11. Michael M - Dear Diary
Jaded. Bitter. For all those who are over the tired club scene, take a listen to "Dear Diary" for a good laugh and new inspiration.
12. Kelly Osbourne - One Word
Before her untimely retirement as a singer, Kelly managed to record an incredible dance record. Her attempts at gothy electronica added gloss to the undergound sound. A strong remix by Chris Cox dominated clubs all year.
13. Friday Night Possee featuring Gabrielle - Dreams
When I heard that the AATW crew got their hands on this Gabrielle classic, I was scared at first. Reworking the chorus from the original (a la Eminem's reworking of Dido's "Thank You") and building a new song with a strong male vocal, the FNP manage to turn out a classy duet. Special props for the variety of remixes ranging from the 125 bpm original to the 145 bpm KB Project & Lee S remix.
14. Bodyrockers - I Like the Way
Even before Diet Coke chose this as their advertising jingle, this fusion of rock guitars and dance beats gave clubland something fun to sing along with.
15. Sylvia Tosun - Sleepless
More like sleeper, this deeper debut from the New York-based singer songwriter has been gaining steam as more people hear and respond to the incredible written lyrics. After listening to her strong debut album "Jump In," it's not surprising that she wrote "Love is a Drug" by Rosko.
16. Sun - Ends of the Earth
A guilty pleasure. The catchy chorus of this fourth single from Singaporean singer Sun stays in my head for hours everytime I play the Jason Nevins remix in a set.
17. Sarah Atereth - Out of My Mind
I go Left, I go right, I go Crazy. Was this meant to be the follow up to classic pop gem from Kylie? Who knows, but the catchy singalong chorus and the Mike Rizzo remix has been a big record for me since summer.
18. Dancing DJs vs Roxette - Fading Like a Flower
This year's "Call on Me" took Roxette's European hit and respected the song while giving it bouncy energy. Starting as a white label credited as 2-4 Grooves, this one rightfully bubbled up and became a UK top 10 hit with remixes by Hardino and Alex K (thank God he's back). A brilliant counterpart to DHT's "Listen to Your Heart" and Cascada's "How Do You Do," be sure to seek out the Dancing DJ's
version and AVOID the tragic ripoff version by Dis-creet featuring Jolie.
19. Global Deejays - What a Feeling & Royal Gigolos - Self Control
Benny Benassi "Satisfaction" beat plus classic song equals no-brainer commercial club hit. Two years
since "California Dreaming" it still works.
20. Lasgo - All Night Long
A venture into electro from the europop trio turns into one of their best records since "Something." DJ's take notice, it makes a great bridge record from house to trance.
21. Armin Van Buuren - Shivers
I missed this the first time I heard it. I played it a couple of times on the radio and the club, thinking it was another eurotrance record by a superstar DJ. Massive response and requests made me realize that this record was more than I had expected.
Remixers to watch for:
Three remixers whose name on a track almost ensured that I would enjoy it:
1. Move Ya & Steve Lavers
2. Offer Nissim
3. Freemasons
Best Unsigned Artist Album
boygirL – boygirL
Dance Music DVDs
Why do the best DVDs only come out overseas? Or am I just being too girly?
My top 4 favorite DVDs of 2005
1. Army of Lovers - Hurrah Hurrah Apocalypse
2. Kylie Minogue - Ultimate DVD
3. Stock Aitken Waterman - Gold
4. Lady Bunny - Rated X
Top 7 Songs - I am looking forward to play in 2006
1. Martin Solveig - Jealousy
2. Barbara Tucker - Love Vibration
3. Georgie Porgie & Joi Cardwell - Its Over
4. Sk8 - Ive Got a Friend
5. Michael M - The Beat
6. Taborah - All I Gave to You
7. Fiona - Nightlife
