I have some fabulous remixes of tracks you all will probably know - some recent and some older - some from the usual suspects (i.e. DJ Kue) and some from names not normally heard around these parts of dsquared. Whatever the case may be, all six of these songs make me very happy :-)

How many of you remember Wamdue Project’s “King Of My Castle”? I can’t believe it was released TEN YEARS AGO. Of course, now when I hear the phrase ‘king of my castle’ I can’t help but think of this. But enough sidetracking - this 2009 version of the classic tune by Phonetix nicely updates the original without making it sound like a remix, thanks to staying true to the original melodic elements but also interjecting new bits vocal-wise. Listen and you’ll understand exactly what I mean…

Wamdue Project: King Of My Castle (Phonetix Feat. Mr Faizer & Harsh Remix)
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How nice to get a Gaga remix that ISN’T “Poker Face,” “Just Dance,” etc… Ok, it’s not really a Gaga remix, it’s the Wale feat. Lady Gaga track “Chillin” but technicalities I guess since it’s just the songstress that is sampled here. The two mysterious people behind the mix call themselves Pwnguin & Pwnda and I bet you know who they are but I’ve been sworn to secrecy. The remix is effectively pretty good but the length is less than 3 minutes. This wouldn’t be an issue except that the duo built the track as if it was a 6 minute banger. That means 1 minute intro and a 30 second outro which leaves…90 seconds of actual track? No wonder they couldn’t fit a breakdown in.

Gaga Thrillin: Pwnguin & Pwnda
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Admit it - you love David Guetta and Kelly Rowland’s “When Love Takes Over.” If not the original, then the Laidback Luke mix? In a little sidestep - I’ll be interviewing David Guetta in the next week or so for TimeOut Chicago so watch for news on that! Anywho…this remix of DG is done by dsquared favorite Barletta who adds a slightly nastier edge to the tune while still maintaining that epic vibe lent by the piano keys and clapping to death.

David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland: When Love Takes Over (Barletta Remix)
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I LOVE JET. Seriously - I went to go see them the other week here in Chicago at the Doubledoor and they were amazing. They have a new album coming out on 8/25 out which doesn’t seem to be getting as much buzz as of yet as their previous material which is a damn shame because the current single, “She’s A Genius,” might be one of my favorite Jet songs to date (minus, of course, “Look What You’ve Done”). Enough with the Jet worship, on to the remix. This one is courtesy of Jaimie Fanatic and he manages to take the awesome gritty tones of singer Nic Cester and pair them against some evil sounding synth work. Live sounding drums stay consistent almost throughout, keeping it a bit grounded.

Jet: She’s A Genius (Jaimie Fanatic Blow Remix)
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Oh DJ Kue, how I love your sense of humor. Kue and FnDannyBoy always slip in remixes of songs no one else would want to (or think to) remix. Zebra’s “Tell Me What You Want” anyone? Before you listen to the remix, I suggest you watch the vid which is like a checklist of everything you should see in an 80s music video. Tiger leotard? Lots of smoke? Big hair? David Bowie-esque makeup? Yes, all check. Kue does a magnificent job of keeping chords present in the entire remix with breakdowns that ease in instead of some of his previous work where it feels more disparate. With secondary, complimentary synths on top, this is one remix going in my playlist.

Zebra: Tell Me What You Want (DJ Kue Master Blaster Remix)
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For those of you who want some remixes that aren’t intensely hard (like the Fantic remix above) but not pansy like a Dave Aude mix, Chew Fu comes to the rescue. His mix of Keri Hilson’s “Knock You Down” is perfect for the early part of a set or a venue that wouldn’t appreciate uber-intense reworks. Minimal percussive elements (notably loud claps and a shaker) are against a fairly crisp synth without much else, putting the vocals front and center. Sometimes, simple is best.

Keri Hilson: Knock You Down (Chew Fu Ghetto Club Fix)
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I’m finally getting around to all the fantastic music people have been sending me and just to make it not so overwhelming I’m going to break it up into groupings over the next day or so. You knew it was coming… I’ve gotten a few great Michael Jackson remixes since his passing and I thought I would put them in one post for you. I totally remember watching the “Thriller” video for the first time, playing around with all of the MJ vinyl my parents had and of course, trying to do the moonwalk with my brother. It still seems surreal that he’s gone - and despite weighing out the bad along with the good he was still incredibly iconic - a monumental performer.

