CD Review: Defected presents House Masters - Heller & Farley

Pete Heller and Terry Farley are UK House Pioneers, with a lengthy string of productions and remixes from their own underground productions on Junior Boys Own/JBO to club moving remixes for more mainstream Pop & R&B artists like Louise, Lisa Stansfield and Janet Jackson. As part of the House Masters series, Defected Records has released a 3 CD compilation featuring 30 tracks full of Heller & Farley goodness.

Personally chosen by Terry and Pete themselves, CD 1 and CD 2 feature specially selected remixes and dubs of major-label and underground artists done over their career. CD 3 features productions that were created by Farley & Heller themselves, under their Fire Island / Roach Motel / Heller & Farley monikers.

Highlights of CD 1 include the Fire Island remix of Ultra Nate's "How Long", the groove of which was the basis for the even more successful "Ultra Flava"; their radical re-working of Happy Monday's "Stinkin' Thinkin'" which turned the mild alt-rock groove into a Madchester House stomper; plus their classic remix of New Order's "Regret", with its funky grand piano solo.

CD 2 features a new 2016 reworking of "Ultra Flava", in lieu of the original version; the rare promo-only Zooromancer remix of "Salome" by U2; as well as my personal favourite, the Fire Island remix of Mone's "Movin'".

Even with the extended playing times on each CD, this edition of House Masters is just a beginner's taste of the brilliance of the Farley & Heller sound, and will hopefully lead the listener to delve further into their catalog of remixes and productions. There are so many classic remixes not included here that would probably require at least 2 or 3 more volumes of House Masters!

The CDs are packaged in a triple gatefold cardboard digipack case with only the track listings and credits inside. It would have been wonderful to have proper liner notes from Terry and Pete about each track and their comments on the production and what made them so special to be included in this compilation.

Also available as a digital release, the physical CD and digital versions do differ in a major way - all the big name artists on CD 1 and CD 2 - including Ultra Nate, Danny Tenaglia, Happy Mondays, Terry Callier, New Order, Simply Red and Michael Watford, have been removed from the digital version, replaced with alternate Heller & Farley tracks and remixes of F&H tracks by other producers including Joey Negro and Murk.

Note that the First Pressing of this CD release has a number of errors - CD 2 of the physical version is mispressed - GusGus "VIP" is not the Fire Island Dub, but actually the Masters At Work Vocal Mix! Terry Farley confirmed to me on Twitter that this is a known error on the first edition of the CD version. Also, as Jason Whittaker mentioned in his review on Medium, a number of the tracks are edited and/or transferred from inferior vinyl sources instead of the original master tapes or pre-existing digital masters. Hopefully these issues will be rectified on a subsequent 2nd pressing of the CD. The Digital Edition does have the correct version of VIP.

Unfortunate flaws aside, this is another welcome addition to the House Masters series and I highly recommend it for those who want a great career overview of the Heller & Farley sound. Essential Listening!

Defected presents House Masters - Heller & Farley

Tracklist

CD 1
01. Ultra Nate 'How Long' (Fire Island Remix)        
02. Danny Tenaglia 'Music Is The Answer (Dancin’ & Prancin’)'
      (Fire Island’s ‘La Musica Es La Respuesta’)
03. Happy Mondays 'Stinkin' Thinkin' (Junior Style Mix)
04. Jasper Street Co. 'A Feelin' (Heller & Farley Project Remix)                                      
05. Tension 'A Place Called Heaven' (Fire Island Mix)
06. Junior Vasquez 'Get Your Hands Off My Man' (Fire Island Dub 4 Junior)                                
07. Terry Callier 'I Don't Want To See Myself (Without You)' (Heller & Farley Saturday In Chicago Mix)      
08. Funky Green Dogs 'The Way' (The Way Into The Roach Motel)                                              
09. New Order 'Regret' (Fire Island Mix)              
10. Robert Owens 'Was I Here Before' (Fire Island Vocal)                 

CD 2
01. The Heller & Farley Project   'Ultra Flava' (2016 Version)
02. U2 'Salome' (Zooromancer Remix)
03. Simply Red 'Money’s Too Tight (To Mention)' (Fire Island Vox Remix)
04. DSK 'What Would We Do' (Eight Minutes Of Madness Mix)
05. Michael Watford 'Love To The World' (Fire Island Remix)
06. Gus Gus 'VIP' (Fire Island Dub)
07. Product Of Da Neighbourhood 'Living In Brooklyn' (Roach Motel Dub)
08. Moné 'Movin’ (Fire Island Mix)
09. The Believers 'Who Dares To Believe In Me?' (Roach Motel Dub)
10. Robert Owens 'Ordinary People' (Roaching The Bass Bin)

