Party Favorz

Janet was signed to a five record deal with A&M Records in the early 80s.  After the first two albums failed at radio and in the clubs, A&M was none to thrilled with their decision and even less excited about Janet going back into the studio for her third album in 1985.  Seeking to take control away from her domineering parents (both personally and professionally), Janet hooked up with music producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis of “The Time” fame.  The end result, was a more mature sound with a harder, funkier edge than anything she had ever done.  That album was the mega-selling “Control.”  With no less than six top ten singles spawned from the album, “Control” set the stage for a new Jackson family superstar.

By the time she released “Rhythm Nation” in late 1989, Janet sealed the deal and all bets were off; she had now entered into the stratosphere of worldwide mega-entertainers.  Spawning seven top ten singles, “Rhythm Nation” was a mixture of hard hitting dance songs with a serious undertone and fun carefree songs that mixed well with Janet’s shy and easygoing personality.  By the time she performed “Black Cat” at the MTV Music Awards, we began to witness a slimmer and more confident Janet.  Once “Love Will Never Do Without You” was released, Janet’s image had morphed from tough little girl, to full out sexy beautiful woman.  With the transformation completed, she released a greatest hits album and signed a new multimillion dollar record deal with Virgin Records.  With a purported $80 million dollar contract in her mid-twenties, Janet was the highest paid artist in the industry, until Mariah Carey left Sony several years later.

From there, Janet went on to have great success with her releases.  That is until the incident involving a “wardrobe malfunction” at Super Bowl XXXVIII in early February of 2004.  While I’m not going to rehash the incident with her and Justin Timberlake here, the publicity stunt caused her record sales to plummet and a backlash at radio.  No matter what you might think of the “nipplegate,” controversy, Janet is a bonafide superstar worthy of her inclusion in this series.

Control (Acapella)

Miss You Much (Shep’s House Mix)

If (Brothers In Rhythm House Mix)

Love Will Never Do (Without You) (U.K. Funky Mix)

Runaway (Junior’s Factory Mix)

When I Think Of You (Morales House Mix)

Got ‘Til It’s Gone (Def Club Mix)

Go Deep (Masters At Work Alternative Mix)

You Want This (Disco Theory - No Rap)

Black Cat (3 Snaps Up 12′’)

Rhythm Nation (House Nation Mix)

Escapade (Shep’s Housecapade Mix)

Doesn’t Really Matter (Jonathan Peters Soundfactory Club Mix)

I Want You (Dr. Octavo Funk’n'Stein Club Mix)

Because of Love (Frankie & David Classic 12′’)

Together Again (Tony Humphries Club Mix)

Alright (12′’ House Mix)

Scream (Classic Club Mix)

I Get Lonely (Janet vs. Jason -The Club Remix)

The Pleasure Principle (Legendary Club Mix)

That’s The Way Love Goes (CJ FXTC Club Mix)

Listen Now:

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PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PODCAST CAN BE ACCESSED BY CLICKING ON THE “GAY ANTHEMS 2009″ TAB IN THE TOP LEFT CORNER OF THIS SITE.

For this final set, I thought I’d step down from my diamond encrusted soapbox and just talk briefly about this final mix.  Unlike the other sets, this one’s all about the NRG.  From 131 to 138 BPM, everything here is pretty much at break-neck speeds.  Packed with familiar gems, I found that compiling the songs with faster beats might be a better idea than meshing them in with the slower ones.  In fact, once I saw the disparity of the speeds, this was the first mix I decided to create.  From start to finish, this is just as worthy of the other sets.

I received an email from one of our followers yesterday who had jumped the gun and sent me an advance of $40 in anticipation of these four sets.  Having listened to the first two, he said these were “so gay.”  A term loosely used by kids today to mean “lame “ or “stupid.”  Of course, I knew what he meant and I’m glad he liked them.  Yeah, these are pretty fucking gay sets, as they were intended.  The songs I chose to include are simply frivolous and fun.  As such, I thought I might ask everyone that’s purchased them so far to please leave a comment on the fan page under each mix and tell me what you think.  Too gay or not gay enough?  What’s your favorite set and why.  I think your feedback would be invaluable for those currently sitting on the fence as to whether or not they’ll make a donation to my efforts.  Frankly, I’ve been listening to the finished product for the past month or so and just can’t seem to get sick of them, which is usually the case with my other mixes.  For me, it doesn’t get any better than driving around with my sunroof open on a beautiful day in the ATL and blasting the queerest songs on the planet.  It certainly raises a lot of eyebrows at our local Starbucks, which is nothing more than a local gay hangout.  I bet if I could pull into the parking lot and blast these mixes through some giant JBLs,  I could have those queens up and out of their seats with their mochas in tow, dancing around like a bunch of silly school girls.  So please, tell me what you think, I’d love to hear from each and everyone of you.

Ultimately, if you haven’t been bouncing off the walls to these songs, then I either didn’t do my job correctly or we need to strip you of all of your gay credentials.  Frankly, I’m leaning towards the latter LOL.  I hope you enjoyed the music so far and I look forward to making a companion package to these mixes in the spring of 2010.  I want to thank everyone that has supported my efforts to give back to Equality Across America.  For those holding out to see if these will ever be free, sorry it ain’t gonna happen. 

So what’s next for Party Favorz?  I’m glad you asked.  Between now and the end of the year, you can expect a couple of Diva Series, at least two BPM Editions (which are going to be HOT), a T-Dance Edition and the Holiday Edition.  I’m wide open as to whether I’ll do a Year-End Edition this go around.  I haven’t made up my mind just yet, though if I do, there’s a good chance I’ll spill that into early January.  As you can see, time is running out and I have a lot on my plate.  When all is said and done, I plan on taking a month off for some much needed rest and to work on other projects I’ve got going. 

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend and remember to always enjoy life, because it might just pass you by when you’re not looking. 

