MUSIC REVIEWS
Contact Francis Tanneur at:
francistanneur@hotmail.comA-JAY: “Candy coated
luv” (CD single) SLAMMIN’ ENTERTAINMENT [USA]
Score:
No stars
It's
been a while since Slammin’ Sam (Maxion) hasn’t produced anything new in
Freestyle music. This is not with this single that he risks doing sparkles, he is
obstinate, and he persists in the same kind of music: Progressive Freestyle. Once again,
this is really boring and unbearable.
That
is extremely distressing, (can I say pathetic!), that he doesn’t try to propose us
something new. A-Jay, a young American Pilipino teen is simply a pale copycat of Joey
Acuna. He is also from the Bay Area, he is practically the same age, and the music is the
same. “Candy coated luv” is a kind of unsuccessful imitation of the track
“If this is love” (1998) from Joey Acuna.
The
two other Progressive Freestyle versions from Lenny “Linus” Douglas don't really
diverge. They appear nevertheless a little more melodious and better worked than those
from Sam Maxion, but just a little to tell you the truth.
This
single is clearly doomed to failure and to general indifference. Do you wanna bet?
ANGELINA: “Love ain’t here no more” (CD
album) UPSTAIRS RECORDS [USA]
Score: No
stars
Even
if I’m not a big supporter of Angelina, what stirred up my curiosity, was the fact
that her name was associated with such a few prestigious names as Tolga Katas and Charlie
“Babie” Rosario. So, I bought this third full-length album.
What
a stupid and bad idea! It would have been even better to throw my money out of the window.
Her album is simply disconcerting. It has also been a real burden to listen to it. This is
incontestably her worst album, worse than the last one “Ven a mi” which already
excelled into mediocrity. This is too bad because Angelina possesses a pretty nice voice,
the only positive note I could write about her pitiful album.
There
are in truth only 3 Freestyle tracks plus one which could be (maybe) considered as
Freestyle music. The 1st title “We can't go on” is produced by Noel Saucedo
(Haus-A-Holics) and remains once again in the Freestyle Progressive genre, it’s
insipid; The second one “Old School sound” by Tolga Katas is limp and it
seriously lacks originality, it’s not lively; the third track “Can’t say
goodbye” is oriented to the Old School Freestyle with Latin influences, and finally
the fourth song “Summer rain” was produced by Manny Mohr and is a kind of sleepy
Freestyle ballad.
If
you have to listen to the rest of the album (that means 13 other songs), I will only tell
you one thing: “Good luck”. You risk having a heavy headache if you are listen
to the insignificant Dance/Latino House tracks, or have a snooze with her 5 ballads sung
prosaically, I mean too plainly and boringly.
AYNA: “Aunque sea la ultima vez” (Promo CD
single) E.L.I. RECORDS [USA]
(CD received courtesy from Ayna)
Score: 3
stars
This
single was officially out during the summer 2002, but however I absolutely want to talk
about it because unfortunately it didn’t receive the attention it deserved.
Born
and raised in the Bronx, Ayna signs with “Aunque sea la ultima vez” (“Even
if it's the last time”) a first enthusiastic single. This song is interpreted in
Spanish, and Ayna is quite convincing thanks especially to her seducing and flowing way of
singing. Her singing manner could appear very particular and weird at first. Personally,
at the beginning I had this kind of feelings about her voice. But after a few listening, I
have to confess, I finally cracked! The vocals backup of Fernanda (a.k.a. Cheree) also
helped the song, she did a great job in the chorus.
The
Old School Freestyle rhythm beat is percussive, it does the rest of the job.
You
have 6 versions to get a definitive opinion about this title: the “Estilo libre”
& the “Radio” (two sung versions), “La bateria” & the
“Instrumental” (two instrumental versions), the “Original version” (a
kind of New School Freestyle genre) and of course the “Acapella”.
Even if she changed the spelling, Ayna is described in the Bible as a mirror or a reflection. We hope that from this mirror will always reflect the human and artistic authenticities who already characterize her.
