MUSIC REVIEWS
Contact Francis Tanneur at:
francistanneur@hotmail.com
CHRISTINA MARIE:
“Turning away” (12 inch) VAZRAM RECORDS
Score: 4
stars (For the VR’s Freestyle mix)
Score: 2 stars (For the other mixes)
Here
is once again a wonderful surprise concocted by the Californian label Vazram Records.
This
time Mario Vazquez wasn’t only the producer, he also delivers a mix that is without
the shadow of a doubt the best one available on this maxi single. He proposes us a Teen
artist of 16 years old whose vocal performance - that allies power and quality- is in the
same line as Synthia Figueroa. The style of this young singer from the Bay Area (which has
been practicing singing since the age of six years old) mixes up an Old School Freestyle
rhythm beat to some sound effects from Progressive Freestyle, while vocoderizing and
filtering Christina Marie Rubino’s magnificent voice. Mario Vazquez consolidates the
general effect by the addition of edits and emulators. The result is off da hook and
extremely original!
As
for the other versions, well, they are less interesting. The House mix doesn’t fit
(in my humble opinion!) with the timbre of her voice while the “Club Remix” is a
nth outdated mix of the West Coast Freestyle genre, and appears rapidly too common and a
little bit too much redundant.
The
only version composed by Mario Vazquez will subjugate you and is worth getting it. The
acquisition of this vinyl record is simply obvious.
ELECTRO FREESTYLE POWER: “The ultimate compilation
for B-Boys and B-Girls” (CD compilation) MIAMI BASS RECORDS / DMG / SPV (Germany)
Score: 4
stars
The
title sums up excellently the content of this great CD that allows 16 Electro Freestyle
tracks destined to B-Boys and B-Girls. And that’s that, I’ve said everything!
See ya…
No,
more seriously, this compilation is applied to the Electro amateurs whose style is very
close to the Electro Funk and Electro Hip-Hop styles launched in the eighties. Of course,
the genre has evolved to a more electronic sound whose particularity is to constantly use
the vocoders (voice modified by a computer or by keyboards) or rappers from time to time.
The melodies and the keys are more imposing and sustained, the beat is also more powerful
and fast.
This
compilation is so dedicated to the lovers of this musical phenomenon that it won’t
ever stops to passionate me! It is one of the best compilations out on the market since
“The World Of Electro (available last year on the ZYX Music label) also
“premeditated” by the Stephan Distel crew of DMG company.
EP: Mecca:
“Please don’t go” / KennyFreestyle: “Stay with me” / Monalicia:
“Getaway” / Joleen: “Missing U” / Joleen: “Fantasy boy” (12
inch) SIDEBUSTERS ENTERTAINMENT
Score: 2 stars
As
for the compilation, the goal of this EP is an excellent way to discover new songs and
artists. KennyFreestyle perfectly understood the usefulness of distributing his first
vinyl record on his own label SideBusters Entertainment.
Solely
composed of Progressive Freestyle productions, the selection is quite interesting, but
nevertheless, it’s less than very enthusiastic. Of course, we can be seduced by the
relaxing and good style of Mecca and the two titles by Joleen (for instance, the chorus is
very important on these three tracks!). But unfortunately, there is nothing to say about
Monalicia’s bonus beat that is unbearable even if the keys are superb (the speed of
the beat is more particularly incomprehensible and botching). And KF’s tune
continually harked back since 1996, is not the best title that he sang, far from it!
Well,
in short, it’s a good initiative, but otherwise, the selection is not as good as I
had expected. A little disappointment to be honest!
EUROFREESTYLE VOL.1 (CD compilation) VENTURA
INTERNATIONAL RECORDS (Canada)
Score: 3
stars
This
is the first “official” collaboration in Canada between Atilla C. Uyanik (the
boss of Ventura International Records) and Stephan Distel (the owner of Distel Media GmBh
in Germany). This association should be very advantageous for the Canadian Freestylers,
insofar as Distel Media GmBh (DMG) possesses an incredible catalogue of artists and songs,
which should make some Freestyle labels green with envy. Throughout his numerous
affiliated Freestyle labels as Miami Bass Records, Seven Up! Music, Trendline Records but
also his deal with SPV Recordings, DMG certainly remains one of the most productive and
active German companies as regards Freestyle music.