CD 3
01. Roach Motel 'Movin On' (Correct House Mix)
02. Fire Island feat. Mark Anthoni 'If You Should Need A Friend' (Fire Island Club Mix)
03. Fire Island feat. Love Nelson 'There But For The Grace of God'
      (Original Live ‘N’ Funky Mix)
04. Fire Island feat. Ricardo Da Force 'Fire Island'
05. Heller & Farley 'The Rising Sun' (Summer Luv Rite)
06. Fire Island 'In Your Bones'
07. The Heller & Farley Project feat. Cevin Fisher 'We Built This House'
      (Fire Island Mix)
08. Roach Motel 'Wild Luv' (Original Mix)
09. Roach Motel 'The Night' (Deep Nite Mix)
10. Fire Island 'White Powder Dreams' (Fire Island Vocal Mix)

Digital Version:
Same tracklisting as above except for the following:
CD 1 - Tracks 1, 2, 3, 7 & 8 and CD 2 - Tracks 3 & 5 are removed and replaced at the end with the following tracks instead:

01. Black Science Orchestra - Sunshine (Farley and Heller's Faith on a Sunday Vocal)
02. Roach Motel - Trouble
03. Roach Motel - Musica Loco
04. Fire Island - If You Should Need A Friend (feat. Mark Anthoni) (Sound Factory Dub)
05. Fire Island - There But For The Grace Of God (feat. Love Nelson) (Joey Negro Mix)
06. Heller & Farley Project - We Built This House (feat. Cevin Fisher) (Roach Motel Dub)
07. Fire Island - White Powder Dreams (Murk Vocal Mix)

CD Review - All Saints - Studio 1

Last week on March 20th, EMI Canada finally released "Studio 1", the comeback album from All Saints. Yes, those All Saints. The ones who gave us "Never Ever" and "I Know Where It's At". They're back! Well kinda...sorta...

News that the girls had reformed emerged in late January 2006, with an announcement that they had signed with Parlophone Records in the UK. In early November 2006, their comeback single, "Rock Steady", was released in the UK along with a remix by Toronto's MSTRKRFT. While the single reached #3 on the UK singles charts, the full album released shortly afterwards failed to ignite as much interest, reaching #40 on the UK Charts.

A second single, "Chick Fit" was to be released at the end of February 2007, but it ended up being a download-only release. An announcement quickly followed that All Saints had parted ways with Parlophone. The girls retain all rights to the album and are planning to keep on despite press negativity.

After some searching, I was able to pick up the CD...not many stores were even aware that it had been released over here in Canada. Great job at promotion EMI! What a brilliant idea to release a CD weeks after the group isn't even on the label anymore. I guess that way the "low sales" excuse can be justified.

Anyways, for those who do enjoy All Saints, the album is quite fun and shows the band maturing in their sound, mixing up the Pop and R&B with Ska, Reggae and Electro influences.

Listen to the Kissy Sell Out remix of "Chick Fit" below. If you like what you hear, pick up the domestic copy in stores or on iTunes.

Single Reviews - January 18, 1999

Incognito - "Nights Over Egypt" - Talkin' Loud UK 12"
UK's premier soul jazz band returns with a vengeance!!! Their first single from the latest album "No Time Like The Future" is a cover of the classic originally done by the Jones Girls. Taking over the vocals are Maysa Leak and disco diva Jocelyn Brown. A very classy production is given the Masters At Work and MJ Cole remix treatment. MAW deliver a smooth and sizzling house mix dripping with strings and horns. There are even vocal and instrumental hooks from "Colibri", one of Incognito's first hits, thrown into the mix. MJ Cole speeds things up a bit and turns in a classic garage mix that still has most of the elements, but also has a two-step edge to it. Prime music for the dancefloor and for your soul.

