Mariah Carey - We Belong Together (Review)

This second single from The Emancipation Of Mimi has been number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks and counting! In addition to topping that chart, it has been number one on numerous other Billboard charts. And this song has broken the BDS record for most audience impressions ever! Simply amazing!

There have been many versions and alternate versions, both official and unofficial, of this song, so here's a breakdown of which ones are worth your time, and which ones you should skip.

The Official Mixes

There are several official ones.

The first one is an urban mix by DJ Clue. It is also known as the Desert Storm Mix. In addition to Mariah's vocals, Styles P and Jadakiss rap on this song. Mariah has re-sung the vocals, and the lyrics are quite different from the downtempo original. This mix is essential. The new lyrics are fresh and give a whole new perspective to this already amazing song. The instrumental of this version is great on it's own too.

Then there's the dance mixes. Atlantic Soul, Peter Rauhofer and Tony Moran & Warren Rigg provide the mixes this time. The first two remixers' remixes are available on some import editions of the CD maxi single, and on the U.S. vinyl single. The Moran & Rigg one is only available on a CD promo directly from the label. There have been rumors circulating that these new mixes will be made available on the iTunes Music Store for purchase. It's only a matter of time. The sales would give "We Belong Together" an always welcome boost.

The Atlantic Soul mixes are house mixes and have a late night sound to them. The vocal loops of some lines and phrases from the song give it a whole new element. This mix is just okay. It feels like it's missing some synths and some pianos. There is a Club Mix, a Radio Mix and an Instrumental for this one.

There are two different Peter Rauhofer mixes, and not just the edit and the longer one. There's the Rauhofer Reconstruction Part 1. This is a minimal, dark track. It's built around a simple bassline that repeats over and over again. There are some blips and bleeps. The vocals here don't sound like they have been sped up enough. And the vocals just don't seem to go with the instrumental. The use of vocals is good though. There are some vocal loops in the longer one. Other than that, this mix is very plain and ordinary. Overall, this mix sounds very similar to the remix Rauhofer did a couple years ago of Murk vs Kristine W's "Some Lovin." There's an edit of this one too.

Then there is the Rauhofer Reconstruction Part 2. This is not just an extension to the first mix. This is a whole other mix. It is much darker and uplifting. It has these amazing synths and a different bassline. This mix calls to mind Rauhofer's mix of David Morales' "How Would U Feel." It has a similar sound, but this one is stil darker. The vocals sound much better over this one. The same set of vocal loops are used, but it sounds much better here. It's a bit hard to believe that this one and the other mix were done by the same person. This is a good choice for circuit clubs. This one has not been commercially released yet. However, it has leaked. This one should have been released.

Then there are the new Tony Moran & Rigg mixes. These are also quite dark and tribal. Done in the same vein of the second Rauhofer mix. The vocal loops used here are different as well. The vocals are used more effectively. The use of synths is excellent. This is more on the trance tip. This remix bears a small resemblance to some of Moran & Rigg's recent productions and remixes. This mix along with the second Rauhofer mix should have been released instead of the ones that were chosen. A Mixshow Edit and Radio Mix of this mix is also included on the CD promo.





The Unoffical Mixes

There are many of them. The first one that comes to mind is the TMC's Heartbroken Mix. This is done in the style of a mid 90's hi nrg song. A very fresh sounding mix. Of the unofficial mixes, this is a good one. The only problem is the vocals. A filtered acapella based on the original has been used instead of a true acapella. The clicking beat from the original can be heard in this remix. It gets really annoying after awhile. Aside from that, it's good.

OrangeFuZzZ has done a mix for this too. This one is a dark tribal mix also. This too has the same problem as the TMC one with the vocals. The beat also just sounds totally unnatural. This mix is a good attempt, but not good enough. Mixes done after this one by OrangeFuZzZ have been much better. Maybe a new mix might be a better idea.

Uplift N' Emotion's mixes are much better. Progressive trance/breakbeat is the style they chose for this one. It's very beautiful. They even synched up the original music video with the remix and the results are quite amazing. The vocals have the same problem. Other than that, it's a great mix.

Philly J's Soul Crunk mix is horrible. The vocal cannot be heard without turning the volume up, and even then it is still hard to hear it. This is an urban mix. The new instrumental added to it is just too loud.

Then there is the ZAX mix. This one doesn't sound that good either. It speeds up the original, adds a new beat, and adds some DJ scratching sound effects. It doesn't go with the song at all and just isn't that great. The scratching is very distracting.

And then finally, there is the EarKandi mix. This is a mashup. It utilizes Hex Hector's dub of "Love Don't Cost A Thing" by Jennifer Lopez. This one sounds pretty decent.

hot new Kelly Clarkson remix

Energy 92.7 and Sirius The Beat 66 have been playing this hot remix of Kelly Clarkson's "Behind These Hazel Eyes." The remix is by Mynt. You can download the radio rip here.

Nu Donna Summer!!

So are you all ready to "feel love" again? Well you can! Donna Summer's revolutionary classic "I Feel Love" has been remixed and the mixes have been made available.

PerfectBeat has this limited promo. Featuring one mix by Almighty and another by Qattara, this promo is an essential purchase. Even if you are not a Donna Summer fan, you must get this piece of history.

Here is a sample of the Almighty Mix.

Energy 92.7: A Report Card

This isn't like when in school the teacher sat you down and told you everything that you had done wrong. Oh the power trip teachers get to exhibit is amazing! (j/k)

Since the last time I have written about Energy 92.7, a lot has changed. They have added a good number of songs, have kept up the quality of their mixshows, and the on-air talent is very interesting.

Over the course of the last couple of months, some major songs have been added. The Rauhofer Reconstruction Radio Edit of "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey, the Kaskade Radio Mix of "Don't Cha" by the Pussycat Dolls, and the Jason Nevins Mix of "Lonely No More" by Rob Thomas are just some of the dance mixes of pop/R&B songs that have recently been added to Energy 92.7's rotation. I have been loving these songs too. Through the First Spin segment during Matt The Bratt's show during Mondays thru Thursdays at 9:15 P.M. where two songs "battle" to get the listeners votes. A song that gets a majority will go on and compete with another song. Any song that successfully wins for 4 consecutive nights will be officially added. A couple songs that didn't win during the battle got added too. Reina's "Forgive" and Ian Van Dahl's "Inspiration" are two such examples. A good number of songs have gotten exposure through this segment. Major props to Matt and the rest of the Energy administration for allowing that segment.

The mixshows are always a joy to hear now. Cardio Radio which airs Mondays thru Fridays feature some classic dance tracks and some current ones. And it's always refreshing to hear a bunch of 90's songs. Especially in the Bay Area. It's a rarity to hear many of those songs. Energy has surpassed Wild 94.9!!! Seriously. It's hot and fresh everyday on Energy!

The Weekend Kick Off Mix is great too. Trevor has been choosing some great records lately. Aaron Smith's "Dancin", the Lenny B mix of Ciara's "Oh", the Atlantic Soul Mix of Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together", Kyria vs Velez's mix of "Killin' Me" by Jenna Drey and Studio B's "I See Girls" are just some of the exclusives Trevor has been throwing in the mix lately.

Massive Mix, Clubber's Commute and other such mixshows on the weekends are great too. Lots of music that is hot in the clubs and in Europe. If I turn the volume high enough, I can't tell the difference between being in my living room or being in a club. The quality of music and mixing is great.

The on-air talent is top-notch. I couldn't summarize it any better.

And I couldn't finish without mentioning that the online stream is still the best! The quality is amazing and it must be said.

Keep up the good work!

Review: Erasure - Breathe

This review was supposed to be posted a week ago, but I have been extremely pre-occupied with other things. Here it is.

