Shana | Uyangichomela |Ralf Gum Deep Mix|
I've long be a fan of Ralf Gum's work, but this particular track is
especially tasty. The story goes that Ralf Gum heard Shana (which stands
for Simply Hot And Naturally African) perform in South Africa and fell in
love with this trio of performers. And I have, too. Their sound is smooth,
and when backed up with a nice deep house vibe, as you get with Gum's deep
version, you have the best of all worlds -- Afro vibe combined with deep
house flavors to create a nice blend that is sure to get your head
bouncing. (11/16/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.9
Reelsoul f. Damon | What Am I Supposed To Do
|Vocal Mix|
There is no denying that Will "Reelsoul" Rodriguez has carved out for him
a definitive sound that I might best describe as deep and electronic. And
though he has most certainly ventured beyond that to try out other sounds,
there is no denying that when you think of Reelsoul, there is a signature
sound that is all his. While that is certainly the case with this track,
there is something else that takes what is at its most basic a quality
track and adds a nice layer. Certainly, part of it is attributed to
vocalist Damon, who did a great job on an earlier Reelsoul track, "Take Me
To A Place." But this one also strikes me as being a bit deeper and
meatier. (11/16/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.8
Dawn Tallman | Who Can I Run To |Bams Remixes|
Every time I think of Dawn Tallman, I think gospel house. So I was definitely interested in checking out this track, which is a cover of the Jones Girls song of the same name. Generally, I hate remakes -- why not let the original stand on its own? -- but I am making an exception for this one, which has a different interpretation while paying homage to the prototype. I am especially fond of the Bams Viscious Dub mix, which definitely gets a room going. Very good effort. (11/16/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.6
Elements of Life f. Lisa Fischer & Cindy Mizelle
| Into My Life (You Brought The Sunshine) |Main Mix|
This lot had me with the dub versions that
came out first, but they have won me over all over again with the vocals!
Here's the thing: At first, I was sort of unimpressed with the vocal when
I first heard it, in part because there was a lot of hype surrounding it.
For those who might not know, Elements of Life originally released the two
dub versions of this song several weeks before the vocal came out, and
during the proceeding months everyone was hot after the vocal. And when
the vocal finally came out, my reaction was like, eh. It just felt
lifeless relative to the hype and the dubs, which I loved. But then I
listened. And listened. And listened. By about the fourth listen it
clicked with me and I was a convert. There is just something very positive
about this song, and it simply works, reminding me of an earlier time in
house music. Pay special attention to the bass -- it's pure class.
(11/16/08)
HINGE RATING: 9.2
David Storm Ruffin | Fantom
Coming soon on David Storm Ruffin's own label Vinyl Banditz is this gem, "Fantom," which brings me back to those garage days, while at the same time offering something fresh and new. I trotted this baby out at the start of a set and everyone was like, "What's this track?" or "Where can I get it?" It went over that well. My only gripe, and it's a small one, is that it would be nice if there were some vocal samples of some sort interspersed throughout the song, but there is enough here already that you hardly notice. Ruffin has been churning out a lot of product lately, what with the new label and all, but one need not worry. In this case, flooding the zone can be a very good thing indeed. (08/03/08)
HINGE RATING: 9.0
Slique | Got It For Me |Terry Hunter Remixes|
Wow. This track is an absolute gem, let me tell ya. The result of producer Terry Hunter and Chicago-based singer Slique, we have here a quality track that just might be the thing that house music heads have been craving for all summer. Indeed, this track has been quite sought after ever since it began surface a couple of weeks ago, and it is one of the rare cases when the buzz is very much warranted. It has everything you could possibly want, and could easily appeal to men and women on the dance floor. What's more, this track in all its forms (original mix, instrumental and reprise) are all quality, so much so I am thisclose to declaring this song the track of the summer. Top shelf all the way. My only regret is that it's under 6 minutes long. (07/20/08)
HINGE RATING: 9.0
Chick 2000 | Love Tonight |Knee Deep Mix|
I am kind of on the fence about this one. When I first heard it, I was like, damn, this is hot. And there is no denying that it's got the kind of beat and vibe that is sure to get the head bouncing. But then as I close my eyes I get these images of Basement Jaxx ("Red Alert" or something like it), and then I start to lose interest. Then the rapping starts about 3 minutes in, and if I am not in the right mood, it turns me off. Yet, if I am into it, I say to myself, yeah, that makes sense. Regardless, it's a pretty fun song for what it is, though my guess is we won't remember it by the end of the summer. (07/13/08)
