Category: Featured

SONG OF THE DAY: Dash Berlin ft Christina Novelli – “Jar Of Hearts”

While the idea of eurodance covers of pop songs is nothing new, every so often a new one comes along that breaks through the mold. Originally recorded (and co-written) by Christina Perri, the lyrics of “Jar Of Hearts” are touching and emotional, making them perfect for the pretty and velvety chords created by trance producer Dash Berlin. The soft and somber, yet powerful vocal performance by Christina Novelli (best known for “Concrete Spaces” with Gareth Emery) takes the darkly pop song to a new place, as if a mournful angel is challenging her fate. With the long break in the middle for the vocals, the trance-meets-stadium house track works best for big rooms or an end-of-night club track. The radio edit, starting off slowly and building in power is perfect for radio, an easy fit for just about any commercial dance station. You can almost imagine hearing the intro of “Jar of Hearts” blending right out of Henrik B’s “Echoes.”

Image Courtesy of Aropa/Armada Music.

SONG OF THE DAY: Freemasons v Rubylux – “The World Goes Quiet”

2013 is the year where I have found myself anxiously awaiting every new release from the Freemasons, simply due to their variety and not knowing what will be next.? There’s been the big room deadmau5-inspired electro track “Dirty Organ,” with Joel Edwards, the ’90s electro-influenced “Bring It Back,” the diva-tastic yet somber stadium anthem “Tears,” with Katherine Ellis, and now “The World Goes Quiet.”? Working with the band Rubylux, they reconstructed the already strong song into a big room monster.? When you listen to the original version, there’s a Maroon 5-gone-rock vibe which is kept for the remix, but elevated to a new level.? The parallel here would be the Freemasons remixes of Kelly Rowland “Work” and Geoge Michael “I Want Your Sex,” there they did a massive drop down in tempo to keep the integrity of the original vocals.? For “World Goes Quiet,” the drop down is a change of groove and emotion rather than just tempo.? This new single makes me excited about what will come next while I anxiously await the forthcoming full-length artist album.

Image Courtesy of Freemaisons Music.

SONG OF THE DAY: Inner City – “Good Life 2013”

Kevin Saunderson, one of the Belleville Three who started the Detroit techno sound, formed Inner City with singer Paris Grey in the late 80s.? Their classic track “Good Life,” seems to get a remix package every few years and for the 25th Anniversary, it stays in the family with Kevin’s son Dantiez contributing a mix.? Dantiez pairs with White Chocolate for a darker tech sound which has the true flavor of the original with a modern feel. The Contepella mix reimagines the track as urban flavored hiphop and really works on many levels.? The Disclosure-ish dub by Pig & Dan is also a highlight though a vocal version would take it over the top.? Another highlight is Markus Lauc Mix which adds a slightly commercial feel but keeps the cool feeling of the original.? Overall a strong set of remixes that pay homage to the original while giving it a modern flavor and DJs will no doubt be playing in their sets.? Another mix worth hunting down, is the Spanish language “Buena Vida” version which was released back in 1998.

Image Courtesy of KMS.