This is the latest single from UK duo Erasure. They are back with their current album Nightbird. "Breathe" is a breath of fresh air. Opening the CD-5 is the Radio Version. This is a downtempo, electro style that beckons you to play it over and over again. The vocals from Andy Bell. are in top form, as is the instrumental. Next is the Album Version. This one starts very differently from the Radio Version., but is equally enticing. Strangely, both versions are almost the same length. There are only some minor differences. Then we come to to track 3, "Gone Crazy." This is another downtempo track. The vocals are a bit more subdued than they were on "Breathe." This isn't a bad track. The filtered guitar/synth sounds in the middle sound very retro, like some of the 1980's stuff by Depeche Mode. Next is a track called "Mr. Gribbers and His Amazing Cat." This is an amazing piano-based instrumental. Despite being only 2:40, it packs the punch of a much longer piece. The is deeply haunting while it is uplifting. Then it is back to the "Breathe" remixes. The Acousic Version comes next. This is an excellent mix. It is very light on the ears in its stripped down form. The guitar on this version is noteworthy. Adult contemporary and chillout stations should have jumped on this treasure. Pete Heller's Phela Mix comes in with a bang! Deeply electro and beat-heavy, this mix is perfect for playing with all those Armand Van Helden, Felix Da Housecat, Mylo and Miss Kittin songs. It fits right in easily. The echoed vocal adds some depth to the track. Immediately following this is LMC's Extended Mix. This is a trance/hi nrg mix. Many elements from the original version are present in this darker mix. There is only some resemblance to LMC's recent work in this remix, but the quality of the production lets you forget that other remixes they have done have a similar sound. A radio edit should have been included of LMC's mix, but it wasn't. Import releases of the single included the edit. Finally, we come to the When Andy Bell Met Manhattan Clique Extended Mix. Almost completely driven by the bassline, this version builds greatly on the original version. This is a good alternate mix. This too has a retro feel. All in all, this maxi single is worth purchasing. In addition to the multiple mixes and other songs, the music video is included. This is an essential single for DJs and Erasure fans alike.

Madonna on ABC's The View

Today, Madonna made an appearance on The View. In addition to talking about her husband, children and her life now, she spoke about her childrens's storybooks and her upcoming album.

Here is the complete interview in mp3 format.

Dance Artists On ABC's The View!

On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week (the 7th and the 8th, respectively) two major artists who have made contributions to dance music will be making appearances on ABC's gabfest The View.

On Tuesday the 7th, Shakira will be stopping by to promote her latest Spanish-language album Fijacion Oral which has already spawned the growing hit "La Tortura." This album just happens to be coming out on the 7th.






And on Wednesday (the 8th), the Material Girl herself, Madonna will be making an appearance promoting her latest children's storybook entitled Lotsa Da Casha. She may even discuss her upcoming documentary which goes behind the scenes of the hugely successful Re-Invention tour from 2004. It had been previously titled Reinvented Process, but it has been re-titled as I'm Going To Tell You A Secret. Also, Madonna has been in the studio working on some new songs for her upcoming album. No word on dates, but some insiders see the album coming out towards the end of this year to early next year. Next, Madonna will be seen in an upcoming photo spread with an accompanying article in the July issue of the Ladies Home Journal. I have already seen the photos, and they are amazing! This issue should be on newsstands very soon. Here is the cover.

More songs going MIA on Energy!

Some more songs have gone MIA on Energy. Here is a list of the casualties.

Emma - Free Me
Scissor Sisters - Filthy Gorgeous
No Doubt - It's My Life
Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes
Stellar Project - Get Up Stand Up
Lasgo - Surrender
Kaskade - Steppin Out
Black Eyed Peas - Let's Get It Started

Mariah fans rejoice! Mariah haters hide!

Energy 92.7 has officially added the Peter Rauhofer Reconstruction Mix of Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together." It was totally obvious that this song would be added, and it has been. Congrats Mariah!

Listen to it here.

New Energy 92.7 Contest

Energy 92.7 is giving 44 people $500 cash, why not be one of them...

We’ve created a new radio station with the people of the Bay Area in mind. It’s new, and it’s different than anything you’ve heard on the radio. It’s the new Energy 92.7 FM. It will energize you all day and all night long.

We’re so confident you’ll love the new Energy 92.7 FM, we’re willing to bribe you to listen. It’s simple. All you have to do is enter below and listen to win.

During June we’ll be calling out names every weekday at 8:45am and 5:45pm. If you hear us announce your name, call us within thirty minutes at (866) 534-0927 and you’ll win $500. You won’t hear us announce this as a contest; we’ll just be saying thanks to you for listening.

So what have you got to lose? Check out the new Energy 92.7 FM on your radio, or listen to us online at www.energy927fm.com and start thinking about what you are going to do with an extra $500!

Mariah Carey - We Belong Together: A followup

As of right now, the song is number one on the Billboard H0t 100 for the week of 6/4. Congrats Mimi!

Energy 92.7 has finally played Peter Rauhofer's Reconstruction Mix of "We Belong Together". It's only a matter of time before it's released.

Erasure is in the SF Bay Area!

Yes they are, and they made a brief, but important appearance on Energy 92.7 during Joey V's show. They talked about their shows and some of the stuff they have been working on. And of course, they mentioned the current album Nightbird. "Breathe" has already made a splash in the dance clubs here in the U.S. Joey V proceeded to play "Breathe" in the LMC Radio Mix as well as several other Erasure classics such as "Chains Of Love."

Here is an mp3 I captured of the interview. The only things I edited out were songs played as well as commercials.

I will be reviewing the U.S. CD maxi of "Breathe" later this week.

Kylie Minogue Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

Kylie Minogue has thanked her fans for their support following the revelation she is suffering from breast cancer. The singer has been forced to cancel a number of Australian and Asian gigs on her Showgirls world tour so she can be treated for the disease. But devotees have rallied round, thousands sending messages of support for the singer and hundreds donating money refunded for cancelled concert tickets to breast cancer charities. And Minogue is deeply touched. She says, "My heartfelt thanks to the incredible number of people who have sent messages of love and support over the last two days. "I want to reassure you that I am being well taken care of. "Olivier (Martinez - her French actor boyfriend) is by my side and I have a lot of family and friends around me. "I would also like to extend my best wishes to all of the other women around Australia and around the world who are dealing with the same illness".

from ContactMusic.com


Madonna issues a statement on Kylie:
I was saddened to learn about Kylie Minogue's breast cancer diagnosis. I'm so grateful that they found it early. (Yet another reminder for all women to have annual mammograms.) Aside from being tremendously talented, Kylie's a fighter and I know this is a battle she will win. Let's all pray for her speedy recovery and send all of our best wishes her way. With love and light to you Kylie...Madonna

Please show your support for Kylie during this difficult time by displaying this image at your websites, email signatures, forums, etc. Just please upload the photo to your own photo hosting site.

Anna Vissi - Call Me

Anna Vissi is a major recording star in her country Greece. And now she is ready to repeat her major success here in the United States. She is doing this through her current International single "Call Me". This track was originally released as "Eisai" on Anna's 2004 double album Paraxenes Eekones. The singles for "Call Me" have been available at Apple's iTunes Music Store and at AllMusicSource for almost 3 months now. Promos have been available to DJs at clubs, and the CD promo has been available to radio stations. No commercial single has been released yet, but that may soon change. Anna is currently signed to Moda Records here in the U.S. This is the label that released Flexy's "Mamasita" several months back.

The Released Official Mixes
2 sets of remixes have been available. I'll speak briefly on each one. First up is the Chris Cox Radio Mix. This is a progressive, uptempo mix. It sounds like a sped up version of the original. This is a decent edit of the longer version. Next is Lee Cabrera's mix. This is a dark tribal mix. It's done in a similar style as some of Lee's recent work. Then there is the Massive Cox Dub. This is a largely instrumental version of the Chris Cox Club Mix. There are only a few vocal samples. This would work better in dance clubs. Then we come to the Original Mix. This version will do perfectly on radio stations and in clubs. It's got just enough "oomph" to pack a dance floor. The instrumental hook calls to mind JS16's "Stomp To My Beat" in the Factory Club Mix. It's not a sampled hook or anything like that. It sounds similar. And the best part about this mix is the use of vocals. The verses can be heard and understood clearly. The lyrics are pretty good. There is a lot of emotion and feeling in the lyrics Anna delivers. The Riddler Mixshow Mix and Radio Mix are really good. They sound like the Euro Hi NRG music that was really huge back in the mid 90's. It's nice to hear something different. These are the perfect choice for radio stations and clubs that play trancier stuff. Next up is the Chris Cox Club Mix. This is a nice dark, tribal, progressive track also. The synths and keyboards on this mix are noteworthy. This is the perfect choice for trance DJs. Then there are the three Friscia & Lamboy mixes, a Club Mix, a Mixshow Edit, and a Radio Mix. These are all excellent too. These stay true to the original version. These just have a few more tribal and ethnic elements. For those that love the original, this is the mix of choice. The George Filtered Anthem is a nice house mix of the track. This mix would go with all the recent Defected (UK) releases. It's a simple version. The Mike Cruz Tribal mixes are very tribal. These are quite enjoyable. And for premium enjoyment, these will sound real good at 3 o'clock in the morning. And then we end with the Valentin mixes. These are pretty good trance mixes. They are more laid back than the Chris Cox mixes. These will work fine on radio and in clubs too.