HINGE RATING: 7.8
Miss Patty | Get To Know You |Reelsoul Vocal Mix|
In the race between Will "Reelsoul" Rodriguez and Mr. V. for who did the best remix of Miss Patty's latest effort, "Get To Know You," I have to give the award to Reelsoul -- not only for coming up with something that ventures outside of the realm of traditional Reelsoul remixes, but also for the overall quality of the track. That is not to say the Mr. V remix isn't good. To the contrary, it is a fine effort. But this version just wins me over with its different beats, and with a vibe that definitely complements Miss Patty's lazy, summertime delivery of the lyrics. It's just the kind of song you can sit under the veranda somewhere with your tequila (neat, of course; shot glasses are for children and amateurs) and just relax. (07/13/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.7
Dawn Tallman | Lift Up Your Hands |B.O.P. 2 Da Trax Mix|
This particular version of Dawn Tallman's latest effort was picked because I think it's the best remix out of all of the B.O.P. mixes that are available on this. It's sort of dubby, with probably the best beat of the three remixes those folks did. What makes it all the more interesting is that what you get with this remix is sort of two songs in one, as the first 5 minutes are one thing (thing soulful, but sort of verging on hi-NRG), but then the balance of the song becomes something entirely different, with Tallman riffing and doing what this gospel queen is best known for doing -- feeling the spirit and let it run through her. Truth be told, I wish the last 2:30 of the song was in fact how the whole song played out, because based on listeners I've talked to, its that last couple of minutes that really grabs one's attention. Nevertheless, it's a good effort. (07/13/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.3
Soul Child f. Cei Bei | Anything For You |Dom Navarra Remix|
There is something about a Dom Navarra remix that always hooks me in, and in the case of this effort from Soul Child and Cei Bei, the tradition is kept very much alive. The beauty of this song is its chameleon-like qualities -- it can be played at almost any point during the course of a night, and has the potential for broad appeal (though clearly it's the sort of song that could most certainly appeal to women). Just good, light-hearted fun. (07/13/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.5
Sergio Mendes f. Ledisi | Waters Of March |DJ Spinna Vocal Mix|
I was introduced to Ledisi several months ago when David Harness remixed her track "In The Morning." Ever since then, I have been trying to scoop up as much as I can of her stuff because her voice is just so nice. In this particular track, we are treated to something a little different, thanks to the contribution of both the legendary Sergio Mendes and DJ Spinna. It's a brew that works very nicely, and provides a different take on Ledisi's voice, as she sings within a pretty narrow band on this one. Then you add the remixing talents of DJ Spinna, and his understated vibe, and you get a nice track that is an absolute delight to listen to at almost any point during a night. (07/13/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.7
Mass Destruction f. Terisa Griffin | Stressed Out |Main Mix|
Long a fan of what I describe as chick-empowerment tracks, this particular gem is right up my alley. It's got all the key ingredients: good beat, powerful vocals in Ms. Terisa Griffin and the production talents of Mass Destruction (which, if you don't know, is the team of Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez and Terry Hunter). Sure, melodically this is somewhat light, with a rather upbeat, poppy, sunshine and light kind of sound that belies the message behind the words, but what gets it going for me is Griffin's voice. It's powerful, soulful and provides just the right lift for the song. (07/13/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.6
Ane Brun | Headphone Silence
Now this is a track. Whether it's the Henrik Schwarz remix or the Dennis Ferrer's edit of Schwarz's mix, you have here that rare form of song that mixes two seemingly different worlds together. Brun is a Norwegian singer (but hails from Stockholm) who clearly is not opposed to having her songs remixed for a dance music crowd, and she has made a smart choice of people to retouch this track. My personal preference is for the Ferrer edit, which has a more defined beat than Schwarz's version, but both are very, very similar (Ferrer appears to have simply edited Schwarz's version into something more definitively house-y). If you loved Ferrer & Abicah Soul's remix of Telepopmusik's "Love Can Damage Your Health," you will most certainly enjoy this one. (06/01/08)