Peace Out. - K

*original artwork by Matt Hertel

Album : Party Favorz 2009: Gay Anthems v4 Disc : 4/4 Tags : Club Classics Promotional Podcast Gay  Year : 2009 Total Time : 1:34:19:00

Track : 1 Title : I Turn To You (Hex Hector Club Mix) Artist : Melanie C Purchase : No Longer Available

Track : 2 Title : Touch Me In The Morning (Almighty 12′’ Definitive Mix) Artist : Diana Ross Purchase : Almighty Records

Track : 3 Title : The Flame (Solar City Club Mix) Artist : Erin Hamilton Purchase : Masterbeat

Track : 4 Title : My Heart Will Go On (Tony Moran Anthem Mix) Artist : Celine Dion Purchase : No Longer Available

Track : 5 Title : Your Disco Needs You (Almighty Mix) Artist : Kylie Minogue Purchase : Amazon

Track : 6 Title : New York City Boy (The Almighty Definitive Mix) Artist : Pet Shop Boys Purchase : Masterbeat

Track : 7 Title : How Do I Live (Almighty Definitive Mix) Artist : Leann Rimes Purchase :

Track : 8 Title : I Never Knew (HQ2 Club Mix) Artist : Gloria Gaynor Purchase : No longer Available

Track : 9 Title : Forever Young (DJ Bill Bennett & Pete Masitti’s Decadance Club Mix) Artist : DJ Bill Bennett feat. Abigail Purchase : Masterbeat

Track : 10 Title : Total Eclipse Of The Heart (Almighty Mix) Artist : Nicki French Purchase : No Longer Available

Track : 11 Title : I Feel Love (Almighty 2005 Mix) Artist : Donna Summer Purchase : Almighty Records

Track : 12 Title : It’s Raining Men (Almighty Definitive Mix) Artist : Geri Halliwell Purchase : No Longer Available

Track : 13 Title : I Am What I Am (Mary Brazzle Mix) Artist : Hannah Jones Purchase : Almighty Records

Track : 14 Title : Stormy Weather (Extended Disco Mix) Artist : Viola Wills Purchase : No Longer Available

Track : 15 Title : Perfect Moment (Almighty Extended Mix) Artist : Mary Griffin Purchase : Masterbeat

Track : 16 Title : Believe (Almighty Definitive Mix) Artist : Cher Purchase : Masterbeat

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PODCAST CAN BE ACCESSED BY CLICKING ON THE “GAY ANTHEMS 2009″ TAB IN THE TOP LEFT CORNER OF THIS SITE.

My father and I have a Sunday ritual calling each other to catch up on the previous weeks’ personal and political events.  Often times, these friendly discussions get heated as he role’s off the talking points from the GOP like they had been implanted in his brain.  He is my best friend and someone who I admire and deeply respect; a man that I’ve tried to emulate most of my life, but could never quite match the awesomeness of him.  We not only resemble each other, but sound alike as well.  No one would ever doubt that I am his son.  However, when it comes down to philosophies, that’s pretty much where the resemblance ends. 

Both he and my mother are devout Catholics and their faith became more intricately intertwined with the church after my brother’s death in 1986; meanwhile, I was going the opposite direction.  Despite that, he has always been steadfast in his beliefs about me and my brother.  That is, he believes we were born gay and did not purposely choose a life of “difficulty.”  He has also said on more than one occasion, that if he had his choice, we would have not been born gay.  His reasoning is that our lives would have been so much easier due to the lack of acceptance by mainstream society.  Perhaps he is right, though I don’t necessarily think I would change anything other than my chin (a Whitworth family trait), I like who I am.

Several months ago, in one of our conversations, he asked how my partner and I were holding up.  (Sidenote: Rick had been hospitalized after one of his doctors prescribed medications that were contradictory to his high blood pressure medicine, sending him to the emergency room, where he was subsequently hospitalized for a week due to kidney failure.  He has since been on dialysis and should be off by the end of the year.  I had surgery less than a month later with complications afterwards that lasted a month and a half and am now in therapy to see if I’ll be able to walk like the rest of you good folks).  He then when on to ask about our relationship and if we were “there” for each other.  At this point, I was becoming uneasy with his questions, but assured him that that was the case.  Then he went on to ask if we really “loved” and “cared” for each other.  “You know son, your mother and I have been married for 48 years and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make it work.”  I was blown away by that question and approached my answer using humor, the only way I know how to respond when I’m in an uncomfortable situation.  Rick and I have been together since 2001 and now live like an old married couple.  We often know what the other is thinking.  We often finish each other’s sentences.  Heck, I can even tell when he’s being less than truthful and when one of us needs a good tongue lashing, neither of us are afraid to tell each other like it is.  It’s taken 23 years for my father and I to have this conversation.  Naturally, I was nervous when I heard these questions come out of his mouth.  Answering with humor was the only way I could squelch my own discomfort.  My response gave him a good chuckle and we were finally able to move on.

I guess my point is, that even though he’s not going to throw his beliefs out the window anytime soon, I do believe that it’s possible to slowly win hearts and minds over the “marriage equality” and “equal rights” debate currently at the forefront of the American conscience.  No doubt he’s read about it and is continually barraged with antigay sentiment in many of his news programs.  In particular, O’Reilly always likes to show gay pride parades in San Francisco and uses that to frame all homosexuals as one giant cliché.  Fortunately, one of my fathers best friends’ son has been in a long term relationship with another man and lives in Austin (TX).  Several years ago, he and his partner adopted a Korean boy.  Both are professionals and at one point decided they needed some vacation time alone.  They called on grandpa (my father’s friend) to take care of his grandson while they were away, which he proudly did.  This is yet another excellent example of our lives that my father has been exposed to and has helped frame his awareness on LGBT issues.  Acceptance begins at home and I have been fortunate to have parents that have accepted my partner, invited him into their home for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas and treated him like family.  Sadly, that’s not always the case with others in our community.

There are many in the LGBT community who believe we should try to win the hearts and minds of the public, in order for us to gain full equality in society.  While the examples above prove that it is possible, at the end of the day, that’s just not realistic.  Why should we be putting our lives up for a vote, only to have it knocked back by the haters, who have been galvanized by their own bigotry or worse yet, the Catholic and Mormon church?  If that’s the case, I’ll be long dead and cremated before that ever happens.  Yes, we should be trying to win victories by running for office at the local and national level.  Yes, we should be urging our legislatures at the state and national level to support legislation that equalizes us.  When this gets lost on them or they fail to keep the promises that they made to us, then I believe it is not only our right, but our to duty protest, even if it means closing our purses and withholding donations to their reelection campaigns.  When protest is no longer viable, I have no problem moving the argument to civil disobedience. 

