What I’ve been listening to this December:
++nostalgia fix
Nineteen years later and Talk Talk‘s 1984 classic single “It’s My Life” is resurfacing in various forms. Get your hands on the new 2003 Liquid People remix if you’re a fan of Mark Hollis’ original “new romantic” vibe. I’ve always felt that No Doubt owes a lot of its theatricality to 80’s acts, so it seems so right to hear Gwen Stefani’s sultry voice surface on their cover version. Hoping for a fun remix on this one.
++believe da hype
There are three killer peak hour club tracks that I’m listening to right now. Made by Monkeys “I Try” (not a Macy Gray cover) is reminiscent of Iio’s “At the End”. It has that twisted, dark, hypnotic groove with a melody in there somewhere. The Peace Division remix of Superchumbo’s “This Beat Is” is the mix to get if you’re addicted to the mantra “This beat is all over my body.” Finally, here’s the one you’ve been waiting for: Junior Jack — “Da Hype”. This song has the potential that SM Trax “Got the Groove” did way back when. It’s a combination of filtered disco house (ala Roger Sanchez’ “Another Chance”) and progressive, tweaky addictive sound effects. You’ll be hearing it for months to come.
++strictly import
If you’re at all a fan of Daft Punk, be on the lookout for Dominique Torti‘s wicked mix of “Voyager”. If you’re not a fan, this may well convert you. It straddles the line between ambient and insane — turn it up and turn it out. Did I just say that?
++velveeta
Willa Ford’s explicit 12″ mix of her new track “A Toast to Men (Fuck the Men)” (featuring Lady May) is exactly what it sounds like: a drama-filled bitchfest, and a hell of a lot of fun. Look for every drag queen to have this in her repertoire by the end of next month. Michelle Branch’s “Breathe” is just what you want a McRemix to be. It hits the notes in all the right places. Junior Vasquez’ mix of Kristine W’s “Fly Again” is also on replay.
++chill pill
I’ve recently discovered Erlend Oye’s CD “Unrest” which was put out earlier this year from Astralwerks. A great discovery.