It
is fitting to say that this comp will adapt without any trouble to the Canadian market
that also proposes (as the German market) a countless number of productions with a Planet
Rock beat. So, this CD is definitely not a mixture of Euro Dance & Freestyle music
tracks as you might think, especially when you see the title “EuroFreestyle”. On
the contrary, it permits you to discover 18 tunes from the German production. There is, of
course, a majority of Freestyle titles including a Planet Rock beat (11 tracks, to be
precise!) but also 6 Old School Freestyle songs and 2 gems in the pure tradition of German
Electro. My only regret is to note that a few singers (especially male artists) have off
key vocals…which is as well one of the shortages of the Canadian market. Some of you
guys should really stop singing!
This
compilation offers you a large and representative panel of quality titles (except a few
ones) that already did well beyond the Rhine. A good opportunity to familiarize you with
this country which is distributing more singles and compilations than North America.
Amazing, isn’t it?
FLYING STEPS:
“Breakin’ it down” (CD single) JETSET / DANCE STREET / ZYX MUSIC (Germany)
Score:
1 star
To
this day, it’s assuredly the most disappointing single from this German band that is
climbing in the polls, and which has become a model for a bunch of Electro fans. Besides,
the members of this group have surpassed their model (Music Instructor) with whom they
started in the business with the single “Super sonic” in 1998.
Unfortunately,
“Breakin’ it down” is a boring single that marries the style of the hit
“Freestylers” by the Finish group Bomfunk Mcs.. (A genre also appreciated by
Adam Marano through Mr. Bass Feat. Streetstyler) with the Break Dance movement (if you
prick up your ears, you will certainly recognize the big hit of the eighties “Street
dance” by Break Machine). So, there is nothing original, and most important we can be
extremely disappointed by this lack of creativity.
I
make the wish that Flying Steps won’t have the stupidity to confine themselves to
this kind of music, otherwise I can bet that the B-Boys and the B-Girls will support
somebody else. Wake up guys!!!
You
can console yourself in trying to remix this song on your own computer with the
“Magix Play R” software. Your version will be available on the next CD single of
Flying Steps, as was the case for Markus Hoelscher who was the happy winner. He saw his
mix of “We are electric” included on this CD.
But
this time, you have a lot work to do! Good luck!
FREESTYLE GENERATION
NEX (CD compilation) IDOL MAKER RECORDS / HOT JWP MUSIC, INC.
Score: 3
stars
This
second compilation is finally released (it was announced a long time ago) less than five
years after their first CD “Freestyle Connecticut” out in 1996. So, have the
things changed and have we come to a new generation?
I
don’t know why but this title immediately intrigued me, and for the occasion I
plunged again out of curiosity into their first compilation to see the evolution. You can
see by yourself that the ruling staff is the same (Billy Idol, Jose Baez, Frankie
Hernandez, Willie “Valentin” Rivera for the editing digital work, the only
“newcomer” being William E. Gil as the executive producer. The artists are also
identical (C.J. Bass, Ashley, Xcel, Dyphrnt Stylz) with nevertheless some new Freestyle
heads as Makayla, C.K., Malan, Savon and Kane. There are also 10 songs, and it’s once
again distributed by Hot JWP Music (well known in the past under the name of Hot
Productions, Inc.). But the comparison stops here!
Honestly,
the “generation nex” is not here and unchanged, but you can see a better quality
of the Old School Freestyle products contained on this CD. Even if the voice of certain
artists stay pretty fair (Kane, Savon, C.K.), the songs are otherwise quite good and not
boring. A good surprise!
GINA DEE: “I’m waiting” (CD single) MIAMI
BASS RECORDS / DMG (Germany)
Score: 2
stars
This
new single from the charming, ravishing and talented Gina Dee is once again
interesting…but!
Produced
by Chicco, “I’m waiting” is oriented to a more Progressive Freestyle genre,
but the style of her track “stagnates” into the Germanic sounds (utilization of
a Planet Rock loop, imposing keys and a voice vocodorized and modified).
The
general impression on this single stays pleasant, but this change doesn’t transcend
the genre.
MC. G. GABRIEL: “Fantasy” / “MC. G.
Gabriel megamix” (CD single) MIAMI BASS RECORDS / DMG (Germany)
Score: 2
stars
In
Germany, this singer of 26 years old is better known for his producer’s work (Double
Effect, Sweet TB, Ceres…) than as a singer. Moreover, “Fantasy” is the
first single available on CD.
