It's no secret that around the land of Beastonia, we swoon for all things associated with Annie Mac, her mixes, her radio show and her influence on today's top artists. We've featured many of the 5 minute mini mixes that are put together for her BBC Radio1 show by some of today's noted notables.
Most recently, Ms. Mac enlisted three of the hottest cats on the scene to pump out their blend of new, old and original tunes in their own unique 5 minute segments.
First up is Riton, who can apparently not make anything less than a super amazing mix these days, with a raving run through some of the best dance music you need in one package. Up next, Kid Sister takes us through some of her own tunes, a Green Velvet favorite and some deep Chicago house. Finally, Dizzee Rascal jumps on board with Semtex for a grimily grand mix.
mp3: Riton - Annie Mac Mini Mix
mp3: Kid Sister - Annie Mac Mini Mix
mp3: Dizzee Rascal - Annie Mac Mini Mix
BONUS!
Kid Sister included Sonique's It Feels So Good in her mix, which basically brings us to the scene of this beast, playing the track, on repeat. And now you can too.
mp3: Sonique - It Feels So Good
Thunderous Olympian, he of 22 years old and hailing from the ruralest of Kansas, now brings a powerful hammer swing to his current digs in Chicago. The young lad has quite the handle on the techno house scene, as evidenced by his recent release, the adequately titled, Turbo Charged EP.
Turbo Charged is TO's first vinyl release (after a string of mp3s, remixes, and crazy hyper-illegal bootleg remixes). It's 4 tracks of INTENSELY dancefloor-friendly party bangers touching on elements of techno, deep house, jack trax, and classic rave. It’s all shimmery, unforgettably catchy melodies flittering over novel rhythm arrangements and mad bassline pressure.
Dudeman's songs make my pulse race and my sweat flow in extreme fashion. It's basically the best heart attack you could ever hope for!
Below, the track list, and after that, you know we've got a freebie for you.
A1 Hard Mode
A2 Jack (The Movie)
B1 The Sermon
B2 Cars
Thunderous Olympian's Turbo Charged EP will be out later this month. Stay tuned here.
mp3: Thunderous Olympian - Jack (The Movie)
Last month, I brought you the news that one-half the dastardly duo of Thunderheist was taking a short break to focus on her solo efforts. While goodboy Grahmzilla is wrecking dance floors with his mixes, sultry singer, Isis Salam, has decided to go it alone...sort of.
While we still anxiously await material from the project dubbed Isis Salam and the Surprise Sex Band, chance stumblings through our lovely technological world brought me to a new song featuring the lovely lady. Fellow Torontonian, Mansion, enlisted Salam's dulcet tones on his houseriffic journey of a jam, Tight Like a Clutch.
Isis coos "stop playing with all my emotions and hold me tight as a clutch" over a rolling bass line and a hand clap worthy beat.
mp3: Mansion (featuring Isis Salam) - Tight Like a Clutch
BONUS!
Grahmzilla just put out a pretty killer mix of Little Boots' Mathematics. I was actually desperately searching for a fix of this song for my LB post earlier this morning...to no avail. And now, the solution!
mp3: Little Boots - Mathematics (Grahmzilla Remix)
Yep, that post title/song name is exactly what you think it is. A bit of Deadmau5 with a hint of Will.I.Am's vocals from Flo Rida's summertime smash, In Da Ayre.
Deadmau5's album, For Lack of a Better Name, was bestowed upon wanting ears earlier this month, and it's no shortage of beat and bass laden facemelters. Pulling on his trance and electrohouse knowledge, along with a nod or two to the radio and club friendly groovers, the Toronto turntablist provides listeners with a sweat inducing series of songs.
Deadmau5 is hitting up local spot, Terminal 5, on November 23. The show is 16+, so lucky for you young'n's. Grab a ticket here.
To get you primed, here are two ridiculously cool Deadmau5 mixes and mashes. Also, head over to TLC and MuuMuse for a chance to win a goody bag from the mouseminded master.
mp3: Deadmau5 - Ghosts In Da Ayre (Donald Glaude and Ross.FM Mashup)
mp3: Deadmau5 - Faxing Berlin (Ross.FM Vocal Remix)
What in the CeCe Penniston and Jock Jams throwback hell do we have here? Holy moly, I've just been introduced to an edit that will surely be used as my go-to song whenever I need a dose of pep and "get on and get up".
Tommie Sunshine is a legend, in that he's a massively major producer who continues to crank out hits and fixes of all your favorite tracks. And this has never been more evident than with his latest edit. (Oh, and if you're not following him on twitter, get on it. He gives away free songs like it's your birthday. Every day.)
Which brings us to a fistful of fire with his edit of Kid Sister's Right Hand Hi. If you're not bouncing within the first 10 seconds, then I call foul on your respect for early 90's house jams. The dude even went so far as to include the signature horn stylings as well as a treat at the 2:36 mark.
