Through each production on this nonstop mixed collection of highly energized cover versions of American dancefloor standards it is evident we are about to be treated to colorful renderings in the type of style often absent from most modern domestic floors. Instead of stripping and stretching the vitality of the artist's original work over lengthy drum tracks, here can be found dense melodic atmospheres fused and focused to dramatic twists and builds along the way. The intensity burns bright and hot and never fails to delight. In particular, covers of the original "Don't Stop the Music" by Angelica and "Say It Right" by Sheldon initially play a close parallel to the Rihanna and Nelly Furtado vocals, but later build upon them and exceed their level of dramatic presentation. Booming big-room treatments of Justin Timberlake's "Summer Love" and Mika's "Grace Kelly" provide a delicious blend of male vocals with sweet synth melodies, delivered here by the New York Rappers and perennial euro favorite Lawrence.
Other productions throughout ramp themselves with brand new and sometimes surprising settings that surround new vocals paying close respect and attention to the originals. Of these, the standouts include the full-throttle girl twirl spun on Pink's "Who Knew" by MC Ya. Another Angelina/Rihanna cover acts as the compilation's standout piece. The glorious Factory Team remix of the juicy "Shut Up and Drive" is available here for all thirsting for the kind of invigorating push so absent from its admittedly more tenuous American remixes.
A pull-out-the-stops finale is provided by Hanna's cover of Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend," complete with dazzling lead guitars nailed to a glittering base.
This series represents the finest of the European discotheque experience and is well worth the search and ultimate discovery!
Released on Saifaim Records - February 2008
