MUSIC
REVIEWS
by: Francis Tanneur
Opinions expressed are those of
the individual writer for informational purpose
only. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or viewpoints of
Freestyle Music.Com.
Contact Francis Tanneur at:francistanneur@hotmail.com
BARBIE: “Here comes the rain again” (CD single) DETOUR RECORDS
Score: 3
stars
An extract
from Eurythmics’ album “Touch” (1983), this excellent title from the most
famous duet of the English pop scene of the eighties (Annie Lennox / Dave Stewart) was a
huge success when it was released. Upgraded by the DETOUR RECORDS team, we can only wish
Barbie will be as successful.
The three
genres (Tribal House, Hi-Nrg and Freestyle) in which this remake is proposed, make of it an extremely well calibrated product worth
listening. It benefits from a large musical potential thanks to the many Dance versions
that should seduce the greatest number of persons easily (due to the unquestionable
qualities of the production). Be it the Tribal
House or House versions, they are all very paced and exciting.
As for the
unique Freestyle mix by Tito Puente Jr., we can only regret its short length, otherwise,
he composed a very beautiful melody around a booming rhythm beat.
DMA FREESTYLE FLAVA VOL.2 (CD medley) FUSEBOX RECORDS / 404 MUSIC GROUP, INC
For the 2nd
year in a raw, DMA, the leading magazine specialized in Dance music makes its Freestyle
show. Once again remixed by DJ Felony, the project was carefully coordinated by Bernard
Rosenberg who deals with the sole Freestyle column (Freestyle file) published monthly.
We can only realize
that the mix is of a far better quality. And as far as the chosen pieces are concerned, it
is yet better, but there’s still much to be done! What strikes be as embarrassing in
this project is the actual lack of a definite musical texture. As the medley unfolds, we
observe it is the same slow, slightly repetitive rhythm (Electro, Progressive Freestyle or
Planet Rock) that our ears are treated with whatever the artist. You have to wait the last
cuts (the splendid “Runaway love” by
Johnny O, “Dedicate my love” by Tony Moran and “In and out” by
Trinere) to find a little punch and rhythm in this megamix that seriously lacks
originality!
FREESTYLE HEAVEN (CD compilation) SPG MUSIC PRODUCTION LTD. (Canada)
Score: 1 star
In his old
field, no doubt that this Canadian DJ is very talented, and this new CD is the living
proof. There’s nothing to say against the quality of the mix or the care he gave to
“his composition”. But the contrary can also be said for the selection, he made
that prevents you from listening to that medley for a second time. Oh yes, he definitely
tried to mix different musical styles (Old School Freestyle & Progressive Freestyle).
But how can
you reconcile productions as meaningless as Intonation Featuring Collage “I know that
you’re the one for me”, Acid Factor “Fantasy”, Electro Professor
“Electrocity”, Trixie “When I’m gone”, Daisey “Boogie your
body”, Monik Garo “Love you up” with productions of quality such as The
Kromozone Project “Take my love”, Planet Soul Featuring J.Cee “Music is my
life”, Syntex “All through the night”, Mystique “Broken
hearted”», MCSC ”Dream girl”, Elissa “Say goodbye”?
Of course,
everyone his own tastes! Yet, honestly, it brings about questions, especially about the
interest there is in presenting such poor products in a megamix, which, once again, very
well mixed. A choice from the radio, from the label, from the DJ…Whatever the answer,
I won’t be persuaded that such extremes were necessary!
A little
visit to Freestyle paradise with Tony Monaco could have been a great idea! But you’ll
have to wait a little more…for Freestyle vision of heaven is far from being that
blissful!
FREESTYLE VOL. 9 (CD compilation) ZYX MUSIC (Germany)
Score: No stars
Those who
already own the eight volumes know that this collection is terrific. That’s even the
kind of compilation you can buy the eyes wide shut…without having any fear about the
content.
Yeah?
Well…
Then this
ninth compilation is in complete contradiction with what I told you a few lines earlier.
Indeed, it’s a swindle! And when you know how professional this label is, that
quality always prevail over quantity, we can justly wonder about what they had in mind
when they decided of the selection, which amounts to nothing (with a few exceptions such
as Noel “Like a child”, First Base “Follow me”, Freestyle Project
“Let your body rock”).
Let’s
hope it’s just an accident and that the next compilation will raise the level. And
judging by the quality of that one, it shouldn’t be an extraordinary exploit!
KEEPIN’ FREESTYLE ALIVE VOL.2 (CD compilation) DETOUR RECORDS
Score: 4
stars
Sometimes, it takes
a long time (about two years) before a compilation is distributed, but the hard work of
producer Gerald J. Godbout III has finally paid. After a musical lifting (some songs have
disappeared from the demo), this wonderful compilation is finally out. Don’t miss it
or you might regret it!
Let’s stress
that the productions of this CD haven’t grown old a bit, on the contrary! The secret
of this eternal youth is very simple since we are taken through a really fascinating trip
through the realm of Latin Hip-Hop. All the songs are beautiful and rich and bring fresh
air to the sometimes considered old-fashioned
Freestyle.
But this compilation
could well give it a spur. Even though it’s
become almost insufferably anonymous. The DETOUR RECORDS team may well have found a
magical charm. Who knows?