Other Official Mixes
There is this one commercially unavailable version of "Call Me" which was done by San Francisco-based DJs Trevor Simpson and Dimitris Mykonos. This mix completely drops the verses. There are just the choruses. The instrumental production is quite good. As a dub, this mix is great, but as a vocal mix, this is terrible. This mix had been played at SF radio station Energy 92.7. As of right now, this song in this mix has been dropped.

Greek Mixes Of The Song
The original version of the song "Eisai" is just like the English version. The Elias Pantazapoulos Mix is very good. An English version of this is absolutely necessary. This is a fun dance/rock hybrid. It's done in a similar way as Britney Spears' smash hit "Toxic". The strings are similar to that song. And finally there is the Prodigal Son Mix. This is just an extended version of the original. This is a good mix as well.

All in all, these mixes are very good. If the Trevor & Dimitris mix is ignored, this is one of the best remix packages that has come out in quite awhile. There is at least one mix that everyone will like.

Buy the song and its mixes here:
MP3 Set 1
MP3 Set 2
iTunes Music Store

Mariah Carey - We Belong Together (Remixes)

This is the second single off of Mariah's latest album The Emancipation Of Mimi. This one is storming up the charts right now. There is an urban mix of the song which is slated to be released on Tuesday, May 17 to iTunes Music Store. I have already heard the remix. It is pretty good. It's quite different from the original version, but this will still win over the approval of the fans. A link will be posted to iTunes and other digital music stores here for convenience.

A CD single will be released in Japan and in a couple other countries in June. No word on a CD single in the U.S.

There are some dance mixes that have been done for the song, but those have not been released commercially yet.

The original mix is available at the following link. You must have iTunes to purchase this.

And on a closing note, Mariah is number one on the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart for the week of May 21, 2005. Congrats Mariah!!!

Superstars Remixed

I had previously mentioned this compilation in a posting a few weeks back. This compilation has finally arrived in stores today. The sequence of the songs and some of the songs originally chosen to appear on the compilation went through a slight change. In the original posting, the Kelly Clarkson and Duran Duran tracks had been mislabeled as having a particular mix. The mixes chosen for the compilation were different. In the case of the former, no Hani Remix had been done. While for the latter, that mix was not the popular one. Luther Vandross and Lisa Stansfield had been listed on the original cover art for this compilation, however, they were not listed in the sequence of tracks. Minus the changes and switches, this compilation is just fine without them. The tracklisting reads like the playlist of a dance radio station. It has some currents, some recurrents, and some gold ones. The vast majority of these remixes have been unavailable to the general public, although imports and 12" singles contained these mixes. Some songs did not have official edits available until now. The mixes chosen for the songs are all great. The compilation opens with Kelly Clarkson's current smash "Since U Been Gone" in the Jason Navins Radio Edit. This is a fun dance-rock hybrid that screams for lots of play on your CD player. Next is the previously unavailable Hani Radio Mix of the laid-back, summer-sounding Alicia Keys track "Diary." This is an amazing remix that should have been released. Another rare track featured is Junior Vasquez's mix of Maroon 5's "This Love". There had been speculation that Maroon 5 did not approve of the mix. And the next track doesn't need any introduction at all. It's the Jason Nevins Mix of Duran Duran's "(Reach Up For The) Sunrise". This is an instant classic. Then we go to a slightly more dramatic and deeper track. This next one is Sarah McLachlan's "World On Fire" which gets the remixing treatment from Junkie XL. I was surprised at how good the edit actually turned out. Considering the main mix from the 12" promo and import singles was 12 minutes long. Rarely, have such long tracks been edited in a way that captures the essence of the longer mix. There was a Club Mix Edit of the Junkie XL mix, but that was still 6 minutes long and did not capture the complete essence. Continuing on that same dark and dramatic tone comes Dido's "White Flag." Surprisingly, the Al B Rich Mix was chosen instead of the Scumfrog mix which topped the charts last year. Next is the sexy Kelis track "Milkshake" in the DJ Zinc Radio Mix. This just sounds like a sped up version of the original with a nice, fierce beat added to it. And then there is the Armand Van Helden Edit of Britney Spears' "Toxic". I didn't really care for the extended version of this mix when it came out, but this edit just gets to the good stuff. The Lenny Bertolodo Mix would have been a better choice. Then there is Monica's "So Gone Part 2" in the Scumfrog mix. This is a good track. The original must be even better. Then there is Pink's party jam "Get The Party Started" which has been remixed by Richard Morel. This is a decent remix in comparison to some of the other ones that surfaced. And then there is the late night stomper "Naughty Girl" by Beyonce Knowles. This is an epic remix. The 12" mix is very good, and so is this edit. Then we have come to a classic by Mariah Carey, which was amazingly remixed by David Morales. It's "Dreamlover." The song gets a nice makeover from its previous dance-pop sound to a more retro, classic house sound. And the fact that Mariah re-sang her vocals to fit this mix makes this all the more appealing. The edit is really good and doesn't get rid of the good stuff at all. I recommend checking out the 12" mix of it too. It's one of Mariah's best vocal performances, and one of the best Morales mixes. Next is another classic from Whitney Houston. It's the Thunderpuss Radio Mix of "It's Not Right But It's Okay." This mix put Thunderpuss on the map and made them a household name. They are now one of the most in-demand remixers. This mix is hard and driving, and Whitney's vocals are dazzling over this production. Next is American Idol's 4th superstar that only needs one name to be introduced, Fantasia. This is nice little track called "It's All Good" remixed by the Scumfrog. And another classic from the 90's comes in from Jennifer Lopez. It's the Hex's Momentous Radio Mix of "Waiting For Tonight". It's not the Video Remix as it says it is on the back. The Video remix is just a 18 seconds longer. And this is not the version that Jennifer released on her remix album. It's a whole other edit. The main version and even the ones on the remix album and in the video have two breakdowns in the middle. The one on this compilation only has one. Not very good. Next is Christina Aguilera's Grammy-winning "Beautiful" in an amazing mix by Peter Rauhofer. The Valentin, Al B Rich or Wayne G mixes could have worked as well. The final three tracks on this compilation are remixes that include some involvement by Hex Hector. First it's his mix of Deborah Cox's "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here." This is one of Deborah's best remixes to date. Angie Stone's "Wish I Didn't Miss You", also remixed by Hex Hector, but also with Mac Quayle is excellent. And then the set closes out with Toni Braxton's number one smash "Un-Break My Heart", also in a Hex Hector Remix. The longer version of the mix was perfect in every way. It was very uptempo and did not mess with Toni's vocals. The only problem with this edit is that it feels like it ended in the middle. And that breakdown in the middle of the song with Toni's vocals being looped could have been a little shorter. All in all, this compilation is pretty good minus the two flawed remixes by Jennifer Lopez and Toni Braxton. There is no filler at all on this compilation. Generally, such compilations are beatmixed or each track is segued into the other, but none of that happened here. It's completely unmixed making this a good buy. Tracking down all the original singles, import singles, and 12" singles might become a huge task just to get one song on each of them. And many may want the longer versions too as many of these mixes sound great. This compilation is almost perfect. It's much better than what is out there right now.

This album is currently available at most music stores, and for pay download at iTunes.

My Picks For This Week

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The chart has been expanded to 40 positions from the previous configuration.