With no credible evidence to support their claims, the Teabaggers constantly site the Constitution and how Obama is trampling all over it.  Yet, when we point out that we are constitutionally being denied our equal rights under the 14th amendment, it tends to fall on deaf ears, while religion and scripture are used to validate this blatant discrimination.  I have long since left the Catholic church and have nothing but disdain for the very hypocrisy that is spewed from their coffers, even as far up as the Pope.  Not having a very good record on morality themselves, who the hell are they or anyone else to dictate how we should live our lives?  Brainwashed and indoctrinated into this cult since birth, I often find it difficult to reconcile my belief in something much greater than myself and that of fictional characters from a book of fables written by and for humans.  This is something I struggle with on a daily basis.  Nevertheless, I have no problem calling the church out for its proclivities.  Make no mistake, this isn’t a struggle, this is a fight and one that we will ultimately win.  Why?  Because righteousness always triumphs over evil.

I realize that many of us are content with our lives and have never experienced discrimination based on their sexuality.  You can thank those that have come before us for that.  However, many of our brothers and sisters are victims; a word I don’t use lightly, as I don’t believe in the rampant use of victimology.  Whether it be in employment, housing, estate, insurance or simply trying to be with the one you love and have questions answered when they’ve been taken to the emergency room, it is entirely possible that at some point in your life, you will be discriminated against and in the worst way.  In my own recent experience with Rick, I was very fortunate to have doctors and nurses treat me with respect and provide me with information as to Rick’s condition.  Then again, once stabilized in the emergency room, Rick informed them I was his partner and to deny me answers to my questions, muchless prevent me from visiting him, could set off a public display they may not be prepared to deal with LOL.  Sadly, that wasn’t the case for Janice Langbehn when she was recently kept apart from her partner, who slipped into a coma and subsequently died in a Miami hospital.  While this is only one example of injustice against us, there are a slew of instances you may have not even considered yet.  In reality you will be confronted with the issue of discrimination one day.  Is that really the best time to be asking for help or would you rather have a legal framework in place for you to use against those that would harm you?

We all have busy lives, I get it.  Whether your supporting organizations like Equality Across America with your donations or giving up your time to get involved at the local level, everything helps.  If you’re blindly moving through life and hoping others will take care of these problems for you, shame on you.  No one is asking the world of you.  Read up, get interested and get involved, anyway you can.  Then and only then will you have a better understanding of what’s at stake for us and future generations.  Don’t allow hatred, bigotry and discrimination rule the day.

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I just want to remind everyone that these mixes are for your enjoyment, but more importantly have been created to benefit the good work of Equality Across America.  A $10 donation per mix is required for you to gain access and download each set.  Your generous donations will go towards our efforts to gain full equality for the LGBT community in the United States.  Thank you for your consideration.

*original artwork by Matt Hertel

Album : Party Favorz 2009: Gay Anthems v3 Disc : 3/4 Tags : Club Classics Promotional Podcast Gay  Year : 2009 Total Time : 1:23:18:00

Track : 1 Title : Seasons Of Love (Gomi’s Lair Club Mix) Artist : Rent Purchase : Masterbeat

I’m probably the only person on the planet that never saw the original Broadway play of “Rent.”  The closest I came was to seeing the theatrical version, which was a big disappointment.  Maybe because the play dealt with the AIDS issue at a time when everything seemed hopeless and the movie version came out so long after it had its run on Broadway that it seemed to lose its relevance.  Regardless, I absolutely adore the original version of this song, as well as  the Gomi remix.  Historic in nature, this song belongs in the annals of gay anthems.  

Track : 2 Title : No Frills Love (Moran’s Mixshow) Artist : Jennifer Holliday Purchase : No Longer Available

What can I say?  Jennifer is my girl.  Okay, one of many who deliver the goods with every performance.  Ten years after dominating the club charts, Tony Moran breathed new life into it with his own remixes in 1996.  Once again, the song topped the charts moving every gay body into a frenzy on the dancefloor.  Both versions are outstanding, though Tony’s was the only one that I could mix out of “Seasons of Love.”

Track : 3 Title : Goodbye (7th Heaven Mirrorball Mix) Artist : Hi On Life feat. Joniece Purchase : Beatport

“Goodbye” falls into the category of “empowerment.”  You know the story, get your ass out the door bitch, I don’t ever wanna see your sorry cheating ass again.  Been there, done that, which is what makes this song an excellent choice.

Track : 4 Title : Where Is My Man 2007 (Club Classic Remix) Artist : Eartha Kitt Purchase : Promo

Upon the death of one of the gay communities oldest and biggest icons, it was only fitting the a series of remixes come out to  honor our beloved Cat Woman.  Based on Eartha’s 1984 #7 hit, 7th Heaven went back and polished it up and had the Gucci boys loving it all over again.  Grrrr…

Track : 5 Title : Love Sensation (7th Heaven Back To 54 Mix) Artist : Loleatta Holloway Purchase : No Longer Available

I’m guessing Gold Mine Records (subsidiary to Salsoul Records) was hard up for money as the acapellas to Loleatta’s back catalogue have been up for sale.  As a result, there’s been a slew of new mixes that have been coming out since last year.  Most of them are pretty much shit.  Though, Midnight Express has tackled this song with sincerity and excellence.  Expect to hear it on my upcoming BPM and T-Dance editions by the end of the year.  For now, I passed up on the excellent 2006 Freemasons remix of the song in favor of this ultra rare 7th Heaven remake.

Track : 6 Title : Peace (In The Valley) (Soulshaker Club Mix) Artist : Sabrina Johnston Purchase : No Longer Available

I didn’t realize just how many fabulous songs Sabrina has been associated with over the years, muchless how many I used in these four sets.  While the fabulous Michelle Weeks also covered this old gospel hymn this year, it was Sabrina’s version that had me moving and shaking.

Track : 7 Title : Just Another Sleepless Night (Soulshaker Club Mix) Artist : Shawn Christopher Purchase : Beatport

Originally remixed by David Morales, Shawn’s #1 club classic 1991 received some serious updating this year making it as fabulously relevant as ever. 

