and Mac Quayle once again team up and deliver big with their “Hex HQ2 Club Mix.” Just imagine Cole’s sensuous voice layered over lush, energetic keyboards and you can see where I’m coming from. This amazingly fierce production must have rubbed off on Cole, who becomes a rather feisty diva on this cut. Filled with attitude and energy, “Livin’ For Love” is destined to be an anthem.
– Joe Bermudez

Polyester Embassy
Madison Avenue
Columbia
No one-hit wonder, Australian duo Madison Avenue’s full-length is loaded with radio-ready hits and it’s one of the better crossover dance-oriented albums we’ve heard in a while. The 13-track package includes the fun-loving “Who The Hell Are You” and the funky “It’s Alright,” plus housey offerings like “Do You Like What You See” and “Everything You Need.”
– Phil Turnipseed

"OK, Alright"
Buddah Khan
Strictly Rhythm
Let there be drums, baby! Talk about breakdowns, remixers Albert Cabrera and DJ Dome, along with producers Jason Hernandez and Freddy Turner, drop a fierce drum-drenched groove that will leave your crowd sweating from head to toe. There’s not much in the way of chord changes or real vocals; it’s just a relentless percussion groove that just pulverizes the senses. There’s a bit of a build and some minimal breaks, but it really amounts to a slight pause in a wildly intense beat down. We’re definitely feelin’ the “Original Mix” and DJ Dome’s “Psycho Mix” with its subtle heavy bass.
– Phil Turnipseed

"Independent Woman, Part 1"
Destiny's Child
Columbia
Destined to be the “I Will Survive” of 2001, Destiny’s latest female anthem will have clubgoers waving their hands in the air. Already a familiar tune with audiences, thanks to heavy play in the hit film, Charlie’s Angels, it didn’t take much to make this a clubland winner. The “Victor Calderone Club Mix” nails it, too. Keeping it simple and staying away from dramatic drops and builds, Calderone instead focuses on what makes this song a hit to begin with – the ladies’ lovely voices singing about empowering women everywhere. A must-have for any format.
– Joe Bermudez

“Within or Without You”
Lotus
Rasam
Mike Macaluso does a phenomenal job of turning this tantalizing turntable twister into an emotional journey of peak-hour pleasure. His strong, progressive remix complements Alex Edenborough’s sultry lead vocals to perfection, giving it an edgy alternative flair. Soul-stirring at its best. 134.9 BPM. For more information, contact (212) 253-1567.
– Peter A. Colón

"Now That I Found You"
Iris
X-Treme Records
On her new single, the longtime freestyle performer makes the successful switch to commercial dance with the help of new producer Mickey Garcia. While still putting the finishing touches on her album due out early 2001, their first single – a well-written song with some catchy pop-trance production – is definitely one to check out. The favorite mix here is the “Cove Bros. Trance Vocal.” – Joe Bermudez

The W
Wu-Tang Clan
Loud/Columbia
After an overlong hiatus, which found several group members pursuing solo projects and one enduring legal dramas, the Wu-Tang Clan returns full-force on The W. Dropping a rollicking collection that features guest appearances by the likes of Busta Rhymes, Nas, Isaac Hayes, Snoop Dogg, Redman, and others, The W has all the makings of another hardcore hit. The first single, “Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off)” was a gritty preview of things to come and “Gravel Pit,” the creepy/groovy second single, continues the street-savvy flava that the crew drops on the mic. Quality hip hop from start to finish and potential follow-up singles abound like “Let My Niggas Live” (with Nas) and “Conditioner” (with Snoop and ODB). A true hip-hop experience and an essential piece to any lover of the genre.
– Phil Turnipseed

The Hits Remixed
Amber
Tommy Boy
This impressive collection of chart-topping, radio players should win over mobile and club jocks alike. Original and remixed versions of fan favorites “One More Night” and “Sexual (Li Da Di)” are included, as well as out-of-print remixes of “This Is Your Night” and “If You Could Read My Mind,” which are touched up by the likes of Hex Hector, Junior Vasquez and Mousse T. The CD also includes Amber’s latest dance anthem “Love One Another,” plus The Berman Brothers produced/Thunderpuss rejuiced “Taste The Tears” from the Sex And The City soundtrack. And as a bonus for turntable spinners, a limited-edition triple vinyl set featuring 10 extended versions will be made available. Get it while you can.
– Peter A. Colón