HINGE RATING: 9.4
Mimimoogli | 99.9 |Alix Alvarez Soul Channel Remix|
First time I heard this song, I thought for sure it was some uptempo Louie Vega business. If Alix Alvarez ever got wind that I said such a thing, he would be well advised to receive my commentary as a compliment. Here is a guy who has really done a great job of experimenting with a variety of sounds, which is a good thing because it means he's versatile and can't be pigeonholed. To be sure, after a couple more listens, I can easily tell that Alvarez dipped into the same well he used to remix Grantorino's "Shake The Black Star," but I can't fault him too much since this track is incredibly catchy and seems to poised to becoming a crowd favorite. (06/01/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.7
Ursula Rucker | Untitled Flow |Franck Roger Remixes|
Despite being incredibly prolific, Franck Roger has scored well in virtually every effort he's put forth. His remix of Ursula Rucker's "Untitled Flow" is no exception. However, in my experience trotting this track out, it appears to be an acquired taste to many listeners. It's offbeat, but if you really, really listen, you'll find gold. It's got a good beat, and Roger's take to house up a track that had that Afro-Latin thing going for it originally really works well. And to his credit, Roger doesn't simply throw a house beat behind Rucker's rapping; he appears to have really thought about what sort of sound would go well with lyrics that decry the quality of crap rap out there. In other words, when you listen to Rucker's words, and then consider Roger's take on it, his remixes make complete sense. (06/01/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.8
Benoit B | Love Is So Good |Richard Earnshaw Mixes|
I have been a big fan of Richard Earnshaw for a long time (those who have been with Soulful-Selections will know that his unauthorized dub remix of Louie Vega's "Elements of Life" changed my life), but I will be one of the first to admit that recent efforts by this guy have been, well, lackluster. My main gripe had long been that his stuff was beginning to sound not just "signature Earnshaw," but in fact derivative of earlier stuff. However, this latest effort, "Love Is So Good," sounds so fresh, while at the same time retaining that Earnshaw sound that it seems clear whatever rut Earnshaw was in before is now in the past. I'm still nervous subsequent efforts will go to that all too familiar well he's drawn upon in the past, but this particular track most certainly gives me hope. . (06/01/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.9
Dawn Tallman | Everythang |David Harness Remixes|
This is the sort of combination one dreams about: great producer teams up with a powerful vocalist to create a spiritually uplifting track. Such is the case with this song, which merges the talents of David Harness with the delightful Dawn Tallman. What makes this song unique when compared with other tracks is that it's both deep and a little offbeat, the sort of track that has to grow on you a bit before because there are elements in it that at first listen don't seem to match. But the final product is a nice deep mixture that is sure to move dancefloors. (04/27/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.7
DJ Aphreme f. Lenny Hamilton | GO! (Feel My Love) |Aphreme Soul Mix|
More brilliance from the folks at Next Dimension Music. This is a nice, deep vocal track that features a version for nearly all occasions. That is not to say there are 20 different mixes of this song, but what is there is flexible enough to fit nearly every house-music situation out there. I am especially fond of DJ Aphreme's mixes, particularly the Soul Mix, which is both deep, layered and very subtle. And kudos to Aphreme's choice of Lenny Hamilton for the vocals, which I think only helps to raise the profile of this track by making it accessible to house heads who need vocals in order to be interested. A stellar effort all around. (04/27/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.9
Glenn Lewis | Stay With Me |Terry Hunter Remixes|
I am always hesitant to declare a song will be huge because often times what floats my boat doesn't always match up with what the masses are into. However, in the case of this release from producer Terry Hunter, we might all be able to declare this a winner. Featuring the vocal talents of Glenn Lewis, who you recall sang "It's Not Fair" among others, we have here a song that has a strong beat, catchy lyrics and crowd-pleasing energy. I am not ready to say this has the makings of a No. 1 song, but it certainly feels that way. (04/27/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.9
Glenn Underground & Matt Hughes f. Karen Marie | Disconnected |Louie Vega Remix|