Track : 8 Title : Where Love Lives (Club Mix) Artist : Buzz Junkies feat. Alison Limerick Purchase : Beatport

Over the years, there have been numerous updates and sampling from the famous piano riff of this 1991 #3 classic track.  None have even come close until the Buzz Junkies got their hands on it.  “Come on down to where love lives” once again and feel the magic.

Track : 9 Title : Keep Your Body Working  (Bassmonkeys Club Mix) Artist : Tony Moran feat. Martha Wash Purchase : Perfect Beat

One half of Sylvester’s backup singers “Two Tons O’ Fun” and later the “Weather Girls” (It’s Raining Men), Martha was not only the big voice behind hits like “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” and “Everybody Everybody” by Black Box, but she’s has numerous #1 club hits under her belt as well.  Yet once again, Martha delivered the goods on this 2007 #1 monster produced by Tony Moran.  Far from hanging her hat up, “the queen of clubland” has been back in the studio working on new material.  Girl just keeps her body working making us sweat everytime we here that big ole voice on the dancefloor.  Love me some Martha.

Track : 10 Title : The Boss (Love to Infinity Love In The Club Mix) Artist : Kristine W Purchase : Masterbeat

It’s always difficult when an artist tackles such an iconic song by one of pop music’s legendary divas.  That is, unless your Kristine W.  Released in January 2008 and part of her recently released “The Power of Music” album, this Diana Ross remake went on to huge success, lighting up dancefloors around the globe.  While there is a fantastic Almighty remix of Diana’s original version (who is already well represented here), I thought it pertinent to include Kristine’s masterful rendition instead. 

Track : 11 Title : So Many Men, So Little Time (Almighty 12′’ Definitive Mix) Artist : Miquel Brown Purchase : Almighty Records

Miquel Brown’s 1983 ode to the male species is one of several 80s club classics that Almighty has tackled with pure brilliance.  Though this is the only one I’ve included, expect more on part II of this series in the spring of 2010. 

Track : 12 Title : Band Of Gold (Almighty 12′'’ Anthem Club Mix) Artist : Kimberley Locke Purchase : Almighty Records

Former second season American Idol star, Kimberley Locke may have only finished 3rd in the competition, but we have not only embraced her with our little pink hearts, but helped deliver three #1 club hits, including “Band of Gold” a remake of the early 70s Freda Payne pop classic. 

Track : 13 Title : Stand Up (The Funkness Extended Mix) Artist : Nowak feat. D’Layna Purchase : Beatport

One of my favorite songs from 2007 about empowerment and standing up to injustice makes the list.  Not just because of D’Layna’s amazing vocal performance and the empowering lyrics, but because of the kick-ass sample of A Taste of Honey’s 1978 disco classic “Boogie Oogie Oogie” used to propel the song. 

Track : 14 Title : Bitch Is Back (Main Vocal Mix) Artist : Warren Clarke pres. Jonni Black vs. Shena Purchase : Beatport

With so many Shena songs to choose from, I opted for this sing-a-long personal favorite.  Shena is one of three current dance divas that I totally adore and wait with anticipation for each new release.  The other two being Katherine Ellis and Amanda Wilson.  One listen and you’ll be singing and dancing along as well.

Track : 15 Title : Hideaway (7th Heaven Club Mix) Artist : De’Lacy Purchase : No Longer Available

Once again, 7th Heaven deliver the goods on this update of the 1995 dance classic.  De’Lacy was hot earlier this year with “Bodyswerve” and I’m looking forward to more of her work in 2010.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PODCAST CAN BE ACCESSED BY CLICKING ON THE “GAY ANTHEMS 2009″ TAB IN THE TOP LEFT CORNER OF THIS SITE.

Recently, I was criticized for using a title to my blog that has long been associated with drug use.  What these individuals do not know is the story behind “Party Favorz” which was coined by friends upon my arrival at afterhours parties in South Texas where I grew up.  Since I was a kid, I was always the one looked to, to provide the entertainment at parties.  My love for all music continued into my adult life with a preference for house music, disco and all other forms of dance music.  When I would show up at these afterhours parties, I was always asked if I brought any “party favors” with me.  That reference was to cool dance music that would be played in the background at these late night gatherings.  The name stuck and that’s what I have been calling my mixes since 1999.  To lesson the confusion, I even have a ‘description’ about this site on the left hand column that always seems to get lost on the haters or at the very least ignored:

Party Favorz is a series of mainstream/circuit club mixes that I started making for friends in 1999. Over the years, the mixes evolved into my own special blend of electro-pop and happy house. In 2007, at the urging of friends, I decided to take everything online and the Party Favorz blog was born. Whether you’re gay, straight, black, white, pink or purple, Party Favorz knows no boundaries and everyone IS welcome here. Comments and suggestions are always appreciated; in fact they are encouraged. Regardless of the play on words, Party Favorz does not promote nor endorse the use of drugs. Frankly, house music is the only drug your body needs to have a good time. Live, Work, Play and Dance…just do it responsibly. Now on to the music!

Additionally, my followers have also been criticized for being uneducated “party boys” who lived for the circuit and drug use.  That could be further from the truth.  While I don’t personally know everyone that follows this site, many of them are professionals from doctors, nurses, lawyers, graphic designers, trainers and educators.  To make a generalized statement about people who like to go out on weekends, dance, unwind and just have fun is a misnomer.  They are everyday people from all walks of life who are able to balance their professional lives with their private lives.  Whatever happens after the leopard spots from the disco ball fades, is no one’s business but theirs.  For all the haters, I suggest you worry about cleaning your own backyard before worrying about your neighbors. 

-Dedicated to a couple of asswipes from San Francisco

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As we move through this series, you might notice a large amount of these songs have been re-worked by a production group called “Almighty” a record label out of the UK, which consists of DJ Andy Almighty, who is also a part of the production teams “7th Heaven” and “Club Junkies.”  He also works closely with some of the dance industry’s biggest talents like  “Soulshaker” and “Bassmonkeys” and a slew of other big name producers like “Cahill” “Stonebridge” “Soul Seekerz” “Jason Nevins” “Moto Blanco” and “Wideboys“; many of whose works are prominently featured throughout these four sets.  DJ Andy Almighty’s bio on his MySpace Page states that he is a “DJ/club promoter, producer/remixer, dance music industry guru and gay scene legend!”  I would take it a step further and suggest he is a gay icon, right up there with Madonna. 