Don Diablo, who normally sends over very hard hitting and minimal tunes, surprised me with this remix of “Do You Remember The Time.” At a markedly slower tempo, the remix is beautifully crafted and attentively pays homage to the original. With simple pads being one of the only melodic elements throughout, it packs quite a punch.

Don Diablo: Song For MJ (Remember The Time)
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Canadians DJ DLG and Redroche run the fabulous Eyezcream label and sent this boot over my way, to my great surprise. Don’t get me wrong, I’m certainly not complaining - I love the duo’s production. Their touch on “Say Say Say” does not disappoint and it’s fabulous to have a brand new remix since the only other great one was done by Hi Tack and I feel like I’ve been playing it for ages now. In some respects I feel like DLG and Redroche’s version mirrors the feel of the Hi Tack mix but is a bit glossier. Gorgeous.

Michael Jackson: Say Say Say (DJ DLG & Redroche Mainroom Tribute Mix)
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For those of you who don’t know Demarkus Lewis - he is head honcho of Grin Music and my personal Big Friendly Giant (yeah…he’s kind of tall). He sent me his remix of “You Rock My World” and speeeeeds it up, making it a bit friendlier for the house crowd. Sometimes that much of a speed difference backfires and sounds forced, but it actually doesn’t bother me here - it works. The end product is a slightly proggy and deep remix that grooves along effortlessly.

Michael Jackson: Rock My World (Deez Tribute To MJack)
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Another “Do You Remember The Time” mix, this time from DJ Royale. This mix is not as crisply produced and falls a bit flat overall mastering wise (the highs aren’t as bright as they should be, the bass doesn’t kick hard enough). Aside from the downfalls, I like the tone of the track overall. The stuttering, horn stabs and loop-centric focus reminds me of a throwback track in the era of disco house. Although I would probably slip this in a set, I’d love to see Royale go back and re-master this.

DJ Royale: DiscoTirso With MJ
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Watch below and click on the video to be taken to my Youtube channel to rate and comment on the interview. I told you I’ve been busy :-p

For those of you who don’t know, “Poppin’ Bottles” is my song on Red Stick Recordings that was released this year, peeked onto the Billboard charts and is actually circulating now on Promo Only’s Rhythm Club compilation for July. With things slowly happening for the song, we decided it was the right time to shoot a vid. The video, I hope, will make you all laugh. My intent was to create a dance video that didn’t take itself too seriously. I don’t want to give anything away, so gather what you will from the videos and photos below. If you’re in Chicago, BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR INFO REGARDING THE VIDEO RELEASE PARTY AT NV PENTHOUSE!

Also - I shot an interview with Paul Van Dyk for TimeOut Chicago which has ruffled some feathers. His answer regarding giving music away for free caused TheDailySwarm.com to pick it up, throwing on the headline: “Paul Van Dyk Blasts Radiohead as ‘Selfish’… Challenges Them To Give In Rainbows Money To New Artists!” Then TwentyFourBit, Exclaim Canada, AntiQuiet and Bigshot Magazine all wrote editorials on it. Then a huge music magazine (can’t say which) approached Paul to have him write an editorial on the topic. Yeesh. WATCH THE ORIGINAL VIDEO ON TIMEOUT CHICAGO.

Lastly, our boys True Pseudo have a new official video for “Freaking Me Out” AND they have made the semi-finals for Dell’s contest to play Lollapalooza! To help them get to the finals, vote for them HERE!!

Whew…that was a lot to go over.

We have guests in town this week and I am a big fan of welcoming people to Chicago with a stiff drink so…given the fantastic weather today I believe we are heading out for a glorious night of Margaritas. The past week has been fun - out to see the Juan MacLean with buddy Josh (clubs editor for TimeOut Chicago), - at Metro for private taped interview session with illustrious dubstep badass Benga - and we started rehearsals for the “Poppin’ Bottles” video shoot! You can view a little of our rehearsals in the link below. Note our fantastic lead actor (hint: mustache action)! Password to view the file is “dancin”!

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

I also have a new mix I’ll be dropping sometime this week with fantastic goodies from the likes of Lee Mortimer, Hot Pink Delorean and Yuksek! To get it though, you’ll have to subscribe to my podcast! Lastly… in support of “Freaking Me Out, Part 2″ I’ll be chatting with Designer Drugs this week to talk production, plans and of course, his infamous True Pseudo remix. The text will be up probably next week but…if you subscribe to my podcast, you’ll also get the audio from the interview. BTW, if any of you have questions for Designer Drugs, leave them in the comments and we’ll see if we can’t work them in! Totally random - I’m also interviewing Paul Van Dyk this weekend for TimeOut Chicago. Leave questions for him in the comments as well.

