“Crying At The Discotheque”
Alcazar
RCA
A return to the 1970s? Not quite, but Alcazar does its best to reinvent the disco genre, with a new twist, of course. Taking a sample from “Spacer,” a little-known Chic track, and adding a catchy title hook along with some cool little keys, they drop a fun-loving, bouncy, party jam. Already scoring No. 1 status across Europe, look for this cut to make much noise stateside. Of the four mixes included, we’re definitely feeling the disco-inspired “Extended Original Mix,” the heavier, more progressive “Illicit Remix” and the Euro-flavored “Pinocchio Tesco Mix.”
– Phil Turnipseed

“Mind Trip”
Slasher
SFP
A deep feel is the order of the day on this no-nonsense tune from South Florida. With two epic mixes, the vibe here is all about the tough track with some minimal female vocals thrown in for good measure. Bouncy and deep, both the “Trip Mix” and “Mind Mix” have that dark, trancey feel that so many of today’s top DJs are playing. Lots of synth chords, sexy breaks and just an overall deep feel.
– Phil Turnipseed

“Love You More”
M.A.N.T.R.A.
Ministry of Sound/SPM
This housey Euro track has all the high energy any DJ is thirsty for. “Love You More” is an intense combination that finds soothing voices swaying through the hard-hitting, tribal beats. A genuine crowd pleaser.
– Mikey D. Merola

The Zoo Party
Monty Q
Centaur
As one of the wildest Pride events of the year, The Zoo Party at San Diego’s world-famous zoo attracts partygoers from all over the world. On this hot mix comp, this year’s main attraction, DJ Monty Q, drops his trademark pounding tribal rhythms, dirty basslines and lush vocals. A great track selection with personal favorites from the likes of Mooncat and Ortz.
– Joe Bermudez

“Empires”
Lamya
J Records
Getting remix treatment from Illicit, Sander Kleinenberg, Widelife and Junior Vasquez, this otherwise ethereal-pop number is one to look for. The Vasquez mix is the fave here – an epic effort that clocks in at just over 14 minutes, guaranteed to work your crowd into a frenzy. Clever samples, great percussion and vintage synth riff build and build. Don’t miss.
– Joe Bermudez

“Open Up Your Mind”
Eyes Cream
Provocative Music
Go straight to “Warp 9 Club Mix,” which offers funky basslines, great filters and a charming vocal. There’s also a mix from Guido Osorio full of hard-hitting drums and dark synths, which is perfect for an after-hours setting.
– Joe Bermudez

“That Sound”
Rosabel
Tommy Boy
Taken from the dance classic “Love Deluxe,” this cut is a perfect combination of old and new school, but given a very, dark tribal edge. The well-produced synth, vocals and sampling effects work with the edgy percussion to grab the dancefloor in a big way.
– Mikey D. Merola

“Shiny Disco Balls”
Who Da Funk
Subusa
When you think of summer anthems, this is one of the records that will easily top the list. The instrumental has enough energy for major dancefloor damage. Add Jessica Eve screaming the unforgettable hook, “drugs, rock-n-roll, bad-ass Vegas ho’s, late-night booty calls…” and you can see why everyone loves the shiny disco balls.
– Joe Bermudez

“Work It Out”
Beyoncé
Columbia
This sexy, steamy production features some slinky guitar work and juicy R&B grooves. The vocals, of course, are on point with Beyoncé showcasing those beautiful pipes. Producers Hugo and Williams work it very sweetly on the album version, but check the bevy of mixes included, such as “The Rochwilder Remix” featuring Redman and a wicked sample reworking of the J5’s “Dancing Machine.” There’s also a spicy, minimal “D. Elliott Mix” that should garner some attention.
– Phil Turnipseed

“Insane”
Dark Monks
Groovilicious
By dropping a synth riff similar to Rui Da Silva’s “Touch Me” over elements from Moby’s “Go,” this record is already somewhat familiar to your audience. Add some intense drum programming and a slammin’ vocal and you have a homerun. A real dance-floor monster.
– Joe Bermudez

Beyond the Darkness
Meat Katie
4 Foot 11
I gotta admit that I’m a real sucker for most things on Mark Pember’s Whole Nine Yards label already, so this mix-comp – breakbeaty, techy, housey – already had me set up. Check out the massive grooves on the Rotik Mix of Dark Globe/Boy George’s “Autoerotic” and Sons of Slough’s “Omegadent” and you’ll be converted, too.
– Jim Tremayne

Untied
Languis
Simballrec
An original contribution to the downtempo scene, Untied includes some tracks that teeter heavily to the experimental side, but the majority is melodic bliss. Opener “Waterfall” is slightly intimidating with its extensive use of distortion and reverb, but the CD immediately winds down into a very soothing experience, which translates, through mastery of sound, visions of places that remain untouched by human hands. The tracks are both timely and exotic, and leave no room for doubt that this South American duo will always impress onto the listener their love of all things natural.
– Erin McFee