2009 marks the 20th anniversary for Almighty Records, a feet that’s practically unheard of in the dance music industry.  They are celebrating this marked occasion with their “Essentials” collection which debuts one new release each month.  The gay community is blessed for the great efforts of DJ Andy Almighty and his organization for breathing life into these timeless classics and opening them up to an entirely new generation of clubgoers.  For that, we are most humbled and entirely in your indebtedness for making our lives that much richer.  We thank you from the bottom of our little queer hearts.

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I just want to remind everyone that these mixes are for your enjoyment, but more importantly have been created to benefit the good work of Equality Across America.  A $10 donation per mix is required for you to gain access and download each set.  Your generous donations will go towards our efforts to gain full equality for the LGBT community in the United States.  Thank you for your consideration.

*original artwork by Matt Hertel

Album : Party Favorz 2009: Gay Anthems v2 Disc : 2/4 Tags : Club Classics Promotional Podcast Gay  Year : 2009 Total Time : 1:31:38:00

Track : 1 Title : It’s A Sin (Almighty Mix) Artist : Pet Shop Boys Purchase : No Longer Available

It was once said that if you did not own a copy of Madonna’s “Immaculate Collection” Erasure’s “POP! 20 Hits” and Pet Shop Boys “Discography: The Complete Singles Collection” you should have your platinum gay card revoked.  While the statement was intended to be tongue in cheek, the truth is, I like many of my friends have all of these CDs.  Maybe there was some truth in there.

Track : 2 Title : Why (Almighty 12′’ Essential Mix) Artist : Jimmy Somerville Purchase : Almighty Records

In 1985, when my brother returned from a year long stint in Europe, he had brought back several albums including the 12” of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s “Relax” the Eurythmics’ “Touch” (well before its U.S. release) and Bronski Beat’s “Age of Consent.”  Listening to Bronski Beat for the first time, I was completely taken away by the obviousness of the lyrics from “Smalltown Boy” and “Why.”  I knew this album was speaking to me.  It was then that I realized that my brother and I had the same, uh…sexual preferences; that and the Blue Boy magazines he had hidden in his closet, which I found rather entertaining.

Track : 3 Title : Losing My Mind (Almighty Mix) Artist : Liza Minnelli Purchase : Almighty Records

In 1989, The collaboration between the Pet Shop Boys and Liza on her now classic album “Results” was every queens dream.  From camp to cabaret, it has all the drama a girl could ever endure and then some.

Track : 4 Title : Most Precious Love 2006 (Freemasons ‘’Proper'’ Club Mix) Artist : Blaze pres. Barbara Tucker Purchase : Traxsource

To me, Barbara Tucker is the ultimate diva.  In fact, she was my very first inductee into the “Diva Hall of Fame” back in 2008.  With hits like “Beautiful People” “I Get Lifted” “Stop Playing with My Mind” and more recently “Love Vibrations” she has this every present coolness factor that I can never shake off.  Originally released in 2005, “Most Precious Love” didn’t really take off until the following year when the Freemasons were enlisted and gave it a “proper” mix.  From there, the song became history.

Track : 5 Title : What Hope Have I (7th Heaven Mirrorball Mix) Artist : Sphinx feat. Sabrina Johnston Purchase : Amazon

The minute I heard the 7th Heaven remix of this #1 classic gay anthem from 1995, I was immediately immersed in the the powerful vocals and the powerful lyrics.  Sabrina, who has been all over the place lately, takes the self-loathing lyrics and provides serious emotional value.  Written from the point of view of someone born into disadvantage, the song never provides a solution.  Perhaps there should be a part 2 where our protagonist is settled and happy.

Track : 6 Title : Bad Habit (ATFC Club Mix) Artist : Onephatdeeva Purchase : Beatport

The newer 2009 remixes of this song didn’t quite do this empowered angry queen classic any justice.  Sticking with the original, it’s as fresh as the day it came out in 2000. 

Track : 7 Title : Catch You Baby (7th Heaven Mix) Artist : Lonnie Gordon Purchase : 7digital

This update of this 1991 dance/pop song by 7th Heaven breathes new life into it making a classic all over again.  Lonnie still performs regularly in the UK and is expected to have some new material in 2010.    

Track : 8 Title : You Make Me Feel Good (Club Junkies Mix) Artist : Pat Hodges Purchase : No Longer Available

It’s hard to pin down the gospel singer from Michigan, who provided us with this massive tune and “Love Revolution.”  When I first heard this re-work last year, I found myself bouncing all over the place, mouthing off to the words “you make me feel like I wanna spell everything.”  Miss Hodges, you need to come out of hiding because we need more anthems like this.

Track : 9 Title : Outside (Hex Hector 12′’ Mix) Artist : George Michael Purchase : No Longer Available

George’s 1998/99 classic came about as a result of his arrest for engaging in a lewd act.  Many of us have been there before, cruising in a public restroom, park, botanical gardens, truck stop, etc.  Though I plea the fifth, it was George’s official coming out that made even more news.  No doubt, many a young woman’s heart was broken upon hearing their 80s heartthrob was gay.  Then again, us boys were saying, “and that’s news?”

Track : 10 Title : Free Gay & Happy  (Extended Vocal Mix) Artist : Verde feat. Justine Purchase : No longer Available

“Free Gay & Happy” was originally released in 1994/95 by the Coming Out Crew featuring the fabulous vocals of Sabrina Johns(t)on.  Though there was some confusion due to the dropped “t” in her name, it is the one and only Miss Johnston who provides the original vocals.  The song itself is a testimony to gay liberation and rightfully earns its spot in the greatest gay anthems of all time.  Though updated by Almighty featuring the vocals of their very own Disco Divas, I opted to go with the version by Verde which is featured on last year’s Fierce Angel compilation and my own Pride Edition 2008 volume 4 .

Track : 11 Title : Flawless (Phunk Investigation Club) Artist : The Ones Purchase : Beatport

Officially released in 2001, “Flawless” by The Ones is said to be inspired by the 1999 film starring Robert De Niro and Phillip Seymour Hoffman of the same name.  Already a worldwide smash prior to its release, the song comprised of a single relentless hook was later remade by George Michael with added lyrics.  No matter how you slice it or dice, this song is a crowd pleaser, even to this day. 