LASTLY, if you’re not on my mailing list, or a fan on Facebook (for myself or Calamity Jane), sign the eff up - I promise we won’t inundate you with updates and the updates you will get will be totally gravy - including exclusive audio, event goodies, etc. etc.

Terror Dactel sent over this nice remix of LMFAO’s “La La La” which is making me very happy. Here in Chicago, I hear “I’m In Miami, Bitch” (or as it’s altered for the city, “I’m In Chicago, Trick”) every goddamn ten minutes on the radio but “La La La” is still hiding in the shadows a bit. This remix is just solid - great intro that starts out pretty benign with the vocal over a breakbeat and some pretty atmospherics. Then, come after the introductory break it gets into straight up electro that isn’t overworked (ah…my fave).

LMFAO: La La La (Terror Dactel Remix)
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Josh David of Breakdown sent over a host of remixes to me today. I was expecting some of the usual suspects of the moment, La Roux, LMFAO, etc… what I got was a total WTF moment when I saw…Skeelo and Kid N Play? Seriously, dude? Ok, fine, everything deserves a listen. I have to say, both of these tracks are pure fun in a bottle. They’re not cheesy at all - in fact, the vocals are integrated in such a way where you get a little taste of throwback heaven without it sounding like someone pandering to a cheeseball crowd. The Skeelo remix is a little more put together for me, and Josh tells me Mickey Slim played it at Ministry of Sound. Kudos!

Skeelo: I Wish (Breakdown Remix)
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Kid N Play: Rollin With Kid N Play (Breakdown Remix)
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Treasure Fingers is such a talented producer and I was thrilled to get this sent in to me. His remix of N.A.S.A.’s “Gifted” is nothing short of stellar. Understated with a slight disco touch feel, the remix is a gorgeous, melody-driven tune that is completely consistent throughout. A programming change at around 2:00 that drops the atmospherics keeps the song interesting without changing much at all - the construction overall is put together incredibly well and is subtle in several ways.

N.A.S.A.: Gifted (Treasure Fingers Remix)
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There are elements about Golden Gloves‘ “Pick Up The Slack” that I enjoy. I see myself using it as more of a quick transition between songs - popping it in for a minute or so or maybe layering with a vocal…overall on its own it’s a bit too loopy for my taste. The only really noticeable changeups happen with quick filtering that almost have the impression of being done live. In the right spot though with a crowded room at 3am, I could see this completely popping off. I don’t know why, but I immediately thought of mixing out of something like Sydney Samson’s “Riverside” into this…

Golden Gloves: Pick Up The Slack
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This next remix might not be something I would generally throw into a set but it’s so nicely done I wanted to include it anyway. The Disco Wizards remix of Pony Pony Run Run’s “Hey You” is definitely more low key but the little samples of guitar with looped and vox bits that then switch into loops of chords and overtly chopped vocals was more deliciousness than I could stand. Those little differences help make what could have been an otherwise simplistic remix stand apart without seeming gimmicky.

Pony Pony Run Run: Hey You (Disco Wizards Remix)
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Ooh well hell-o Dirty Monkeez and your fantastic remix! Ahem…this remix of Daniel Merriweather’s “Change” has got it all - multiple lines of synths (an upper and mid range using different sounds), fantastic vocals, piano and a seamless integration of lighter-sounding vox into an electro tune. I really do love the breakdown that strips everything save the piano and vocal, but I wish the bulk of the vocal repeated at least one more time after it kicks in again. No, the 10 seconds at the end where the vocal comes in RIGHT BEFORE IT ENDS does not count. In fact, I’m tempted to take the freaking 16 beat intro that the track has as a result of said vocal interjection and stretch it out myself.

Daniel Merriweather: Change (Dirty Monkeez Remix)
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Here comes the slightly emo and slightly guilty pleasure remix of The Dance Party’s “Sasha Don’t Sleep” by AutoRock. I feel like a suburban teenager in Hot Topic clothing that is ironic because I paid extra to have it torn on purpose. (I think THESE GIRLS would love it). On the other hand…fuck, it really is a good listen. It’s constructed like an original and actually doesn’t much read like a remix at all and is so delightfully upbeat.