Satoshi Tomiie featuring Robert Owens and Cevin Fisher - "Darkness" - INCredible UK 12"
I have loved Satoshi Tomiie's music since I first heard "Tears" and "And I Loved You" way back when, but I have to say that his latest work really disappoints me. "Darkness" is a very dark and depressing track. Moody and atmospheric, it's stark beats and arrangement do nothing to compliment Robert Owens' voice. His vocal talents are sadly wasted. The track is not helped in any way by the spoken word grumblings of house producer Ceving Fisher, either. An unfortunate mess. I hope Satoshi gets back to his "Def Mix" roots and makes music that we can really groove to.

Blue 6 - "Sweeter Love" - Wave US 12"
This track is already a classic. Produced by Jay Denes of Naked Music NYC, this track is a beautiful mix of simple melody, stellar vocals and tight production. The music is very basic and stark in its features, but works its way into your body after just one listen. The B-Side has "Body and Soul" style remixes from Matthias Heillbronn, which work quite well too. Another must-buy!

TLC - "Silly Ho/No Scrubs" - LaFace 12"
On the unofficial single "Silly Ho", TLC kicks back on the scene with a vengeance. Dallas Austin jumps on the Timbaland production style bandwagon with its whoops, chants and sirens. A catchy gem that will make you dance. Same goes for "No Scrubs", the real first single off the new "Fan Mail" album. Great vocal arrangement from Kelly Price.

Tatyana Ali - "Boy You Knock Me Out" - Epic/MJJ UK 12"
The newest single from the former star of "Fresh Prince Of Bel Air" features the "Big Willie Style" remix featuring Will Smith. This is a funky r&b jam with a very pop feel. Very nice vocal arrangement from the talented Kelly Price. Nice delivery from Tatyana too. There are also three "Xclusive" house mixes from Maurice Joshua. He delivers a very nice vocal house version, with beautiful piano and bassline that complements the melody. He's been doing some very solid mixes lately, after a long absence from the scene.

Basement Jaxx - "Rendez-Vous/Jump and Shout" - Atlantic Jaxx/XL UK 12"
Finally, a new 12" from Basement Jaxx after a very quiet 1998. This is a limited two song EP, with two mixes of each song. "Rendez-Vous" is a groovy track that bases itself on a flamenco-style guitar performance. "Jump and Shout" is a crowd rousing jam, with a dancehall style MC doing vocals. The beats get all freaky towards the end in usual Basement Jaxx schizophrenia. I love it! Get it before it's gone....i heard there's only 500 or so copies pressed or is it 5000?

Mariah Carey - "I Still Believe" - Columbia 2x12"
The power ballad from her "#1's" CD gets the deluxe remix treatment over two twelve inches of vinyl. The first 12" features R&B remixes from Stevie J. and Damizza. While these are very close in tempo to the original version, they are all completely new and separate productions. Very different from the original, but they grow on you after a few listens. Stevie J's mix features Mocha and Amil, It has a chugging east coast Bad Boy style sound. The Damizza Reemix features Krayzie Bone (who was on the "Breakdown" remix) and Da Brat (featured on numerous MC remixes). This mix is very downtempo west coast mellow style with a little bit of bite from Da Brat. The second 12" has house mixes from David Morales. The "Classic Club Mix" is the typical dance mix of the original, but the "Eve Of Souls" mix is the one to go for....completely new music and vocal production with a party/fiesta feel. "The Kings Mix" uses much of the same vocal from the "Eve of Souls" mix, but has an annoying synth noise...it's almost techno to me.....I'd like to see if Mariah will ever get anyone else than David Morales to do a house remix.....Masters At Work might be nice....especially since she likes to rework the entire song for a remix.....oh well.....

Ali - "Love Letters" - Polydor UK 2x12"
This is the newest single from UK soul singer Ali, and there's a whole slew of remixes to support it. This double pack in the white sleeve features remixes from Todd Edwards, Industry Standard and Phil Dane. Industry Standard's mix is moody speed garage/two-step style, with some vocals. Todd Edwards' mixes are his trademark chop and paste edit sample style, with crazy disco strings and mixed up vocal samples. He has a full vocal and also a nice dub. Phil Dane's mixes are in a more progressive UK dance style. There is also another 12" in a red sleeve which features R&B remixes from Ignorantz. Very nice set of mixes.

