New Music Reviews

Hill Street Soul | Goodbye |Movementsoul Remix|
Lately, it's been rare that I can be uplifted by a song, either because of the lyrics or the music, but this latest effort from Hill Street Soul, bolstered by a fine remix from Jihad Muhammad, has just about everything a song needs in order to put a smile on my face. Indeed, while the track itself is rooted in a disintegrating relationship, you can't help but feel nothing but joy from hearing this beautiful track. And I am not alone in this, either. Everyone who seems to hear this track gets a smile on their face and just starts moving to the beat. It's just good fun, with catchiness that's become all too rare with a lot of songs these days.
HINGE RATING: 9.3

Zed Bias f. Jenna G | Let Me Change Your Mind |Restless Soul Mixes|
Sweet Jesus, the second coming has arrived -- and just as Christmas and the year 2008 come to a close. What I recommend with this song is that you listen to it a few times, and do so loudly. I say this because it can trick you a little bit. At the nearly 10-minute long song's start, you are bound to roll your eyes and brace yourself for an onslaught of acid-jazz nonsense. But then Phil Asher shifts to warp speed and you are, well, blown away. What I really like about this song is that it has several strong points of view that are all competing to be noticed. As a result, at least to my ear, there is a constant tug of war taking place between the music and the singer, Jenna G. And that means you gotta listen to it again and again, because each time you do, you are bound to get something new. Some might take that as a criticism of the production values behind the song, but that would be missing the point. My feeling is that each component in this track has such an important role, and wants to be heard, that as the listener, I am being treated to a feast of auditory delights.
HINGE RATING: 9.5

Louie Vega f. Sara Devine | That's What Love Is
They are back at it, Mr. Vega and Ms. Devine, and once again quality has been achieved. This is another track that grows on you with time, as it, too, requires multiple listens in order to appreciate its many layers. Its sultry sounds don't grab you immediately, but instead kind of envelop you and warm you up like a blanket. But once they do, you can't help but enjoy what's happening to you.
HINGE RATING: 8.9

New Music Reviews

Nuwamba | Heaven |Halo & Kemal Original Mixes|
I am not sure what has taken me so long to review this track, but I am finally getting around to it. There are a few different versions of this song out there right now, but I must say the treatment it gets from Halo and Kemal is what grabs me. Both producers have had a great year in 2008 and they wrap things up with this gem of a track that combines the sweet vocals of Nuwamba, a Texas native who has adopted this Nigerian name (which translates to November) and who's album "Above The Water" has garnered praise. Halo and Kemal have joined forces before, but in my view this effort stands out as one of their best. It just grabs you and won't let go.
HINGE RATING: 8.9

Sterling Ensemble f. Jon Secada | When Nightime Falls |Frankie Feliciano Mix|
You read right: Jon Secada. The voice behind those early 1990s hits "If You Go" and "Angel." The one who didn't help his case when he sang a track on the "Pocahantas" soundtrack with singer Shanice. That one. Well, he has managed to hook up with Albert "Sterling" Menendez, and after some treatment from the ever-so-talented Frankie Feliciano, we have here on our hands a bona fide jam. Catchy, fun and in keeping with Feliciano's production and remix chops, this is a track that quickly captures the attention of the listener. And while it isn't all that layered, it is quality stuff.
HINGE RATING: 8.7

David Storm Ruffin | Fuel
There are time when simplicity can be a satisfying treat and this track represents once of those times. This is just good, stripped down, techy deepness that you can feel and enjoy. This has been a big year for Ruffin, who has been churning out quality track after quality track for the past several months, and with many of those releases he has shown us the range that he possesses. But what makes this one stand out for me is that it represents his pulling back on the lever, and being economical with his ingredients. More producers would do well to learn from such a move, because, as this track proves, there are times when you say more with considerably less.
HINGE RATING: 8.8

Leela James | My Prayer |Shelter Mixes|
Now this is how it is supposed to be. Leela James' distinctive voice given the Quentin Harris treatment of yore. Aside from it being great to hear this voice once again, it's also significant because Harris' remix on this track hark back to the days before he started channeling Junior Vasquez with these epic -- and overwrought -- remixes. Instead, you have Harris doing his own form of restraint, and it really works. In my view, this has the potential of being a big tune this winter.
HINGE RATING: 9.0

