*Compilation of the Month*
The Aquanote Sessions
Carte Blanche
Naked Music
Another brilliant compilation from Naked Music, this beautiful third installment is an eclectic collection of sweet artistic grooves. It takes you on a smooth, soulful journey from funky, acid jazz-oriented tracks like Global Communications “The Groove” to more deep house-oriented cuts such as Isolee’s “Beau Mot Plage” and Joe Claussell’s stunning remix of Fazed Idjut’s “Dust of Life.” This is an unparalleled chill-out compilation. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
– Shawn Christopher


“Let The Music Play”
Shannon
Contagious Records
Check this special limited-edition white label which features two slammin’ remixes. Junior Vasquez’s “X-Beat Mix” recalls some of his memorable early productions, as it begins with Shannon’s striking vocal and kicks into a vicious beat pattern and some great tribal stabs. After a few minutes of some vintage freestyle, he builds it back up for your mix out. If you are looking for even more energy, though, check into the “Plasmic Honey 2000 AD Mix” – much faster with a more driving beat loop and some pounding late-night keyboards. It’s your standard Plasmic Honey rock-the-house mix.
– Joe Bermudez

“Sexual”
Amber
Ministry of Sound
OK, OK, enough with the Amber remixes, right? Well, don’t sleep on this one. D.C. duo Deep Dish uses its heavier sounds to whip up some killer mixes here. Mean, punching basslines and atmospheric keys give the vocal a whole different edge. Hard house fans take notice because this one’s wicked.
– Shawn Christopher

“Perfect Moment”
Mary Griffin
Chrysalis
This new uptempo dance groove gets right to the point on three blistering mixes that demand your attention. Falling into that commercial Euro groove that has been all the rage lately (see Cher, Lara Fabian, etc.), “Moment” has all the makings of a great radio hit. Griffin shines brightly with a vigorous vocal style and the “Almighty Extended Mix” is a potent concoction of progressive vibes. Johnny Vicious delivers another one of his patented dubs that’s filled with snare rolls, slinky keys and soaring strings all filtered to perfection.
– Phil Turnipseed

“Lately”
George Lamond
Robbins
A four-mix release, “Lately” is making its way up the crossover dance charts. With a club version and a mix show version of the “Giuseppe D.’s “Hothead Mix,” this song should start appearing in all the hotmix shows and crossover-formatted nightclubs. The “Original Mix” is my favorite because it reminds me of classic George Lamond and the days when freestyle ruled the airwaves.
– Michael Taylor

“Falling (In Love)”
Omega III
Nervous
Produced by Michael Nigro, the keyboard player on all the chart-topping Johnny Vicious productions, this peak-hour masterpiece easily earns my stamp of approval – it’s total synth madness with exquisite vocals from Sherrie Star. The production is out of this world and makes you want to dance from the very first beat. Driving vocal hard trance at its best.
– Joe Bermudez

“Filthy Mind”
Amanda Ghost
Kinetic
With a double pack of mixes from Mount Rushmore, Boy George & Kinky Roland, “Filthy Mind” is sure to be massive. The fave here is Peter Rauhofer’s “Club Mix,” which continues his remix evolution by leaning more trance in his approach. Amazing keyboards and drum programming push his version of “Filthy Mind” over the top.
– Joe Bermudez

“Higher & Higher”
DJ Jurgen
G2 Music
With vibrant synths and a b-line that’s strong, but not overpowering, “Higher & Higher” also offers a great mix of vocals that have some well-used effects. Luckily, they’re not overdone or washed with too much processing. The “Klubbheads Mix” has a progressive house flavor will help light up a deep set.
– Michael Taylor

“Dreaming”
BT
Nettwerk
Featuring the incredible vocals of Opus III’s Kirsty Hawkshaw, “Dreaming” offers two excellent remixes – Eric Kupper’s “Hysteria Club Mix” and the “Evolution Mix.” Kupper’s effort goes very dark with deep, driving keyboard riffs under the gorgeous vocal, while “Evolution” is a progressive trance monster, something you might hear in a set by Seb Fontaine or Dave Seaman.
– Joe Bermudez