Ce Ce Peniston - "The Best of Ce Ce Peniston" - A&M UK CD
One of the best (but VERY underrated) vocalists around FINALLY gets her own "best-of" compilation. And what a compilation it is!!!!! 13 songs and remixes from Ce Ce's three albums. All the hits are here: "Finally", "We got A Love Thang", "Crazy Love", "I'm In The Mood", etc....The CD is a good mix of both uptempo dance tracks that she is famous for, as well as her funky R&B jams. Since most of the songs have already been released, A&M wisely includes some remixes: Eric Kupper's new remix for "Finally", David Morales' old school styled remix for "Somebody Else's Guy", the rare KenLou 12" mix for "Crazy Love" by Masters At Work (much superior to the original), as well as the new Tuff Jam garage remix for "somebody Else's Guy". It's a very well-rounded package for fans. However, it's a total shame that it's not being released in North America. Get your hands on an import copy when you see it!!!

Single Reviews - December 21, 1998

December 21, 1998

Billie - "She Wants You" - Innocent/Virgin UK CD-5
This is Billie Piper's latest single from "Honey To The B", just in time for the Holiday rush....I really like it! Classic pop song structure and a very catchy melody line and chorus. 

CD 1 comes with two cover version B-sides: "It Takes Two" and Wham!'s "Last Christmas". The former is not too bad, but nothing special. However, "Last Christmas" is a really nice number. Very good production and vocals from Billie. It might be even more enjoyable than the original!

CD 2 features remixes from Erick Morillo and Cevin Fisher. With "Because We Want To" and "Girlfriend" getting UK progressive styled mixes from Tall Paul and Tin Tin Out respectively, it's a welcome change to get some remixers from New York. Erick Morillo's mix is pretty standard house fare, nothing really exciting. Though he does use almost the whole vocal, which I always like. Cevin Fisher's version is more of a dub. Not too much of the original vocal track, just little samples here and there. I'm hoping to get a copy of the vinyl 12". It has the Erick Morillo dub, which will hopefully be more exciting as well as a new remix from the Sharp Boys.

Tom and Joyce - "Vai Minha Tristeza" - Yellow Records 12"
Delicious new Brazilian vocal track from Thomas Naim and Joyce Hoze. Original and acoustic mixes on the first side, with the B-side having a slightly different interpretation: "Bob's Le Mix", from Bob Sinclar. This one uses a different Housy drum pattern and has nice keys from Cutee B, who you've probably heard on Dimitri From Paris' productions. A Must-have!

Fat Joe - "Bet Ya Man Can't" - Big Beat/Atlantic 12"
The latest from "Don Cartagena" features Big Pun, Cuban Link and Triple Seis in a catchy jam that is very similar to "still not a player". Recommended party track.....

Nick Holder - "Retrospective EP" - DNH Records 12"
One of Nick's most recent releases, and one of his best! The A-side track, "Da Sambafrique" is an instant jazz-house classic. Great keyboard and sax loops. Beautiful! I only wish that it was much longer.... The B-side has a more mellow house vibe, called "Feelin' Sad" Bonus beats for each track round off the 12" package.

Single Reviews - November 20, 1998

November 20, 1998

Billie - "Girlfriend" - Virgin UK 12"
The newest teen singer from the UK drops her newest single. "Girlfriend" is a nice R&B/pop confection produced by Cutfather and Joe. It's a more mellow vibe than her first single, "Because We Want To". Remixes are from Tin Tin Out, which reworks the track into the progressive UK dance style, and D Influence, who does a stellar job mixing old breakbeats and melody lines from "Too Close" by Next and "Genius of Love" by Tom Tom Club for the music background. A nice party starter. The 12" also features "Love Groove," a track taken from her debut album "Honey to the B".

Mass Syndicate featuring Su Su Bobien - "You Don't Know" - Strictly Rhythm 12"
Everyone who loves good house music should have at least heard this gospel stormer by now..."You Don't know what you did to me...Did toooo Meeeeee...." Produced by Sandro Russo and Andreino from Italy, this song is one of the best vocal house tracks I've heard in a long time...irresistible chorus and production....love that piano! Go out and buy this record now!

Will Smith - "Miami" - Columbia EU 12"
Big Willie's new track is yet another rap lite party jam. In its original version (which strangely is not available on this 12"), "Miami" is a funky Trackmasterz production which owes it's catchiness to the use of The Whispers' "And The Beat Goes On" sample. However, this 12" features a bunch of new versions, which are more in a dance groove. The credits make the "Miami Mix" appear to be the album version. However, it is actually a remix by and featuring Miami Sound Machine. Snippets of "Conga" are even used in the mix. 