Oh sweet Jesus, yes! What we have here is a piece of art that lays itself on like syrup on waffles (and that's a good thing), and features Glenn Underground and Louie Vega at their absolute best. What I particularly like about this track is that while clearly modern, it harks back to an earlier time without being clichéd and tedious. And while nine minutes long, it certainly doesn't feel like it, as it washes over you like a warm shower. It's the type of song that you love a little bit more with each playing, and unlike a lot of dance tracks, there is a restraint and an easiness about that feels right. (04/23/08)
HINGE RATING: 9.3
Kenny Carvajal f. Swaylo | You Remind Me |Abicah Soul & Tony Loreto Vocal Mix|
On its face, this track has all the right ingredients. I have been a fan of Kenny Carvajal for a while, and virtually anything from Abicah Soul is something I am inclined to like even before I hear it. However, there was something missing for me in this song, and the end result fell flat in my view. Swaylo's otherwise stellar voice (check her out on "Shame" by Mark Grant) seems shrill in this song, as it sort of struggles to keep pace with a melody that isn't really that hard to follow. And there was simply nothing in the track that I would describe as being remotely soulful. Too bad, as it had a lot of potential. (04/23/08)
HINGE RATING: 6.8
Matthias Heilbronn | Brooklyn Soulflower |Sax Mix|
What can one say about this gem? Someone recently said to me that they found most of Matthias Heilbronn's productions fall into one of two buckets: really good or shit. While I am not sure I would be quite as harsh, I know what this person means. There are times when it's as if Heilbronn's finish product was completed in 20 minutes. And then there are times when he has found the right ingredients to create a very, very tasty stew. In this case, he has an absolute masterpiece on his hands. Jazzy, very Brooklyn and incredibly smooth, "Brooklyn Soulflower" represents in my view a new line of thinking for Heilbronn. To hear this track is to feel something rich with layers. I honestly didn't know Heilbronn had this side to his personality, and I certainly hope that now that it's out there, he let's it roam free more often. (03/23/08)
HINGE RATING: 9.0
Fanatix f. Sara Devine & Sterling Ensemble | Call On Me
Sara Devine will always have -- if you'll pardon the pun -- special place in my heart. For those who didn't get what I meant, I was referring to her track from 2005 called "Special," which I find to be one of the most compelling and emotionally touching house tracks produced in years. She has had a few more tracks get released since then, but this latest effort, bolstered by the Fanatix and Sterling Ensemble comes as close as anything to same kind of oomph that she had with "Special." Let's be clear here: while I am heaping all of this praise on Sara Devine, we cannot minimize the contribution of the Fanatix and Sterling Ensemble. This track is from the Fanatix' forthcoming album "This Thing of Ours," and based on what I have heard of that album, these boys (Aaron Ross and Neil Pierce) just might bolster the house music scene. (03/23/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.8
Soularis f. Kenny Thomas | If You Believe |Original Mix|
It's funny. As I listened to this particular song, it was one of the remixes that immediately caught my ear. However, something said I should stick with the original -- and boy, am I glad I did. This is a very good song in original form, and that is something that is clear from the first listen. However, when you've heard it a few more times you realize that this is one of those rare songs that grows on you. As such, there is no need for remixes; what you get in original form is pretty damn good. Beyond the uplifting message are the stellar vocal talents of Kenny Thomas, whose voice seems perfectly matched for this song. (03/23/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.9
Janet Jackson | Rock With U |David Storm Ruffin Remix|
Oh how sweet it is to finally have a remix of a pop artist's song that isn't a bunch of derivative crap involving laying dance beats behind what you hear on the radio. Such is the case with Jovonn's remix of Mary J. Blige's "Just Fine," and Quentin Harris' remixes of "Don't You Forget About Us" from Mariah Carey and "Ain't No Other Man" from Christina Aguilera. We can now add David Storm Ruffin to this elite group of DJs/producers. Generally speaking I had lost interest in Janet Jackson a long time ago, so when her new album dropped, I greeted it with a big yawn. However, if we are to have really strong remixes emerge like this particular one, then perhaps there is hope for music. Or at least Janet. What's great about this track is that it is completely deconstructed (as remixes were meant to be) and interpreted totally differently from the album version. The result is a great dance track that is guaranteed to get audiences moving, if not cheering. (03/23/08)
HINGE RATING: 9.0
David Storm Ruffin | Desert Rain