Don't believe me?
Grab it below, and then I'll smugly grin and say "told ya so!"
mp3: Kid Sister - Right Hand Hi (Tommie Sunshine Edit)
twack marks #9 - Tiesto - Kaleidoscope
Tiesto is widely regarded as a legend of electrodance house music. For years, he has gone by many aliases, yet the music is always identifiably known as the Dutchman's work. With his 4th studio album, Kaleidoscope, set to be released in early October, Tiesto is on a media blitz through the iNet; but is he strong enough to face the beast?
Tiesto - 01 - Kaleidoscope (featuring Jónsi) [harmonic etherealness...serene and very warm...interesting opener...beats up after 5 mins...B]
Tiesto - 02 - Escape Me (featuring CC Sheffield) [wakes you up from first crash...poppy tune...will be forgettable after first listen...B-]
Tiesto - 03 - You Are My Diamond (featuring Kianna) [vocals reminiscent of early 90s housers...2:39 mark on is better than first half...B-]
Tiesto - 04 - I Will Be Here (featuring Sneaky Sound System) [immediately dig verses which seem stronger than chorus...booming finish...B]
Tiesto - 05 - I Am Strong (featuring Priscilla Ahn) [quiet piano w/ ahn's vocals is refreshing...rad doubletime beat builds up to mid8...A-]
Tiesto - 06 - Here On Earth (featuring Cary Brothers) [heavy bass even on this slower track...hand claps in breakdown...smooth vocals...B+]
Tiesto - 07 - Always Near [only 1:34 in length...can hear this echoing through a big hall, but its unnecessary or shouldve been longer...B-]
Tiesto - 08 - It's Not The Things You Say (featuring Kele Okereke) [maybe it's that i don't like bloc party but this track is not good...C-]
Tiesto - 09 - Fresh Fruit [skip the first 2:45 of the song & you'll be hit with spine shaking bass...too bad we dont review half tracks...C]
Tiesto - 10 - Century (featuring Calvin Harris) [think i already heard this one earlier on album...harris kicks in at 3 mins...it's meh...C]
Tiesto - 11 - Feel It In My Bones (featuring Tegan & Sara) [dramatic & heart wrenching...makes you forget awful middle section of album...A]
Tiesto - 12 - Who Wants To Be Alone (featuring Nelly Furtado) [amazing...so huge...glitchy beat with dark and daring vocals...in love...A+]
Tiesto - 13 - LA Ride [definitely one i'll skip on future listens...high pitch beeps are grating & make me never want to hit play again...D]
Tiesto - 14 - Bend It Like You Don't Care [will undoubtedly put you on the dancefloor...tiesto's at best when he doesn't overthink it...B+]
Tiesto - 15 - Knock You Out (featuring Emily Haines) [genius...haines' sultry vocals and housey electrodance elements are perfect pair...A+]
Tiesto - 16 - Louder Than Boom [sounds like nintendo from the get go...waiting for bowser to attack...the onslaught is worth the wait...B]
Tiesto - 17 - Surrounded By Light [another aural pleaser to end album...wet droplets of sound go down so easy...kick back and say aahh...B-]
And there you have the twack marks for Tiesto's Kaleidoscope. It's rather up and down as a whole. If you notice, there were only 4 "A's" given, and a plethora of so-so average grades. while Tiesto is known for his instrumentals, I can't help but gather that every song with vocals gets a little more respect from this beast. Pared down a few songs, this would be an excellent choice for a go-to power party play!
mp3: Tiesto (featuring Nelly Furtado) - Who Wants to Be Alone
I have a few trackaroonies I'd like to give ya, and if you don't mind, I'm just gonna shout a quick sentence about each, and then bestow said mp3 upon you. Cool? Let's get gnarly!
From the Bass and Treble camp, this hot tubby remix of B. Rich's Make Me Dance does just as the song title implies.
mp3: B. Rich - Make Me Dance (Jacuzzi Hi-Dive Remix)
Have you ever said to yourself, "There simply isn't enough gothic country punk in the world?"; well, wonder no longer, thanks to this gunslinger's anthem.
mp3: Miss Derringer - Click Click, Bang Bang
I swooned for the Tegan and Sara collaboration, and the Emily Haines track slayed me, but Nelly Furtado's joint with Tiesto may be the best off his upcoming album, Kaleidoscope.
mp3: Tiesto (featuring Nelly Furtado) - Who Wants To Be Alone
Not new by any means at all, but Treasure Fingers destroys Mini Viva's Left My Heart In Tokyo, and you need this in your library.
mp3: Mini Viva - Left My Heart In Tokyo (Treasure Fingers Remix)
And here's a wild card for you. Just cause I love it so much.
mp3: RZA - You Cant Stop Me Now
That's all...normal posting will resume later today, ya dig?
