Star Pilots - "In the Heat of the Night" - Courtesy of Parker Recordings
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.
Video - YouTube
The Temper Trap - "Sweet Disposition" - Courtesy of GlassNote/Columbia
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.
Video - YouTube
Axwell & Dirty South Mix - YouTube
Chad Jack and Tim Letteer Vs. FAWN - "Wish U Love" - Courtesy of Hades/Stonedef
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.
Video - YouTube
Scooter - "The Sound Above My Hair" - Courtesy of AATW/Kontor
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."
Video - YouTube
Relation - "Your Tiny Mind" - Courtesy of Urban Torque
Synthpop is back and that is a glorious thing. If Alphabeat is the new Human League, then I guess Relation could be the new Real Life. "Your Tiny Mind" blends classic 80s synth sounds with 90s europop and a taste of modern electro - a hybrid of early ABC and Depeche Mode with a sprinkly of Anything Box and the irony of Calvin Harris. The grooves are subtle yet hooky and the chorus will definitely stay in your head. Remixes by Lifelike, Lazerdisco, Diogenes and Eat More Cake take the track in all directions - dreamy, dubstep, and reggae.
Video - YouTube
Bot'Ox - "Blue Steel" - Courtesy of I'm A Cliché Record
When the label is called I'm a Cliche and the artist name is Bot'Ox, you have to wonder if the music is serious or totally tongue in cheek. Bot'Ox is the duo of French producers Julien Biffaz (member of [T]ékël) and Benjamin Boguet (aka Cosmo Vitelli) who have created this glitchy downbeat track which showcase the haunting and beautiful vocals of Anna Jean. "Blue Steel" sounds like the kind of song you would hear in a car commercial which makes the video even more apropos. Watching the video will defintiely make you wonder if this is a serious musical project or just two Frenchmen having a satirical laugh a la Spacedust.
Video - YouTube
Polina - "Shotguns" - Courtesy of hedKandi
You might already be familiar with the voice of Russian born singer/songwriter Polina - from her work with Todd Terry ("What We Gonna Go" as Lina Day), Scumfrog ("Escape") and Marc Alston ("Game of Love.") However, don't confuse her with the Polina who sang on AStudio's hit "SoS." "Shotguns" was originally recorded for an indie solo album and has now been picked up by hedKandi for global release. The edgy, agressive lyrics are not what you would expect from the typically sexy loved-up hedKandi release - but the groovy house production definitely fits the hk groove. Remixes by Mark Alston, Trevor Lovey and the Scumfrog are all quite strong and will fit in the set of any house dj. We look forward to hearing more Polina.
Audio - YouTube