Track : 12 Title : I’m Coming Out (Almighty Anthem Mix) Artist : Diana Ross Purchase : Almighty Records

Almighty reworking the all-time greatest gay pride anthem…what else is there to say?

Track : 13 Title : No Strings (Let’s Have Sex) (Moto Blanco Vocal Mix) Artist : Lola Purchase : Perfect Beat

The Moto Blanco mix is part of a 2006 promotional remix CDR by Sony that was released providing even more oomph to this #1 club anthem about sexual freedom from 2005. Oddly, we haven’t heard anything from this French beauty since then.

Track : 14 Title : Be Without You (Moto Blanco Vocal Mix) Artist : Mary J. Blige Purchase : Amazon

Hands in the air for this massive comeback for Miss Blige from 2006.  Though she initially wasn’t a fan of the dance remixes of her songs, after the Thunderpuss twist of “No More Drama” this only further solidified her base within the gay community. 

Track : 15 Title : A Higher Place (7th Heaven Remix) Artist : Peyton Purchase : XpressBeats

For the longest time, I thought Peyton was a black man.  It turns out he’s a white guy from North Carolina who was raised in the Pentecostal church.  It wasn’t until he moved to the UK (where he currently resides) and was fortunate to have this gospel tinged song released on Hed Kandi.  Though he’s more popular in Europe than in the states, one listen to “A Higher Place” and you to will be singing the praises of the Lord.  In case you’re wondering, yes he’s gay.

Track : 16 Title : Proud (Josh Harris Pride Extended Remix) Artist : Heather Small Purchase : Amazon

This is an amazing 2006 rework of Heather’s original from several years earlier, which was prominently featured on the “Queer as Folk” soundtrack and Showtime series.  This is a brilliantly sung song by the ex M People vocalist, which still moves me to tears and that’s not easily done.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PODCAST CAN BE ACCESSED BY CLICKING ON THE “GAY ANTHEMS 2009″ TAB IN THE TOP LEFT CORNER OF THIS SITE.

Exactly what constitutes a “gay anthem?”  According to Wikipedia, “A gay anthem or LGBT anthem is a song that has become widely popular among, or has become identified with, the LGBT community; usually with gay men. The lyrics of gay anthems are often marked with hope against the odds, pride, unity, or defiance.”  The book Queer even takes it further by breaking it down into categories”:

Looking over the list, I can honestly say “gotcha covered.”  I have taken some liberty by extending the definition to include specific songs that hit a nerve with the gay dance community despite the lack of a big diva voice, despair, empowerment or defiance in its overall theme.  In fact, a gay anthem could just be some HUGE song that we all know the words to and the minute the first notes ring out of the speakers in the club, the floor is immediately packed and our hands are raised in the air while we lose ourselves in it’s sugar-coated, meaningless lyrics and repetitive beats. 

Another area that I thought was important to cover in this list are songs that were never intended to be any type of anthem.  Instead, these would be pop songs that we all know and love and have been performed by many a drag queen over the years.  Fortunately, the fabulous boys over at Almighty Records understand our affiliation and importance of these songs and have even taken some of them and remixed them into high energy powerhouse monsters for the floor.  Now folks, it just don’t get any better than that.

Probably one of the most important aspects of a good gay anthem is that of empowerment.  One that says “we’re mad as hell and not going to take this shit no more.”  One that asks you to “rise up” or “stand up for what you believe.”  One that says “keep up the good fight” or ‘we shall overcome.”   Yes, there definitely is a theme within this context and there’s plenty of that and more over the four sets I have compiled.  Probably the best thing about gay anthems is that you can move your body and shake your ass to a message that melds with the beats.  From the divas to the messages to the hypnotic memorable hook, gay anthems are what keeps us moving, immersed and most importantly they’re what unifies us. 

With that said, ladies and queers may I introduce “Gay Anthems 2009” volume 1.  Enjoy!

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I just want to remind everyone that these mixes are for your enjoyment, but more importantly have been created to benefit the good work of Equality Across America.  A $10 donation per mix is required for you to gain access and download each set.  Your generous donations will go towards our efforts to gain full equality for the LGBT community in the United States.  Thank you for your consideration.

*original artwork by Matt Hertel

Album : Party Favorz 2009: Gay Anthems v1 Disc : 1/4 Tags : Club Classics Promotional Podcast Gay  Year : 2009 Total Time : 1:33:33:00

Track : 1 Title : Everybody’s Free (7th Heaven Mix) Artist : Kortezman feat. Rozalla Purchase : Juno Download

Amazing 2006 remake of the early 90s classic featuring the original vocals of Rozalla. 

Track : 2 Title : Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent (Soulshaker Remix) Artist : 7th Heaven feat. Katherine Ellis Purchase : Track It Down

Gwen Guthrie’s 1986 #1 club hit get’s worked over by 7th Heaven with one of my current favorites Miss Katherine Ellis (Bimbo Jones) doing the vocal workover. 

Track : 3 Title : And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going (Almighty Anthem Mix) Artist : Jennifer Holliday Purchase : Almighty Records

No introductions required here.  The Dreamgirls star became a sensation in the early 80s with her rendition of this song from the Broadway play.  It wasn’t until 2001 that the dance mixes from Rosabel and Junior Vasquez took the song to #6 on Billboards Hot Dance Music/Club Play Chart.  The vocals were re-recorded for this Almighty version giving it an entirely new feel for generations of queers to come. An essential in any gay card carrying member’s music collection.

Track : 4 Title : Love Hangover (Almighty Anthem 12′’ Mix) Artist : Diana Ross Purchase : Almighty Records

In 1976, Diana’s initial foray into disco took her straight to the top of the pop and disco charts.  Featured prominently in the movie “Looking For Mr. Goodbar” this song along with it’s companion by Thelma Houston (see #12 below) are considered among disco’s biggest hits.

