Category: Featured

FLASHBACK FRIDAY: Mickey Garcia and Giuseppe D Presents the MicMac Freestyle All Stars – ?Dance Club Mashup?

MicMac Records launched in 1986 under the direction of Mickey Garcia who has guided an entire generation of freestyle and dance artists to chart and radio success from coast-to-coast.

Remixed by Giuseppe D., this brand-new ?Mashup!? of MicMac artists is a fun and innovative reboot of their classics. As someone who has most of the original 12? utilized here, it was enjoyable to get lost for a few, though short (3:58) minutes in this brilliantly seamed production. The underlying arrangement is current, albeit at times has a seemingly appropriate ?fist-pumping? feel. Many of the songs used here are staples in the freestyle genre ? Two Without Hats ?Try Yazz? and Johnny O ?Fantasy Girl,? while others, Judy Torres ?Holding On,? (her only release on MicMac) are a nice touch and may introduce new listeners to a fantastic vocalist.

Those who missed the freestyle revolution would do well to check out this great megamix and hear lots of the classics. If you love freestyle, you can stay current with the Micmac website for their back catalog and new releases.

Image courtesy of MicMac.

SONG OF THE DAY: Digitalism vs Tommy Trash – “Falling”

Who says a track needs vocals to tell a story?? “Falling” starts off with quick, yet instant, kick loops as it gradually builds into a big room anthemic electro track.? Subtle loops of classic techno rave rhythms are injected as the track drops down to an almost 808 State ambient groove.? This pretty part of the track is invaded by a noisy synth which introduces an angrier, aggressive rhythm that kind of throws you off.?? A build-up leads to the original electro big room feel with a major key change.?? I could continue to describe the journey through various realms of flashback techno, but it’s best experienced yourself.? The video is an homage to children’s TV, I guess in the way that techno tracks sampled kiddie show themes back in the rave days i.e. Smart E’s “Sesame’s Treet” and Alpha Team’s “Speed.”???

Image courtesy of Spinnin.

SONG OF THE DAY: Kosheen – “Holding On”

When a group changes singers, sometimes it throws you for a loop. Kosheen rocketed to massive success with their debut single “Hide U” in 2000. The darkly drum and bass single showcased the haunting voice of Sian Evans and was one of many highlights of their album ‘Resist.” After a few albums of explorations into rock, trip-hop, and progressive, Kosheen are back for 2012 with a new CD ‘Independence” and a new single “Holding On.” Stepping into the lead vocal role is Susie, who is no stranger to EDM fans after her work with Bitrocka, Danny Dove, and Ben Preston. “Holding On” is a dark progressive track, reminiscent of “All In My Head” and “Catch,” yet modernized with a subtle pop feel. Some of the effects midway through their track almost feel off and are a bit challenging on first listen- but as the song develops, they develop the groove. The remixes are also a bit odd- yet fitting- with Of Norway blending tech with old school house, and dubspeeka mixing minimal and progressive. Similar in feel is the video which shows a man’s struggle with relationships and sobriety shown through discordant flashbacks. If you are looking for an updated mix of “Hide U” featuring Sian Evans on vocals, check out the Jerome Robins remix of Roger Shah & Sian Kosheen that recently came out on Armada. If you dig Susie Ledge’s gorgeous voice as much we do, watch for her upcoming single “Something for Certain” with Moussa Clarke.


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