EDM & House Music: Party Favorz (Circuit, Funky & Dance Classics)

Holiday Edition 2008 Volume 1

It's looking like this might end up as a four-mix set, so I decided to go ahead and start rolling the mixes out for the Holiday Edition 2009.  I'm not completely sure about the fourth mix, but just in case...Anyway, I'll be putting these out each day through the weekend.
As promised, I kept the mixes down in size, though I wasn't able to get this one under the 80-minute mark, I think everyone will live.  There are definitely several HOT tunes in this mix and I thought I might get back to my short reviews of each song; so here goes...
Album : Holiday Edition v1
Genre : Circuit, Progressive, Tribal
Year : 2008
Total Time : 1:27:09.00
Track : 1
Title : I Stay In Love (Jody Den Broeder Club Mix)
Artist : Mariah Carey
I wasn't really feeling the Ralphi mixes of this song, however I totally love that Jody is showing us a funkier side of his production skills.  In fact, he does it again on Leann Rimes' "What I Cannot Change".  However, since I didn't want to get to early hour in this mix, I opted for the Bronleewe & Bose Extended Mix instead.  Frankly, I'm just glad that Sony finally got around to releasing some more mixes from Mariah.  Her album has not done as well as they had hoped, but her fans still want to hear her on the dancefloor.  Essential.
Track : 2
Title : Feels So Good (Klubjumpers Club Mix)
Artist : Sean Ensign
Klubjumpers appear to be the 'IT' guys of the moment.  Sean's association with them has turned out another solid floor thumper.  Catchy as hell, there's no doubt this will keep the boys movin'.  Outstanding.
Track : 3
Title : Sandcastle Disco (Escape & Coluccio Club Mix)
Artist : Solange
The other 'IT' guys of the moment are Escape & Coluccio; for that matter DJ Escape and anyone he produces with.  Beyonce's baby sister is on fire with her second single which is currently #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart.  Equally exceptional is the Freemasons remix of this song featured in my Halloween Edition (Take 3).  Essential.
Track : 4
Title : Hell No (Tony Moran & Warren Rigg Club Mix)
Artist : Judy Torres
I thought I'd never say this, but I miss Tony & Warren.  After inundating us with mix after mix from last year's "The Event", they pretty much oversaturated the clubs with their big room sound.  After taking some time off, their back with a remix of this ultra hot Judy Torres tune.  With it's call out hook "HELL NO" this song is irresistible no matter what the remix.  Tony brings back his big room production style and applies it to great effect on this song.  Essential.
Track : 5
Title : Roots Before Branches (Almighty Extended Mix)
Artist : Room For Two
Almighty, the kings (or queens) of Euro power pop for the dancefloor are as relevant now as they were in the late 90s and early millennia.  With it's big production style, amazing vocals and over the top drama, this mix borders on commercial trance that finds the hook and utilizes it to great effect.  Unfortunately, I don't think this song will be the big hit it deserves to be.  Why?  No one has really picked up on it, at least not yet.  So, I'm challenging everyone to drop this in the middle of a set and see if it don't drive those queens mad!  Essential.
Track : 6
Title : Feel It 2008 (The Mac Project Remix)
Artist : The Tamperer feat. Maya
Updated classic from 1998.  Daddy Mac retains all of the original elements making it even bigger than I remember it.  Essential.
Track : 7
Title : Fashion (Arenna Mix)
Artist : William Umana feat. Jenn
Fashion is Dolce, Gabbana...Beyonce and Madonna.  Oh SNAP!
Track : 8
Title : Headphones (Almighty 12'' Anthem Mix)
Artist : Leann Rimes
I love the fact that Leann released an E.P. of mixes from her last two albums "Family" and "Whatever We Wanna".  The two standouts are the Almighty remix of "Headphones" and the remixes for "What I Can Not Change" featuring productions by Jody Den Broeder (funky) Kaskade (mainstream progressive) and Bronleewe & Bose (big room trance).

Electro-Funk Edition 2008 Volume 9 (Take 3)

