Berndsen - "Supertime" - Courtesy of Berndsen
Here is the musical equivalent of the infamous "Happy Fun Ball." On its surface, its a happy go lucky euroopop song about having a
"supertime." Simple enough, but the video is a twisted low budget clip where car bloody car crash victims are forced to dance, frolic
and slide by smiling people who seem utterly oblivious to the condition the victims are in. The stark contrast is the point and makes me
wonder if its just something about the water in Iceland that breeds such unbridled, off the wall, hysteric and odd creativity. After
all, Bjork is from Iceland.
Video - Youtube
Mia J - "Headlights" - Courtesy of Robbins Entertainment
Robbins is an American label that tirelessly brings new dance to the commercial mainstream. While some artists enjoy more success than
others (think: Cascada, September), one shouldn't overlook the label's consistent releases. Mia J is a vocalist who has worked with Benny
Benassi ("My Body"), Electric Allstars ("Weekend Love"), and Sunfreakz ("Drive Out") among others. Her new solo track, "Headlights", has
elements of "Feel The Vibe" by Axwell and a big room house groove. Remixes by Soul Seekerz and Guiseppe D. complete the single. While
there is room on my shelves for a good cheesy Euro track, something with a little more class like this track is also welcome.
Video - Youtube
The Burns - "First Move" - Courtesy of 2112 Records
Burns defintiely relishes the use of 80s cinema for his 80s tracks. His last video "Turbo" used clips from the movie 'Breakin" and for
"First Move," scenes from John Travolta's 'Urban Cowboy' are synced to the soundtracky feeling track "First Move." Elements of fidget,
electro and lo fi disco are mashed together with guitars and a sample reminscent of Amy Grant's "Baby Baby." Interesting combo from the
edgy Scottish producer who will be touring with deadmau5 this fall. There's a show worth checking out.
Video - Youtube
Organ Donors - "4 Tribes (Wanna Be Startin Somethin) - Joey V Under The Knife Remix" - Courtesy of Nukleuz
Michael Jackson's music has always rocked the dancefloor. His disco records "Don't Stop Til You get Enough" and "Rock With You" nearly
established him as the solo star he is. Throughout his albums there were always club friendly tracks. Its only natural that dance
producers would turn to his classic tracks as inspiration for new music this year. The DONS cover of "Earth Song" is quite good,
although literal. Hard dance producers, the Organ Donors, take two lines from "Wanna Be Startin Somethin" and built this agreesive,
balls to the wall intense track around it. Clearly meant for ravers and afterhours crowds, close your eyes and you can see the glow
sticks twirling along with Michael in his grave.
Video - Youtube
Amanda Blank - "Might Like You Better" - Courtesy of Downtown Records
Channeling both Romeo Void ("Never Say Never", the track that originally featured the lyrics "Might like you better if we slept
together") and Garbage in some of the vocal delivery, Amanda Blank coos inbetween decent raps for a white girl in electronica. The
production of "Might Like You Better" might be aptly called "urban electronica". It is undeniably electronica but the flow and how it is
used with Blank's voice definitely feels urban. Strangely, everything ties together well for an entertaining and relatively fresh
sounding addition to your hipster playlist.
Video - Youtube
Jenn Cuneta - "I Want That Man (DJ JST Radio)" - Courtesy of BF Productions
"Come Rain, Come Shine" was one of those tracks that makes you wonder why didn't this cross over to be a huge pop record? Produced by
Andy and the Lamboy with a sample from a classic McCartney, the song was amazing and stood as the perfect launch pad for the exuberant
and vocally gifted Jenn Cuneta. "I Want That Man" is a little more typical of the tribal sound with Jenn stepping into the role of
wailing diva, a role she plays well, commanding the attention of a guy she fancies. Jenn's voice is quite flexible - able to pull off
trance, pop and even circuit records for shirtless muscle guys.
Audio - Youtube
Bad Boy Bill featuring Alyssa Palmer - "Do What U Like (Bad Boy Bill's Push That Feeling Remix)" - Courtesy of Nettwerk
Whereas "Falling Anthem" was a progressive masterpiece that pushed a few boundaries and was completely magical, "Do What U Like" seems
a bit more like a paint by the numbers club track. Not to say it's bad or anything, its just safe with its electro and glitchy sounds
seemingly inspired by everything else out there - vintage Felix Da Housekat, Herve or Wolfgang Gartner. No doubt this will do well in
club sets and this is a hot remix, we would just hope the next single of the album will be something a bit more edgy like "Ishy."
Audio - Youtube
Annie - "Songs Remind Me Of You" - Courtesy of Smalltown 12
For those of you jonesing for a new Robyn record, take a listen to this new gem by Annie. After two buzzy near-hit singles a few years
ago ("Heartbeat" and "Chewing Gum,") Norwegian electropop singer is about to release her second CD Don't Stop, which has been
previewed by singles "I Know Your Girlfriend Hates Me" and "Anthonio." "Songs Remind Me of You" is a Richard X-penned 80s inspired
electropop gem with touches of trance and progressive. The video features all kinds of really funky outfits, like a little girl playing
dress up. Note to superstar producers/DJs on the DJ list, work with Annie and you will get that massive pop crossover hit that you have
been looking for.
Video - Youtube
Phenomenal Handclap Band - "15 to 20" - Courtesy of Friendly Fire Recordings
If the Tom Tom Club was making music in 2009, this is what it might sound like. The NYC Collective The Phenomenal Handclap Band fuses funk, electro, soul and disco for a very modern yet vintage soon. Rolling Stone called this the "D.A.N.C.E' of 2009 and I can almost see it. The chorus is insanely catchy and singalong ready. The video fuses eight short films together which share a quite "final" ending.
Video - Vimeo
