Tag: disclosure

SONG OF THE DAY (SUNDAY FUNDAY): Army of Lovers – “Crucifed 2013”

There really isn’t another group like the legendary camp trio (and sometimes quartet) Army of Lovers. Masterminded by Alexander Bard (who went on to create Alcazar and Gravitonas), they mixed outrageous period drag, ostentatious videos, and catchy eurodance pop to spawn a string of Hi-NRG club hits (and videos) including “Obsession,” “Israelism,” “Ride the Bullet,” and of course, their definitive classic “Crucified.” More than 20 year after original release, “Crucified” is updated with a new vocal performance by original singer Jean-Pierre Barda which, unbelievably, manages to camp it up even more. Playing up the religious imagery even further, Dominika adds a new verse encouraging you to enjoy her “Babylonian sex worker bosom.” The production adds a few modern electro touches but is quite faithful to the Hi-NRG original. The Nord mix is probably the most club-friendly, adding a few Swedish House Mafia stabs and keyboard lines while keeping the vibe. The Per QX and Sonny Switch Mix follows the retro ’90s house vibe by slowing down the tempo (and adding some odd evil male vocoder effects) making it sound like a Disclosure record for a leather bar. The real headscratcher, in a good way, is the SoundFactory mix which is reminiscent of the Pete Hammond mixes of a few years ago that took songs back in time with classic PWL-era production. For Sunday Funday, there really isn’t a better song out there that brings religion to the dance floor with tongue planted firmly in cheek (and hands in the air).


Image Courtesy of Stockholm Records.

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.

SONG OF THE DAY: Disclosure – “F For You”

Singer/songwriter brothers-turned-EDM duo Disclosure are being credited by many as leading the wave of ’90s underground house. Tracks like “You & Me,” “Latch,” and “White Noise” blend ’90s house and two-step with synth-pop. It’s as if one of the New Order offshoot bands (Revenge or Electronic or The Other Two) were timewarped twenty years ahead to today. With “F For You,” they’ve hit the jugular with the perfect US radio-friendly pop song that will mix perfectly with Capital Cities and Imagine Dragons while getting people dancing in the clubs with synth-led beats that you can dance to without smearing your make-up (or breaking too much of a sweat). Dance music that you can dance to- what a concept… This isn’t alcohol-fueled “throw your hands up” party music, but rather an intelligently-written song that would transcend any genre. As great as all the featured vocalists were (Sam Smith, Eliza Doolittle, Aluna George), it’s also quite impressive that the brothers are singing what will most likely be their US crossover record. With “F For You” being the fourth single, there is no doubt that their album ‘Settle’ will be one of the biggest albums of the summer.

Images courtesy of Island/Def Jam.