Seven mixes, two weeks, and 18+ hours of the latest in deep, electro, funky, progressive, and soulful house music later, I have finally finished the Christmas Trifecta!  I can assure you that I'll NEVER do this again.  There is way too much work involved in putting this much out in such a short period of time.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, initially this was just going to be the final Electro-Funk mix of the year, but it evolved into the final editions of Deep and House as well.
Frankly, I'm just glad it's done.  I've got stuff going on all this week, but somehow, someway I plan on knocking out the Holiday Edition by the weekend.  It's looking like a three-mix situation and I'll do my best to keep everything around the 80-minute mark.  That generally involves a lot of editing on my part and I suppose it's something I need to get back to since I've always done that until recently.
Anyway, I'm a busy bee, so I don't have the time to talk much about the mix or post-purchase links.  I just hope the powers that be can forgive me and I'll be back to posting the links on my next mix.  I will say that if my ratings are a little harsh, it's because I'm getting sick of all these mainstream mixes that keep coming out with weak female vocals that are covered up in the mix.  There's only so much room for Britney wannabe's and frankly, she does it better than all of them.  Regardless, sometimes there is a song that is catchy enough to earn a five-star rating, but that is becoming rarer these days.  I can deal with the stupid lyrics, just give me some great fracking vocals for Pete's sake!  I digress.
As we move deeper into the holiday season, I hope everyone is all siked about Santa's visit in a couple of weeks, as I'm certain he has some goodies up his sleeve.  Don't forget to submit your wishlist for the year-end edition.  If you don't, it will solely be based on my picks and we don't want that now do we?  I hope to be back on Friday with the first of the Holiday mixes...until then, ENJOY!
Album : Electro-Funk Edition v9
Genre : Electro, Funky, House
Year : 2008
Total Time : 2:46:53.00
Track : 1
Title : If You Knew (ATFC Main Mix)
Artist : Chris Lake feat. Nastala
Track : 2
Title : I Found Love (Original Mix)
Artist : Sound Control feat. Michele McCain
Track : 3
Title : Be Your Girl (Solid Gold Club Mix)
Artist : Amiel
Track : 4
Title : Thinking Of Someone Else (Riffs & Rays Club Mix)
Artist : Tinatin
Track : 5
Title : Sex Shooter (Extended Mix)
Artist : Cahill feat. Nikki  Belle
Track : 6
Title : Explanations (Exit 59 Extended Mix)
Artist : Johnny Budz & EXIT 59 feat. Dani Vasile
Track : 7
Title : I Want It (Club Junkies Club Mix)
Artist : Chanelle Hayes
Track : 8
Title : Nice Boys (Wawa Club Mix)
Artist : Amy Studt
Track : 9
Title : Come Out And Play (Lenny B Extended Mix)
Artist : Madison Park with Monodeluxe
Track : 10
Title : Cash In My Pocket (Out Of Office Club Mix)
Artist : Wiley feat. Daniel Merriweather
Track : 11
Title : The Sun Ain't Shining No More (Thomas Gold Remix)
Artist : The Asteroids Galaxy Tour
Track : 12
Title : There Is Power (Thomas Gold Remix)
Artist : Reza
Track : 13
Title : Chemistry (Eric's Remix Extended)
Artist : Velvet
Track : 14
Title : Stay (Klubjumpers Extended Mix)
Artist : Nouveau Riche
Track : 15
Title : Whatcha Gonna Do (Grant Nelson Remix)
Artist : DJ Dealer
Track : 16
Title : Walking On Air (Josh Harris Club Mix)
Artist : Kerli
Track : 17
Title : Forever (Original Extended)
Artist : Wawa feat. Rita Campbell
Track : 18
Title : I Like It (Extended Club Mix)
Artist : Tomer G
Track : 19
Title : The Real Thing (Whelan & Di Scala Remix)
Artist : Tony Di Bart
Track : 20
Title : Can't Take My Hands Off You (StoneBridge Remix)
Artist : Santito feat. Sh?na
Track : 21
Title : Fame (The Game) (Dan Chase Full Vocal)
Artist : Donna Summer
Track : 22

Electro-Funk Edition 2008 Volume 9 (Take 2)

I'm going to be perfectly honest with you guys, my heart just isn't in this at the moment.  Hopefully, that doesn't reflect too poorly in this mix, but I'm afraid it might.  I still have a third take on this that will be posted tomorrow.  Maybe once I get to work on the Holiday Edition this weekend, I'll snap out of it.  Regardless, the songs contained in this mix, for the most part, are excellent.  My jewel of the moment is the Fred Conti mix of DJ Bradd & Pepper Mashay "Heaven".  I was listening to it on the road the other day and found myself hitting on the gas pedal.  Thankfully, I didn't get a ticket...LOL.  I'll be back tomorrow with the third and final installment of the Christmas Trifecta (Deep, House, and Electro-Funk).  Until then...Enjoy.
Album : Electro-Funk Edition v9
Genre : Electro, Funky, House
Year : 2008
Total Time : 1:53:51.00
Track : 1
Title : Oye Como Va (Bassmonkeys Remix)
Artist : Tito Puente Jr. & The Latin Rhythm Orchestra feat. India
Track : 2
Title : Sober (Bimbo Jones Club Mix)
Artist : P!nk
Track : 3
Title : The Boy Does Nothing (Bimbo Jones Remix)
Artist : Alesha Dixon
Track : 4
Title : If I Were A Boy (Karmatronic Remix)
Artist : Beyonce
Track : 5
Title : If I Never See Your Face Again (Paul Oakenfold Remix)
Artist : Maroon 5 feat. Rihanna
Track : 6
Title : Attention Whore (Bootylicious Remix)
Artist : Melleefresh & Deadmau5
Track : 7
Title : T-Shirt (Josh Harris Club Mix)
Artist : Shontelle
Track : 8
Title : Put Your Hands On (Warren Clarke Vocal Remix)
Artist : No Halo
Track : 9
Title : Heaven (Fed Conti Club Mix)
Artist : DJ Bradd & Pepper Mashay feat. Salsoul Nugget
Track : 10
Title : Keeps Gettin' Better (Jody Den Broeder Super Club Mix)
Artist : Christina Aguilera
Track : 11
Title : In & Out Of Love (The Blizzard Remix)
Artist : Armin Van Buuren feat. Sharon Den Adel
Track : 12
Title : Enjoy The Silence (Original Club Mix)
Artist : Matt Samuels feat. For The Masses
Track : 13
Title : In The Heat Of The Night (Wawa Remix)
Artist : Star Pilots
Track : 14
Title : C'mon Y'All (Klubjumpers Extended Mix)
Artist : Salme Dahlstrom
Track : 15
Title : Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) (Maurice Joshua Club Mix)
Artist : Beyonce
Track : 16
Title : Natural High (Dave Boynes Remix)
Artist : Michael Woods feat. Inaya Day
Track : 17
Title : Pasilda (ATFC Remix)
Artist : Afro Medusa
Track : 18
Title : Deliver Me (Seamus Haji Remix)
Artist : Paul Harris feat. Cevin Fisher
Track : 19
Title : Right Here (Seamus & Emanuel Club Mix)
Artist : Brandy