BAD BOY JOE PRESENTS THE BEST OF FREESTYLE MEGAMIX VOL.3
(2 CDs medley) WHAT IF PRODUCTIONS [USA]
Score: 3
stars
Once
again, this new CD from Joe Marcano, is quite successful and should entertain a bunch of
Freestyle and non Freestyle (those who don’t listen to our music regularly) amateurs.
A little innovation, a supplementary non-mixed CD is offered as a bonus. If you want to
know more, just read the following lines…
Inside
the first CD, Bad Boy Joe concocted a quite brilliantly edited medley (only between the
tracks). It contains 14 Old School Freestyle classics which are a must (George Lamond:
“Without you” [2002 remake], Stevie B: “Dreaming of love”, Judy
Torres: “Love you will you love me”, Tonasia: “Wondering”, Laissez
Faire: “In paradise”, Eileen Flores: “Touch me with your heart”,
Johnny O: “Highways of love”, Leather
and Lace Feat. Arlene:
“Tender heart (do
what’s right for me)”,
TKA: “Louder than love”, Stevie B: “Party your body”, Cynthia:
“Love me tonight”, Nyasia: “Who’s got your love”, Laura Enea:
“This is the last time” & Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Force:
“Planet Rock”) and 3 not extraordinary Latin House titles (Rare Arts:
“Boriqua Posse” and Two Without Hats: “The Breeze” & “Try
yaz”).
While
the second CD entitled “Freestyle New Generation”, Bad Boy Joe didn’t offer
any medley (except for the “Radio edit” as an intro) but he decided to select
some New School tracks and more or less new artists/bands that got for most of them only
the honors of compilations and albums or that were simply never released before. This
“second chance” should permit some fans and occasional amateurs of Freestyle to
discover them because the two first editions of this series encountered a huge success in
the States. Here is the “line-up”: Luie lowe: “Don’t turn away”,
Asley: “When’s it all gonna end”, Synthia Figueroa: “Touch me”,
Aby: “Sometimes”, Rafael Ramos: “You make me want to cry”, Willie
Valentin: “In my heart”, Nina Martinez: “Gimme just 1 night”, Tony
Moran: “On the edge”, Luis Damõn: “Time and time again”, 301 East:
“Latin love 2K1”, Philllip Anthony: “All out of love”, Alvendia:
“Daydreaming”, David Mykl: “Why can’t we be”, Malyssa:
“Reminisce”, Synthia Figueroa: “Dreaming”, Jenae: “Loving you
from a distance”, Zoe: “This isn’t love anymore”, Greg Elyea [formely
known as Amante]: “Let’s get it on”, Nick Colon: “Careless” and
an exclusive remixed version of “Tears in my eyes” by Nu Image.
Throughout
those 20 titles from different musical horizons (Old School & New School Freestyle and
West Coast Freestyle), you will be able to make your own opinion about this “New
generation” of artists. Some of these singers or bands are more Old School than New
School ones as for instance Tony Moran and Luis Damõn. Of course, it’s just my
opinion! The majority of the tunes are good, and for some them excellent. Only a few
artists and songs suffer from an undeniable lack of originality and interest and
especially concerning their voice (for those songs) as for instance: Rafael Ramos, David
Mykl, Jenae and Zoe. Maybe as far as concerns the upcoming songs, they will propose
something better? We whish them to!
It’s
practically sure; this new production from Bad Boy Joe will get a huge success. We can
only support it because this kind of successful CD will irremediably help our music gain
more and new supporters of the genre.
CONNIE: “The best of Connie” (CD compilation)
THUMP RECORDS [USA]
Score: No
stars
Ha
ha ha ha…sorry, sometimes it’s so good to laugh like this! If as myself, you
have had the bad luck to listen to this compilation, you roared with laughter! This is the
kind of CD which provokes hilarity and should be prescribed by every doctor in your
moments of moroseness. Take care of the secondary effects…as for instance a big
headache.
We
first assist to an anthology of particularly useless non Freestyle songs as “The
power of love”, “Spinning”, “Feel the beat” and
“Experience” whom two awful 2-Step/Rap remixes of “Funky little beat”.
If these tracks didn’t deafen you, you may listen to 4 Trinere’s reprises
(“How can be wrong”, “All night”, “When I hear music” and
“Lookout weekend”). And if after that, you are still full of courage, you will
listen to some Freestyle tracks from Connie: “Funky little beat”, “Rock
me” and “Your eyes”. Some effects, vocals and music are very funny and
old-fashioned.