LW - TW - WKS - TITLE - ARTIST
01 - 01 - 06 - We Belong Together - Mariah Carey (3rd Week at number one)
08 - 02 - 08 - Call Me/Eisai [Elias Pantazopoulos Mix] - Anna Vissi
16 - 03 - 04 - Olo Lipis - Despina Vandi
NEW- 04 - 01 - Αγάπη Υπερβολική - Anna Vissi
04 - 05 - 05 - Into Your Eyes - Armand Van Helden
02 - 06 - 07 - Come Rain, Come Shine - Jenn Cuneta
03 - 07 - 08 - What‘s Up - Xscape
07 - 08 - 07 - Mother & Father [Amokk‘s Rauhofer Edit - Madonna
05 - 09 - 05 - Hoochie Woman - Tori Amos
18 - 10 - 04 - One Word [Chris Cox Radio Mix] - Kelly Osbourne
06 - 11 - 08 - Gotta Go, Gotta Leave [Junior Vasquez Mix] - Vivian Green
12 - 12 - 06 - Bedtime Story 2005 [Victor Calderone Mix] - Madonna
14 - 13 - 03 - The Wonder Of It All [Mig N' Brett Mix] - Kristine W
26 - 14 - 06 - Give It Rapture - The Cut Up Boys
09 - 15 - 08 - Back To Basics - Shapeshifters
19 - 16 - 02 - Why [Bob's Le Dream Mix] - Shiny Grey
NEW- 17 - 01 - Desire [Shanghai Surprize Mix] - Geri Halliwell
13 - 18 - 08 - Obsession [Sic Element Mix] - Frankie J
24 - 19 - 02 - Lose Control - Missy Elliot & Ciara
27 - 20 - 02 - Dance (When I Hear Music) - Shauna
NEW- 21 - 01 - Adagio For Strings - Tiesto
NEW- 22 - 01 - Do Somethin‘ - Britney Spears
NEW- 23 - 01 - Guilty - Britney Spears
28 - 24 - 02 - Lose My Breath [DJ MichealAngelo's Mashup] - Destiny's Child
30 - 25 - 02 - Sanctuary - Taylor Dayne
NEW- 26 - 01 - What Happens Tomorrow [Rauhofer Mixshow Edit] - Duran Duran
10 - 27 - 08 - What A Feeling [Clubhouse Mix] - Global Deejays
NEW- 28 - 01 - Stand Up [Audiowhores Mix] - Loleatta Holloway
29 - 29 - 04 - Oceania - Bjork Featuring Kelis
11 - 30 - 08 - It‘s Like That [Stereo Experience Mix] - Mariah Carey
NEW- 31 - 01 - When The Dawn Breaks - Narcotic Thrust
25 - 32 - 08 - Avalon [Jacques LuCont Mix] - Juliet
NEW- 33 - 01 - Jetstream Lover [Richard X Mix] - New Order Featuring Ana Matronic
22 - 34 - 04 - Butt Naked - Adina Howard
NEW- 35 - 01 - La Tortura - Shakira
15 - 36 - 06 - The Gay Robot Groove [Eddie Baez Mix] - Adam Sandler
23 - 37 - 03 - Right About Now - Mousse T Featuring Emma Lanford
17 - 38 - 05 - Love Is A Drug [Creamer K Mix] - Rosko
21 - 39 - 02 - Girlfight - Brooke Valentine
NEW- 40 - 01 - Oh My Gosh - Basement Jaxx

Bubbling Under
Alisha Chinoy - Tinka Tinka
Kunal Ganjawala - Kaal Damaal
Trick Daddy Featuring Khia - Jump On Da Dick (Suck On Da Clit)
Alicia Keys - Karma [Karma-Stition Mix]
Loona - Tears From Heaven
Zombie Nation - Kernkraft 400 [Miss Kittin & The Harker Mix]
Studio B Featuring Romeo - I See Girls
Tom Neville - Just F*ck

New Entries
04 - Anna Vissi - Αγάπη Υπερβολική
17 - Geri Halliwell - Desire
21 - Tiesto - Adagio For Strings
22 - Britney Spears - Do Somethin’
23 - Britney Spears - Guilty
26 - Duran Duran - What Happens Tomorrow
28 - Loleatta Holloway - Stand Up
31 - Narcotic Thrust - When The Dawn Breaks
33 - New Order Featuring Ana Matronic - Jetstream Lover
35 - Shakira - La Tortura
40 - Basement Jaxx - Oh My Gosh

My Power Pick (One Year Ago)
Britney Spears - Toxic

This is a hot second single from Britney Spears’ In The Zone. And the way-too-sexy video only added to this song’s appeal.

Flashback Pick
Salt Tank - Eugina 2000

This was an excellent, official re-release of this already amazing track. Sampling a line from a Tori Amos song gave the track a very haunting feel. And the beauty of the synths and guitars in the song. There hasn’t been a production since that has been so perfect.

Songs That Have Gone MIA (yes, there's more)

Energy 92.7 has been progressively adding some new songs, but there have been many songs that became casualties. Here are the latest ones.

Dirty Vegas - Walk Into The Sun
Flexy - Mamasita
Jonathan Peters Featuring Sylver - All This Time
Ashlee Simpson - Pieces Of Me
Christina Milian - Dip It Low

Soon to be MIA
Michael Gray - The Weekend
Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes
Lasgo - Surrender
Kaskade - Steppin' Out
Black Eyed Peas - Let's Get It Started

Back from the dead
Gwen Stefani - Rich Girl
Reina - If I Close My Eyes
Deborah Cox - Easy As Life

Numa Numa Dance (Revisited)

And no, this is not about new remixes of O-Zone's "Dragostea Din Tei"!

I mentioned the English version of the O-Zone track while back and how there was a homemade video by a teenager that had become the biggest watercooler topic since Desperate Housewives went on the air! This video was known as the "Numa Numa Dance" video. And there's even a blog dedicated to discussing and posting links about this video and all its knock-offs, copies, remakes, etc.

Anyways, at a message board I post at regularly, I came across another video that was in the same vein as the previously mentioned video. It's much shorter, but it is still a riot. This video features a twenty-something guy dancing in front of a webcam with his shirt off. The ladies might like this video. And he dances wildly to Paps 'N' Skar's "Mirage".

I highly recommend this video for a good laugh.

Good news for fans of WKTU

Streaming is back!

http://ccri.eonstreams.com/ccri_ny_newyork_WKTU_fm.asf

You'll need Windows Media Player to listen to this stream. Click here to download it.

More on Anna Vissi

As her song is getting hotter by the minute, this new version of "Call Me" has surfaced. Anna performed this song at the recently-held MAD Awards in Greece. This is in Greek. This version is even hotter than the original one and the other mixes. Judge for yourself.

Anna Vissi - Ise [Live At The MAD Awards] (audio)

Anna Vissi - Ise [Live At The MAD Awards] (video)
password: www.annavissi.info

my picks for the week

This is the first week the chart is actually typed out instead of being in an Excel style chart.

LW - TW - WKS - TITLE - ARTIST
02 - 01 - 05 - We Belong Together - Mariah Carey (2nd Week at number one)
03 - 02 - 06 - Come Rain, Come Shine - Jenn Cuneta
01 - 03 - 07 - What's Up - Xscape
09 - 04 - 04 - Into Your Eyes - Armand Van Helden
12 - 05 - 04 - Hoochie Woman - Tori Amos
05 - 06 - 07 - Gotta Go, Gotta Leave [Junior Vasquez Mix] - Vivian Green
RE - 07 - 06 - Mother & Father [Amokk's Rauhofer Edit] - Madonna
04 - 08 - 07 - Call Me [Valentin Mix] - Anna Vissi
06 - 09 - 07 - Back To Basics - Shapeshifters
07 - 10 - 07 - What A Feeling [Clubhouse Mix] - Global Deejays
10 - 11 - 07 - It's Like That [Stereo Experience Mix] - Mariah Carey
08 - 12 - 05 - Bedtime Story 2005 [Victor Calderone Mix] - Madonna
11 - 13 - 07 - Obsession [Sic Element Mix] - Frankie J
16 - 14 - 02 - The Wonder Of It All [Mig N' Brett Mix] - Kristine W
18 - 15 - 05 - The Gay Robot Groove [Eddie Baez Mix] - Adam Sandler
22 - 16 - 03 - Olo Lipis - Despina Vandi
19 - 17 - 04 - Love Is A Drug [Creamer K Remix] - Rosko
15 - 18 - 03 - One Word [Chris Cox Radio Mix] - Kelly Osbourne
NEW- 19 - 01 - Why [Bob's Le Dream Mix] - Shiny Grey
14 - 20 - 04 - Lonely No More [Junior Vasquez Remix] - Rob Thomas
23 - 21 - 02 - Girl Fight - Brooke Valentine
24 - 22 - 03 - Butt Naked - Adina Howard
28 - 23 - 02 - Right About Now - Mousse T Feat. Emma Lanford
NEW- 24 - 01 - Lose Control - Missy Elliot & Ciara
27 - 25 - 07 - Avalon [Jacques Lu Cont Mix] - Juliet
30 - 26 - 05 - Give It Rapture - The Cut Up Boys
NEW- 27 - 01 - Dance (When I Hear Music) - Shauna
NEW- 28 - 01 - Lose My Breath [DJ MichealAngelo's Mashup] - Destiny's Child
13 - 29 - 03 - Oceania - Bjork Featuring Kelis
NEW- 30 - 01 - Sanctuary - Taylor Dayne


Bubbling Under
Anna Vissi -Agapi Ypervoliki
Duran Duran - What Happens Tomorrow [Rauhofer Mixshow Edit]
Sonique On Tomcraft - Another World
New Order Featuring Ana Matronic - Jet stream [Richard X Radio Mix]
Britney Spears - Guilty
Tiesto - Adagio For Strings
Loleatta Holloway - Stand Up [AudioWhores Remix]
Basement Jaxx - Oh My Gosh
Britney Spears - Do Somethin’
Trick Daddy Featuring Khia - Jump On Da Dick (Suck On Da Clit)
Narcotic Thrust - When The Dawn Breaks

New Entries
At number 30, we have Taylor Dayne’s latest “Sanctuary.” This is a hot new track that will be everywhere. At number 28 is Destiny’s Child’s “Lose My Breath” in the DJ MichaelAngelo remix. This is a hot new track by an up and comer remixer from Arizona. Remember this name. He will be really huge very soon. At number 27, we have Shauna’s cover of Debbie Deb’s classic. And the highest entry comes in at 19 with the Eurythmics-sampling “Why” by Shiny Grey.