Track : 5 Title : Chase (Josh Harris Club Mix) Artist : Maiysha Purchase : Perfect Beat

Critically acclaimed and Grammy Award nominee, R&B newcomer Maiysha struck a homerun with the second release from her album “This Much Is True.”  What is true, she’s an amazing vocalist and someone to watch out for in the coming years.  If you haven’t heard the Josh Harris production of this song, you’re in for a real treat.

Track : 6 Title : Free (Full Intention Vocal Mix) Artist : Ultra Nate Purchase : Beatport

Ultra Nate has been a longstanding favorite of the gay community.  “Free” the #1 club song from 1997 was the gay pride anthem of the year.  Expect an updated Freemason’s version sometime in 2010, which should be fabulous!

Track : 7 Title : Love On My Mind (Back To Philly Mix) Artist : Freemasons feat. Amanda Wilson Purchase : DJ Download

Heavily sampling the 1979 classic disco track “This Time Baby” by Jackie Moore, this former #1 from 2007 just got a makeover on the Freemason’s recently released “Shakedown 2” album.  With amazingly dead-on vocals by Amanda Wilson, anticipations are running high that we might be served with a full version sometime in 2010. 

Track : 8 Title : You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) (Don Carlos Club Mix) Artist : Byron Stingly Purchase : Masterbeat

Byron updated this 1978 disco classic with vocals the eerily recall the late, great Sylvester.  His 1998 #1 club hit deserves accolades for an amazing rendition with snippets of of other Sylvester hits like “Do You Wanna Funk.”

Track : 9 Title : Young Hearts Run Free (Almighty Mix) Artist : Hannah Jones Purchase : Almighty Records

To this date, I don’t believe that anyone’s has licensed the original vocals by Candi Staton’s 1976 disco classic.  The good news is that she’s taken her gospel work and is finally getting back into the club scene.  Regardless, Hannah Jones (You Only Have To Say You Love Me, No One Can Love You More Than Me) does a fantastic re-work of this song. 

Track : 10 Title : Faith (7th Heaven Remix) Artist : Bliss Inc. feat. Carlotta Chadwick Purchase : Track It Down

Originally released in 1998, this uplifting gospel track got some well-deserved 2007 remixes.  7th Heaven took the honors and delivered a heaping slice of disco heaven with a positive message. 

Track : 11 Title : Enjoy Yourself (7th Heaven Remix) Artist : Viola Wills Purchase : Masterbeat

With 80s disco classics like “Gonna Get Along Without You” “If You Could Read My Mind” (yes, she did it first) and “Stormy Weather” the queen of 80s NRG was poised to make a comeback after she signed to Harlequin Records.  Doing her legacy proud, “Enjoy Yourself” is a romping disco treat that will go down in the annals of all-time gay anthems.  Sadly, Viola passed away earlier this year.  RIP Viola, you will be missed.

Track : 12 Title : Don’t Leave Me This Way (Almighty Mix) Artist : Thelma Houston Purchase : Almighty Records

Thelma Houston’s “Don’t Leave Me This Way” is considered to be one of disco’s all-time greatest.  The Almighty treatment brings it to a whole new generation of club goers making it a must have in any gay anthem compilation.

Track : 13 Title : Chains Of Love (Almighty Essential Mix) Artist : Erasure Purchase : Almighty Records

OMG, OMG, OMG!!!  Erasure and Almighty make a fabulous paring.  Also be on the lookout for “A Little Respect” and “Oh L’amour” in the Almighty archives.  Grab them before they’re gone!

Track : 14 Title : I’ve Never Been To Me (Sophisticatz Funky Remix) Artist : Eye Witness feat. Charlene Purchase : Juno Download

Originally released in the late 70s not once, but twice and failing to make a dent on the charts, Motown re-released it again in 1982 where it became a worldwide smash landing the #2 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100.  Featured in the 1994 gay film classic “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” this song has been played out by every drag queen from around the world.  This unlikely remix from 2008 features Charlene (Oliver) reprising her biggest hit and taking it to the floor.  What a fabulous delight!

Track : 15 Title : Sing (Almighty 12′’ Anthem Mix) Artist : Wynonna Purchase : Masterbeat

Taking a page out of the Leann Rimes handbook, Wynonna (Judd) authorized remixes for her latest single earlier this year.  Party Favorz is glad she did, because “Sing” is an emotional and uplifting song falling under the empowerment category.  

After much delay, Gay Anthems 2009 is finally making its debut.  Over two months in the making, this four mix set originally intended for release in honor of the recent “National Equality March” in Washington will finally have a staggered release beginning November 10th.  Disappointed by the current crop of organizations that have been lackluster in securing full LGBT equality and given my limited resources,  I wanted to do something to support the efforts of “Equality Across America” a grassroots organization that was born out of the march.  I could think of no better way than to do what it is I do best. 

Gay Anthems 2009 spawns four decades of activism and anthems.  There is something here for everyone.  More importantly, the majority of the songs contained in these four sets have been updated for today’s dancefloors.  From Diana Ross to Kristine W, it’s all here.  Well, almost all here.  Never fear, if this goes over as well as I hope, I plan on doing a second part to this series in the spring of 2010.

There are a total of four mixes; simply donating $10 per set will allow you to download the mix, create an mp3 CD for playback at home or in your car, transfer it to your iPod so you can use it for your workouts or even have a ‘happy house’ party.  To ensure full transparency (a word carelessly bandied around these days) I will be donating 80% of the proceeds to “Equality Across America” 5% to my host provider Podbean and PayPal with the remaining 15% going towards my own personal costs in compiling this release.  I also plan on listing the first initial and last names of donors at the end of each month and the amount to be donated to EAA.  For those that wish not to be identified, just request to remain anonymous in the comment section of your donation. 

I can honestly say that I have spent more time on these four mixes than anything I have ever done.  For those that don’t follow my blog, anyone that does can tell you that my mixes are of the highest caliber.  From song selection, editing, mixing to the final mastering for superior sound quality, I don’t spare anything in my work. For the slightly technically inclined, I even provide a cue sheet to split the tracks up for easier access that doesn’t leave a gap in-between songs.  Also, each mix is embedded with the original artwork, which will show up in any mp3 player with a video screen and track lists so you know what you’re listening to.  For those of you that want to own the individual songs, I also provide purchase links for those songs that are still currently available for legal download within each post. 