The Dance Party: Sasha Don’t Sleep (AutoRock Remix)
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My favorite part of this Dance Area remix by Correct Effect doesn’t include vocals at all - it’s at 3:33 - the breakdown with the uber-computerish synth that gains more static with each bar, eventually bringing in chopped to hell vocals and then going back into the track which stays very very crunchy, taking loss of information to a fun place. Overall the synths are purposefully less finessed than other things I’ve heard lately (meaning they sound closer to a preset and there’s definitely a lot of bitcrunching going on), but I really enjoy it.

Dance Area: 24/7 (Correct Effect Remix)
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More Kap10Kurt! There’s been a lot of him around here lately. His version of Clubfeet’s “Teenage Suicide” is very dream-like, with panned trickling keys and lots of atmospherics. My only concern is that given how lush the song is, the vocal becomes lost when all the elements are in full force. It doesn’t help that the vocals are highly effected as well. Aside from that, it’s a very enjoyable remix that, while relying heavily on arpeggiated notes, does it in such a way that it sounds befitting when accompanied with all the other elements.

Clubfeet: Teenage Suicide (Kap10Kurt Remix)
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Ok let’s run down the news for this week… First and foremost - you all ROCK for helping to support our newest release, True Pseudo’s “Freaking Me Out Part 2″ with remixes by Designer Drugs and Pilotpriest! We’ve been getting so many blog mentions and we’re charting on Beatport as well! If you haven’t listened yet, you can do so on ITUNES and BEATPORT. Get it while it’s hot!

Next week I am shooting the music video for my song “Poppin’ Bottles”! We have an all-star crew werkin with us and I’ll be providing some behind the scenes footage as we go along, starting with our dance rehearsals this Saturday! If you’re in Chicago and want to be an extra in our shoot - it’s not too late. Email dani@danideahl.com with your name, phone number and a head shot.

And misc. news… Subscribe to my podcast on iTunes! I have a new monthly feature I’ll be doing for URB - kind of like a Page 6 thing for the house/hipster/electro/dance/techno/etc. crowd! My label, Calamity Jane also has a podcast on iTunes! There will be a contest announced tomorrow! I wanted a cupcake for dessert tonight, but I didn’t have one! I tried to shoo a squirrel off our porch today, but it didn’t move and it just looked me square in the eye which I thought was creepy!

On to the music.

These Duotone tracks were just sent to me via a friend in Canada. There were a smattering of originals and remixes and only a few spoke to me so I pulled them out. They all follow the same format - nice heavy synths (they also tend to use the same synths in all their songs), crunchy snares, and they tend to love the high end range for filling in their melodies (something that you don’t see a ton of right now) - it helps make them not overly dark. The real star here though, is their remix of Yuksek and Amanda Blank’s “Extraball.” It’s an oh my moment as it has a simplified synth melody (that works in the remix’s favor), a luscious long build up that features a large section where the meat of the track is brought in via lo-pass filter and spare choppiness in just the right sections.

Yuksek feat. Amanda Blank: Extraball (Duotone Remix)
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Duotone: Say Want & Do
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Duotone: She Hits On Me
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Duotone feat. Rebekah Star: You Better Dance
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I’m a big Stereoheroes fan and the guys have come a ways from the first track they sent my way. Their remix of Pony Pony Run Run’s “Hey You” is quite solid with synths complimented by tiny bits of guitar and the bulk of the melody deliciously sliding away when the vocals come in, creating a bit of drama. The sounds are nice and crisp and they avoid the pothole I most often gripe about - their vocals are nice and bright, loud and with a slight stereo on them. Ahhh…..

Pony Pony Run Run: Hey You (Stereoheroes Remix)
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I’ve always been a big fan of The Glass and I’ve been itching to get clearance to post their latest single “Wanna Be Dancin’,” a song which has already been highly praised by the most respected outlets. Finally…the email came, along with a remix by Fantastadon. If you haven’t heard “Wanna Be Dancin’” yet, it’s utterly smooth with vocals delivered with the utmost melancholy. Touches like piano riffs during the chorus and airy pads round out this superb single. The remix manages to blend the dreamy elements from the original with crisper synths that suddenly make it a hard tune fit for peak hour.

