Like a blast from the past, Sweden's Star Pilots launched one of the best 80's cover songs in the dance world. The thing is, "In the Heat of the Night" is an original track by the group. What they have succeeded at was recreating the harmonic and feelgood vibes of classic 80's tracks and melded them with modern dance production for a faux-nostalgic track that not only beckons you to return to the 80's, but is also reminiscent of early 2000's filter house frenzy. Topping the entire production off is a typical European-styled dance video, complete with scantily-clad air traffic directors (wait, didn't we see this in Cabin Crew's "Star To Fall" video?). Mixes by WAWA, Digital Dog, Dave Armstrong and Hyperzone give the track wide appeal for the dancefloor while retaining that sense of nostalgia.

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Image Courtesy of Parker Recordings.

As the "theme" of 500 Days of Summer, "Sweet Disposition" is an emotional and thriving indie rock track with heart. It is compelling and driving, rather hard to ignore while you're listening to it, actually. That is an achievement on its own, but The Temper Trap have fallen into a wonderful trend for the dance community. As with prior emotional rock songs like "Show Me What You're Looking For" by Carolina Liar, "Sweet Disposition" has been remixed. Unlike Carolina Liar, there are a bevy of remixes for "Sweet Disposition", likely including one you'll enjoy. One of the standouts, for it's big room sound and tender treatment of the vocals, is Axwell & Dirty South's mix. Search out your favorite though, as there is a selection to choose from including Morgan Page and Cagedbaby.
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Axwell & Dirty South Mix - YouTube
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Image Courtesy of GlassNote/Columbia.

With New Year's Eve resolutions about to come into effect, here is a great message and idea to send out there. Circuit DJs/Producers Chad Jack and Tim Letteer enlist the vocal talents of Fawn to construct this floor filling anthem with tribal beats electro influence. If Barry and Chris were together today, this is what Thunderpuss might sound like. The original mix stands out as the strongest though the disco/electro hybrid mix by Danny James is definitely worth a spin. Fawn sounds great singing with restrained passion, getting her message across but not overdoing it with the typical diva histrionics heard in other tribal records. For an independent release, the video is surprisingly strong - relying on a nice storyline rather than resorting to the scantily clad bimbo/himbo cliche that many dance music videos seem to embrace. Even if Tribal isn't your thing, this track is worth checking out.

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Image Courtesy of Hades/SoundDef Records.

Scooter is a love them or hate them kind of artist. You either love their energetic style of hard eurodance or you hate it. I love them, especially when they incorporate musical samples or inspirations. For "The Sound Above My Hair," inspiration comes from the song "Wonderful Life," originally sung by Black and more recently covered by Ace of Base and Tina Cousins. "Here I go out to rave again" is the first line shouted by the iconic vocalist H.P. Baxxter with the unique conviction that only he can bring. In case you have never heard of Scooter, imagine Basshunter after he's gone through puberty with a couple of energy drinks and you got an idea. For those who don't like happy hardcore, there is also a really sick electro mix out there. Before I watched the video, I never envisioned bagpipes as a sexy instrument. My mind has been changed. If you are looking for some aggressive beats to pump you up on your way out to the clubs this weekend, check out this song. Because with Scooter, it is true that "there's party everywhere."

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Image Courtesy of AATW/Kontor Records.