“Hottie Boombalottie”
KEF
Amherst Records
This cut’s infectious rhythm is sure to be a real crowd-pleaser. This track mixes the sounds of yesterday’s dance-oriented hip-hop and today’s booty music, creating a unique new sound. Combining the great vocal talent of Sandra Allen with very strong underlying rhythm beats, “Hottie Boombalottie” is a potential hit.
– Michael Taylor

“Kernkraft 400”
Zombie Nation
Radikal Records
“Kernkraft 400,” with its Euro-rave flavor and driving track, is quickly becoming a DJ favorite. Each of the four mixes has a different, but equally strong appeal. Catchy, yet underground, “Kernkraft” should be showing up on crossover radio near you.
– Shawn Christopher

“No Me Dejes De Querer”
Gloria Estefan
Epic
On the “Tim Rex Mix,” an incredible progressive-trance gem, Tim goes back to his roots and incorporates elements from his underground phenomenon “Relentless.” Once again, those dark, haunting keyboards send chills. Richie Santana’s “Latin Surprise Mix” is an energetic, fast-paced trance killer that breaks down to the original, then slams right back at ya. And finally, George Calle’s “San Benigno Vox Dub” is a friendly mainstream mix that only samples the title and relies more on its lush keyboards to move you. Three winning mixes.
– Joe Bermudez

Best of Bonzai
Various Artists
Megahit Records
Italy’s premiere techno-trance label finally comes stateside with this amazing compilation. Featuring such timeless classics as Da Hool’s “Meet Her At The Love Parade,” Sunscream’s “Exodus,” and Cygnus-X’s “The Orange Theme,” this CD is packed with floor fillers. If you’ve ever been to top U.K. clubs like Cream or Miss Moneypenny’s and wanted to bring that sound back home with you, this CD is for you.
– Joe Bermudez

“Got To Hold On”
Ministers Of Sound feat. Paul Walton
Dialogue
This tough three-mix track has the right stuff for a sweaty night out. Featuring a stirring vocal performance by newcomer Walton, the vibe is definitely deep, pumpin’ house. All three mixes work with the epic “SpeRon BassFunk Vocal” bringing a ’70s, Philly-soul-style groove that’s absolutely gorgeous. Minister’s “Experimental Vocal” is a harder-edged house offering, while Garcia’s “Swing Dub” gets a little jazzy and minimal.
– Phil Turnipseed

“Down Down Down”
Gambafreaks
Strictly Rhythm
This double-packed gem offers an instant feel-good groove. With a catchy, female-led vocal hook and even more memorable rhythm track, especially on the “Freaks Mix,” this has hit written all over it. The phatter, deeper “Porno Mix” drops a Vocoder vocal hook inside a stripped-down, beat-drenched, male-led vocal. There are actually seven mixes featured here, including some juicy U.K. mixes, and all are working a delicious pumped-up house format.
– Phil Turnipseed

Bangin’ In London
Bad Boy Bill
Master Dance Tones
The Chicago-based mixmaster takes his energetic set to England and drops some amazing uplifting vocal and disco house from Armand Van Helden, Phunkie Souls, and Jack Prongo. But it wouldn’t be Bad Boy Bill unless he was funkin’ it up, so expect plenty of scratches, backspins, and Bill workin’ those 1200s to death.
– Joe Bermudez

“Sky”
Sonique
Universal
Not settling for one-hit wonder status, Ministry of Sound resident DJ Sonique follows up “It Feels So Good” with another strong single and this new hottie features two slammin’ mixes. The “Sonique Remix,” produced and engineered by Rick Nowels and Thunderpuss, has more than just an obvious appeal to the mainstream market. It’s kickin’ for the dancefloor. The “Conductor & Cowboy Remix,” done by the same team, pushes even more excitement and should win over energy-leaning DJs.
– Michael Taylor