Chicago's David Storm Ruffin has done it again with his latest effort, which in my view goes in a new direction for the producer. It's good that we still have people out there who are willing to experiment and try new things. This particular track is deep, but with a bit of a nod to the motherland of Africa. And while it will likely remind people of the works of Demarkus Lewis, Andre Harris, John Crockett and others, do not for a moment think that you are getting some derivative nonsense here. What we have here is a versatile track that is assured to get a crowd moving. Very good stuff! (03/09/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.8
Fanatix f. Sterling Ensemble & Dionne Mitchell | Open Your Eyes
The boys are back and all is right with the world. That is the bottom line when it comes to the newest track from team of the Fanatix. Aaron Ross and Neil Pierce have been out of the mix for a good long time, but it is oh so clear that they used their apparent downtime extremely wisely. The first track off their forthcoming album from BBE is powerful, soulful and quite compelling. Backed by the vocal talents of Dionne Mitchell, there are elements of this track that remind one of some of the best stuff coming from people like DJ Spen. Speaking of whom, his remixes of this track are pretty darn good as well, bringing something a little different to the table. (03/09/08)
HINGE RATING: 9.1
Copyright | Wizeman
After an absence that I consider way too long, the boys of Copyright are back -- and with a vengeance. This track draws upon the duo's Afro beat influences and the result is quite compelling, particularly when you're talking about the Peaktime mixes, which are simply yet extremely catchy. Featuring the vocal talents of Imaani, who has been busy of late what with her work with Reel People as well, the song delivers just the right type of ingredients to become a dance music anthem -- or at a minimum at track that draws cheers from the crowd at least through the spring. (03/03/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.4
Kemal f. Leslie Carter | Can't Help
Unfortunately for this song, it appears ever likely that it will be a gem that very few will ever get the chance to listen to. I say that because although it is very much available, it never seems to get much response from people. That's a shame because it is a textured, layered gem that is both warm and haunting at the same time. Kemal has been on a roll lately with highly popular tracks like "City Street Walkin" and the excellent "Lift Me Up," a collaboration with Halo and Arnold Jarvis. But this track here feels different from the rest -- more from the heart, more emotional. Same strong beats as the others, but there is a sensitivity and a restraint here that might be so subtle that folks will fail to take notice. It is at their peril if they do, as this is a really, really good song. Special mention goes to the vocal talents of Leslie Carter, whose approach to the song only adds to the general emotional restraint being applied here. (02/24/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.9
Mary J. Blige | Just Fine |Jovonn Remix|
As a general rule, I tend to avoid most pop music, particularly when it comes to dance remixes, as many are just high-energy toxins designed to appeal to both teen girls and juiced up gay men who frequent mega clubs. And while there is nothing wrong with either constituency, when it comes to music I tend not to have much in common with either group. However, there are times when the proper remix comes along from someone other than Hex Hector or Stonebridge, and you have something to work with. Such has been the case with the very, very smart Christina Aguilera, whose genius status is assured by her getting Quentin Harris to remix her stuff. And now Mary J. can be given a gold star for letting Jovonn get his hands on this gem. Catchy, deep and minimal, Jovonn scores a big win on this one -- allowing Mary to do what she does, and not get overtaken by a series of laser sounds or other special effects that lesser, more commercial deejays would inflict on her in order for the girls drunk on cranberry vodkas and the boys high on crystal meth and viagra to get their dance on. This is just straight up house music that opens a pop music track to a deep, soulful house audience. Well done, Jovonn. (02/24/08)
HINGE RATING: 9.0
Reel People f. Tony Momrelle & Imaani | Amazing |Jon Cutler's Distant Music Mixes|
Like a long lost friend, I welcome the return of Reel People, particularly in this collaborative effort with Jon Cutler. Like a lot of Reel People songs, this track is something different, and it really works. With the vocal talents Tony Momrelle and Imaani, who many will recall from her work on a couple of Copyright tracks of yore, this track is uplifting but with a unique sound that isn't immediately catchy but somehow does get one moving along with the beat. My one gripe is there are various points in the song when the music seems to overtake the voices of both singers -- raising the question of whether this was intended to be an instrumental all along. Still, it works. Of special note is the baseline and organs. Just a lot of good fun. (02/24/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.5