"All Good?"
De La Soul featuring Chaka Kahn
Tommy Boy
Soul diva Chaka Khan, hip-hop legends De La Soul and dancefloor kings Razor N’ Guido make unlikely companions, but this meeting of talents turns out to be a match made in heaven. Club kids R N’G apply their Midas touch to De La’s original production and the result is a thumpin’ big-room anthem that should be played loud and proud. The boys weave a snippet of Khan’s chorus in and out of an array of drum drops, popping kicks and sinister synch riffs to create an instant wave of midnight mayhem. 132 BPM.
– Peter A. Colón

Deep Emotions EP
Degsay & Djinxx
Deep Touch
This delicious new 12-inch, served up right by Deep Touch, South Florida’s deepest imprint, is highlighted by the bottom-heavy groove of “Paradise Touch,” a sexy sample-driven piece that utilizes an old D-Train bite and a seductive female vocal hook. Very minimal, but oh so sweet. “Step For Love” is more on the disco-house tip and features a couple of cute samples here and there, while “What” is a funky house piece that will work in your lounge type set. “Paradise Touch” is definitely the pick here.
– Phil Turnipseed

"Not That Kind"
Anastacia
Giant Step
After much anticipation, Anastacia finally drops the follow-up to the smash “I’m Outta Love” and the six mixes here will have DJs feeling this one as well. Displaying a decidedly more garage-oriented cut than her previous hit, Kerri Chandler’s “Organ Mix” and “Vocal Mix” perfectly bring out that soulful piano-driven deep-house vibe. Maurice Joshua also adds two capable mixes including an edgy “CP Dubstrumen-tal” that possess a harder edge. His “Chicken Pox Club Mix” is more on the soulful tip and Anastacia gives a riveting performance to cap it all off. Bangin’!
– Phil Turnipseed

"You Take My Breath Away"
SuReal
Groovilicious
This gorgeous vocal-trance piece features four large and in-charge mixes that explore the deeper sides of trance. Sweet vocals, lush strings and some polished synth sounds deliver a true musical experience. Of all the mixes, we’re definitely feelin’ “The Lange Mix” and the darker, heavier “DJ Tiësto Remix.” Both mixes, along with their instrumental counterparts, offer an uplifting trance feel, while retaining an underground edge. Great stuff!
– Phil Turnipseed

"One More Time"
Daft Punk
Virgin
The boys are back in town. French house producers Daft Punk return with a rousing new piece that is sure to make an impact on the masses. Call it filter disco’s last stand. Vocalist Romanthony gets the Vocoder-effects treatment on a catchy hook that will have your crowd singing for more. With just a vocal mix available on a one-sided 12-inch, “One More Time” is just a pure happy-house, filtered groove that is all the rage in Europe. A very enjoyable piece that radio should eat up.
– Phil Turnipseed

Docking Sequence: BSI Campaign Vol. 1
Various Artists
BSI
This excellent new compilation offers a decidedly reggae flava and features some smoky dub tracks that will have your head bopping for more. With 17 cuts included you can just pop this collection into your player and let it run. Juicy, hypnotic delights show up in the form of Dubcreator’ “Deep Dub,” He-Man Meets Roots Man’s “Killer,” Ben Wa’s vibey “Break That Stone” and Gemini Dub by J-Boogie’s “Dubtronic Science.”
– Phil Turnipseed

Signals
Marasma
Shadow Records
Unconfined to a single genre, the album’s tracks break out and scatter, traveling from a funky freeform desert soundscape to a sort of industrial trip hop. Signals reaches into the realm of experimental modern jazz, but it maintains its structural strength via its obviously well-trained musician and composer. It features cuts that offer a deep Aboriginal foundation and add well-orchestrated tribal sounds. Not only is the music stunning, although occasionally a bit skittish, Marasma also effectively uses silence as a musical virtue, not to mention soothing vocals on many of the tracks. Brilliant stuff.
– Erin McFee

"Dance With Me"
Plasmic Honey
G2
Plasmic Honey’s latest track is on-point. Kicking a serious trance percussion groove, “Dance With Me” features some haunting female spoken-word vocals, an enticing synth hook and numerous phat builds and breakdowns. Of the three mixes included, the “Spaced Out Mix,” with its funky breakdown, stands out as our pick. The “Progressive Punch Mix” is also a seriously deep trance headknocker. Should do some damage in the clubs.
– Phil Turnipseed