Even
if this track is rather likeable to listen, in the end it does not appear original. This
genre has unfortunately a feeling of déjà vu and it is very close from The Officer &
Elios or from Free System. As concern Free Stystem, I’m mainly talking about the
vocals than about the Old School style of Free System.
Besides,
MC. G. Gabriel seems to find pleasure in staying in the same musical domain (especially as
a producer / remixer) where Planet Rock beat has become a component of his work and style.
That’s too bad, because there are very often some beautiful melodies and composition
in his production, this is of course the case for the title “Fantasy”.
Moreover,
his voice is far to be perfect and outstanding. But hopefully, the presence of Ceres in
the backing vocals and chorus is definitely a big asset.
Of
a 10’58 length, the medley is well remixed and contains five titles of MC.G. Gabriel
(the remake of buxom Laura Branigan “Self control”, “So you”,
“Forget”, “Fantasy” and “Nothing about it”). Assuredly a
nice bonus!
MR MIAMI’S
FREESTYLE COLLECTION VOL.4 (CD compilation) GECKO RECORDS / HOT JWP MUSIC, INC.
Score: no
stars
Those
as myself who have read the prose of Steve “Mr. Miami” O’Neill (throughout
his “Freestyle files” column) already know that he was a relentless and
passionate upholder of quality in Freestyle music. He was the writer of this column in the
DMA Magazine until August 1995, before to get fired plain and simple! So, a question came
to my mind quickly: “How could he fall so low into mediocrity?”
This compilation is simply heartbreaking and distressing because none of the songs provoke any interest. All the tracks are simply useless to tell you the truth.
The
singers (they have off key vocals and sing very bad) and the productions (pitiful,
pathetic and without any originality) sound all the same whatever the artist or the
musical style (New School, Progressive Freestyle, Electro, etc.)
Sincerely,
it is very difficult to understand the use of this CD, except that it might become one of
the most awful compilations out these last years. Not very difficult because the
productions are really execrable!
100% FREESTYLE (CD
compilation) TRENDLINE RECORDS / DMG (Germany)
Score: 4
stars
This
is a CD that I have a lot of pleasure listening to…over and over!
The
DMG crew proposes us a whole series of excellent Electro Freestyle anthems (except the
fair tracks “Don’t stop the music” by Double Effect, “Pump this
party” by Freestyle project & and the song by Liebesschmerz). It especially
contains 9 never-before-released tunes: Natural Sonic Feat. Sue C. “Chinagirl”,
Flying Steps “We are robotic”, The KromOzone Project “Luv with U”,
Anthony Norris “Why”, The Officer & Elios “Party”, Kenny K
“You are not my friend”, Ceres “Show me your love”, 4-Ever “Happy
tears” and a bonus track in German language (extremely rare) called “Dein ist
main ganzes herz” by Liebesschmerz.
We
sincerely hope that is the beginning of a long and great series of CDs, whose purpose will
be to propose some quality productions (especially thanx to the presence of unpublished
titles from famous or not well known singers and groups) to finally become a
“reference”. After the decline of the ZYX Music series, Trendline Records has a
big chance to take its place. We will see with the second compilation.
Anyway,
that’s starts very well for this new entity (Trendline Records), whose the vocation
is also to distribute other musical styles as House, Dance, Techno and Trance.
A
label and a series to keep an eye on!
PLUMMET:
“Damaged” (CD single) NEBULOUS RECORDS
Score: 4
stars (For the Johnny Cage’s BreakBeat 12 inch mix)
Score: 3 stars (For the Ford’s Trancendental 12 inch mix)
Score: 2 stars (For the Xquizit DJ X Jump Up Drum n’ bass mix)
The
“Damaged” songs appeared for the first time on the original soundtrack of
“Brokedown Palace” (a film available in theatres in 1999, with actress Claire
Daines in the main part) and were originally interpreted by Plumb, the singer being
Cheramy Burgess.
Two
years later, and after a serious musical and vocal lifting, the track is now sung by
Plummet and distributed by Nebulous Records in Florida.
The
result is simply terrific, and more captivating than the original version. The crystal
voice of Nikki is grandiose and contributes enormously to the interest of this single. The
most enthusiastic versions are undeniably those composed by Johnny Cage (a newcomer from
Louisiana) that offers us a fair compromise between BreakBeat and Electro. His work is
remarkably inspired.