Kenny Bobien | Set Them Free
Kenny Bobien's latest effort presents all sorts of challenges. For starters, it is rare that you would find anyone who would think it was a good idea to remake a song made famous by Sting. And then to do this particular song, which, along with a series of other Sting tracks, helped the former Police frontman earn his stripes as one of music's worst lyricists. So what we have here is an answer to a question that absolutely no one was asking. That said, thanks to remixes from Jephte Guillaume and Andy Ward's Soul Central, we have a silk purse made out of a sow's ear. Indeed, the Guillaume mixes do a great job of serving up mellow, laid back beats in a pretty tasty package, while Andy Ward's effort offers us an uptempo gem with some delectable keyboards. You can't go wrong with either one, as they both generate audience praise. (10/28/07)
HINGE RATING: 8.5
Domu f. Pete Simpson | Look A Little Further |Muthafunkaz Vocal Mix|
There is no denying that you damn near have to accept on spec a track that features the vocal talents of Pete Simpson and the remixing talents of DJ Spen, and this track does not disappoint. Relatively short in terms of minutes, Spen again has succeeded in packing in a robust feast for the ears that feels far more filling than its run time would indicate. And Simpson, as always, delivers his usual quality, reminding us how lucky we are to have him churning out a lot of product of late. My only gripe is that Spen has been on a tear lately, meaning it's likely this track will be quickly replaced by another Spen production, not offering us enough time to really enjoy it. (10/28/07)
HINGE RATING: 8.5
Restless Soul f. Shea Soul | Tricks
A friend of mine, when asked to give his opinion about Phil Asher and Restless Soul, said he was of two minds. One part says "eh," while the other gives Asher props for his work. I know what he means, as there are definitely some tracks that are better than others, including some that I think are classics (consider his remix of Reel People's "Butterflies" as an example). In the case of "Tricks," though, Asher has stepped up and delivered a forceful track that is free of some of the quirks that can make other Restless Soul tracks either boring or tedious to listen to. The dub version of this song deserves particular attention, as Asher has chosen to keep things both simple and deep. True quality. (10/28/07)
HINGE RATING: 8.9
Nick Holder f. Sacha | Time |Instrumental|/|Six Series Dub|
Nick Holder has been around the block enough times to have developed a particular sound, regardless of whether it's when he uses his actual name or when he adopts his alter ego the Trackheadz. Either way, the execution is generally top shelf and definitely worth owning. However, with this latest release, Holder appears to be trying something a little different, and I gotta say, it absolutely works. Supported by vocalist Sacha, Holder has created a catchy sound that has gotten everyone to sit up and take notice. Let's hope Holder continues to explore this site of his personality. (10/28/07)
HINGE RATING: 9.0
Jordan Rivera f. Shereeta Campbell | Ghetto |Davidson Ospina Deep Heads Remix|
It's rare when a track manages to touch all musical buttons, and can get people with a broad array of interests to sit up and take notice. But it's fair to say that this particular title achieves such status by virtue of it being both dubby, techy and deep. Techy types can bounce to it, deep heads can latch on to the bass line and those into dubs, well, you get the point. (10/28/07)
HINGE RATING: 8.7
Andre Harris | Limbo
Now I would never proclaim to be an expert on Andre Harris and his body of work, but I can't help but notice a bit of a change in his style lately. His stuff, while always good, has a sort of extroverted-ness to it these days. "Limbo" is a prime example of this newfound outgoing vibe that Harris is putting forth. Strong beats, very uptempo, this particular track is assured to get the feet going, and to lift any mood. Pay particularly close attention to both the horns and to the bassline -- very, very catchy. (10/21/07)
HINGE RATING: 8.8
Su'Su Bobien | You Brought Me Brighterdays |Sterling Ensemble Mixes|
Let's make clear straight off the bat that this particular song is not one of those gems that immediately draws cheers from crowds. Nope. This is a layered gem that requires multiple listens in order to fully appreciate it. Just good, down-home, soulful goodness that inspires and uplifts as only Ms. Su'Su Bobien can, when accompanied by a thick-as-molasses vibe courtesy of Sterling Ensemble. Simply put, it just puts a smile on your face. (10/07/07)
HINGE RATING: 8.9
