SONG OF THE DAY: Alexis Jordan – “Acid Rain”

Alexis Jordan made massive waves with her debut single “Happiness.”? Effectively a topline written over deadmau5’s “Brazil,” complete with catchy humming and powerful vocals, “Happiness” topped charts over the world- including the US Club Chart. ?Her new single sees her delving back into clubland to discover the banging and quirky electro track “Rattle” by the Bingo Players and coming up with the gorgeously powerful “Acid Rain,” beautifully written by Sia.? Alexis’ voice is the rare blend of power and pretty which enhances lyrics with subtle conviction, which is quite a challenge since the backing track features noises that sounds like ducks honking.? It will be interesting to watch how this track develops in the UK, where Happiness was a major pop smash (top 3) and where the Far East Movement version of “Rattle” has already topped the chart (due in no small part to the violent duck video). Of course, the obvious solution is a mash-up, but thematically the two songs are so different that it wouldn’t make sense.? “Acid Rain” showcases both the emotional and vocal power of Alexis Jordan and the strong production skills of Bingo Players, who produced such a unique and quirky track that it inspired two polar opposite vocal interpretations.

Image Courtesy of Roc Nation.

REVIEW: Norah Jones ? ‘Little Broken Heart Remix’ EP

By: Ben Norman

When it comes to the arduous task of turning something average into something great, the remix typically isn’t the place to go. Sure, remixes have done wondrous things for many a song, but many of those songs held notoriety on their own without the use of a Tiesto or a Calvin Harris on board. But for Norah Jones, the question is: How do you do her justice? The woman’s voice was what brought her the attention on her debut song, “Come Away With Me,” that smooth, deep, yearning instrument played stronger than any of the others that comprised her music. With each subsequent release, however, Ms. Jones found herself adrift in a sea of pop and rock that made it difficult for an earnest jazz singer to really make a lasting impression. Fast forward to 2012, and Norah Jones has broken down the walls surrounding her own musical standards, working with Gnarls Barkley magic man Danger Mouse, and really pushing the boundaries of what people would tolerate her doing. All in all, Little Broken Hearts was a critical and commercial success. And yet… I found myself a little disheartened by the end result, no track really pulling me in either in voice or production. Is it possible that the two minds of Mouse and Jones failed to deliver on what should have been a masterpiece? Sadly, in my opinion, yes.

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INTERVIEW: Sied van Riel (2013)

In addition to having just about the coolest last name, Sied Van Riel is very much a character – creating big room trance with a melodic edge. ? His recently released track “Carved By Your Hands” is a great example of how he blends trance and progressive to mold his own sound.? As busy in the studio as he is on the road, I spoke with Sied back stage at the Armada showcase during the Amsterdam Dance Event.

DJ Ron Slomowicz: So tonight you are on Armada and doing a versus set with someone, who are you playing against?
Sied van Riel: Tonight, I am playing with Max Graham.

RS: Have you two played together before?
Sied van Riel: Not in a back-to-back, but we have played on the same event so I am really curious and kind of excited.

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