The Glass: Wanna Be Dancin’ (Radio Edit)
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The Glass: Wanna Be Dancin’ (Fantastadon Remix)
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Ok, yes this next song is a 128, but a) it’s awesome, and b) it was sent to me by DJ Spiller. If you don’t know who DJ Spiller is may you forever be banished from DSquared. DJ Spiller as in the man who made “Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love)” - one of my FAVORITE house tunes of all time. This song is a remix of a single by Glitch, an artist on his label. The Density mix of “Emotion Commotion” (it must be noted, by Glitch AND Tommie Sunshine), has a nice deceptively slower tempo that’s heavy on percussion and light on synth work. The result is a dramatic mix that begs to be danced to.

Glitch feat. Tommie Sunshine: Emotion Commotion (Density Mix)
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Barletta knocks it out of the park with this latest remix of the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Got A Feeling.” Nice sidechaining action that’s not overdone and super clean sounds with some inventive percussion including what sounds like some reversed sounds adding a little something different to the mix. His productions seem to continually get better with each one he sends in.

Black Eyed Peas: I Got A Feeling (Barletta Edit)
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Two different takes on Master Shortie’s “Dead End” here from Chew Fu and Don Diablo. Don Diablo is slowly growing on me. Then again, his stuff lately has more meat to it, as evidenced by this mix which has super dark and intense layered synths that alternate with slightly more lighthearted patterns with picked electric guitar and vocals. Then as soon as you’re used to that - bam - back into the evil. The Chew Fu mix is typical of the artist, chunkier and built as a fun party track.
BONUS: CHEW FU DOWNTEMPO REMIX OF DAFT PUNK’S “MAKE LOVE.”

Master Shortie: Dead End (Don Diablo Knows You Like It Hard Remix)
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Master Shortie: Dead End (Chew Fu GhettoHouse Fix)
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Daft Punk: Make Love (Chew Fu & Substantial Small Room Sax Fix)
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How do I describe the noises in this Hot Pink Delorean and Knowlton Walsh remix of The Faint’s “Get Seduced”? Like I want to hurt someone and dance all at the same time? That seems pretty accurate. That is one mean-ass synth these guys have here playing front and center. In the main part of the track it plays off some guitar and glitched-out vocal, but to me the most original and catchy part is that damn noise that kicks in at 1:00. I would love to see them rework it or do something completely separate where that loop is the main star.

The Faint: Get Seduced (Hot Pink Delorean and Knowlton Walsh Remix)
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Dan Sena of Dim Mak was soooo excited to get this remix he did of N.A.S.A. he actually did it a little prematurely and then had to tell everyone to sit tight for a bit. I don’t blame him though - this remix is completely fun. Yes, it has a completely unfriendly dj intro, but with a little creative mixing, you can get that hit at around 2:20 to kick the dancefloor in the arse. If it were me, I think I would boost the vox slightly (it gets a little lost when the additional top melody comes in around 3:00) and the sounds need to be a bit crisper. It’s less noticeable from 3:00 on, but earlier the mainline sounds a bit flat and it doesn’t help that the snares and hi hats are on the muted side as well. A little EQing on the fly though and you’ll be right as rain.

N.A.S.A.: Way Down (Dan Sena Remix)
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Big fan and supporter of Buffetlibre over here, so when they sent over their new remix of Patrick Wolf I knew it would be stellar. With super arpeggiated synths (something I’m not hearing as much now…) making up the bulk of the track, it might have a melodic quality but this is something to drop primetime. The breakdown with the violins is stellar, especially when the bells kick in right before 3:00. I don’t know what it is about violins…I’ve always thought they’re such an emotional instrument to use in electronic tracks (when done right, of course).

Patrick Wolf: Who Will (Buffetlibre Remix)
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That’s right, “Freaking Me Out Part 2″ has officially dropped and you can buy it today on Beatport (or other MP3 sites), or pre-order for iTunes where it will drop Tuesday, June 2nd. Oh how excited am I! So finally, you all can grab the Designer Drugs mix that you’ve all been dreaming about…but not here - you gotta buy that shizz. Here though, you’ll find samples from all the mixes and a full version of True Pseudo’s new extended mix. BTW, if you don’t have the Nadastrom and ULTRNX mixes yet either, we just can’t speak anymore.

BUY ON BEATPORT

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Check the feedback on “Freaking Me Out Part 2″!

Larry Tee:
True Psuedo are true originators. This new release suggests that these boys are heading for big things!!

DJ Dan:
Love the nu-disco indie dance vibe on this release! Really fun and electric disco treat!

Villains:
These tracks will get our support. The original was really well done and the remixes are bangin!

Tittsworth:
Really well produced!

Wolfgang Gartner:
Digging the Designer Drugs & Pilotpriest Journey mixes on this one - Pilotpriest remix is REALLY good. Thanks for sending!