The other two mixes are by Jason Nevins, who does a surprisingly good job. The "Live at 54 Mix" turns the song into a disco hip house reworking. The "Live On South Beach Dub" is a sweaty latin tribal fiesta. I really like that mix. Quite entertaining versions, even though I usually don't like Jason Nevins' remixes. Very nice pressing on 45 RPM, too. I just wish the original mix was on there. Maybe they'll issue it on the US pressing.

All Saints - The Remix Album - London CD
Just in time for the Christmas season, we have a new All Saints CD. It's not a new album, but a remix album. A very good remix album at that. Mixed by the legendary Pete Tong (BBC1's "Essential Mix"), the CD features remixes that were only previously available on promo 12" and limited edition CD singles. All of their hits are available here in multiple versions: I Know Where It's At, Never Ever, Bootie Call, Under The Bridge, Lady Marmalade....remixes are by Ignorantz, Charles "Mixologist" Roane (erroneously miscredited to someone else), Dreem Team, Club Asylum, Ganja Kru and more! The drum and bass reworking of "War of Nerves" and Dreem Team's rejigging of "Bootie Call" are especially good. And it's only $10.99 at Sam the Record Man! Worth a listen, even if you aren't a fan....

Red Snapper - "Image Of You" - Warp UK 12"
I don't really like the A-side remixes of this song....Shut Up and Dance deliver a very boring and listless version....I really don't want to dance until the BPMs are increased a lot faster....Rae and Christian's mix is ok, but I really like the Salt City Orchestra Vocal, which is their usual dark, deep house style...

Stetsasonic - "Talkin' All That Jazz" - Tommy Boy UK 12"
The first remix for the new Tommy Boy Greatest Beats compilation in the UK. The US remixes have released "Jump Around" instead....Dimitri from Paris is the man chosen to redo this hip hop classic. He does not disappoint..."Dim's Respect For The Old School" takes the original rap and builds a ten minute disco symphony around it...Stellar work....The B-side features the original and a beats and breaks edit of the Dimitri mix by Torti...yummy.

Scott Grooves featuring Parliament/Funkadelic - Mothership Reconnection - Soma Records UK 12"
This track takes samples from a live recording of "Mothership Connection", loops them around and adds a live drummer and a disco house arrangeement. Devastatingly good! The B-Side has an incredible remix by Daft Punk. Killer....

Indo - "Are You Sleeping" (Bump and Flex Mixes) - Azuli 12" Test Pressing
The classic Hula/K. Fingers production gets yet another slab of vinyl remixes...this time courtesy of Bump and Flex. While the original cannot be topped, some nice 2-step style remixes are here. I prefer the mix with the vocal, which is on the side with printing. The flip is just the same, but without the main vocal, which makes it a lot less interesting.

Jhelisa - "Friendly Pressure" - Dorado 12"
One of the soul-jazz singer's most popular tracks gets a rerelease for 1998. This time, it features speed garage and 2-Step remixes from Sunship. Don't sleep on this jam! It's big in the UK, especially with people like Tuff Jam. However, hardly any copies seem to have made their way over the ocean...pick it up if you find it!

Single Reviews - October 19, 1998

October 19, 1998
This time round...remixes of R&B Tracks...

Monica - The First Night - Arista UK 12"
The North American hit smash finally gets a UK release! On the a-side are the original mix and the remix from JD. Both are solid. It's the flip that has the club mixes to check out. Arista UK has gotten Gary Booker, aka Booker T to do the remix duties. While the main vocal remix isn't the best that Booker T has done, it's still nice. It has the classic vocal house/garage flavour that you get with his mixes. The only fault is that the vocals sound slightly off-key with the music. The Booker T dub is also good. Thank goodness that they didn't release the Razor and Guido remixes on this pressing. Let's hope whoever is in charge of BMG's dance department realizes that R-n-G are not a good choice for dance remixes...is it still Vince DeGeorgio?

All Saints - Bootie Call - London UK CD-single
This is the two track CD single released for Bootie Call, not the two part maxi-CD release reviewed earlier. If I could turn back time, I would have just waited for this version to buy. It has the radio mix of Bootie Call, plus has the Club Asylum "Skank" Vocal Mix, which is much better than the remix available on the other versions. I just wish that the Club Asylum Dub was included on this release as well.