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When my brother died of AIDS in 1986 and my parents were turned down by no less than four funeral homes for embalming and burial (the owners of one of these were even good friends of the family), it was then that I became aware of the discrimination against not only the disease, but our community as well.  To ad insult to injury, an ex-girlfriend of mine sent an editorial from the Texas A&M University newspaper, where my brother was about to graduate, which addressed the death of a current student from AIDS while cowardly avoiding his name and demanding the university do a better job of preventing “people like him” from attending for fear of spreading disease.  Burning with anger, these incidences made it that much more difficult for me to come out of the closet and live my life as an openly gay man.  For the longest time, I blamed him for all my problems.  I now know, I was wrong.

Over the years, like many of us, I became complacent as long as no one was stepping on my toes.  With the free flow of information in blogs and YouTube these days, my eyes have been opened wide to the hate, bigotry and discrimination that takes place almost on a daily basis from as high up as our own government.  I will no longer sit idly by while our rights under the Constitution of this great country are continually trampled upon.  With a plethora of allies in the Congress and in the White House, it’s up to us to put the pressure on our representatives to ensure they hold up their promises.  I no longer believe that winning hearts and minds is the best way for us to obtain our indelible rights.  As California and Maine have proven, relying on the voting public to make decisions about our lives is at the very least foolhardy and at best, just plain stupid.  While I am not endorsing civil disobedience, at some point it may be time to take a few pages out of the ACT UP handbook.  For now, I am willing to be led by those that so fervently give us their time and leadership in an effort to achieve our goals.  Those leaders would be Equality Across America.

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Finally, I want to dedicate these mixes to my brother Bruce.  I’m sorry that we couldn’t become closer as your experiences and knowledge would have been invaluable to me in my own personal journey.  I did manage to sneak a few of your favorites into these mixes, I hope you approve.  By the way, do you remember that chick named Madonna who you said was “all style and no substance?”  Well, she went on to become one of the biggest entertainers in history and, get this, a gay icon.  For the record, Madonna isn’t fat!  I miss you brother.

Please help to support this worthwhile cause.  Even if you are currently complacent much like I was for so long, at some point in your life you are likely to brush up against discrimination and wish you had helped to make a better life for yourself, your spouse and/or your children.  We need your help. 

Just remember, the ultimate goal here is to win full equality in every aspect of our lives.  After all, we just want to be FREE, GAY and HAPPY! –K

Volume 2 teeters on the mainstream cusp, while retaining it’s underground authenticity.  It’s possible a couple of these songs might fit nicely in my upcoming Holiday Edition, but I’m hopeful that there will be so much new stuff that won’t be necessary.  To be certain, there are lots of fantastic vocals in this set with a couple of amazing remakes.  In that category we have an updated version of “Any Love” by Izzy Stardust and Sherell McKenzie.  For those of you following this blog regularly, the original was from earlier this year by the DJ Meme Orchestra and featured on my T-Dance Edition v2.  This go around, Izzy and Sherell take it deeper and darker from the disco laden version of DJ Meme.  The fact that it works so well is a testament to how solid the song is. 

The other remake in this set should be familiar to almost all house music enthusiast.  “Touch Me” by  Kid Massive and Elliotte Williams N’Dure takes the Rui Da Silva classic down a darker path.  All the elements are here making this a surefire winner.  It did take a while to grow on me, only because I couldn’t get Cassandra’s vocals out of my head while listening to this version.  After a couple of spins, I’m all about this take.

Song for song, this second set really stacks up nicely.  I picture this new series to take on a variety of house flavors going forward.  Beatportal recently had a fantastic article called “2009: The Year of Disco” which talks about the resurgence of disco in these desperate times, which is required reading for any serious house music lover.  The only thing they left out was some of the nudisco artists that I tend to favor.  No matter, I’ll hunt them all down and no doubt will come across some other goodies along the way so I can use in a future Leftovers set.  You also might remember an article I did back in December of 2007 which talked about the very same thing; albeit I was referencing some of the more mainstream productions by the likes of Moto Blanco, Freemasons and 7th Heaven. Regardless, it does appear my initial conclusions were right on target, even if there was a two year gap between articles.  In the end, it’s all good.

That’s about it for today.  I’m currently readying the Gay Anthems I’ve been promising and should have those out this next week.  The weather for this past week has been amazing with cooler temperatures, plenty of sunshine and most importantly, NO RAIN!  I hope everybody else is able to enjoy the same type of autumn weather we’re experiencing in the ATL.  Have a fantastic weekend and as always…enjoy!

Album : Party Favorz 2009: Leftovers v2 Disc : 2/2 Genre : House Music, Beatport, DJ Tunes, Masterbeat Year : 2009 Total Time : 1:10:13:00

Track : 1 Title : Wherever You Are (Gabe Medina & Joshua Geyer Club Mix) Artist : Linda O Purchase: Masterbeat

Track : 2 Title : Aftertouch (Original Mix) Artist : DJ Rafael M. Purchase: Masterbeat

Track : 3 Title : Feeling Your Body (DJG Club Mix) Artist : Project 155 Purchase: Masterbeat

Track : 4 Title : Perfection (Vocal Mix) Artist : Tom Chris feat. Candice Purchase: Beatport

Track : 5 Title : Any Love (Sylvane Massive Club Mix) Artist : Izzy Stardust feat. Sherell McKenzie Purchase: Beatport

Track : 6 Title : Pushin To The Top (Danny Verde Remix) Artist : Halmadaxx & Danny Verde Purchase: Masterbeat

Track : 7 Title : Heal My Heart (Fanatix Main Mix) Artist : Kerri Chandler feat. Treasa Diva Fennie Purchase: Beatport

Track : 8 Title : Wanna Be Happy (Thomas Gold Dub Mix) Artist : The Viron  feat. Max’C Purchase: Beatport

Track : 9 Title : Solarianism (Original Mix) Artist : Chocolate Puma & Baggi Begovic feat. Mitch Crown Purchase: Masterbeat

Track : 10 Title : Got In Me (Peter Pleser Remix) Artist : NG Project feat. Sarah Chris Purchase: Beatport

Track : 11 Title : Touch Me (In The Morning) (Vocal Mix) Artist : Kid Massive feat. Elliotte Williams N’Dure Purchase: Beatport