Comments
Mariah Carey returns to the number one spot with “We Belong Together” for a second week, causing Xscape to drop two spots to number 3. Jenn Cuneta goes up a notch. Could that be next week’s number one? And we have Tori Amos jumping from 12 to 5 with “Hoochie Woman”. The greatest drop this week is from the Bjork & Kelis track “Oceania” which hangs on at number 29 from last week’s 13. And the highest re-entry of the week is Madonna’s “Mother & Father” which returns at the 7th position. This has just been released to the clubs, and has made a triumphant return on my playlist.

My Power Pick (One Year Ago)
Janet Jackson - Just A Little While [Peter Rauhofer Club Mix]

This hot second single from Janet’s Damita Jo was a favorite of mine as it was quite sensual, and a lot of fun. The retro vibe of the track made it fun to listen to. Peter’s remix called to mind Inner City’s “Big Fun.”

Flashback Pick
Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch Featuring Loleatta Holloway - Good Vibrations

This Loleatta Holloway-sampling track from up and coming rapper/underwear model/actor. Too bad he was only really remembered for this one in the U.S. He did some other tracks that were released in Europe with Prince Ital. Joe. This song was really huge and topped the Hot 100 back in 1990. Yes it has been that long. Let’s hope the Global Deejays, Junior Jack, Eric Prydz or Royal Gigolos don’t remix this or re-create it.

Anna Vissi

She is one of the hottest things coming out of Greece! She has been recording for quite some time with great success in her native language, and now she is ready to conquer the English-speaking countries. Other than her European-only release Everything I Am a few years ago, she has not released any other English-language material until just recently with the smash "Call Me". This song has been warmly recieved at many of the dance stations in the U.S. and abroad. And many remixes have been done for "Call Me". These can be purchased at the following two links: 1 & 2 (there are 2 sets). "Call Me" just recently topped the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart.

And a whole album is in the works. There has been a rumor circulating that the song "Agapi Ypervoliki" from Anna's 2001 album Kravgi will be translated into English and will be the next single. This could be a very good thing as this track has excellent vocals, and is perfect for the dance clubs and dance radio stations in its main mix. Hopefully the instrumental won't be changed for the English version as several of the translated songs on Despina Vandi's Come Along Now sounded dramatically different from the way they were on the original album Gia. If and when that happens, we'll have to wait and see. Anna's simple, but intelligent dance-pop is a great departure from much of the cookie-cutter stuff that can be heard on the airwaves these days. CHR and Pop radio has yet to embrace this new style of music.

Check out Moda's site for more information.

Hot Upcoming Songs

Here are some of my picks of some hot up and coming songs.

• Armand Van Helden - Into Your Eyes
  This is a hot little track that uses a repeated sample also. It has the funkiness normally found in an Armand Van Helden production. It's very retro-sounding and will be huge. This is the lead single off of his next album Nympho. Listen to a sample here. More remixes will be coming soon.
  
  
• Taylor Dayne - Sanctuary
  This is a nice little come-back hit. Very trancy and progressive. Listen to a sample here.
  
  
• Chaka Khan - I Feel For You 2005
  This one needs no introduction. This is an update of the 80's classic. The vocals have not been messed with. Listen to a sample here.

A New Trend In Music...

Recently, there has been a new trend in hip hop music: some of it is dance-leaning! After all of those dance-leaning hip hop tracks from last year by Nina Sky (“Move Your Body” and “Turnin’ Me On) and Ciara (“Goodies”) , this year has already seen a few more of those kind of tracks emerging.

• Tori Alamaze’s “Don’t Cha” already had some regional success while the Pussycat Dolls have teamed up with Busta Rhymes and re-did the track. The style is very similar to Tori’s original. The beats are almost identical.
  
  
• And Missy Elliot teams up with Ciara to bring another hot track that samples an 80’s freestyle track. This one is called “Lose Control”. This is the first single off of Missy’s new album. This could be a good indicator of what is to come on her album. Missy usually has fierce beats. And let’s see who does the remixes. I see Armand Van Helden and Johnny Budz doing mixes, but that has not been confirmed yet.
  
  
• And there is this cover of Debbie Deb’s “When I Hear Music” by a dance-hall singer named Shauna. It’s not bad. It’s perfect for the clubs.
  
  
• And finally there is the previously mentioned “What’s Up” by Xscape. This is an all-and-out club track. It just went for adds and it is going to be huge.
  
  

Keep an ear out for these jams.

My picks for this week

New Entries
This week features some new hot new entries. At 28 there is the latest from Mousse T. “Right About Now” is a rock-ish dance track in its main mix which has charted this week. Omarion’s “O” comes in at number 25. This is a hot track. At 23 we have Brooke Valentine’s guilty pleasure “Girl Fight.” And the highest entry of the week is at number 16. We have Kristine W’s recent smash “The Wonder Of It All.”

And this week, we have two re-enteries. The Cut-Up Boys mashup track “Give It Rapture” returns at number 30, while Uniting Nations returns with “Out Of Touch” at number 20.

Comments
The chart has increased to 30 slots after being just 21 then 25 slots. This was done to accommodate more songs. After 1 week at number one, Mariah Carey’s 2nd single “We Belong Together” is not number one this week. Xscape’s retro sounding “What’s Up” occupies the top spot this week. Many songs have gone up and down this week based on increased and decreased plays.

Waiting In The Wings
Missy Elliot Featuring Ciara - Lose Control
Shauna - Dance (When I Hear Music)
Taylor Dayne - Sanctuary
Tiesto - Adagio For Strings
Loleatta Holloway - Stand Up [AudioWhores Remix]
Basement Jaxx - Oh My Gosh
Shiny Grey - Why [Bob’s Le Dream Mix]
Britney Spears - Do Somethin’
Trick Daddy Featuring Khia - Jump On Da Dick (Suck On Da Clit)
Narcotic Thrust - When The Dawn Breaks

My Power Pick (One Year Ago)
Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes [G&D Chillout Mix]
Just as Party 92.7 signed off, this was one of the new songs added and became an instant classic. This song was so beautiful and dramatic in this version. The up tempo mixes were nice but this one was extra special..

Flashback Pick
Miquel Brown - So Many Men, So Little Time
This is one of those 80’s gay classics that will always be around. I have been hearing this one a lot lately on the radio and I felt this deserves the spotlight for a little while. This one makes you feel like going to your local gay club and taking home a few guys for some hot action later. And I couldn’t forget to mention Miquel’s first-rate vocals and the upbeat production

Mariah Carey - The Emancipation Of Mimi

This is the latest album from Mariah Carey! It has been too long since she has released a new one. After the disastrous Glitter and the mediocre Charmbracelet, The Emancipation Of Mimi is a pleasant surprise! Fan sites and music forums have been buzzing about this album months before casual fans learned of its release. Several tracks from the album had been leaked months before the release. Some of these may be potential singles for later release, but it's too early to say. This album quickly sold 400,000+ copies within the first week of release and holds the top spot of the April 30th edition of the Billboard 200, knocking 50 Cent's album out of the much-coveted spot. The first official single from the album was the club track "It's Like That". It was a fun track that is great to listen too. It's all about going out and having a good time without worrying about stuff happening. And the remixes by David Morales and Scott Storch took it to a whole other level. The Morales Classic Club Mix and Club Mix lived up to their titles. They are a slice of classic house. Great for peak hour and late night play. The Stereo Experience mixes were much darker and lived up to their names as well. And the Scott Storch Mix was a remix aimed at the urban and CHR stations. It's pretty good. Now the second single currently getting play at the radio stations right now is the softer, downtempo ballad called "We Belong Together." This is a simply amazing song. The lyrics are powerful as are Mariah's vocals. This is on par with many of her previous hit ballads. The album is worth buying just for this song. Then there's the rest of the album. There are some ballads and dance tracks. "Shake It Off", "Get Your Number", "To The Floor", and "Say Somethin' " are the only other dance tracks on this album, in addition to the previously mentioned "It's Like That." These tracks are pretty good. All these cuts, except "Shake It Off" feature some guest performers. Kanye West, Jermaine Dupri, Nelly, Snoop Dogg, and Twista do the honors as featured performers. The rest of the album is downtempo ballads. These are classic Mariah songs. All of these are spectacular. "Fly Like A Bird", "Mine Again", "Circles", "Stay The Night", "Joyride", "Your Girl", "One & Only" and I Wish I Knew", in addition to "We Belong Together" make up the downtempo tracks. These are all pretty good. The only track on here that is a bit weak is "I Wish I Knew", but it's not a bad song. All in all, this album is a joy to listen to. This is one of the few albums in my collection that I don't find myself skipping tracks. Do yourself a favor and buy this album. You will not be sorry! As the posters said, the Voice has returned!