Hot Pink DeLorean:
Playing the Designer Drugs remix every set! Tune is a banger!

True Pseudo: Freaking Me Out (Extended Mix)
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True Pseudo: Freaking Me Out (Extended Dub)
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True Pseudo: Freaking Me Out (Designer Drugs Remix)
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True Pseudo: Freaking Me Out (Pilotpriest Journey Mix)
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True Pseudo: Freaking Me Out (Pilotpriest Journey Dub)
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So excited! True Pseudo’s “Freaking Me Out Part 2″ drops tomorrow and on June 2nd (depending on when the sites update)! There is a new extended mix of the original, and of course, the Pilotpriest mix and the Designer Drugs mix that everyone has been coveting. Will post all the samples and a FULL version of the extended mix here tomorrow so make sure you come back and check!

By the way, got some new gems to pass along - and no, not new tracks (although those are below). First off, I have a new podcast! The latest entry is the full audio from my interview with Tiga! SUBSCRIBE HERE. Also, my label Calamity Jane Recordings has a new podcast with mixes from our artists! SUBSCRIBE HERE.

There’s some crazy events on the horizon as well - got some pending dates from coast to coast (and out of the country) that I should be able to post soon! I do need a break though - geez, between two weekends ago (see two posts ago) and last weekend…its been nuts. I nearly got into a full fledged girl fight (NOT my fault!), got tipsy with the editors of Bad Girls Club and pretty much emptied Bang nightclub in Cincinnati of their Patron with my friends. Christ, what happened? A lot of you have been asking when I’ll be playing in Chicago next - it’s on the horizon - details to come soon :)

So to whet your appetite for the electro bombs I’ll be dropping your way tomorrow, here’s a good handful of tunes that have been sent over. There’s some awesomeness here - I think you’ll be happy!

Santiago and Bushido are from my neck of the woods (thats’s Chicago for those of you who don’t know) and they always create massive bombs. How excited was I to see a cleared 320 file from them in my inbox the other day!! Their remix of Prairie Cartel’s “Beautiful Shadow” is built for a big room - alternating between vocals and a dubbed feel with looped goodness that keeps it driving throughout. The synth is fairly simple but catchy and overall it’s a little different from what I would expect from the duo. Fire!

Prairie Cartel: Beautiful Shadow (Santiago & Bushido Remix)
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Two tracks in from Dave Dirt this time - one is “Bring The Noize” (just guess what that’s a remix of) and the other is called “Switch.” I actually think “Switch” is produced a little better than “Bring The Noize” which suffers from flat drums and a synth I find a little too spastic. It’s still good, but would be even better with those two items tweaked. “Switch” is more pulled together with a solid synth loop that layers up at points and is highlighted by a vocal stab.

Dave Dirt: Bring The Noize
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Dave Dirt: Switch
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Ok we all know I love my buddy Tittsworth and give him props whenever I can. Two remixes of his track “Drunk As F*ck” have come my way by Meterhead and Top Billin so I had to feature both. The Meterhead mix is more laid back with a plucky bass guitar, hints of a synth that sits in the background and minimal amounts of percussion making it more of a chilled out take that could sit well at the beginning of a night. The Top Billin remix is completely different - raving it up with tight drumrolls and an amusing simplistic bassline that walks up and down in an 8 count. It’s nothing you have to think too hard about, but fun to drop in for a couple minutes.

Tittsworth: Drunk As F*ck (Meterhead Mix)
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Tittsworth: Drunk As F*ck (Top Billin Remix)
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Remixes abound for AC Slater’s “Hello!” and here’s yet another from Thrills & Tony Rocky Horror. With a wobbly dubstep-esque synth that dominates with tinny percussion (it actually works here) and omg, cowbell, this is a track that would appeal to people in both the dubstep and electro crowds. Not for the faint of heart - it’s a bit speedy and pretty much in your face.

AC Slater: Hello! (Thrills & Tony Rocky Horror Remix)
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More from Don Diablo - this man is a machine. This time it’s a remix though. Noisia’s take on “Hooligans” is really quite nice - one of the things I’m always iffy on with Diablo (and I think I have mentioned it before) is that his stuff to me always sounds on the verge of being underproduced. This remix though is beefy, even in the breaks with pads riding underneath multiple synths that build up momentously into a hard, yet rhythmic crescendo. If you can’t tell, I’m quite a fan.