The Signature Series, Vol. 1
Fatboy Slim
Brooklyn Music Limited
Nowadays, you can’t look at an electronica chart without seeing the words Norman Cook somewhere. So, now for the first time comes a compilation of Fatboy Slim’s greatest remixes. With classic remixes of Wildchild’s “Renegade Master” and the Mighty Dub Katz’ “Magic Carpet Ride,” this is sure to spice up any block party.
– Joe Bermudez

“The Music Is So Beautiful” EP
D1
D1 Music
The brainchild of producer Peter McLean aka EKKO, this new dance outfit features the soulful vocals of one Lisa Hunt and Wanda Houston. The party starts with “Unity,” a high-powered progressive house vocal that features a cool Queen Latifah rap and soaring vocal performances from Hunt and Houston. “The Music Is So Beautiful” has more of a blissful, Euro-groove vibe, but still on the progressive tip. “Erotic Moans” has a more punchy house groove. All the tracks feature memorable choruses and catchy vibes.
– Phil Turnipseed

Brazilart
Moz-Art pres. Mysterious Traveler
Irma
This full-length features a spicy blend of acoustic rhythms and beats that are really more on the abstract tip than they are Brazilian. Of course, there is some Brazilian flavor in most of the 11 tracks included, but there is a predominantly jazzy vibe as well. Some standouts include “The Guitar, the Drums, the DJ,” the swinging “Maracatuca,” the carnival-like “Tropical Wave” and the trip-hoppy “Beriballo.” All the cuts are an appetizing blend of world music and they’ll definitely work on the lounge tip.
– Phil Turnipseed

“Beg For It”
Barry Harris
Nervous Records
One half of the ultra-successful Thunderpuss ream, Harris incorporates portions of his early ’90s hit “Pardon Me” (as Kon Kan) for an updated club winner. The “Madtizzy Remix” uses a nice tribal loop with an incredibly catchy keyboard riff – you’ll have it stuck in your head for days. Simple and to the point, this track is sure to move your dancefloor.
– Joe Bermudez

“I Feel Love”
CRW
Jellybean
The “Extended Mix” offers a salsa flavor mixed extremely well with a house rhythm, while “the R.A.F. by Picotto Mix” hits on a progressive house style that is getting great play already.
– Michael Taylor

“Gotta Have The Funk”
Willie Mix & Doc Roc
Vinyl Solutions
This breakbeat track – courtesy of a Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.-based duo – will have your dancefloor screaming for more. From the opening beat, you get sucked right into the funky stormin’ breaks. Look for more great things from Willie Mix and Doc Roc.
– Shawn Christopher

“Turn It Out”
Peter Bailey
Sporadic Groove
On his best production to date, Bailey turns this out with a catchy vocal hook dropped over a driving drum loop and intense keyboards. Already a Peter Rauhofer anthem for his residency at New York’s Roxy, “Turn It Out” should become a favorite for you.
– Joe Bermudez

“I Got This Feeling”
Baby Bumps
Radikal
With its vocal hook, this one will be popular with dancers of all ages. Using this track to transition from a classic set to today’s hottest tracks is made easy with “I Got This Feeling.” The “Original Mix” having that disco flare, while the “G-Club Deep Vocal Remix” stands out as a definite must-play cut.
– Michael Taylor

“Bingo Bango”
Basement Jaxx
Astralwerks
With another club winner on the heels of the successes of “Red Alert” and “Rendez-Vu,” Basement Jaxx hits with a track that should ease into the Latin-dance market as well. David Morales’ mixes definitely stand out here and the two-record promo is jam-packed with other options like the “Latin Bingo Mix” and the “DJ Funk Mix.” The Basement Jaxx duo continues its amazing roll.
– Michael Taylor

“I Got A Man”
Shampale Cartier
SFP
Featuring the Millie Jackson-like, tell-it-like-it-is vocalist Shampale Cartier, “I Got a Man” is another deep-fried SFP house workout. The three slammin’ mixes include the trance-like “Wax Mix” and a darker, deeper “NYC Mix” and the “Pumpfusion Mix.” Cartier gives another signature performance and SFP keeps the groove going.
– Phil Turnipseed