now available at all music stores, and online

My Picks For This Week

New Entries:
There are four new entries this week. Despina Vandi’s “Olo Lipis (I Believe It)” comes in at number 24. This has been a favorite for awhile now. Just as “Come Along Now vs. Gia” came off of the chart, this one comes to take its place. Next is Adina Howard’s latest offering “Butt Naked” at 23. This is still in the same X-rated style she has become known for. It’s a hot little ballad. This one makes you want to take off all your clothes and bump and grind with that special someone. At 16, we have “One Word” by Kelly Osbourne. This is a hot new song that is slowly climbing on the charts. The single comes out this week in the U.S. The Chris Cox Mix is the mix of choice. And impressive return for Ozzy and Sharon’s daughter. And the highest entry this week is from Bjork and Kelis with “Oceania”. This is a very unusual track. After the acapella album Medulla, Bjork returns with this down tempo track. Very nice. And Tori Amos’ “Hoochie Woman” re-enters after dropping out.

Comments:
After 4 strong weeks at number one, Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That” is no longer number one! Don’t feel bad, folks! Mariah Carey’s second single from the magnum opus The Emancipation Of Mimi is number one now! After just being on the chart for 3 weeks! This is an amazing track. Many tracks have gone up and down this week.

Revenge Of The MIA Songs

According to Mediabase 24/7 and Yes.net, many of the songs that went MIA on Energy 92.7 during the last few months have come back again! Not in a big way, but at least they are here again. Kevin Lyttle's "Turn Me On", Wynonna's "I Want To Know What Love Is", Destiny's Child's "Lose My Breath" and Flexy's "Mamasita" have all recieved a minimum of one spin during the last month. Keep an ear out for more.

Thoughts On Energy 92.7

Yes it has been that long! The station has been on the air for 6 months now. It has come a long way. Compared to Party, Energy has done really well. The DJs, the music, and the advertisers are pretty good. And it’s getting better. There have been some changes in the DJ lineup, but that’s okay. There have been many adds during the last few months. During the last few weeks. See the list here.

And on another note, one year ago this week, Party 92.7 signed off after being on the air for just 23 months. It was just weeks shy of completing 2 years.

Changes & New DJs
In addition to the regular personalities, Fernando Ventura, Patrick LeMix, Matt The Brat, Trevor Simpson, Dieter, and sometimes Chris Shebel, Joey V will be joining them. He takes over for Jeff Miles who recently was tapped to work at another station somewhere else. I wish him well. He was doing pretty well.

And on Saturday nights, renowned DJ Dimitris Mykinos teams up with Trevor Simpson to bring hot music from the clubs to the airwaves. Dimitris holds it down on the mikes while Trevor spins on the wheels of steel bringing the hottest club hits to the masses.

And in terms of new additions, DJ Hope, formerly of Wild 94.9 has been hired. He mixes during the Saturday night mixes.

Songs That Have Gone MIA
Yes, it’s that time again too. Only three songs have fallen under the mighty axe that casts these great songs into a dark abyss. Ashlee Simpson’s “Pieces Of Me”, Motorcycle’s “As The Rush Comes”, Flexy’s “Mamasita” and Mario’s “Let Me Love You” have disappeared. The latter was just added a month and a half ago. What’s going on?

Songs That Went MIA & Came Back
Deborah Cox’s “Easy As Life” has come out of the abyss and made it back on to the airwaves again. Hopefully it will stay that way. And Gwen Stefani’s “Rich Girl” is back too. This went away for a couple weeks and has made a steady return. Destiny's Child's "Lose My Breath" and Beyonce Knowles's "Naughty Girl" back too.

A Comment Or Two On Adds
The list of the adds is available here. Many of the songs added during the last few weeks have been new songs that came out during this year. The majority of the songs have been from last year. Better late than never. Don’t get me wrong, those dance mixes of some of the songs are great. We’ll get to the Anna Vissi disaster in a minute.

It’s great to hear Emma Bunton’s “Free Me”. It’s a fun little track which we should have heard sooner, but it’s great that it’s here.

And the dance mixes of The Killers’ “Somebody Told Me” and Maroon5’s “This Love” are refreshing to hear. The originals have been huge on other formats, and these two songs were DJ favorites as official dance mixes were available. Thankfully, Energy jumped on these.

And the new Kelly Osbourne track “One Word” is quite hot in Chris Cox’s Radio Mix. It’s hard to believe she is the same young woman who covered Madonna’s “Papa Don’t Preach” several years back! This is a great track and deserves more play.

Jen Cuneta’s “Come Rain, Come Shine” is another fun little song. The day feels just a little brighter after this song comes on. You feel really energized and good. Like you have gone on a nice 3 and half minute vacation.

Now I wish I could say the same for that awful remix of Anna Vissi’s “Call Me” by Trevor Simpson they are playing! The remix that is being played is like a nightmare you wish you would wake up from. The beats, the bassline and the elements are fine. It’s hypnotic. It makes one think of Deep Dish’s recent smash hit “Flashdance”, but the vocals are the problem. It’s not too much vocal. Too little. It’s just the chorus and the refrains repeated over and over again. A version with the verses used would have been better. If this remix is re-done and has verses put back, the track could significantly improve. This goes under the “What were they thinking category?!”.

Narcotic Thrust’s latest “When The Dawn Breaks” is one of the new adds this week. This is a male vocal house track. This one is quite good as well. It’s hard to compare it to the previous singles, but it stands out.

On a similar note, Ryan Cabrera’s “True” is simply amazing. It’s nice to hear some male vocal tracks.

Gold & Recurrents
Some new recurrent tracks have been added to Energy during the last few days. In-Grid’s “You Promised Me (Tu Es Foutou)”, Enya’s “Only Time [Remix]”, Jennifer Lopez’s “Jenny From The Block”, Madonna’s “Die Another Day” and Britney Spears Featuring Madonna’s “Me Against The Music” . In terms of older tracks, George Michael’s “I Want Your Sex” has begun to be played a little more.

My picks for the week

Gone this week:
Ciara Featuring Missy Elliot - 1,2 Step
Chemical Brothers Featuring Q-Tip - Galvanize
David Morales Featuring Tamra Keenan - Here I Am
The Cut Up Boys - Give It Rapture

New Entries:
There are four new entries this week. The highest entry of this week is DJ 7Up’s Mashup “Dance & Sing” by Madonna vs. Stardust. This combines Stardust's Ibiza anthem from 1998 with Madonna's first club hit. The result is a fun little track filled with nostalgia. Rosko's "Love Is A Drug" has slowly made its debut on the chart. This was recently number one on the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart several weeks ago. And finally Rob Thomas makes his way on to my chart. I had heard the song only twice in it's original mix prior to hearing the remix by Junior Vasquez. I have been loving this remix. There are more on the way, so I may change my ranking of the song. And coming in at 21 is Armand Van Helden's latest track "Into Your Eyes." This is is the 1st new single off of the forthcoming Nympho which may release in June. "Hear My Name" and "My My My" were the previous two singles from the New York Mix Odyssey CD and are also on the new project. This one will rise quickly on my chart.

Comments:
Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That” continues its reign atop the chart for a fourth consecutive week. Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” has jumped up from 19 all the way to 9. With the remixes just waiting in the wings, this looks like it could be number one really soon. Since I began my chart 4 weeks ago, Mariah has been at the top every single time. And Jenn Cuneta’s “Come Rain, Come Shine” makes a strong jump to number three after being on the chart for just 2 weeks. This could possibly be number one soon.

WMC 2005 Wrap-up

It took me forever to finally bring out all the info for the WMC. I have the list of all the winners at the 20th Annual International Dance Music Awards. And I have some links to some pictures from the event.

Photos: 1 2 3


Here is the list of the winners.