Don Diablo: Hooligans (Noisia Remix)
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Cold Blank’s 808 remix of Surkin’s “Radio Fireworks” is nicely done. A little understated, but still quite banging. I think it would have been easy to go overboard here and instead, the synth sits front and center without being overzealous and the supporting elements fit in nicely from the choppy vocal stabs to the perfectly placed percussion. Nice ravey lo pass filter break towards the end btw. Seems like there’s a lot of that going around right now.

Surkin: Radio Fireworks (Cold Blank’s 808 Remix)
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Rock the f*ck out with this remix of Popular Computer’s “Darling” by Give Me A Kiss. Seriously, I feel like headbanging. Maybe I’ll fish out a lighter on the breakdown - who knows? Intense guitar action here with a serious break that starts with some epic claps and layers in the synth followed by a drop that kind of comes in out of nowhere. I would be particular about where I used this track but I feel like if you have that golden opportunity, this could make everyone go berserk.

Popular Computer: Darling (Give Me A Kiss Remix)
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Man I have neglected you guys! As usual, it’s been a bit mayhem around here…especially over the past few days. The above photo pretty much sums it up. I nicknamed the past few days the Greek weekend…started off playing in Syracuse at Trexx nightclub which was absolutely amazing. The party was Greek themed (called “Delta Iota”), and people showed up in togas, as Julius Caesar and even a Greek column…major props to that guy, there weren’t even arm holes in his costume. The night was a total blast and apparently, according to the pictures, after my set I stole the promoter’s baseball cap and was dancing on top of the speakers (photos of that on my Facebook).

The next day, I flew to Hanover to play for Greg Dona of the illustrious Panda Toes blog. His fraternity, Bones Gate, has some commendable parties…and they party hard. I went to an all-women’s school followed by an art school so I had never, ever stepped foot in a fraternity. Granted, Greg did point out that they were not very frat-like, but still, the basement with four beer pong tables was initially amusing to me. For their event, they had cleared out the entire main floor of the fraternity and set up a stage against the back wall. By the time I went on, the room was slammed wall-to-wall. At one point, I left the booth to go find someone and with no real room to maneuver, got taken out at the ankles by a breakdancer doing a helicopter.

Everything turned out perfectly and thanks to Greg for showing me how to play beer pong at the afterparty. We lost to two girls who were apparently the Dartmouth champions of beer pong, but we didn’t lose by much…one measly cup. Even more impressive was the fact that Greg drank for both of us since I had to leave for the airport at 9:30 in the morning. So I guess a win against a fairly drunk guy and a newbie isn’t that impressive… We totally rocked it.

So now it’s midnight on Memorial Day and before I crash out, I felt like I had to upload some of the tracks I’ve been getting in! No big explanations here since it is fifteen or so tracks, but enjoy them all. BTW, if you haven’t read my interview with Tiga for URB Magazine, make sure you check it out!

People have been asking for more from FnDannyBoy and he delivered. Taking on Pitbull’s “Blanco,” FnDannyBoy injects all the hard synth work typical of his productions. Interesting breakdowns alternate between dropping out and just keeping in minimal elements like the kick make everything move along without that awkward extended ‘I’ll just keep shuffling until it kicks back in’ thing.

Pitbull: Blanco (FnDannyBoy Remix)
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I’ve been dying for some new Death To The Throne, and finally here it is. Their version of LMFAO’s “La La La” is smooth and upbeat enough that you could slip it into high-energy sets. Bits of choppiness in the middle and stutters add some more edge to the remix. Overall really solid - make sure you use the search function to the right to download other tunes by Death To The Throne that have been featured here.

LMFAO: La La La (Death To The Throne Remix)
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This remix of Alexander Technique by Chewy Chocolate Cookies is a bit more mellow than I would expect but completely works. Nice guitar lines and live sounding percussion work quite nicely against string samples in the back and Princess Superstar’s rap-centric vocals. My only gripe, which was also present in the original, is that her vocals sound like they either weren’t recorded very well or they were not processed very well by Alexander Technique. They are muffled and matte, making it a bit hard to distinguish what she’s saying at times - it’s bothersome to me.