“A Latin Vibe”
Lord G
Nitegrooves
With a decidedly house vibe, this new track breaks nicely into a smooth jazzy Latin-flavored affair. Of course, we’ve got the salsa drum breakdown and build-ups, but the whole vibe is a very classy production. On the dubs, you’ve got a bit of a change up on the bassline and some excellent piano and guitar work. Very nicely done.
– Phil Turnipseed

“Porcelain”
Moby
V2 Music
Moby’s latest offers two great remixes, an album version and some “Futureshock” beats. Take house, underground, rock and breakbeat, roll it into one form and you get the “Futureshock Remix.” With very little vocals to get in the way of this hypnotic beat, all you have to do is turn up the volume on this cut. Multi-platinum Moby keeps the ball rolling with another creative track from Play.
– Michael Taylor

“X-Hale Slowly”
Bootsy McQueen
Jellybean
Keith Litman gets the big thumbs-up for originality, as he works funky, mind-blowing basslines that constantly change. Also check out his monstrous drum programming, really fun synths and a huge dramatic break that will leave dancefloors breathless.
– Shawn Christopher

Clubnights Vol. 2
Kimball Collins
ICU Records
Recorded at Las Vegas’ Utopia, Collins’ latest comp mixes such trance anthems as Matt Darey’s “Liberation” and Lustral’s “Everytime.” Smooth mixes and great energy – a must for any trance head.
– Joe Bermudez

“I’ve Committed Murder”
Macy Gray
Epic
The incomparable Macy Gray gets the remix treatment from GangStarr on her latest single that features a cameo from Mos Def. Of course, the beat has been toughened up to a perky little hip-hop/swing vibe. Mos Def not only raps, but actually hums a few bars and trades verbal jabs with Gray in the highlight moment of this most enjoyable hip-hop R&B remix.
– Phil Turnipseed

“Plan B”
Blue Harvest
Jellybean
This fantastic track even me dancing – and I don’t dance! Produced by Tom Palin and Mickey Gallagher, this 12-inch offers two monster cuts. “The Original Mix” is a strong house/trance version that goes solid for 6:09 and the “Astral Dub” goes even deeper with a bass line that grabs you and pulls you right in. With a few well-placed samples that tease and invite, “Plan B” should show up on all serious club jocks’ “A” playlists.
– Michael Taylor

“Share My Joy”
GTS Feat. Loleatta Holloway
King Street
This year Thunderpuss has practically owned the dance charts with their mixes, dominating as many as half of the Top 10 slots at once. This top effort is another example why. Given Loleatta Holloway’s legendary voice to work with, Thunderpuss easily belts out another smash. Their trademark aggressive production delivers pounding energy and big drama that is sure to win you over.
– Joe Bermudez

“Corrupt”
Karissa Noel
Epic
One of the best records I heard at this past WMC, it’s finally available to the masses. The “Extended Club Mix” is one of the best rendered by Jonathan Peters and Tony Coluccio. Check the catchy, crossover-ready hook and powerful, pop-influenced vocal over the melodic, anthemic keyboards and driving tribal percussion. Magnificent.
– Joe Bermudez

Reddlite Continuous Mix
Anthony Acid & DJ Scribble
Reddlite Records
Two of the nation’s most sought-after DJs take you on a trip through the past, present, and future hits of Reddlite Records. Featuring slammin’ tracks from Razor N’ Guido, Richie Santana, and Peter Bailey, the energy doesn’t let up until the last beat. With flawless mixing and several original productions of their own, Anthony Acid and DJ Scribble prove why they are such hot commodities. An essential party disc.
– Joe Bermudez

“Take My Heart”
Zhana
Groovilicious
This vocal single boasts three great tracks, each with its own distinct flavor, “Welcome’s Main Mix” is a house anthem classic in the making. The other two mixes consist of a dub that has been on my club’s turntable for the last five or six house sets in a row and a mix show edit that has been in my mix show programming the last two weeks and will be for awhile to come. Great stuff.
– Michael Taylor