House Edition 2008 Volume 6 (Take 2)

Geez, I feel like I've been running a marathon with these mixes...LOL.  At least, I'm in the home stretch with only one more to go.  This is a lot of fun, but it can sure wear you out.  Looking at my Podbean account, I'm going to have to start clearing some stuff out to make room for the rest of the December mixes (something I don't like to do).  As a result, the Blender Edition has been canceled.  In fact, after my next post on Tuesday or so, I plan on taking a week off before bringing out the Holiday Edition.  This gives me some time to focus on some other things that need attention (mainly my computer and workstation).  I promise to do my best to split the Holiday and Year-End mixes up into something more manageable and exercise some restraint and/or self-editing in the final mixes of the year.  Really.
As for this mix, all I can say is WOW!  This is holy hotness smothered in some smooth soul and layered with some serious funk.  We get not one, but two seriously smoldering DJ Meme mixes whose brand of neo-disco is sweeping the dance world one club at a time.  This Groove Junkies take on the First Choice classic "Dr. Feelgood" with Meme doing the remix honors is nothing short of brilliant!  I'm also serving up the latest by Kristine W and the much sought-after updated classic by Asha "JJ Tribute 2008" both with 7th Heaven doing the remix honors.  I want to thank a very special someone for floating that song well before its official release.
You'll also notice that between these two mixes, there is an abundance of Richard Earnshaw and Muthafunkaz mixes.  Not only have they been prolific in their output, but the quality is nothing short of stellar.  As a result, they have both been added to my "Heroes" section of producers that I most admire.
Note for note and song for song, this is one badass mix and if this doesn't ease your worries this holiday season, then nothing will.  So sit back and relax, cause K j A M is serving up some serious house music.  As D'Layna proclaims..."HOUSE MUSIC WILL NEVER DIE!"  Enjoy.
Album : House Edition v6
Genre : House, Disco, Funky, Soulful
Year : 2008
Total Time : 3:36:42.00
Track : 1
Title : Holdin' On (Greg Stainer Mix)
Artist : Physics
Track : 2
Title : Sunshine Paradise (Hott 22 Club Mix)
Artist : Laurent Wolf & Soni Dee
Track : 3
Title : Shine (Marcelo Souza Chic House Mix 2009 )
Artist : Luther Vandross
Track : 4
Title : Just Sing (Muthafunkaz Mix)
Artist : Distant People
Track : 5
Title : I Can't Wait (Main Room Mix)
Artist : H&H Soulsurvivors feat. Diana Waite & The Heavenly Choir
Track : 6
Title : Holdin' On (Oscar P & Davidson Ospina Vocal)
Artist : Physics
Track : 7
Title : Good Love (Original)
Artist : Steven Stone & Andrea Love
Track : 8
Title : Dr. Feelgood 2008 (DJ Meme's Philly Suite Mix)
Artist : Groove Junkies feat. Diane Carter
Track : 9
Title : Around Love (Original)
Artist : Marquito
Track : 10
Title : The Night I Fell In Love (Georgie's Fell In Love Extended Mix)
Artist : Nancy Yvonne
Track : 11
Title : These Times (The Jinks Remix)
Artist : Soul Harmonics feat. Rachel Claudio
Track : 12
Title : I Am (What You Want Me To Be) (Schwarz & Funk Remix)
Artist : Camille Jones
Track : 13
Title : Another Dimension (Triple D Club Mix)
Artist : Timmy Vegas & Bad Lay Dee
Track : 14
Title : Keep The Fires Burning (DJ Meme Vocal Remix)
Artist : Kenny Thomas
Track : 15
Title : Tattoo Woman (Jamie Lewis Sex On The Beach Mix)
Artist : Cerrone
Track : 16
Title : Make it Alright (Richard Earnshaw Main Mix)
Artist : Lenny Fontana & Joi Cardwell
Track : 17
Title : Found A Reason (Original)
Artist : Kinsmen
Track : 18
Title : Misunderstanding (Luca Cassani Club Mix)
Artist : Cerrone vs. Sweet Connection
Track : 19
Title : He's So Real (DJ Spen Praise Party Mix)
Artist : DJ Spen pres. The Jersey Maestros feat. Renee Smith
Track : 20
Title : Lose My Mind (Funkellers Remix)
Artist : Andrea Carissimi feat. Orlando Johnson

Deep Edition 2008 Volume 11 [Take 2]