Cleopatra - Life Ain't Easy - Maverick/Warner 12"
This is the second single from England's teen sensations Cleopatra. It's a strong followup to their first single, "Cleopatra's Theme", which had a funky new US remix. This time around, the label has decided to just release all the original UK remixes. On the vinyl release, remixes are from Direktorz, Artful Dodger, Booker T and Full Crew (though this mix isn't credited anywhere at all on the sleeve.) The Direktorz give the song a more summery, laid back feel, emphasizing the gospel style vocal. It actually reminds me of Steve Silk Hurley's "Old Skool" R&B mixes that he did for Ce Ce Peniston, Chantay Savage and Janet Jackson. Full Crew aim for a more jumping party mix, sampling from The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back". Artful Dodger and Booker T deliver solid house mixes on the flip side. I like Booker T's mix more, but the 12" is a solid package of music.

Kenny Lattimore - "Days Like This" - Columbia 12" Promo
One of the best soul singers this decade returns with a brand new track! "Days Like This" is a limited promo-only release which features remixes from Masters At Work and M'Du. MAW turns in two different reworkings of the song. The "Lattimaw Soul House Mix" has a smooth house groove with a nice bassline and great vocals from Kenny. The "Nuyorican Soul" mix delivers their trademark sycopated beats and rhythms. On the flip, M'Du slows it down for an older house feel, with heavily sampled vocals in the intro. Both sides seem to sound like new and separate productions of the track, as the vocals are quite different. Strongly recommended that those who love vocal house get this record. It's not going to be in the stores for long!

Faith Evans - "Love Like This" - Bad Boy 12" Promo
This is the first single off her new album, "Keep The Faith". It's a good taste of what's to come. While the music relies on Puffy's trademark use of familiar songs - this time it's "Chic Cheer" by Chic - at least this time they've chosen a song that people don't know as well. Faith gives a nice vocal delivery that distinguishes this release from other cookie-cutter R&B releases. Plus it's irresistably catchy. They will inevitably release a remix, but I think the original will be hard to top.

Mya with special guest Sisqo - It's All About Me (Club Remixes) - Interscope/University 12" Promo
My first introduction to Mya was the horrific "Ghetto Supastar" song that was inexplicably popular (and still is) in clubs. I couldn't take the irritating chorus, and I thought Mya's voice was way too shrill. However, this release has gotten me interested in her singing again. While I didn't really pay attention to the original slow jam version, the release of additional promo only mixes for the clubs made me check them out. I enjoy hearing how R&B songs are remixed into house/garage/dance anthems, and usually most of them are lacking, but this was a pleasant surprise. The main remix was done by Hula (from Hula and K. Fingers/Outhere Brothers/Indo- "Are You Sleeping" fame). It's a good dance mix with some nice garage flavour. It also has some hints of beats from the Todd Terry/EBTG "Missing" remix. I think record companies should get Hula to do some more remixes rather than say Junior Vasquez. No one needs that much drama and cheese in a song. The B-side features a Mijangos remix that is alright, but leaves out most of the vocals. It makes you think it's going to be a speed garage-type mix with this majorly time stretched vocal snippet from Sisqo, but then lets you down. There's also a decent booty mix from some guy named "Slammin' Sam".

Linda Clifford - Runaway Love - Curtom 12" Promo
While I already have the Masters At Work remix/re-edit on the "Everybody Dance" compilation, I finally found a copy of the original 12" for 50 cents in a used shop. It was a true find. I prefer the original version more than the remix. Nine minutes and forty-four seconds of sweetness. I love the horns in the song.

Janet Jackson - Go Deep (R&B Mixes) - Virgin 12" Promo
Janet Jackson - Go Deep (Club Mixes) - Virgin 2x12" Promo
I've had these records for quite a while now (since July) but they've been playing non stop since then! I was overjoyed when I found out that my favourite song off "The Velvet Rope" would be released as a single and remixed by Masters At Work, Teddy Riley, Timbaland, Missy Elliott and Roni Size no less! The original mix has great production from Jam and Lewis and the most infectious groove I've ever heard! I've listened to the song hundreds of times and it still makes me move! Other songs I listen for a couple of times over and I already can't stand them. Timbaland and Missy give the song their own sound and a new chorus as well! Teddy delivers a solid groove with a heavy bass. It's a bit too slow, though. Pitch it up to at least +2. Roni Size's version had me going "What?!" when I first heard it as he has tweaked the vocals to make it sound off. I didn't like it at first, but listening to it repeatedly has gotten me into it. Plus, it has a hilarious phone conversation in the middle of it! 