1. BEST UNDERGROUND DANCE TRACK
Flashdance - Deep Dish – DDR

2. BEST ALTERNATIVE / ROCK DANCE TRACK
What You Waiting For - Gwen Stefani – Interscope

3. BEST LATIN DANCE TRACK
Latin Project – Musica De Amor - Electric Monkey

4. BEST HI-NRG / EURO TRACK
Love Comes Again - Tiësto – Nettwerk

5. BEST HOUSE / GARAGE TRACK
How Would U Feel – David Morales with Lea-Lorién – DMI Records/ULTRA

6. BEST R&B / URBAN DANCE TRACK
Yeah – Usher – La Face

7. BEST RAP / HIP-HOP DANCE TRACK
Drop It Like It’s Hot - Snoop Dogg & Pharrell – Geffen

8. BEST PROGRESSIVE HOUSE / TRANCE
Nothing But You - Paul Van Dyk – Mute

9. BEST POP DANCE TRACK
I Like It - Narcotic Thrust – Yoshitoshi

10. THE ORTOFON BEST AMERICAN DJ
Christopher Lawrence

11. THE ORTOFON BEST EUROPEAN DJ
Tiësto

12. THE ORTOFON BEST GLOBAL DJ
Paul Van Dyk

13. BEST INTERNET DANCE RADIO STATION
BBC Radio 1

14. BEST DANCE RADIO STATION
BBC Radio 1 London

15. BEST DANCE RADIO MIXSHOW DJ
Armin Van Buuren – A State Of Trance

16. BEST URBAN RADIO STATION
WQHT New York Hot 97

17. BEST URBAN MIXSHOW DJ
Funkmaster Flex – WQHT – New York

18. BEST LATIN RADIO STATION
WSKQ – La Mega – New York

19. BEST LATIN MIXSHOW DJ
Mickey Garcia – Latino Mix – New York

20. BEST SATELLITE RADIO CHANNEL
XM 81 BPM

21. BEST DANCE VIDEO
Call On Me - Eric Prydz – Ultra

22. BEST CD COMPILATION
Involver – Sasha – Global Underground

23. BEST FULL LENGTH DJ MIX CD
A State Of Trance - Armin Van Buuren – Ultra

24. BEST PRODUCER
Tiësto

25. BEST REMIXER
Peter Rauhofer

26. BEST NEW DANCE ARTIST SOLO
Eric Prydz

27. BEST NEW DANCE ARTIST GROUP
Scissor Sisters

28. BEST DANCE ARTIST SOLO
BT

29. BEST DANCE ARTIST GROUP
Chemical Brothers

30. BEST DANCE MUSIC RETAILER
Dancerecords.com

31. BEST RECORD POOL
Balance – Chris Fortier Director

32. BEST DANCE MUSIC PUBLICATION
DJ

33. BEST RECORD LABEL PROMOTER IN-HOUSE
Phil Nieves - Ultra

34. BEST INDEPENDENT RECORD PROMOTER
Cary Vance – Promo Only Promotions

35. BEST U.S. DANCE RECORD LABEL
Subliminal

36. BEST GLOBAL DANCE LABEL
Defected

37. BEST DANCE EVENT
Ultra Music Festival, Miami

38. BEST U.S. CLUB
Spundae, San Francisco

39. BEST GLOBAL CLUB
Space, Ibiza

40. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Henry Stone

My Picks For This Week

This week's chart features three new entries. Adam Sandler's hilarious track "The Gay Robot Groove" make's its first appearance on the chart at 21. This track is very much in the same vein as that Junior Vasquez remix of the Margaret Cho routine "Daddy Gay Song." Then there's Mariah Carey's latest track "We Belong Together" coming in at 19. It's going to climb fast. And then at 16 is Victor Calderone's exclusive mix of Madonna's "Bedtime Story." This is commercially unavailable at the moment.

New adds on Energy!

Today, Energy 92.7 has continued with their recent trend and has added two new songs to their playlist. Jenn Cunetta's "Come Rain, Come Shine" and The Caesars' "Jerk It Out" have been added this time.

The Josh Harris mix of "Somebody Told Me" by The Killers was added last week.

See this list of all the adds for 2005. It will be updated frequently.

My Picks For This Week

Tracks to watch out for

There have been a whole lot of tracks that are slowly creeping their way up the charts here in the U.S. and abroad. Many of these tracks have originated outside of the U.S. but they are still quite good and can pack a dancefloor. Here are a select few I think have potential to do well in the U.S. in clubs and on dance radio. Some of these tracks may be this year's "buzz records" at the Winter Music Conference. I have found some samples of the various records to make hearing what they sound like as easy as possible. Enjoy!

• Global Deejays - What A Feeling - Superstar (Germany)
  This record is hot on the heels of Eric Prydz's "Call On Me" and Uniting Nation's "Out Of Touch." This time, Irene Cara's career-defining hit "Flashdance...What A Feeling" is revisited. This is a disco classic and deserves to be brought back to the dancefloor again. There have been several other white labels circulating that use Ms. Cara's song. According to some sources, sample clearance was not granted for the original vocal so it was re-created by a new singer. It sounds quite similar to the original. It's a deadringer for Irene Cara. This is an essential track for house and circuit DJs. The Clubhouse Mix is the mix of choice here. If you liked the Eric Prydz track, this one has your name written all over it. There are some harder versions of the track on the 12" as well so DJs of darker house and trance have not been forgotten.
  
  Club House Vocal Mix
  Glow Feelin' Da Vox Mix
  Progressive Follow Up
  OSX Version
  
  
• The LoveFreakz - Shine - Positiva (UK)
  This is another sample track. This one uses Electric Light Orchestra's "Shine A Little Love". The LoveFreakz Club Mix is the mix that shines here. It's a great peak hour vocal track. This one will be on every mix compilation this year.
  
  The Lovefreakz Club mix
  Jupiter Ace Mix
  Pete Heller's Phela Style Club Mix
  Chosen Few Remix
  
  
• David Morales Featuring Tamra Keenan - Here I Am - You (U.S.)/Airplane (Italy)
  This is the followup to the smash "How Would U Feel." This has already begun to climb up the charts just as the other one did a while back. With a nice handful of mixes, this track will do well. The Kaskade mix is a nice one. It's a bit laid back, but it's something different. More soulful and mellow.
  
  You (U.S)
  Morales Club Mix
  Full Intention Dub Mix
  Kaskade Remix
  Full Intention Vocal Mix
  
  Airplane (Italy)
  Morales Club Mix
  Morales Dub Mix
  T&F vs Moltosugo Klub Mix
  T&F vs Moltosugo Dub Mix
  

Superstars Remixed

Here is another hot compilation coming to music stores in May. This article in Billboard summarizes it best. But overall, the remixes on this album are quite good. Hopefully it's unmixed. Like completely unmixed. There were those Totally Dance and This Is Ultimate Dance CDs that came out on Arista some years back. Those claimed to be unmixed while each track just blended into the next at the last 3 to 4 seconds of the song that was playing. Technically, it was not unmixed. The choices of tracks on those two were great. Many of the remixes featured had been commercially unavailable in those mixes. It totally defeated the purpose of purchasing those albums. Let's hope this one is not like those.

Pop, R&B Hits Get 'Superstar' Remixes
Hits from Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Maroon5, Kelis and Pink are reimagined on the upcoming compilation "Superstars Remixed," due May 10 from Sony BMG Strategic Marketing. The album sports remixes from such dance notables as JXL, Hex Hector, Armand Van Helden and Junior Vasquez, among others.

Spears' "Toxic" is remixed by Van Helden, while Hector takes on Lopez's "Waiting for Tonight," Deborah Cox's "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here" and Toni Braxton's Unbreak My Heart." Elsewhere, Vasquez remixes Maroon5's "This Love," Peter Rauhofer updates Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful" and Victor Calderone revamps Beyonce's "Naughty Girl."

The set is rounded out by remixes of cuts by Kelly Clarkson, Duran Duran, Sarah McLachlan, Dido, Monica, Whitney Houston and Fantasia.

Here is the track list for "Superstars Remixed":

"Since U Been Gone" (Hani remix), Kelly Clarkson
"Diary" (Hani remix), Alicia Keys
"This Love" (Junior Vasquez remix), Maroon5
"Sunrise" (Peter Presca remix), Duran Duran
"World on Fire" (JXL Club remix), Sarah McLachlan
"White Flag" (Al B Rich remix), Dido
"Milkshake" (DJ Zinc remix), Kelis
"Toxic" (Armand Van Helden remix), Britney Spears
"So Gone" (Scumfrog remix), Monica
"Dreamlover" (Dave Morales remix), Mariah Carey
"Naughty Girl" (Victor Calderone remix), Beyonc#&233;
"Get the Party Started" (Pink Noise Disco remix), Pink
"It's All Good" (Nate Skaten remix), Fantasia
"It's Not Right But It's OK" (Thunderpuss remix), Whitney Houston
"Waiting for Tonight" (Hex Hector remix), Jennifer Lopez
"Beautiful" (Peter Rauhofer remix), Christina Aguilera
"I Wish I Didn't Miss You" (HQ2 remix), Angie Stone
"Unbreak My Heart" (Soul Hex remix), Toni Braxton
"Nobody's Suppoed To Be Here" (Hex Hector remix), Deborah Cox

-- Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.