Whatever, those two
producers’ enthusiasm and passion give a new start to a music desperately in need of it.
KRYSTĂL: “Loving arms” (12 inch) HIGH POWER RECORDS
Score: 2 stars
It is with a
slight disappointment that I discovered this new track produced by legendary Tony Garcia.
Indeed, those
who still have in memory his fantastic and unforgettable melodies and productions are
bound to be surprised by this musical choice. The “Dr. Edit” has decided to take
a surprising musical curve that might cause him prejudice: Progressive Freestyle.
Of course,
the cool voice of Krystăl (his daughter) and the composition of some melodies stand out
from this otherwise boring enterprise much too similar to what is presently made in the
Progressive Freestyle field.
The
disappointment is here, and huge! To change style, why not, but making innovations is
better, especially when you know Tony Garcia’s talent.
Is
Progressive Freestyle operating a little revolution? In any case, the Marcos B / Sam
Maxion association is good.
This second
single is straight away adopted since it shows a new breakthrough in this music. The great
keyboards productions, more melodious stand out, inuffing a rather booming rhythm beat, and underline even
more the words of Marcos B. They allow you to experience the dramatic progression of this
cool title that needs to be listened to…without any moderation.
You may not
even know his name, but Onnie Velez became known in 1994 with two remarkable cuts
(“Would you know love” and “Come back”) released on the same maxi
vinyl on HOT APPLE RECORDS (distributed by HOT PRODUCTIONS, INC). And then, nothing else!
Fortunately, his first album is (finally) out and you’ll (finally) be able to
discover this talented singer.
We must admit
that Onnie Valez (with the help of Gerald J. Godbout III) proposes very magnificent songs
accompanied with cute keyboards compositions, very often heartbreaking, and where the
emotion goes crescendo. The low, languorous voice of this artist does the rest and remains
in your head.
Although some
titles left me less enthusiastic (“All out of love” & “All that’s
on my mind ’98”), in the end, we must admit this album is very seducing.
PLANET SOUL FEATURING J. CEE: “Music is my life” (CD single) STRICTLY RHYTHM RECORDS
Score: 3
stars
Planet Soul (George
Acosta) and remixers from Cibola Productions have created synthetic rhythms that associate
as well with Freestyle music as with Dance music / House music. Elements, which unite two
very different musics, make as a result, a fascinating and interesting job.
They succeeded in
integrating J. Cee’s powerful voice to a slow Electro beat and still benefit from
melodious backings which gives to this title a musical fire power to be reckoned with.
So, if Dance music
is the quintessence of your life, rush for this title. For this CD is overpacked with a
multitude of mixes, in numerous musical genres.
STONAY: “Waiting” (CD single) SHIFT MUSIC & MEDIA / ZYX MUSIC (Germany)
Score: 4 stars
In 1997,
Stonay was revealed to the Freestylers eyes with his great “Hold me tight”
track. Three years later, he is back with a new single that should consecrate him.
“Waiting”
is a splendid Old School Freestyle song that highlights marvelous melodies, energetically
integrated to a powerful rhythm beat, though slow, so as to underline the generous calm
voice that is his seal.
A piece and
an artist that deserve all your attention.
1]
Mario: “I can’t go on” 5-Starr Productions / Muss Muzik
2] Alvendia:
“Always on my mind” Whaevah Records
3]
Stonay: “Waiting” Shift Music & Media / ZYX Music (Germany)
4]
Gina Dee: “Leave me not alone” ZYX music (Germany)
5]
Pandera: “Cecilia” MNF Records / ZYX Music (Germany)
6]
Freestyle Project: “Electric reality” MNF Records / ZYX Music (Germany)
7]
Caprice: “There goes your heart” Finetune Records
8]
Marcos B: “When you go” Knowledge Es Power Records
9]
Barbie: “Here comes the rain again” Detour Records
10]
Julia-Evita Hernandez: “Come back” ZYX Music (Germany)
1] George Lamond:
“The hits…and more” (compilation) Robbins Entertainment LLC / Timber
Records
2]
KTU Freestyle Party vol.1, 2, 3, 4 (medleys) Remix Records
3]
Keepin’ Freestyle vol.2 (compilation) Detour Records
4]
Freestyle A New Dimension In Tyme vol.2 (compilation) Pryme Tyme Records / Denmic
6]
Classic Freestyle (medley) ZYX Music (Germany)
7]
Stevie B: “Freestyle then and now” (compilation) Dance 2000 Records / 805 Music
8] Maximum Freestyle: “Special edition remixes!” (compilation) Maximum Freestyle Records (Canada)
9]
Freestyle Project: “Freestyle project megamix” (medley) MNF Records / ZYX Music
(Germany)
10]
“Where it all begins” compilation PT 1 (compilation) Epicenter Records
1]
Cynthia: “Thinking about you” Robbins Entertainment LLC
2]
Stevie B: “Right here, right now” Dance 2000 Records / 805 Music
3]
Sammy C: “Taking it through the millenium and beyond” Roman Empire Productions
4]
Onnie: “One love” Detour Records
5]
Freestyle Project: “Free styling-the album” MNF Records / ZYX Music (Germany)