As promised, I've got the second installment of the Deep Edition v11 ready for delivery.  Whereas the first mix was tailor-made for the club, this mix takes a more laid back approach to the progressive sound.  It's kind of a chill mix, but not really.  There's definitely some slammin' tunes here, but not necessarily anything you would drop at 4 am in the morning unless you want to be pelted with beer cans...LOL.  Of course, it was intentional to separate the two different approaches out.  This way, after a long night of partying, you can go back and zone out using this mix as your backdrop.
Keeping up the pace, I'll be back Sunday with the next House Edition followed on Tuesday with the final Electro-Funk mix.  I know, I know everyone is waiting for the Holiday Edition and I promise it's coming soon.  I'm just holding out to see if I can get my hands on some new Whitney or Deborah...hopefully the gods will shine their light on Party Favorz and make it happen.  If not, I've got a lot of great stuff for that mix anyway.  In the meantime, have a great weekend and as always...ENJOY!
Album : Deep Edition 2008 v11
Disc : 2/2
Genre : Deep, House, Progressive, Tech, Trance
Total Time : 3:41:49.00
Track : 1
Title : Fable 2008 (Main Mix)
Artist : 2 Max's
Track : 2
Title : Get Up (D.O.N.S. & DBN Meeting At The Beauty Salon Mix)
Artist : Niki Belucci
Track : 3
Title : Hasta Que Salga La Luna (Prok & Fitch Vocal Mix)
Artist : Ricardo Reyna
Track : 4
Title : When I Die (Prok & Fitch Mix)
Artist : DJ Disciple & Dru Hepkins
Track : 5
Title : Everytime We Touch (In Petto Remix)
Artist : David Guetta & Chris Willis
Track : 6
Title : Step One Two (Tommy Trash Mix)
Artist : Kaskade
Track : 7
Title : Murder Weapon (Original Mix)
Artist : 16 Bit Lolitas
Track : 8
Title : Guinea Pig (Vocal Variation Mix)
Artist : Ben Watt feat. Julia Biel
Track : 9
Title : Deeper (Manuel Tur Remix)
Artist : Blakkat feat. Mark Bell
Track : 10
Title : 1986 (Mooka Remix)
Artist : P8
Track : 11
Title : A Lot Of (Original Mix)
Artist : Alex Kenji
Track : 12
Title : Friend (Jerome Isma-Ae Remix)
Artist : Silky Sunday
Track : 13
Title : Love In Stereo (Jerome Isma-Ae Remix)
Artist : Liquid Soul
Track : 14
Title : Give It Up (M. E.'s Amore Dub)
Artist : Roy Davis Jr.
Track : 15
Title : Digital Iterations (Original Mix)
Artist : Escadia
Track : 16
Title : A Love In Paris (Original Mix)
Artist : Ferdy & Edwin Mulder
Track : 17
Title : Electric Stars (Andro Remix)
Artist : Muddyloop
Track : 18
Title : Let's Make A Record (Original)
Artist : JT Donaldson & Giom
Track : 19
Title : I Would Die For You (Original Club Mix)
Artist : Chainside
Track : 20
Title : Ketser (Original Mix)
Artist : Gerry Menu
Track : 21
Title : Les Violons Ivres (Dust Rocco Remix)
Artist : Agoria
Track : 22
Title : Disco Lights (Timothy Allan Mix)
Artist : Neon Stereo feat. Marcie
Track : 23
Title : You Got Me Burning Up! (Raul Rincon Late Nite Mix)
Artist : Cevin Fisher feat. Loleatta Holloway
Track : 24
Title : Last Forever (Vocal Mix)
Artist : Norman Doray & Tristan Garner
Track : 25
Title : Minority (Nathan Cozzetto Main Room Mix)
Artist : Dirty South
Track : 26
Title : The Flash (Shir Khan Powerhouse Mix)
Artist : Act Yo Age
Track : 27
Title : Why (Favretto Remix)
Artist : Sam-Project
Track : 28
Title : Today (Bart B More Remix)
Artist : Magnesia
Track : 29
Title : Lessons (Original Mix)
Artist : Noir & Martin Thompson
Track : 30
Title : Even Flow (Karim Haas Mix)
Artist : Stan Kolev
Track : 31
Title : Naked (Sueno Club Mix)
Artist : Wendel Kos feat. NJ
Track : 32
Title : Gentle Rain (Glenn Morrison & Arnej Remix)
Artist : Blackwatch & Greed
Track : 33
Title : Natural High (Dino Lenny Classic Rave Mix)
Artist : Michael Woods feat. Inaya Day
Track : 34
Title : Fairplay (Let There Be Love) (D.O.N.S & DBN Remix)

Electro-Funk Edition 2008 Volume 9 (Take 1)

To suggest that this mix is over the top, excessive or, even egotistical would be an understatement.  The truth is, there are two times a year when the market gets flooded with new music; obviously during the summer and during the winter.  Why do you ask?  Because these are highly coveted times to have a dancefloor hit.  It's when people vacation, relax, let loose and escape all the bullshit realities of life.  To have a hit during these peak times generally translates into money.  It's pretty much that simple.
Nevertheless, experience has taught me that oftentimes (especially in the U.S. market) there will be several key songs on this series that will not hit clubs, much less radio until February or March of next year.  We tend to be behind the rest of the world when it comes to trends and new music.  It is what it is and I don't see the brainiacs in the dance industry changing anytime soon.  Everybody wants to follow the tried and true old way of doing business and nobody wants to be the bellwether of dance, much less a trailblazer.  Therefore, it's my job to bring to you some (

House Edition 2008 Volume 6 (Take 1)

