Julian Marsh - Party Groove: Pride 2004

Julian Marsh has a talent and a passion for quality Euro Hi-NRG vocal sets, and “Pride 04” delivers. If you’re a fan of remixed dance classics, the CD is loaded with flashbacks. Stylistically, most of songs are UK Pop/Trance, with full vocal remixes. It’s fun, fluffy and showcases the 80s remake trend in England.

The intro tracks “A Higher Place” and “There Is A Place” bring a warm, housey vibe- reminiscent Francois K’s timeless mix of Lighthouse Family’s “High.” Track 3 cranks up the tempo up with The Lifestylerz remix of Phixx’s “Love Revolution,” with Norman Cook on the production team, the mix holds down a rocked-out trance sound. “Keep Love Together” by Soda Club soon emerges as one of the standout UK pop/trance tracks out this year; it’s a single from their new album “Anthem Alerts,” produced by the legendary and hugely talented Lee brothers (Love to Infinity), sung by Andrea Anotola who, besides being a sexy and strong vocalist, must be the queen of ringtones, because if you Google Andrea it’s pages after page of ringtone links! Anyway, Soda Club’s new CD is well worth checking out.

“Keep Love Together” is poptastic, based on the original by Love 2 Infinity, and the beginning of a string of remixed classics in the continuous mix.

Halfway through things go way back with Voyage 2000’s remix of Patrick Hernandez classic “Born to Be Alive.” The first time I heard this song was the summer of ‘78, blasting constantly out of some blown speakers at a fairground in Germany, and was the first time I really saw how different European pop was from what I was used to hearing back in America. Seems natural that they’re still remixing it. Next, Trancemission remixes the 80’s with Depeche Mode’s “Strangelove,” doing a solid job. The disappointment for me was Primero (Futureforce Euro Vocal Mix) of Dido’s “White Flag”… most of these covers stand up to the originals, but this one loses soul in the vocals, and ends up feeling rushed and drained. That’s a minor complaint- everything’s made right again with Julian Marsh’s remix of Barry White’s “Love’s Theme.”

The riff is undeniable, and waves the flag for Marsh’s euphoric vibe. Another highlight of the mix is Simply Red’s tasty version of “You Make Me Feel Brand New” - I never cease to be amazed with his soulful voice. Dream Academy’s “Life in A Northern Town” has all the warm and fuzzy appeal of the original, and the complete set of vocals. Heartclub’s rendition of “It’s My Life” is another splendid redo, and once again the vocals are excellent. Julian has a way of freshing up oldies. For the closing track, there’s a lowtempo remix of Simple Mind’s “Alive and Kicking”… the pleasant surprise is that original vocalist Jim Kerr does the vocals, not to mention the great production value.

So the CD comes to an end, and it’s been a journey through the past, paired with a modern, energetic remixed sound. Julian mixes the songs very well, keeping the beats, basslines, melodies and vocals moving with a natural flow. “Pride 04” has so many timeless songs on it, that it’s enjoyment will last far beyond the summer’s pride festivals. Julian himself is an interesting character, visit his website www.julianmarsh.com for a deeper look.