Masterbeat New Releases 11/30/08

Thanksgiving wasn't just about eating lots of turkey, as a bevy of new music found it's way to Masterbeat. There are some big new tracks as well as something for those of you who are looking for something a little different.

• Beyoncé - Single Ladies (Escape & Tony Coluccio Club Mix)
  Unless you've been hiding in a box recently, you've seen Beyoncé's new video and assorted video reworks. I've had people asking me for remixes and fortunately, Masterbeat is already on top of things. I have to admit that I was really pleased with this official batch of remixes. First off is Dave Audé -- his remix is more relaxed and lighter, perfect for a tea dance or pool party. Craig C takes it in a bit of a darker direction (compared to Dave Audé), with synths that make it perfect for building into another track that will give you more of a climax. Finally, you have DJ Escape & Tony Coluccio's mix. With a song that features the line, "Put your hands up," this remix has some great buildups and more of a playful feel, in my view. Definitely a track that is listenable and will keep your dance floor happy.
• Alanis Morissette - Not As We (Dangerous Muse Remix) & (DJ Lynwood Reborn Remix)
  I love me some Alanis and I always enjoy hearing her music make the crossover to the dance floor. Not As We isn't one of my favorite tracks, but there are a few remixes worth playing -- DJ Lynwood goes from some piano based riffs to an electro-ish vibe that works well. The Dangerous Muse remix is a standard club house track -- nothing outstanding, but it flows well. Eddie Amador also has a good remix, although it feels a little more plodding compared to the Dangerous Muse remix.
  
• Kristine W - Never (Nick Harvey Club Mix) & (DJ Peter Canellis & Kamil Bartoszcze Mix)
  Kristine W is an old pro when it comes to the gay scene, so it's no surprise that she's back with another track. This new track is something like Kristine W makes her own I Will Survive -- 180 degrees from her last track, The Boss. That said, it seems like the gay scene can never have too many "You broke my heart but I'm still strong" sort of tracks. If you're a fan of the classic disco vibe, go with the 7th Heaven or Love To Infinity mixes. The Canellis & Bartoszcze has a darker, progressive feel that works well with this track. Nick Harvey's mix is a high energy mainstream club feel. DJ Escape & Johnny Vicious also have a remix and a few years ago I bet Johnny Vicious would have made this track into something especially fierce. The Escape & Vicious track is solid but nothing special.
  
• Kenneth Thomas feat. Betsy Larkin - Stronger Creature (Kenneth Thomas Mix), (Darude Mix) & (Talla 2XLC Remix)
  One thing you can count on in trance is some good vocal tracks serving up a full plate of melancholy. Perfect for those days when you want to remind the world just how much love sucks. Enter Kenneth Thomas's new track -- Betsy Larkin's vocals are perfect for this track, she hits the right feeling for lyrics that include "a stronger creature made of ice." Kenneth Thomas's Mix is the moodiest of the bunch while Talla 2XLC manages to add a higher, more ethereal vibe while keeping a tone that fits the track. Beautiful and sad without feeling quite as overpowering emotionally. Darude (remember them?) cranks up the energy and gives the track more of a climactic feel.
  
• Eddie Silverton - Aperitif (Original Mix)
  I started dipping my toe into the Lounge/Downtempo genre earlier this year. It's great to be able to create a mood that works even when you're in a more relaxed setting. One of my favorite stylistic elements, whether on the dance floor or in a lounge setting, is acoustic guitar. Eddie Silverton creates a nice melding of modern and classic, combining acoustic guitar and synths.