Just wanted to remind everyone that today is World AIDS Day.  Though I don't need a special day to remember those people I've lost to this disease, it's important if only to keep it on the minds of nations and to remember that we still have a long way to go.  Recent reports from the CDC show that the number of new infections in the gay community has substantially risen over the course of the past several years.  Perhaps it's because there is less of a stigma associated with the disease, or maybe it's the lack of education and sense of invincibility among younger gay people.  Either way, there's still no cure and no excuse for reckless behavior.  Protect yourself and protect the ones you love, WRAP IT UP!
I want to dedicate this mix to a dear lost friend Orlando.  I'm sorry, I didn't find out until going home for the first time in five years only to find out you passed three years earlier.  Thanks to all of my "so-called" friends for letting me know ("lame" is a word that comes to mind and one of many reasons I'll never return) and dear ole mom (who didn't want to bother me).  Orlando, you were loved and you WILL be remembered.  Peace.
As promised, I got the next House Edition up and ready to go.  I have to say that I'm totally feeling this mix and the music within.  It starts off with the fabulous disco renderings of DJ Meme and then proceeds to take you on a journey of deep, funky, and soulful house.  This mix definitely sets the mood for these cold, dark days.  It uplifts the spirit and feels you with joy.  Frankly, I think this is just what the doctor ordered to cure the holiday blues.  Don't let the world bring you down because, in the end, it's all about HOUSE!  Enjoy!
Album : House Edition v6
Genre : House, Deep, Disco, Funky, Soulful
Year : 2008
Total Time : 2:52:52.00
Track : 1
Title : Chanson Du Soleil (Sun Is Coming Out) (DJ Meme Main Mix)
Artist : DJ Meme feat. Gavin Bradley
Track : 2
Title : Your Beat Sounds Like (Disco Lips Remix)
Artist : Ron Gelfer feat. Tiger Lily
Track : 3
Title : That Man Of Mine (Keith Haarmeyer Discohouse Mix)
Artist : Cindy Mizelle
Track : 4
Title : Glad I Found You (Scott Wozniak Remix)
Artist : DJ Gomi feat. Louie Balo & Yasmeen
Track : 5
Title : Natural (Original Vocal Mix)
Artist : Sebastian Davidson & Nick Orisun feat. Judy Albanese
Track : 6
Title : Who Can I Run To (Bams Main Vocal)
Artist : Dawn Tallman
Track : 7
Title : One Day (Sam-Project Mix)
Artist : Samuele Sartini
Track : 8
Title : Burning Up (Davidson Ospina Remix)
Artist : Angie Brown & Clemens Rumpf
Track : 9
Title : Get Down Again (Raul Rincon Vocal Mix)
Artist : Malibu Sneakers
Track : 10
Title : No Other Man (Soul Conspiracy's So 90's Vocal Mix)
Artist : Steven Stone feat. Angie Brown
Track : 11
Title : You Got Me Burning Up! (Triple D Mix)
Artist : Cevin Fisher feat. Loleatta Holloway
Track : 12
Title : Push The Fader (Earnshaw & Jones Mix)
Artist : Beatz Kinetic
Track : 13
Title : Why (Original Club Mix )
Artist : Sam-Project
Track : 14
Title : Survivin' (Joey Negro Funkdown Mix)
Artist : The Sunburst Band feat. Leroy Burgess
Track : 15
Title : President's House (Hott 22 Vocal Remix)
Artist : Roland Clarke pres. Urban Soul
Track : 16
Title : Go Now (Triple Dee Club Mix)
Artist : Simply Red
Track : 17
Title : Heal My Heart (Quentin Harris Black Heart Mix)
Artist : Kerri Chandler feat. Treasa Diva Fennie
Track : 18
Title : Summer Voyage (Cover Me) (DJ Rudd Full Vocal Edit)
Artist : Craft B. feat. Nica Brooke
Track : 19
Title : Time Is Right (Soulstar Syndicate Remix)
Artist : Candy Williams & Whiteside
Track : 20
Title : A New Society (Original Vocal)
Artist : Starchaser
Track : 21
Title : My All (David Harness Thread Mix)
Artist : DJ Dealer feat. Inaya Day
Track : 22
Title : Life (Reel Soul Vocal Mix)
Artist : Lee Wilson
Track : 23
Title : The Rest (Original Mix)
Artist : Victor Soriano

Deep Edition 2008 Volume 11 [Take 1]