The best mixes in the remix pack come from Masters At Work. The House mix is absolutely beautiful, with a flute solo. The "Deep Disco Dub" is the mix I always play, but others seem to like the "Spiritual Flute Dub", which is mostly instrumental. There is also a solid downtempo mix from MAW. If you want the original, there is also an extended mix thrown into the double pack. One of my favourite releases this year! I'm not exactly sure if this was commercially released in the US or not, as I've only seen US vinyl promos while it is available readily on CD here in Canada domestically and on import from the UK.

Monica - The First Night (Razor and Guido Remixes) - Arista 12" Promo
Eccch. The massacre of a classic. Razor and Guido demolish what was an irresistable R&B gem. Now, it's all cheesy synths and sirens, total production overkill. Will Arista never learn? Get someone else to remix the R&B jams into House/Dance tracks. Even I could do a better job than that, and I don't have any formal music production experience! Ghastly remix. Let's hope this stays as a promo. Though it's a shame how much vinyl was wasted on that...

Single Reviews - September 1998

September 1998

Melanie B featuring Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot - "I Want You Back" - Virgin UK 12"
Well, well, well! The duet between the Spice Girl and Missy has finally been released! I was wondering what kind of affair would result of their collabo, and it sure is interesting! In it's original form, "I want you back" is a straightforward R&B jam with the trademark Missy/Timbaland sound. For the club crowd, the track has been remixed by the legendary Masters At Work. The MAW Remix is a nice piano house affair, with the vocals time stretched to half their tempo. It sounds very off kilter at first, especially since I was used to the album mix, but it does grow on you after a few listens. Not necessarily the best mix MAW has done due to the limitations of the vocal track. I'd love to have seen them reproduce the whole thing for the remix. The Deep Dub uses mostly Missy's adlibs and a brief bit of Mel B's voice.

4 Hero - Starchasers - Talkin' Loud/Reinforced 12"
One of the best tracks on the 4 Hero album is now remixed by Photek, 4 Hero and Masters At Work. No review necessary. The MAW mix is the one to go for.

Deep Dish with EBTG - The Future of The Future (Stay Gold) - Arista/DeConstruction 2x12" Promo
A classic track from Deep Dish is rereleased on their new album "Junk Science" with new vocals and melody from Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt from Everything But The Girl. An already amazing song is made even better! The double pack contains the full length version plus a new Deep Dish remix. David Morales also contributes his talents with a "Classic Club Mix" that keeps only the vocal from Tracey. It's great to see Dave back in fine form. Radio-friendly edits are also included. A definite must-get.

All Saints - Bootie Call - London CD-5
This is the latest track in the UK from All Saints. There are two CDs available. The first has two versions of Bootie Call, and a unreleased B-side. The second features a video of Bootie Call, the single version, plus the -unreleased on CD- Booker T remix of "Never Ever", and (inexplicably) the album version of "I Know Where It's At", Doesn't everyone who likes the group already have that song? Anyways, the remixes of Bootie Call are nothing to get excited about, since they were all done by the people who did the original production. I don't understand why they didn't put the Club Asylum house mixes on the CD. As far as I know, they're only available on Vinyl and Pete Tong's Essential Selection Summer 98 CD. If you don't have the Booker T Vocal remix of "Never Ever" on vinyl, pick it up on this CD. It's great, and the US Vinyl copy only had the Booker T dubs. A somewhat disappointing release (due to the lack of proper remixes).

Spacedust - Music Sounds Good With You - 12"
Starburst - Gin & Tonic - 12"Ugh. Utterly repellent rip-offs of "Music Sounds Better With You" and Bob Sinclar's "Gym Tonic". Don't waste your money. Get the originals instead.

