I guess I should stop making promises for a certain date, as things inevitably come up. At least I’m only a day late with plenty of time before Halloween and Pride (for the ATL) this weekend. Anywho, let’s get down to it.
This particular mix is decidedly more circuit oriented with lots of big room beats to spread around. One of my big favorites of the moment is the Simone Denny and Barry Harris collaboration “Drama Queen.” Ooh, did I just write Barry Harris? You bet! The former half of Thunderpuss has now returned from exile with his guns blazing! One of the things I didn’t get around to mentioning in the recent Chrome Edition 2003, was that 2003 was the year Thunderpuss split, despite the fact that the TP franchise was still very much in demand by artists and club-goers around the globe. Both Barry and Chris gave separate interviews to About.com in 2004 which cover their early years and how Thunderpuss came about down to their amicable split in 2003.
Fast forward to 2009, and Barry’s back with “Drama Queen” a ripping track where circuit meets 80’s electronica. This is a hot original production from Barry that attempts to break up the monotony of many of today’s circuit tracks. While the actual song doesn’t cover any new territory, it’s familiar theme rings well with the gay crowd; but it’s the actual production that people will be shaking too. I’m hoping this isn’t a one-off and that we’ll be getting even more from Barry in the near future. For now, all I want to say is “welcome back Barry, we missed you!”
I also want to give a HUGE shoutout to my new favorite producer Matt Moss from New York. A graphic designer by day (he’s gotta pay the bills) and producer/DJ/remixer the rest of the time, like many of us, Matt has been hit by the recession. Matt approach’s each production based on what the song requires rather some cookie cutter formula where you just slap on the vocals over the same basic beats like many other producers do (without mentioning names). It’s his unique style and unquestionable understanding of his craft that makes him a surefire bet for success. I’ve included two of his mixes in this set. The first “Wendy Williams Theme” an ode to the infamous gossip talk trash radio host, which is nothing short of pure fun! The second mix is Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” which he has completely re-worked from top to bottom making this a welcome addition to the upcoming Pride festivities this weekend in the ATL. Matt seems to think these are not his best work, and maybe not (I haven’t had the chance to listen to everything), but they are outstanding productions that are sure to move the boys on any dancefloor from coast to coast. You can check out Matt’s work on his blog at mattmossforever.com. Make sure to drop him a note, especially if you pick up anything for use in your own sets. I promise you, he’s a really nice guy without the attitude and like most of us would love to have some feedback about his work.
Finally, you may have noticed an Eagles song in the track list. Last year’s Halloween Edition included the memorable remake of the Ministry classic “(Every Day Is) Halloween” by Dangerous Muse. I didn’t really have anything that would fit for this year’s gay ghouls and goblins, but when I recently came across Alex Dubbing’s rework of “Hotel California” I knew this was an absolute must. Check out the lyrics and you’ll understand why:
Mirrors on the ceiling,
The pink champagne on ice
And she said, we are all just prisoners here, of our own device
And in the master’s chambers,
They gathered for the feast
The stab it with their steely knives,
But they just can’t kill the beast
Last thing I remember, I was
Running for the door
I had to find the passage back
To the place I was before
Relax, said the night man,
We are programmed to receive.
You can checkout any time you like,
But you can never leave!
And that’s my wrap-up for the week. I’m going to be super busy the next two or three weeks, but will somehow manage to complete the much delayed gay anthems I had been promising. I’ve already had the rest of the year planned out with 3 -5 Diva Series in the works (and no, I’m not giving it away) maybe two more BPM sets, one T-Dance, The Holiday Edition and finally the Year-End Edition. Still, that’s quite a bit a work I’ve got ahead of me, though the best thing is to let everyone know what’s coming up, but without actual dates since everything is subject to change.
I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their week, as well as the Halloween weekend. I’m certain there will be no shortage of parties wherever you are. I’ll be back sometime next week with the first of the gay anthems. Until then.ENJOY!
Album : Halloween Edition 2009 v2
Genre : Circuit, Progressive, Tribal, Mainstream Club, House
Year : 2009
Total Time : 1:27:12:00
Track : 1
Title : White Castles (Oscar Velazquez Alive Mix)
Artist : Tony Dark Eyes feat. Chela Rivas
Track : 2
Title : Before You Go (DeMarko! Club Mix)
Artist : Candice Alley
Track : 3
Title : Striped Socks (Jamie J Sanchez Club Mix)
Artist : Taylor Bright
Track : 4
Title : Brand New Day (Edson Pride Peak Tribe Mix)
Artist : Georgie Porgie
Track : 5
Title : Make Me (Ralphi Rosario Vocal Club Mix)
Artist : Janet
Track : 6
Title : Wendy Williams Theme (Matt Moss Club Mix)
Artist : Matt Moss vs. Wendy Williams
Track : 7
Title : Hang On (Dave Aude Club Dub)
Artist : Plumb
Track : 8
Title : She Wolf (Peter Rauhofer Club Mix)
Artist : Shakira
Track : 9
Title : Bodyswerve (Club Mix)
Artist : Pitron & Sanna feat. Therese
Track : 10
Title : Hotel California (Alex Dubbing Private Mix)
Artist : The Eagles
Track : 11
Title : You Used To Know (Yaron Knochen Power Remix)
Artist : Andrea Carnell
Track : 12
Title : Like A Virgin (Matt Moss’s Big Gay Mix)
Artist : Madonna
Track : 13
Title : Smoke (Edson Pride Hydrate Mix)
Artist : Jus Jack with Phil Garant feat. Matina Parisi
Track : 14
Title : Drama Queen (Texting U) (Barry Harris Big Club Mix)
Artist : Simone Denny + Barry Harris