I
will be honest with you I couldn’t get over it yet…I still have very important
stomach cramps due to these numerous moments of laughs.
The
more the merrier… Not this time! Believe me, this is the kind of compilations that
spoils the Freestyle genre and which will piss you off.
JUDY TORRES: “The greatest hits” (CD
compilation) EMPIRE MUSIC WERKS / HOT JWP MUSIC / BMG DISTRIBUTION [USA]
Score:
No stars
We
would love to have the same smile (of satisfaction) which brightens Judy Torres on the
cover of her “Greatest hits”, unfortunately it won’t happen! On the
contrary, you will be thoroughly annoyed. A musical abomination that it is necessary to
forget quickly.
For
those who didn’t listen to the original versions of her wonderful hits as “Love
you will you love me”, “Come into your arms”, “No reason to cry”,
“Love story”, “Every little lie” and “Holding on”, etc.
Maybe they could content themselves of these remixes. I’m not sure that it will be
the same with the Old School Freestylers, personally I found them extremely depressing and
mediocre.
Mr.
Adam Marano, it’s not because you reworked the songs by adding new keys (sometimes
horrible and coarse) and new rhythm beats, or because you re-recorded the voices of some
titles, etc. that you will create an interest! You mostly need an ounce of inspiration and
also you mainly need to privilege the artistic part of the job to the detriment of the
financial aspect! C’mon, be serious for one second, what could be the purpose of such
a CD if not the money!
I’m
sure that the original authors (Mickey Garcia & Elvin Molina) have torn their hair out
when they listened to those pitiful and exasperating mixes. Frankly, this is
incomprehensible to do this kind of stupid things especially when we know the quality of
the originals.
Judy
Torres, I really love you, but this artistic fault of taste is difficult to accept.
It’s difficult to understand that you participated in a such distressing and
miserable project.
MALYSSA:
“Reminisce” (CD album) RHYTHM DRIVE RECORDS
[USA]
Score:
2 stars
Malyssa
convinced many Freestylers last year with her Freestyle hit “Reminisce”. The
West Coast Freestyle amateurs heard this track that has been played a lot of times in the
clubs and radio stations mainly in the Bay Area, in Hawaii and in Texas.
This
young artist was selected for some compilations (“Import Jams” on 888 Records
and “Vicious V. presents Freestyle Plus” on Silent Partner Records) and she
raised slowly but surely in the Bay Area’s charts and Record pools thanks to
“Reminisce” but also thanks to the Dance tune “Tonight”, and now to
the second single “By my side”.
After
those local successes, it was foreseeable that she do her first album. It’s done now
on her new Californian label owned by Reno Ursal (and “backed up” by Daric
Bergeson from Silent Partner/Metro Records & Bayside)..
Born
to a Native American & French father and Thaï & Chinese mother, this beautiful
and seducing young artist of 22, still lives in the Bay Area. It is normal that this album
reflects the sonorities and musical genres from this area, and it vocally eyes to some
singers as M:G & Jocelyn Enriquez especially.
Finally,
her album contains more ballads than Freestyle tracks, but also a few Dance songs. We
could talk more about a Dance album than a Freestyle album.
What
remains from this album is a strong feeling of disappointment and bothering. We are
disappointed because the musical & vocal style of Malyssa is too much similar to some
other artists who abound in the Bay area. Even if I enjoy some Freestyle and non-Freestyle
tracks, we can notice quickly that her style is not very exciting. She uses the same style
of voice timbre whatever the musical style. It changes rarely, so in the end, it provokes
irremediably a certain lassitude, and it becomes boring. And it’s too bad because
some of the tracks are sometimes attractive as the successful Dance track
“Tonight”; one or two ballads are quite likeable too. As far as concerns
Freestyle music, on the contrary, there are only a few enjoyable songs as her hit
“Reminisce” and the song “Crazy”. Otherwise, the songs “By my
side”, “Forever more” and “Be my side” (the “Wildstyle
mix”) are not very interesting; some fair Progressive Freestyle and West Coast
productions.