We now resume our regularly scheduled programming...LOL!  I gotta tell ya, November has been one fracking-crazy ass month.  From Halloween, my birthday, the elections, protesting "No on Prop 8" and trying to get all of my doctor appointments, tests, etc. scheduled before I lose my health insurance at the end of the month has been no easy task.  I'm pleased to say that I got it ALL done!  That in and of itself is a miracle.  Then, there are the mixes, and boy oh boy have I got a banger for you guys!  Originally, I started out wanting to make a final electro-funk mix for the year.
That's now evolved into three separate mixes with the same cover art (in different colors) for deep, house, and electro.  I was sitting on too much good stuff to let it go to waste.  In fact, as I dug deeper, I ended up going WAY over my music budget for the month.  Consider this a gift, because that won't happen again.  What I've decided to do is stagger the releases over the next couple of weeks.  For instance, today you get deep take 1, Monday will be house take 1 and Wednesday electro-funk take 1 followed by take 2 every other day after.  The fact is, these mixes are long, so this allows you to digest your favorite before the next installment.  That is unless you're one of those that dig everything I post, in which case, you've got your work cut out for you.
After I get these mixes up over the next couple of weeks, I'll be working on the Holiday Edition and then the year-end edition.  I'm trying to put up a forum for everyone (that something, something I had promised) but that's going to take a little longer than anticipated.  I'm also now on Facebook and you are welcome to join me there by going to my profile and clicking on the link.
So sit back and relax, 'cause this is one seriously phatt mix for all you prog-heads.  I'll be back on Monday with the next installment of the House Edition (which ROCKS!).  I hope everyone enjoys what's left of your holiday/weekend until the next time...ENJOY!
Album : Deep Edition 2008 v11
Disc : 1/2
Genre : House, Progressive, Tech, Trance
Total Time : 3:03:06.00
Track : 1
Title : The Walrus (Matias Faint Remix)
Artist : Bryan Kearney pres. Spunuldrick
Track : 2
Title : The Cream Always Rises (Cevin's Original Mix)
Artist : Cevin Fisher
Track : 3
Title : You Got Me Burning Up! (Prok & Fitch Remix)
Artist : Cevin Fisher feat. Loleatta Holloway
Track : 4
Title : Exceed (Dabruck & Klein Mix)
Artist : Alex Romano feat. BT
Track : 5
Title : Stay (John Dahlback Remix)
Artist : Steve Smooth & JJ Flores feat. Colette
Track : 6
Title : Ring Ring Ring (Original)
Artist : Kurd Maverick
Track : 7
Title : Say A-Ha (Tom Neville Remix)
Artist : Santogold
Track : 8
Title : Yeke Yeke (Club Mix)
Artist : Picco
Track : 9
Title : Buttons (Markus Schulz Coldharbour Remix)
Artist : Sia
Track : 10
Title : (Go To) Work On Me (Mert Yucel's Deepxperience Mix)
Artist : Mert Yucel feat. Derek Conyer
Track : 11
Title : Moravia (Original Mix)
Artist : Michal Poliak
Track : 12
Title : Rotterdam City Of Love (Axwell Re-Edit)
Artist : Abel Ramos & Miss Melody
Track : 13
Title : Me And Myself (Starkillers & Austin Leeds Remix)
Artist : BenDJ feat. Sushy
Track : 14
Title : Release Yourself (Vocal Club Mix)
Artist : Lissat & Voltaxx
Track : 15
Title : Infinity 2008 (Klaas remix)
Artist : Guru Josh Project
Track : 16
Title : Breaking Free (Dark Violin Mix)
Artist : Nowak feat. Rita Campbell
Track : 17
Title : Livin' The Bass Life (Cha Cha Mix)
Artist : Massi & De Leon feat. Breathwaite
Track : 18
Title : Bounce With Me (Original Mix)
Artist : Per QX
Track : 19
Title : Keep On Truckin' (Streetlife DJs Remix)
Artist : Mighty Dub Katz
Track : 20
Title : MASHitUP (Shir Khan Remix)
Artist : The Young Punx
Track : 21
Title : Abolish The Communist Party (Original Mix)
Artist : Michal Poliak
Track : 22

Christmas Edition 2007 | A Very Soulful Christmas Dance Mix

I decided I wanted the Party Favorz site to match the residence, so I went ahead and decorated it on both fronts.  Actually, Rick and I don't put up decorations until the weekend of Thanksgiving.  However, we both agreed we needed some Holiday cheer sooner rather than later.  So, we pulled out all the lights and the wreaths and hung everything up with the precision and care of two old lady's that have been collecting ornaments since their first husbands died...LOL.
The most special item is our Charlie Brown Christmas Tree that we bought back in 2001, the first year we moved to Atlanta.  We didn't have a lot of money to burn, but we were at Michael's (an arts and craft chain in the U.S.) and they had everything 50% off.  We knew we couldn't buy a real tree, and even if we did, my anal-retentive self would have had to make all the decorations by hand; something I did flawlessly with my ex, who kept all of them...bitch!  I digress.  Anyway, that also costs money.  So when I saw this little kinda ugly tree made out of dried branches and already decorated, I decided to find the money to rescue it.  Obviously, I bought it and it's been shining brightly every season ever since.
Christmas trees are symbolic for the obvious reasons, but our little Charlie Brown tree symbolizes our first Christmas together and everything we did to get here.  Due to its special nature, I just thought I would share that with you guys.  Over the years we've added and removed stuff, always trying to keep it fresh, but at the end of the day, it's still our little Charlie tree.
As for the mix, I put this together off the cuff last year.  King Street Sounds had put out an album called "Christmas in the House"  that was filled with some unmixed holiday deep house tunes.  So, I bought it and mixed it up tacking on a couple of holiday dance classics at the end to round it out.  This year, they have three more new tunes, but I couldn't find the originals and wasn't going to spend another $10 on something I previously owned.  Since the blog was new anyway and I figured not that many people ever had the chance to download it, I decided to bring it back and share it again.
The original upload was a 96 bitrate and this one is in 320 plus I added the Mariah Carey tune at the end, thus the 'enhanced' version.  I know, usually, an enhanced release contains more than one extra song plus a DVD, but I figured a higher quality version and one new song should suffice.  Besides, I always wanted an enhanced version of my mixes...LOL.  I'm not going to say this is for everyone, because it's not.  After all, it is a true deep house.  Nevertheless, if you're a house head like me, I think you'll appreciate the alternative to the traditional.
Anyway, this is my last diversion before we get back on track.  When I mean on track, I mean full steam-a-rolling!  I've got some big, big did I mention BIG updates that I'll start rolling out sometime this coming weekend.  So big, it should keep y'all swarming like a bunch of busy bees.  I hope those of you living in the U.S. have a happy Thanksgiving and I'll catch up with everyone this weekend.  Until then...ENJOY!
Donate and keep the party going!
Album : Christmas Edition [Expanded]
Genre : House, Deep House, Soulful House
Year : 2008
Total Time : 1:22:50.00
1. It’s Holiday Time (“Charlie Brown Christmas Theme”) - Jihad Muhammad
2. Silent Night - Eric Kupper
3. Christmas Lights - Ananda Project
4. One Wish - DJ Oji
5. Let Us Adore Him (Come O Ye Faithful) - Kenny Bobien
6. It’s X-Mas - Stephanie Cook
7. Our First Christmas - DJ Spen
8. It’s Christmas - Ananda Project
9. The Reason - Diviniti
10. December - Frankie Feliciano
11. The Christmas Song (Thunderpuss Club Mix) - Christina Aguilera
12. Oh Holy Night (Illicit Club Mix) - Kristine W
13. Joy To The World (Celebration Mix) - Mariah Carey