The
Trance version remixed by Ford (producer of Robin Fox) is also exciting. And at least the
Drum n’ bass by the initiator of this project Eric B. Muniz (better known under the
name of DJ X) is not bad even if this style is not my favorite one.
This
is one of the most beautiful and magnificent songs of the year 2001. Nebulous Records can
rub his hands for this splendid acquisition. You should pretty soon hear about this song
that is already a great success in Florida.
ROCKELL: “What
u did 2 me” (CD single) ROBBINS ENTERTAINMENT LLC / BMG DISTRIBUTION
Score: 4
stars (For the Adam Marano’s album version and the two mixes by Lenny
“Linus” Douglas)
Score: 1 star (For the other mixes)
When
I started listening to this CD, I had a few qualms! The House mixes by Jonathan Peters and
Tony Collucio proved quickly musically poor and too particularly noisy for us to care
about their work. Also, there isn’t any long mix of the album version by Adam Marano,
and that is a big disappointment since this version is the best one.
So,
I was disappointed…very disappointed. And then, I discovered the versions (Radio
& Club) by “Linus”. I had a sigh of relief!
Once
again the inspiration and the creativity over and over renewed by Lenny “Linus”
Douglas bear their fruits. This young remixer from the Bay Area (he only has 3 years of
activity in this business) is becoming a sure value in his different works (I never stop
repeating it!) on the Freestyle music.
Thanx
to the help and influence of Slammin’ Sam Maxion and Randy Taylor-Weber, we are happy
to see him still here. Besides, he constantly improves and innovates in his productions.
This single is once again only a small example of his multiple talents, which consists in
mixing the musical genres that he appreciates (Euro Dance, Trance and Freestyle music for
instance).
Oscillating
between New School and BreakBeat, “Linus” proposes us a wonderful remix with
some keys and melodies “à la Carlos Berrios” that are simply beautiful. The
magnificent voice of Rockell just has to do the rest of the job! I also particularly adore
the introduction of vocoders and Progressive elements. It’s really clever!
Certainly
satisfied by his work on the singles “Thinking about you” by Cynthia and
“Boogie your body” by Daisey, the Robbins Entertainment crew called him again.
They did the right thing because Lenny Douglas achieved great feats. Terrific job
“Linus”!
ROSALINDA: “Feel the love” (CD album) ILLUSIVE
RECORDS
Score: 2
stars
I
will be very clear about this first album; it is destined to the Dance music amateurs and
not only to the Freestylers who appreciate the West Coast sound.
But
the decision of the producers (Rajeev “DJ Raj” Prasad, DJ Chill and Tyler Stone)
and Rosalinda is to have chosen musical versatility. This is not a bad choice in itself,
on the contrary! Otherwise, something annoys me concerning this album: it is the concept
of mixing the musical styles in each track. I got lost, and for myself, I found the step
not really entertaining, and far to be original and convincing.
However,
the album left me a little bit indifferent, even if the Freestyle tracks are captivating
enough…maybe it’s the most important thing…though!
SBP FEATURING DJ
PAULY: “What am I to do” (CD single) SILVERBACK RECORDS
Score: 4
stars
For
the first extract from the “The SBP product” compilation, the Silverback
Records’s staff called a few celebrities from the Freestyle world: Victor Franco,
Willie “Valentin” Rivera, Michael Anthony Bertot, Randy Taylor-Weber and Lenny
“Linus” Douglas. With such line-up of producers/remixers, we could expect a
positive result!
All
the Progressive Freestyle aficionados will be in seventh heaven because there is a bunch
of excellent mixes to enjoy. I will begin with the two remixes of Willie
“Valentin” Rivera that mix an Electro / Progressive with some Old School
elements (melodies, keys and edits “à la Willie Valentin”). “Randy
Galaxy’s dream style mix” and his West Coast style propose a Planet Rock beat
including a beautiful melody concocted by Randy Taylor-Weber. The “Linus blue sky
mix” by Lenny Douglas is a musical UFO because his mix is a kind of hybrid (as he
loves to repeat himself) between Break Beat and New School Freestyle enriched by Trance
music melodies. It can appear as a weird musical mixture, but in reality it’s really
brilliant. And to finish with the listening, you can listen to the “Original
mix” (the compilation’s version) and “Victor Franco’s bonus mix”
offered in the BreakBeat genre (not bad!).