Sincerely,
we can’t say that this album is fundamentally poor, but it’s too common and not
very original, we can notice of a creative deficiency. And as for Freestyle music, we
could hope something better…much better.
NYASIA: “If I could see
you now” (Promo CD single) LUFRE RECORDS / E.L.I. RECORDS [USA]
Score
: 2 stars
This
new single from Nyasia is certainly the less successful from the Diva, but is nevertheless
interesting thanks to her voice which is still convincing and pleasant to listen to.
The
single flirts constantly between Freestyle and Tribal sound. It’s flagrant with the
use of Congas, and especially on the last version of the CD single (the
“Melocappella”).
It
remains simply fair. Too bad.
N.Y. CITY BEATS: “The
N.Y. City beats Freestyle Megamix” / ANTHONY MORRIS : “Freestyle megamix”
[Bonus] (CD single) MNF RECORDS / ZYX MUSIC [Germany]
Score:
2 stars
After
Anthony Norris’s megamix (the original radio version is also available on this CD
single), here is the one from N.Y. City Beats. But what is the relation between these two
bands you could ask me? Well, this is also the producer Marco Sandler who is also behind
this project, assisted this time by N.Y. City Beats’s producer: Heinz Drexel.
So?
You want me to come to the point?
As
you could maybe guess by yourself, the musical style isn’t very different from a
group to another; it’s the same Planet Rock beat, the same sort of keys and
melodies).
Otherwise,
contrarily to Anthony Norris, this band (N.Y. City Beats) plebiscites (for the moment) the
reprises of famous Pop and New Wave hits from the 80s. Vocally, the style is very close
from American groups as A.K.A. or Information Society.
100% FREESTYLE VOL. 3
(Compilation) MIAMI BASS RECORDS / DMG / SONY MUSIC [Germany]
Score:
1 star
We
can notice a serious fall of quality in the last volume of this series; this new edition
confirms my words unfortunately!
Over
the 19 titles, there are only a few tracks that will get your attention as “Still I
cry” by Lil Suzy, “I just called (to say I love you)” by the ex-vocal
leader of The Underdog Project, Mr. Summerjam, “Your love (feels so good)” by
Danielle Martinez, “Give me tonight” by Ceres, “One on one” by Five Of
Ten, “You are the one” by VLA and “No more waiting” by Bobby
Leal/Chako Beilin.
The
problem with this compilation is to understand why it possesses such of quantity of
off-key artists (T.I.M, Andre, Gabriel, Maureen, The Unit, LFG, Dolo & Bass Booty)?
It’s terrible to listen to… really! Their way of “singing” is
particularly dreadful, besides the songs, becomes rapidly alarming and sometimes funny.
And most of the songs sound the same.
To
sum up, this third volume is a big disappointment.
PHILIP D.: “The robots” (CD single) ZYX MUSIC [Germany]
Score: 2
stars
This
single is a quite interesting compromise between the Electro genre (including some
vocoders, of course) from the 80s and the commercial Trance.
Philip
Dirix seems to enjoy associating these two styles with a certain efficacy. You have 4
versions (+ a vocodorized acapella) to have an idea of the style. But honestly, you could
talk about the Electro mixes or about the Trance versions, there are almost similar; too
much identical in my opinion. We would love to see, for instance into the 2 Electro
versions, that he put in exergue only the Electro beat with the vocoders and add more
Trance keys, melodies and strings, and not only a too omnipresent Trance/Techno beat.
In
the end, even if it’s not particular innovative and interesting (many European Trance
productions already include an Electro or Breakbeat session in their versions), this
single doesn’t deserve to be ignored. This is the kind of jam that nevertheless will
make night clubbers dance without any doubt. It’s party time…take care of Philip
D’s robots, their music is not especially original but undeniably communicative!
SHANNON: “Megamix EP” (CD single) ZYX MUSIC [Germany]
Score: No
stars
This
CD is a joke…you just have to know it!
How
could it be possible to use the word “medley”? There is no mix… not even
between the tracks! Apparently, this CD single didn’t get the same honors as
Shannon’s other medley out practically at the same time; the other megamix was
remixed by Thunderpuss and it contains only Dance tracks.