Sarah McLachlan: The Accidental Queen of Trance Music

From emotionally stirring ballads to ethereal, atmospheric sounds, Sarah McLachlan's body of work is as diverse as it is hauntingly beautiful. Yet, few would have suspected that this Canadian singer-songwriter, often associated with heart-wrenching melodies and poetic lyricism, would become an unwitting heroine in the trance music scene. It all began when Sarah McLachlan collaborated with Delerium on the track "Silence," a partnership that took her music on an unforeseen yet thrilling journey.
From Folk to Trance: The Delerium Catalyst
While McLachlan had already been establishing herself as a prominent folk and pop artist, her collaboration with Delerium on "Silence" in 1999 was a game-changer. Initially, the song was a modest hit, but then came the DJ Tiësto remix, and suddenly "Silence" was everywhere—thumping through speakers in clubs, pumping up adrenaline levels at raves, and conquering global music charts. This Tiesto Mix not only became a defining track for the trance genre but also catalyzed McLachlan's unexpected crossover into dance music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqCcdtM7Qe4
The Remix Revolution
After the immense success of "Silence," Sarah McLachlan's tracks started to be seen through a different lens— as potential anthems for the trance and dance music world. Notably, her song "I Love You" caught the attention of pioneering producer BT, who transformed it into a hypnotic, layered experience that resonated with the dance community.
Similarly, the "Sweet Surrender" DJ Tiësto Mix metamorphosed the original's dreamy, laid-back tones into a driving, pulse-quickening sensation.
Embracing the Unexpected
The beauty of McLachlan's music is its flexibility. Her poetic narratives and haunting melodies seamlessly lend themselves to transformative remixes, like Gabriel & Dresden's Anti-Gravity Mix of "Fallen," or the pulsating 2008 remix of "Silence" by Niels van Gogh vs. Thomas Gold. These versions felt like natural extensions of her art, extending her reach to an audience that may not have discovered her otherwise.
The Synthesis of Two Worlds
It's remarkable how McLachlan's soft, emotive vocals and poignant lyrics have found a home among the ecstatic beats and rapid tempos of trance music. In fact, her songs that got remixed by top-tier trance DJs, like "Fallen" and "Sweet Surrender," resonate profoundly within the genre because they encapsulate the emotional intensity that trance aims to deliver.
The Legacy Continues
In the world of trance and dance music, Sarah McLachlan's impact remains profound. Her initial, accidental foray with "Silence" has not only given us some of the most cherished trance classics but also broadened her musical legacy in a way that nobody could have predicted. In an industry often defined by genres and labels, Sarah McLachlan is a testament to the power of musical alchemy and the unforeseen adventures it can bring.
Until the next time...ENJOY!
Donate and keep the party going!
Album : Sarah McLachlan | The Diva Series
Genre : Progressive, Trance
Year : 2008
Total Time : 1:11:38.00
1. I Love You (BT Mix)
2. Hold On (BT Mix)
3. Sweet Surrender (DJ Tiesto Mix)
4. Fallen (Gabriel & Dresden Anti-Gravity Mix)
5. Stupid (Hyper Remix)
6. Plenty (Fade Mix)
7. World On Fire (Junkie XL Club MixGM Edit)
8. Silence 2008 (Niels van Gogh vs. Thomas Gold Remix)
9. Possession (Rabbit In The Moon Mix)
10. Fear (Hybrids Super Collider Mix)

House Edition 2008 v5 (Take 4)