In defying all sorts of credibility and legitimacy, I'm going out on a limb here to declare that Knock You Out, my hotly anticipated "need to hear this now" track from Tiesto, featuring Emily Haines, will be one of my top 3 most played songs this year. And what makes this even more head scratchingly baffling, is the fact that I've only heard a :60 second clip of the finished song.
Let me explain my reasoning, eh.
In listening to this minute long bit of power on repeat for the past 45 minutes, I immediately identified the song as a top "subway and sidewalk" contender. There are certain pieces of music that pump me up either [A] on the way to work, a show, or an event, hence the "subway" or [B] while stomping through the streets of our fair city, enter the "sidewalk".
Knock You Out fits this formula perfectly.
Is it the best song I've heard this year? No. Is it expertly crafted? Yes! And therefore, I guarantee this will quickly jump to the top of my "most played" list.
To thank you for sitting through that mess of rambles and shambles, right-click, save, and see what I'm talking about.
Tiesto's Kaleidoscope is out October 6 via Ultra Records.
mp3: Tiesto (featuring Emily Haines) - Knock You Out (preview clip)
In making a promise to myself that I was done posting anything on Black Eyed Peas, I feel as though I've abandoned my morals, ethics and inhibitions...all thanks to one, Mr. Vega. 'Tis all for the best though, because I guarantee you're going to dig this super sexy fix of their summer smash, I Got a Feeling.
If this mix's name is not enough to get your wheels spinning in intrigue, then let me give you some insight. It's exactly as is written. One part dirty, filthy New York lounged out sounds, and then BAM BLAM you're hit with a deep house sound that only can stem from Chicago.
If you think you've heard bass like this before, give it a listen, get shook so hard that you have to put your spine back in your body, and go!
Note from Mr. Vega: "I cut out the wack parts!"
Response from Sheena Beaston: "THANK YOU!"
mp3: Black Eyed Peas - I Got a Feeling (Mr Vega Dirty NY and Chi-Town House Remix)
Bobby J makes Electro/Progessive House music from the comfortable confines of western Pennsylvania. How do I know this? He hails from a hometown near my old haunts, and his sissy is a dear friend. But enough about all that...let's get in on his music.
Bobby J just released two tracks with Metronix Recordings. The album is called Caution: May Stimulate G-Spot and was just released yesterday. Bobby J has two tracks on the album: La Fin Du Monde and Do It. Citing influences like Armin Van Buuren and Pete Tong, their impression is evident on Bobby J's output: tracks with a heavy bass and thumping score to keep you moving nonstop.
You can go on and purchase Caution: May Stimulate G-Spot here. Or you may have another track not found on the album. The choice is yours!
mp3: Bobby J - Wheres My Whip
JD Samson looks on in horror? Ha no...not hook up like that. Rather Lauren Flax released her first single.
My official first release will be coming out in 3 weeks. I'd like to send the original along before that because I love you.
The song is called You've Changed and features vocals by the magical creature that is SIA. Its got that old school house feel.
remixes to come by Junior Sanches, Alexander Technique, Angel Alanis, Dre Skull, DWWG, Larry T and myself.
We are in love with this track right now. And we're more than sure you will be too. Flax said it best with the "old school house feel". Tops!
mp3: Lauren Flax and Sia - Youve Changed
Tonedeff decided to go a completely different route with a Love Lockdown fix. Read what he says below.
Just a lil’ somethin somethin’ I did for kicks. It’s not so much a remix is as it is a re imagining of the concept – added a bunch of instrumentation, new lyrics & hook, etc. Props to Chew Fu (of Brooklyn Zoo) for reachin out to do a fresh House remix to get the ball rolling. Enjoy, folks.
Being that the Love Lockdown game is so oversaturatedly convoluted right now, it was refreshing to hear this mellowed out track. It's quite nice.
mp3: Tonedeff - Warden (Love Lockdown RMX)
mp3: Tonedeff - Warden (Love Lockdown RMX) (Chew Fu House Mix)
Booker & BlaQwest of Chubby Fingers hit us up with a splendidly delightful house number that takes on our favorite diva, Ms. Diana Ross.
Take a dash of disco, a thumping groovy beat, and a guest appearance by Booker's pops on some strikingly tight keys, and you get a version of My Old Piano that we want you to play as continually as we do.
If this doesn't get you moving, then you probably have no legs. No offense to the legless!
mp3: Chubby Fingers - My Old Piano
One of my favorite tracks I've come across in the past year has been September's Cry For You.
I've featured it here before and have no shame in professing an undying penchant for the electropop tunes the Swede continues to churn out.
As an aside, the site Hard2Beat is a leader in house/dance music and getting exclusives on the frontrunners in those genres. The site is the home of UK dance music culture.
Here, we have an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the aesthetically stunning video for the single.
Hot stuff, right?
Now, Hard2Beat has an exclusive clip of the new Basshunter song. The new track Please Don’t Go is a thumping remake of the classic song by KC and the Sunshine Band.
Check it out and get your groove on!
