Ultra Nate - Free EP

Curve records has gone back into the club vaults and dusted off a number of oldies-but-goodies and enticed producers to give them an updated sound. Featured at the top of that list is Ultra Nate with her 90’s crossover smash, Free. Upon first hearing about the project, I dismissed it, having never particularly cared for the original myself (don’t get me wrong, it was good – just not something I’d reach for first to listen to again). The new release surprised me though… Here’s how it sounds…

Curve, in conjunction with BluFire and Centaur, did this one up right with no less than six remixes and four bonus tracks! If only more labels realized the importance of packing the maxi singles up with ALL the mixes, it would be a much better world out there. A big applause should go out to the executive producers that had a hand in filling this up. But I digress…..

Brick City kicks off the single with a remix that most resembles the original. They incorporate the same vocal loop and keys and keep all of Ultra Nate’s voice intact but with a new, thicker beat backing her up. While good, I have a feeling most would settle for the 90’s version.

Oscar G of Murk fame goes the exact opposite route by treating listeners to a deep, dark, tribal-tinged take on the song. I must say, this is my favorite one included here because of the amazing way he stretches Nate’s vocal and washes it back and forth between the speakers in a dubby, hands-in-the-air trip. This one SCREAMS afterhours!

Jason Nevins though, easily pumps the most energy into his mix. Starting with a hot kick and layering it with an equally hot, heavy synth loop and bassline, Nevins' version is the one that most jocks will be throwing down with - and for good reason – a great production will always get the crowd going.

As I said before, this release is ripping at the seams from being packed so full, and included among the updated remixes is an AMAZING live version of Ultra Nate performing It’s Over Now in New York City. It’s practically an a capella performance except for the human beatboxer backing her up. This one is worth the price of the CD itself.