Eskalation f. Sacha Williamson | Breakthru |Jon Cutler Distant Music Mixes|
Jon Cutler has done it again with his remix of this hot new track. Bound to grab the attention of anyone able to listen, this is the kind of track that kind of sneaks up on you, and then sticks with you for a bit. For some reason, this track reminds me of "Runnin'," which Cutler did with Pete Simpson a few years back (it's probably the beats that conjure up these memories), and with the vocal talents of Sacha Williamson on hand, Cutler just might have another hit on his hands. (10/07/07)
HINGE RATING: 8.8
Blak Beatniks | So Into You |Blak Beat Mix|
Deep, deep, deep. Nothing else you can say about this tune. Vibes, sweet vocals and a jazzy flair combine to create a track that makes you want to tap your foot. The Blak Beatniks are back, supported by the vocal talents of Tori Blak, who brings to this song just the right amount of soul and deepness to get the crowds going. This track is off the Melodious Funk EP, and, frankly, I think it's the best one on the EP. (9/23/07)
HINGE RATING: 8.9
Filosonik f. Soni | Here To Stay
This song has all of the ingredients of being a big song this fall -- simple lyrics, great beat and a little bit of attitude. It also helps that it is painfully simple as to be brilliant. For me, the beat is the highlight of this song, reminding me of some of the early house tunes back in the day. (9/23/07)
HINGE RATING: 8.7
Mellow Madness | Now Your[sic] Calling |Original Mix|
Oh my oh my! We have a winner with this one. To be sure, no one should ever doubt the production values and general genius that is Osunlade and his production house Yoruba Soul. You always get quality with the stuff that has his fingerprints on it. However, you sometimes can't really dive into a song comprised mainly of tribal chants of things you can't translate. Sometimes you need something catchy. This track addresses that, with great vocals from Mellow Madness and a tenderness that has to be heard to appreciate. Definitely add this one to your collection. (9/23/07)
HINGE RATING: 9.0
Dennis Ferrer f. Malena Perez | I Can't Go Under
I have to admit that when I first heard this song, I was pretty unimpressed, writing it off as terribly derivative of DF's really outstanding track "Touch The Sky," just with a different singer. But upon a few more listens, it has really grown on me. Sure, one can't help but wonder whether Malena Perez is fluent in English, as her halting style in singing this song suggests she didn't feel comfortable letting the words flow out (you really take note of the stark difference in style when you give a listen to some of her Spanish-language tracks), but somehow after a few listens you don't mind that aspect. (9/16/07)
UPDATE: I have it on good authority that Perez's halting singing style was in fact by design, the convey a detachedness in the song, and in fact Ferrer has indicated that this track was a bit of a departure, and that there was a bit of experimenting taking place here. (6/15/08)
HINGE RATING: 8.2
The Jinks f. Zodiac | Like Music |Original Mix|
The Jinks have done it again with their latest effort, "Like Music." Featuring the vocal talents of Zodiac, the British team has put together a great, deep vocal house track that you can't help but nod your head to. And illustrating The Jinks' attention to detail, even the dub version of the original mix is a testament to the virtues of deep house music. In my view, I'd stay away from the Trackheadz remix, which disappointingly misses the mark (a shock considering how good past Trackheadz mixes have been). The original is way better. (9/16/07)
HINGE RATING: 9.0
The Jinks f. Lady Alma Horton | Up To You |Main Mix|
This song is really two and a half songs all rolled up into one. I say that because it starts out being one thing -- a sort of electro-lite track -- and then morphs into this uplifting song that just makes you want to tap y our feet. In all honestly, the first half of the song, when you first hear it, isn't a lot to write home about. I say that because it's the sort of thing that could have been written off as just another cheesy track that you'd sit there wondering why someone like Lady Alma would get involved with. But then comes the break, and that makes up for any past indiscretions. Truly, the back half of the song is really that good, and it's definitely worth checking out. (8/26/07)
HINGE RATING: 8.8
Lem f. Tara J | Reach 4 U
The folks at Next Dimension have a new track out and since I am a fan of most of the stuff coming out of Next Dimension Music, I wanted to clue you in on this one. Lem Springsteen is the name, and the track is "Reach 4 U." Like a lot of what Next Dimension produces, this track has a nice, luscious feel to it, and matters are only enhanced when you throw in remixes from Joseph and Look Brown. These are the sorts of remixes you want to sit up and take note of, and you want to listen to them again and again because of the many layers associated with them.