Also,
the voice of DJ Pauly is particularly slow and smooth. It will permit him to feel at ease
in every musical style.
A
first impressive single!
THE BAY’S BEST
FREESTYLE & MORE (CD compilation) SILENT PARTNER RECORDS
Score: 1
star
How
can we keep a straight face (the CD’s title is a joke!), and don’t be thoroughly
annoyed if you make the big mistake to buy this kind of compilation?
Let
me start by breaking down the title itself. “The Bay’s”: okay for this one,
because the artists and groups come from this area. Then, the word “Best”: an
adjective extremely pretentious to use in this kind of marketing operation for the simple
reason that we are far from the “Best” but closer to the “Worst”!
Then, the word “Freestyle”: you are very stunned, fussy and horrified. Because
there are only 4 Progressive Freestyle productions (Sharyn Maceren “One and
one”, Epic Voices and the remix of “Stand up”, Kenny “Wanna be your
lover”, Steelo “Don’t you know”). Except for the hit by Sharyn
Maceren, the other songs are not very exciting. So, it’s an absolute musical desert
for Freestylers! And we finally end up with “& more”, which is very
important in this precise case. It’s simply an anthology of the worst things you can
do in Dance music (except for the good House Disco tracks from DJ Super JC and the Dance
song “A little more time” by Sharyn Maceren). Every musical genres (House Disco,
Dance music, Bass, Euro Dance, Rap, R&B, Pop…) is represented here to touch a
larger audience. So what? Why did the producers not entitle this CD “The Bay’s
Best DANCE & Freestyle”? I know, the title would have convinced the Freestylers
less, but that would have been more sincere. Anyway, the word “Best” stays
unacceptable and difficult to digest!
This
is why it is very important sometimes to know correctly the etymology of some words to
give them their right sense and to use it wisely!
TOPAZ:
“Freestyle” (CD album) GECKO RECORDS / HOT JWP MUSIC, INC.
Score: 1
star
To
be honest, I’m not crazy for this first full-length album from Luis “Topaz”
Gonzales. There is nothing to say in reality!
Even
if you’re going from one song to another, the music and the style don’t change.
However, in 1997, I had the big pleasure to discover his great Freestyle gem “Dreary
day” and I had been pretty seduced by the very particular track “Lullaby”.
Otherwise, after having listened conscientiously to all the songs contained on this CD, my
opinion on this vocally irregular singer has radically changed. I was indifferent to his
style, and the other titles appearing on this album bored me to death!
This
is the kind of album that you’ll listen to once (to write an article for instance)
and you’ll forget it without any regrets!
1]
Plummet: “Damaged” Nebulous Records
2]
Sharyn Maceren: “One and one” Captaur Records
3] Christina Marie: “Turning away” (VR’s Freestyle mix) Vazram Records
4] Rockell: “What u did 2 me” (Linus mix) Robbins Entertainment LLC
5] Free System: “This love is not right 4 you” (Psycho remix) Freefiles Records
/ SPV (Germany)
7] The KromOzone Project Featuring Randy Lance: “Luv with U” TBC Productions
8] Make Believe: “For the last time” Vazram Records
9] Sweet TB: “Let me fly” MNF Records / ZYX Music (Germany)
10] Elissa: “Back to me” Ti Amo Records (Canada)
(Compilations
& medleys)
1]
D.J. Damon Cain A.K.A. Devious D. Presents Vintage Freestyle Grooves:
“Collector’s Edition vol.1” (medley) MainSource Distribution
2] Bad Boy Joe Presents The Best Of Freestyle Megamix (medley) What If Productions /
E-Lastik Recordings, Inc.
3] Silverback Records Presents The SBP Product (compilation) Silverback Records
4] 100% Freestyle (compilation) Trendline Records / DMG (Germany)
5] Freestyle Heaven vol.2 (medley) SPG Music Productions LTD (Canada)
(Albums)
1]
Sammy C: “Taking it through the millenium and beyond” Roman Empire Productions
2] Rockell: “Instant pleasure” Robbins Entertainment LLC
3] The KromOzone Project: “Love & energy” TBC Productions
4] Elissa: “I can’t stop - Freestyle hits” Ti Amo Records (Germany)
4]
The Underdog Project: “It doesn’t matter” Loop Dance Constructions / Kontor