My Picks For The Week

Here are the tracks I am liking this week, in this particular order.

What's next on Energy?

It’s that time to guess which songs Energy 92.7 will add this time to their rotation.

Here are some possible choices.

Mariah Carey - It’s Like That [Morales Club Mix]
Fannypack - Nu Nu
Jenn Cunetta - Bring The Sun
Kaskade - Everything
Rachel Panay - Back To Love [Josh Harris Mix]
Shapeshifters - Back To Basics
Gwen Stefani - Hollaback Girl

Cardio Radio Redux

Lately, I have been really enjoying the Cardio Radio mix show that airs on Energy 92.7 at 12pm on weekdays. Previously, I didn’t have much free time to listen, but I have re-arranged my schedule so I can listen to part of it.

It has been really good the last few days. It’s been good before, but it has been better this week. The Friday editions are extra good!

Here’s today’s playlist. By the way, all these songs were played in a 60 minute period.

Mixed by A-Jax
C&C Music Factory - Here We Go
Sweet Sensation - Sincerely Yours
Nocera - Summertime
New Edition - Cool It Now
Johnny Kemp - Just Got Paid
Ciara Featuring Missy Elliot - 1,2 Step [Original Mix]
Kelis - Milkshake
Lisa Lisa & Full Force - I Wonder If I Take You Home
Pretty Poison - Catch Me…I’m Falling
George Lamond - Bad Of The Heart
Freeeze - I.O.U.
Madonna - Into The Groove [12” Mix]
Nina Sky - Move Your Body
---commercial break---
Dino - Summer Girls
Cynthia - Endless Nights
Lisa Lisa & Full Force - Can You Feel The Beat
Debbie Gibson - Only In My Dreams
Rockwell - Somebody’s Watching Me
Midnight Star - No Parking On The Dancefloor
Kylie Minogue - Come Into My World
Madison Avenue - Don’t Call Me Baby [Original Mix]
Flexy - Mamasita
Paul Johnson - Get Get Down
Moloko - Sing It Back vs. I Feel Love
Mynt Featuring Kim Sozzi - How Did You Know [Extended Mix]
Soulsearcher - Can’t Get Enough [Vocal Club Mix]
Dave Armstrong - Make Your Move
David Morales Featuring Lea Lorien - How Would U Feel [Reconstruction Mix]

Ma Ya Hi

This is a fun little track I discovered just a week ago. I have been aware that this track has been around for quite some time now. I have been loving it ever since I heard it! And this one looks like it could hit big here in the U.S. The track got broken into the U.S. by being played on NBC's Today Show with Matt Lauer and Katie Couric!

Give it a listen here.

Here is the review from Billboard Magazine.

DAN BALAN (OF O-ZONE) FEATURING LUCAS PRATA
Ma Ya Hi
Producer(s): Bogdan Popoiag
Writer(s): D. Balan, L. Prata
Publisher(s): Media Services/EMI Music Publishing Romania; 150 Lafayette Music/ Lookieluke Songs (ASCAP)
Genre: POP
Label/Catalog Number: Ultra UL1242 (12-inch vinyl single)
Source: Billboard Magazine
Originally Reviewed: March 12, 2005

In its original Romanian version ("Dragostea Din Tei"), this major slab of Euro dance/pop topped the charts in France, Germany, Romania and most every other European country. Then, Ultra released the original and English-language versions last fall—with nary a care from Americans. But then a homemade video popped up on the Internet, and all of a sudden, Ultra's phones began to ring. After a recent appearance on "Today," the label is now rushing this new Today Show mix to radio. This could very well become the novelty hit of 2005. It is culled from O-Zone's 2004 album, "DiscOzone."—MP

Uniting Nations - Out Of Touch

This has already been a huge hit in the UK already, and has already begun to make its presence felt in the U.S. Just in case you didn’t notice already, the song contains a recreated sample from John Hall and Darryl Oates’ classic “Out Of Touch”. The same lines are repeated throughout the whole song in the same fashion as many of last year’s sample records. Junior Jack’s “Stupidisco” and Dave Armstrong’s “Make Your Move” both contained similar samples from The Pointer Sisters “Dare Me”. While Eric Prydz sampled Steve Winwood’s “Valerie” for his international smash. On a side note, he has a new track that is already making the rounds called “Miracle” which contains a sample from Mike & The Mechanics’ track “All I Need Is A Miracle.”

Energy 92.7 has been throwing this in the mix every so often, so this could be a possible add sometime in the future.

As energetic and hypnotic as this track is, there has been a whole new wave of records that contain just one line or a series of lines repeated throughout the whole track. The Royal Gigolos ended up making a full album of tracks that were sample-based. Almost all of the tracks started out with that similar Benny Benassi style beat and bassline (think of the song “Satisfaction” or the remix of Tomcraft’s “Loneliness”). The samples of the vocals come in every so often and then the vocal filters in during the instrumental break in every single song. It’s a bit formula, but it gets the people dancing.

New Order & The Chemical Brothers Coming To The Bay Area

Legendary group New Order and the electro-duo Chemical Brothers are coming to the SF bay area to make a once-in-a-lifetime appearance and do a concert. Energy 92.7 and Live 105 have been promoting it and giving tickets away over the air. Wild 94.9 may soon follow. The other two are confirmed as doing the promotion.

Tickets go on sale this Sunday (the 13th). For more info, please check out this link. As more information will become available, it will be posted here.

This is definitely a chance of a lifetime. Don't let it pass you buy.

Big Changes In Airplay

Despite making it to number one for almost a week, Mynt Featuring Kim Sozzi's "How Did You Know" has been knocked out of the top spot by Kylie Minogue's "I Believe In You." This track was steadily falling for two weeks and then it just made a significant, sudden gain just as Eric Prydz did a couple weeks ago with "Call On Me." Speaking of that track, it has fallen significantly. It's hard to believe that this track held the top spot just weeks ago. Mario's "Let Me Love You" has quickly shot up into the top 10 within just a week of being added. Many of the old recurrents from 2 to 3 years ago have finally fallen out of the top 30 leaving mostly tracks from 2004 on the chart.

Here's the top 30 as of now.

LW	TW	Artist	Title	TW	LW	+/-
21	1	KYLIE MINOGUE	I Believe In You	51	29	22
3	2	MYNT	How Did You Know?	51	51	0
20	3	PAUL VAN DYK	Connected	50	30	20
12	4	CIARA	1,2 Step (f/Missy Elliott)	34	31	3
	5	MARIO	Let Me Love You	33	0	33
10	6	NARCOTIC THRUST	I Like It	33	32	1
19	7	STONEBRIDGE	Put 'Em High	33	30	3
16	8	GWEN STEFANI	Rich Girl	32	31	1
8	9	GADJO	So Many Times	31	32	-1
9	10	MICHAEL GRAY	The Weekend	31	32	-1
14	11	LASGO	Surrender	31	31	0
6	12	DAVID MORALES	How Would U Feel	31	33	-2
17	13	ANASTACIA	Sick And Tired	30	30	0
2	14	DIRTY VEGAS	Walk Into The Sun	30	53	-23
1	15	ERIC PRYDZ	Call On Me	30	54	-24
15	16	SHAPE: UK	Lola's Theme	30	31	-1
18	17	STELLAR PROJECT	Get Up Stand Up (f/B. Emma)	30	30	0
5	18	MARLY	You Never Know	29	33	-4
22	19	SCISSOR SISTERS	Filthy/Gorgeous	28	29	-1
4	20	FLEXY	Mamasita	27	36	-9
64	21	INTENSO PROJECT	Get It On	26	2	24
	22	KELLY CLARKSON	Since U Been Gone	25	0	25
7	23	SIN PLOMO	It's You	25	33	-8
11	24	JONATHAN PETERS	All This Time (f/S. L. Sharp)	24	32	-8
27	25	ASHLEE SIMPSON	Pieces Of Me	24	21	3
26	26	DANIEL BEDINGFIELD	Gotta Get Through This	23	21	2
30	27	COLDPLAY	Clocks	22	19	3
31	28	KYLIE MINOGUE	Love At First Sight	22	19	3
23	29	LMC VS U2	Take Me To The Clouds Above	21	22	-1
24	30	CHRISTINA MILIAN	Dip It Low	21	22	-1