The final installment of this series was a long time coming. I've said before that I don't like to spend too much time on my mixes, otherwise you end up with something that sounds forced. For whatever reason, I just couldn't wrap my head around this one and nothing was falling into place for me. It didn't help that several of the songs I wanted to use made for difficult transitions and would need to be keyed perfectly. In fact, this was supposed to be the third installment and the Take 3 the fourth. After several attempts, I put it to the side. Last night, I got up around 4:00 am and scrapped the whole mix and started from scratch. It's almost like a light went off in my head and the whole thing just magically came together. By 6:00 am the mix was finished. When I started putting the post together, I lost my new wireless connection that Comcast had just installed the previous day. After several attempts at re-starting, I got on the phone with them for what seemed like an eternity to get it working again. By 8:00 am, I was back in business.
However, I had not read my emails yet nor my newsletters so I decided to take a break and catch up. If you can tell by my posts yesterday, I got on my political bandwagon and started whipping out some stuff out. Then my mom calls; she got her new computer and was heading to Wal-mart to by a router and wanted me to be around. When she called from the store, she said they didn't have what I sent her down to get; so she puts me on the phone with the sales girl who hasn't a clue what's she's talking about much less why she's on this planet. At that point, my head began to swell and I was getting a really bad headache. When I finished, I realized I hadn't done what I planned to do that day and started calling to set my appointments for the following week (the MRI and other test results I had just had were in). Having already skipped lunch, I went back to finish up my post only to find I had lost my connection AGAIN!
At that point, I thought about scrapping the whole damn thing. Normally, I would take a breather and go outside and walk around to enjoy the amazing days we've been having, but a front just moved in and it was an overcast drizzling shit of a day. By then, my mom had called back with some guy named Wally (who swears he went to school with me???) so I could tell him what needed to be transferred to her new computer. Then she wants to talk about the external hard drive I suggested she get in case the internal drive failed. She didn't seem to get it and just wanted to go round and round with me (something she does frequently even though she comes to me for my expert advice and technical assistance for her computer).
Finally, I just said, "mom, if you don't want it, then don't get it, but only fools don't back up their stuff; so don't come crying to me when something goes wrong and you've lost all of your pictures and church projects". She then reminded me she was my mother, so I backed down and apologized. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. My head was hurting so bad that I decided to wait until tomorrow to finish up my post. It's currently 2:21 am and I can't sleep. So here I am finishing up the post that should have been completed 24 hours ago. I've run the cable line straight into my computer so I don't have to deal with any more wireless nightmares for a while.
So there you have it. No "the dog ate my work" excuses for my tardiness, just the truth. Since I'm up, I might as well go ahead and knock out the cover art for the next Classix Edition coming up in two weeks (you heard right). We've got another guest DJ this next week and I'll be taking a breather. Do you remember when I was picking out a new computer for my mom and was all excited? Well, common sense prevailed. I was lucky enough to get some birthday money so I doubled my memory to 4 gigs, bought a new heatsink for my CPU that should keep it about 10 - 15 degrees cooler when I'm working on graphics and bought this bad...

House Edition 2008 v5 (Take 3)

Rick came home from work in a pretty good mood yesterday baring a pound of fresh shrimp.  I'm not sure what the occasion was, but I sure do love shrimp on a platter of ice.  Drown it in some lemon, with Tabasco and cocktail sauce, a few beers and you're pretty much set for the evening.  Yummy!  That always brings back great memories of back home.  Sitting on the deck of one of my favorite restaurants 'Pirates Bay' in Port Isabel/South Padre Island on a sunny summer day and having some beer and shrimp with friends, is sorely missed.  Afterward, the shrimp was coupled with some hot sex (I knew he was up to something) to cap off our evening...YUMMIER!
Now that my head is clear and I've come back down to earth from the previous week's delusional behavior due to lack of sleep, it's time to assess what just happened on November 4th.  With democratic control of both houses, things are looking pretty damn good from where I sit.  The way I see it, we have 2 - 3  Supreme Court justices that have been holding out for retirement in hopes of getting a Democrat in the White House.  Now that Obama is the clear winner, getting his nominations through, shouldn't be a problem.  Without overreaching, I think we can realistically repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT), pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and pass the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act and finally lift the travel ban to this country for people with HIV.  It's absolutely time that the LGBT community is treated with equality and fairness in this country.  We are tax paying Americans and should not be plowed down like second class citizens.  I realize that many of us want the full repeal of the Defensive Marriage Act (DOMA), however, I believe that is something that will need to be handled in the courts.  In fact, I'm glad that Prop 8 in California did not pass.  There are already three class action lawsuits filed on behalf of the 18,000 couples who legally married since the repeal of the unconstitutional amendment preventing same-sex marriages.  Ultimately, this will need to go to the Supreme Court.  Just remember, it wasn't that long ago that blacks and whites could not legally marry and I truly believe that the Supreme Court will view this as discriminatory and unconstitutional, thus overriding every states amendment barring same-sex marriages.  I think our community needs some patience in this matter, but we'll get there sooner than not.
As for Sarah Palin, I say good riddance for now.  Unfortunately, I don't think that's the last we'll be hearing from her.  She's got a taste of fame and a lust for power.  I wouldn't be surprised if she runs for the soon to be open Senate seat in Alaska, though I understand that's going to a runoff.  Now that the election is behind us, I find it rather amusing how her handlers have all come out about what a DIVA she is.  For one, she's difficult to work with and two she's about as smart as a cue ball.  I'm not going to say that I'm an expert on geography, but even I know that Africa is a continent, not a country.  I expect her handlers were better qualified to be Vice President than she was.  You can bet your last dollar the elitist faction of the Republican party cringes at the notion of her running in 2012.  However, she does appeal to the majority of their base (bible thumpers, false prophets, closeted queers and the KKK).  I guess we'll deal with it in four years.  For now, I'll just relish the massive losses of the Republican party and the defection of one of their core constituents, Mexicans.  It's suggested that by 2012, they might even lose Texas's wealth of electoral votes since Hispanics are quickly becoming the majority in my home state.  That's what you get when you beat up on immigrants you dumb asses!
On to better news.  I bring you the third installment of the House Edition v5.  With a good mix of the familiar and some brand spanking new tunes; this mix ROCKS the HOUSE!  I'm really proud of this particular edition and...