By
the way, if there is a DJ/mixer behind this megamix, ZYX Music has to introduce him to us,
because he needs to take some serious mixing lessons!!!
I
also need to warn you that this Freestyle medley is not totally…Freestyle. It also
contains Dance titles as “Follow your heart” & “Believe in me” and
a House remix of “Give me tonight”. The Freestyle versions of “Give me
tonight”, “Let the music play” and of “The best is yet to come”
are the same as the album. Cool, what a mix!!!
Can
somebody explain me the interest of this kind of crap? Something is sure, it’s a
rip-off.
Alarmingly
stupid!
SHARYN MACEREN: “When the record spins” / “Rainbow”
(12” single) PLANET HYPE RECORDS [USA]
Score:
3 stars
This
is the second extract from her excellent album “Always dreamin’”. After the
Old school Freestyle style of her last single “In just one night”, this new song
goes to a more apathetic West Coast genre that still remain convincing.
On the A side, in fact, the “Avid mix” is the only extended version of this vinyl (length: 8’42) that is split up into two parts. In the first part of this mix (the first four minutes) you will listen to a slow West Coast beat to finally end with a very pleasant, more Dance and Groovy rhythm beat. The musical style gives the occasion to Sharyn Maceren to affirm her “vocal charms” because once again she sings with a rare sensuality. For this title it’s glaringly obvious than on “In just one night”, it’s undeniably an asset and it also makes the interest and the charm of this beautiful and talented singer.
On
the B side, you will find an acapella of “When the record spins” and an extended
version (the “Kissing mix”) of the album’s track “Rainbow” which
appears not very different from the album.
How
could you resist to this new single? You simply can’t. This is once more very
original and thrilling. This is the kind of records which is played on heavy rotation by
the radio stations and the DJs. When Sharyn Maceren’s record spins, you just listen
to it and dance on it at the same time! A pure pleasure.
STEVIE B VS DJ DIAVOLO:
“Freestyle explosion 2003” (CD single) MIAMI BASS RECORDS
/ DMG / SONY MUSIC [Germany]
Score:
1 star
Even
if Stevie B hasn’t released anything new since more than 2 years, this popular artist
continues to arouse the professionals and more particularly the German ones keenly.
He
is undeniably the most famous Freestyle American singer out there. But in Germany, he has
always been the subject of a bigger attention. Since 1998, I have listed seven official
medleys.
This
new medley remixed this time by DJ Diavolo (which is his first incursion as a remixer in
Stevie B musical world) doesn’t bring anything new to those that already exist. He
just gathered some tracks time and time again present in other medleys (“Young
girl”, “It's so good”, “You are the one”, “Baila (Dance with
me)”, “If you leave me now”, etc.). And the poor auto-promotional jingles
and a few rare and flavorless edits, don't make things better.
Just
another medley that will finish in the oubliette…neither more nor less…as the 6
other megamixes moreover!
1]
Nu Image: “I’ll always love you” (Multi Edit) Aria Records [USA]
2]
Christina Marie: “Beautiful night” (Moox’s darkgroove mix) Vazram records
[USA]
3]
Joey Altura Featuring Poze: “You are the only one” State Of Mass Entertainment
[USA]
4]
Sharyn Maceren: “In just one night” (Extended mix) Planet Hype [USA]
5]
Kathy Phillips: “I wish” (Freestyle club) Robbins Entertainment LLC / BMG
Distribution [USA]
1]
Evolution of dance (compilation) Big Time Entertainment [USA]
2] Bad
Boy Joe Presents The Best Of Freestyle Megamix vol.3 (medley) What If Productions LLC
[USA]
3]
NONE
4]
NONE
5]
NONE
1]
Aby: “The Greatest hits” Empire Music Werks / Hot JWP Music [USA]
2]
Christina Marie: “Turn the lights down low” Vazram Records [USA]
3]
Sharyn Maceren: “Always dreamin’” Planet Hype [USA]
4]
Lil Suzy: “The greatest hits” Empire Music Werks / Hot JWP Music / BMG Music
[USA]
[5] Ceres: “Deep from my heart” Flic Flac Records / DMG / Sony Music [German