Alexander Technique feat. Princess Superstar: Rock U (Chewy Chocolate Cookies Radio Mix)
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Ok, now this is getting all intertwined. Drlkt Freddie also offers a remix of Alexander Technique’s “Rock U” but Chewy Chocolate Cookies also has a remix of Drlkt Freddie’s “Blood.” Are we following? Ok, one at a time. Drlkt Freddie’s “Rock U” mix takes the hard route, creating a minimal metallic-sounding beat for Princess Superstar’s vocals, beefing it up a bit when she fades out. Chewy Chocolate Cookie’s take of Drlkt Freddie’s “Blood” is more along the lines of what we would normally expect from him - wobbly, hard hitting and with nary a moment to breathe. Completely intense even throughout the breaks.

Alexander Technique feat. Princess Superstar: Rock U (Drlkt Freddie Remix)
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Drlkt Freddie: Blood (Chewy Chocolate Cookies Mix)
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I am ever The Golden Filter fan and this new Russ Chimes remix is to die for. Adding a touch of electro to “Solid Gold,” the tune is primed for the dance floor without completely overwhelming the original intentions. Successful in integrating outside elements to transition the song’s playability, this mix is a must-have for everyone who loves the original.

The Golden Filter: Solid Gold (Russ Chimes Remix)
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I was so happy to see a Tepr remix in my email! Attacking Kap10kurt’s “Mission Complete,” Tepr breathes new life into the single. I’m especially happy with the break that happens around 1:30, interjecting some swing with fun drum lines. That feel stays with the song for the duration, lending a lighthearted tone to the mix which makes me smile. Come on, we all still love whistles, don’t we?

Kap10kurt: Mission Complete (Tepr Remix)
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Mansion has delivered a new remix of The New Cities which reminds me of all things good in older disco house and latin inspired disco house. Hi-pass filters, semi-obvious looped goodness, strings in the background, an upbeat male vocal… this screams Summer tune. I completely envision drinking a mojito to this song at a beach party somewhere. That’s it, I’m going out for margaritas tomorrow.

The New Cities: Dead End Countdown (Mansion Remix)
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It’s been a while since I’ve heard from Chew Fu and now we have a new remix from him of P. Diddy’s “Diddy Bop.” This is probably the only way I would ever, ever play this song. Chew Fu manages to make the song righteous with a fun and catchy synth hook that sounds just as full with the vocal on top as it does without. Vocal stabs fill in bits here and there but the bulk of the track is carried by the P. Diddy vocal. I’d love to hear a dub version of this that just uses the vocal hook…

P. Diddy: Diddy Bop (Chew Fu GhettoHouse Fix)
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ReSeT! has a new original called “Sex Machine” with some recognizable samples saddled alongside robotic female vox saying “Sex Machine” in a gly deadpan voice. Completely glitchy and stuttered to the nth degree, the track is held together by the bassline with isn’t chopped, but rather glides along underneath, warbling from note to note.

ReSeT!: Sex Machine
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When was the last time I heard something from Dragonette? Man it’s been a while and bless Don Diablo for putting his touch on them. I waver between liking and hating Diablo’s mixes - they tend to sound underproduced to me. This version of “Fixin To Thrill” teeters on that for me, but is rectified by retaining a bit of the heavy synth feel of the original and of course, using the vocals in full.

Dragonette: Fixin To Thrill (Don Diablo Remix)
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“Wreck The Discotek” by John Roman is a nice peak tune with an instrumental synth hook, but I have to say, Barletta’s remix outshines the original. While Roman’s original focuses on a pretty singular synth sound and incorporates trance-like elements, especially at the build up around 1:45, Barletta’s version goes heavy on the hi-end, pairing the original sounds against crunchy and noisy fill, adding an incredible amount of punch. You know how he do.

John Roman: Wreck The Diskotek
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John Roman: Wreck The Diskotek (Barletta Edit)
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Ok, what? A Gogol Bordello remix? Yeah…I’m completely not kidding. Brought on by iamxl, who has been featured on here before, this take on “Gipsy Part of Town” is replete with horns and percussion, and at a slightly slower bpm, makes this a track that is incredibly versatile and would work in several different types of sets. It’s very organic sounding and you gotta love that the vocals are kept in throughout.

Gogol Bordello: Gipsy Part of Town (iamxl Remix)
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NROTB’s take on N.A.S.A.’s “Whachadoin?” is a refreshing new take on the tune, alternating between a breakbeat and a traditional 4/4 that isn’t overworked but has some interesting drums and percussion. In fact, though there is a main synth line the percussion and supplemental sounds are what make this remix so much fun for me. It’s a definite party remix…will try to sneak it in this weekend in Cincinnati :-)

N.A.S.A.: Whachadoin? (NROTB Remix)
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