Single Reviews - May 22, 1998

Friday May 22 1998 - 12:28:56 AM

Cleopatra - Cleopatra's Theme - Maverick/Warner Promo 12"
I first saw these three girls earlier in the year on the Brit Awards shown on MuchMusic. They were very full of energy and kept shouting "Cleopatra, comin' atcha!!" which I thought was funny and cute. However, I never listened to their song, even when it showed up as a domestic release here in Canada. However, I decided to check it out when I saw it today. The girls have been signed to Madonna's label Maverick in the US. The B-side has the original UK album mix, as well as UK mixes from Brooklyn Funk and D+A. The original mix is the best of the three, poppy R&B style. D+A's mix is not bad, but Brooklyn Funk disappoints with boring beats and rapping that was not necessary. The A-side has the best mixes of the bunch though. The "US Club Mix" reworked by Frankie Anobile and Robert Hathcock spins the track into a west coast jeep anthem. The use of "Cutie Pie" by One Way as the main sample works really well. In the US remix form, it's a fun summer jam.

MAW featuring Louis Salinas - Pienso En Ti (I Think Of You) - MAW Records 12"
Masters at Work are back again with another smoking jazzy house track. Very much like their earlier "You Can Do It (Baby)" which featured George Benson on guitar and scatting, this time it's guitar and scatting with Louis Salinas. The song is very brazilian/latin in flavour. Side A is in the usual NuYorican style, with skittering beats and rhythm. The "Smooth Out House Mix" on the B-side is just that, and the Latin Soul Mix is wicked. If you've heard the NuYorican reworking of "Watching Windows" by Roni Size, you'll notice that this is very similar, with chanting and wild jamming from Luisito Quintero, Carlos Henrique, Gene Perez, Albert Menendez, India and Nelson Gonzalez Sr. and Jr. This is a song you really listen to. Play it for the after hours house vibe, it's obviously not going to go over well in a peak-hours commercial dance/nrg/house set. One musically ignorant person at my local DJ store commented "You have to wear a beret when you listen to this stuff!" WHATEVER, MISS THANG! If you see it, get it!

All Saints - Never Ever (Remixes) - London UK 12"/London US Promo 12"
This is the girls' latest US release. The US copy has the "Rickidy Raw Urban Mix" which is almost no different from the original mix. The All Star mix time compresses the vocals to speed up the tempo of the song, but it's a cool remix. The song finally has some "life" in it, with a funky hip-hop groove. The B-side features dubs from UK's Booker T, but the best mix is "Booker T's Vocal Mix" which has completely new vocal production and has that sweet garage flavour. Unfortunately, that mix is only on the hard-to-find UK 12".

Single Reviews - December 6, 1997

December 6, 1997

Jamiroquai - High Times (REMIXES) - Sony Soho Square 12"
With "Alright" still being plugged in the US and Canada, Jay Kay and co. drop their latest single in the UK. "High Times" original production was on a funky disco tip, and now sports club friendly mixes courtesy of Roger Sanchez, and downtempo mixes by the group themselves. The Roger S. mixes are good, with just enough added to make it even funkier. The Jamiroquai remixes are more on the sparse hip-hop side, with the vocals mixed strangely low. Definitely more creative that Todd Terry's remix of "Alright" (though I must admit I like his mixes, and they make me dance...but sometimes it feels like he just presses a button and , VOILA! Instant Remix!)

4 Hero - Earth Pioneers EP - Reinforced/Talkin' Loud 2x12"
Nice new EP from 4 Hero, with tracks taken from their upcoming full length album. Six tracks of wicked drum and bass grooves, some on the harder side of D&B. I personally prefer "Planetaria" and "Loveless" which feature strings. They are simply two beautiful tracks.

Bran Van 3000 - Drinking In L.A. (Mount Real Mixes) - Audiogramme 12"
One of the coolest songs of Summer 97 resurfaces in the Winter sporting brand new remixes. While you can't beat the original (as is in most cases), there are some really nice reworkings done on the track. Dave One does it Hip-Hop style with some cutting and scratching from DMC World Champion and fellow Canadian DJ A-Trak. There's also three Drum and Bass remixes from Haig V., Haji, and Fink (from the Ninja Tune label). As a bonus, you get two album tracks : "The Problem With Sheldon" and "Couch Surfer". Bonus marks given for being pressed on turquoise vinyl with a cute bunny and deer on the label.

Ghetto Concept - Krazyworld - 7 Bills Entertainment 12"Local Hip-Hop group Ghetto Concept return to the music scene with a new 3 track 12". Skip the main plug track "Krazyworld", which sounds like salt to me. Flip to the B-Side and jam "Livin' It Up". It's my kind of Hip-Hop track : a nice sample, sweet vocals on the chorus and a good flow from the MCs. Production quality is excellent!