HINGE RATING: 8.4
Amy Winehouse | Tears Dry On Their Own |Alix Alvarez Remix|
Say what you want about Ms. Winehouse and her off-stage (and even on-stage, really) antics, when she can stand straight and begin singing, she is top shelf with one of those voices that is not only distinctive but also a joy to hear. And this latest track, remixed by the very talented Alix Alvarez, showcases just how comfortable she is in the house music scene. Sure, the track is a bit pop sounding, but it's just so much fun to listen to, and terribly catchy. Crowds like it as well.
HINGE RATING: 8.4
Jill Scott | Hate On Me |Quentin Harris Remix|
Ms. Scott, in my view, is best served with vigor, energy and the kind of room a singer needs when she's likely to be overcome by her desire to sing. I recall once watching one of those silly MTV video award shows, and ol' Jill got so into the song she was singing she was inspired to take off one of her heels. Now I have no idea why she did that, but it provided a good symbol of why she is so good. She loves singing to her core. I say all this because it is that which must be kept in mind whenever one decides to remix a song of hers. To be sure, many have tried to remix her stuff, and they have achieved varying levels of success. Quentin Harris, though, has scored a winner with this latest track, which brings some of his skills to Jill's straight-out-of-the-gate energy. The beats remind me of QH's remix of "When I Fall In Love," which some could criticize as being derivative. But in the case of this song, it works -- the sharpness of the beats match nicely with the cut-through-the-crap energy that Jill brings. Now I have no idea whether this will translate into something that will make the crowds cheer, but I certainly makes me cheer. (8/13/07)
HINGE RATING: 8.8
Tortured Soul | Why |DJ Spinna Remix|
The thing you have to remember about Tortured Soul remixes is that the group is extremely particular about quality, and they have no problem sending a mix back to a remixer when it's not quite right (just ask Alix Alvarez about that one!). So when it does finally come out, it is generally something to behold. That is most certainly the case with their latest track, "Why," remixed by DJ Spinna. It harks back to earlier remixes, but at the same time, has that signature DJ Spinna sound. True quality. (8/12/07)
HINGE RATING: 8.5
Terry Hunter & Byron Stingily | I Waited For You |Kenny Dope Remixes|
Given the uneven nature of remixes from the fellas of Masters at Work, one always has to approach a track they've reworked with a wee bit of suspicion. This particular track proves that maybe one half of the dynamic duo has gotten out of his funk and is back to creating works of art. What makes this track especially interesting is that the beat is a little bit different, possessing a strength that grows on you with a few listens. Also, given the length of the song (just 5:39), Kenny Dope wastes no time getting things going -- so much so it feels like a longer, more substantial song. (8/12/07)
HINGE RATING: 8.8
Christina Aguilera | Ain't No Other Man |Quentin Harris Remix|
There is no denying that Ms. Aguilera, out of all of the late 1990s teen vixens, is by far the best singer, despite her garish style. And when given the chance to play within the house arena, she rarely disappoints. Such is the case with this collaboration with Quentin Harris, though in all honestly it took me a few listens to really appreciate the track. At first, my complaint was that QH seemed to borrow from earlier remixes of his, making me wonder whether he was mailing this effort in. Also, there is something about this mix that is extremely restrained, which also seemed a bit odd at first. But as I said, after a few listens, you see the layers and really appreciate the mix for its effort. (8/12/07)
HINGE RATING: 8.2