Music Reviews

Distant People | Just Sing |MuthaFunkaz Mixes|

Let's get one thing out of the way right off the bat. I am a big, big, big fan of DJ Spen and his MuthaFunkaz collective. Spen produces some outstanding tracks that not only get a dance floor moving in the present, but can also take you back to a simpler time. Thing is, increasingly, some of these tracks are, well, blending together. Take "Just Sing," for example. On its own, it's a pretty good track, but I find myself not getting too close to it because a., I know Spen will produce something similar soon and b., I know Spen has produced something similar previously. In other words, this is rather disposable Spen -- it's good, but won't stand the test of time. To be fair, perhaps Distant People didn't give him a heck of a lot to work with, but still, Spen has been able to produce gold out of virtual thin air. In my mind, this is the finished product of someone not all that engaged. Again, decent effort, but not a standout. (11/30/08)

HINGE RATING: 8.0

Roy Davis Jr. | Give It Up |MuthaFunkaz Mixes|

Amazing what a good foundation can provide you. Read my review of Spen's remix of Distant People and you'd think the gifted remixer had lost his mojo. Then you give a listen to this gem in all its forms -- Main Vocal, Madd Love Dub and Alternative Vocal -- and you realize Spen very much remains on his game. While I am partial to the dub version of this track, each of them brings to the table something worth listening to. Guaranteed to move a room, there is also something restrained about Spen's work on this -- it's simple and stripped down, but well satisfying indeed. Top job!

HINGE RATING: 8.8

Grant Nelson | John's House

Anyone who wondered where Grant Nelson's been, look no more. Was he on a spirit walk? A sabbatical? Witness protection? No matter, the G-man has returned and to coin a phrase that happens to be the name of one of his tracks on his new EP, it's back to basics. Each track harks back to a simpler time in Nelson's career, when garage meant something. My favorite off his new EP is this particular track, which taps into his appreciation for gospel house (remember that remix of Adeva's "Walkin'"?). Just good thick beats and keys that sound like they've literally been touched by the big man Himself. This track is pure joy to listen to.

HINGE RATING: 9.0

New Music Reviews

Kenny Dope Pres. James Rouse | Dance |K-Dope Mix|

Imagine a brand new song somehow taking you back to a simpler time. That is the best way for me to describe this brand, spanking-new production from none other than Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez and singer James Rouse. Its structure is simple, the refrains easy to understand and remember and it simply makes you want to dance. It's as straightforward a dance track as you can get while at the same time not being complete and utter crap like most electronic dance songs can be. As I said, it takes one back to the early days of dance music, with its gospel influences, before everyone started getting all complicated and what not. And for Kenny Dope to do this is all the more impressive, considering he has definitely produced what I would consider fairly complicated dance tracks with non-traditional beats and such. This is just simple dance music designed to make you have fun on the dance floor, and it's well worth the effort.

HINGE RATING: 8.8

Jill Scott | Whenever You're Around |JB's Main Mix|

As a big fan of Jill Scott, and virtually any track that has her name attached, I immediately went into this knowing I would like it. But I am always suspicious when a remix comes out a few months after the first effort debuted, because it begs the question that is being asked constantly: Has innovation left the building. Well, in this particular case, the answer is no. This remix, by Jason B., addresses some of the issues that the Shelter versions had -- specifically, this insistence on jumping right into the song without nary an introduction or anything (but that is a gripe for another day). To be sure, what Jason B. has brought to the table hasn't broken the mold, but he certainly deserves credit for producing a decent remix that solves a lot of the issues plaguing the Shelter versions. A pretty decent effort.

HINGE RATING: 8.4

DJ Spen Pres. The Jersey Maestros f. Renee Smith | He's So Real |DJ Spen Praise Party Mix|

I can't think of a better combination than a team of gospel singers joining forces with DJ Spen and his Muthafunkaz to create spiritual joyousness. We've been down this road many, many times, and each time it's a treat. But this time, Spen and company have delivered something even more compelling. And while there are multiple versions of this song available out there, I am particularly partial to the Praise Party Mix, which is deep, powerful and uplifting. A bit dubby, combined with vocals interspersed as near whispers, Spen's effort conveys a strength that I just can't get enough of. And it's especially gratifying given Spen has been busy lately; it's great he can produce a jam that stands out.

HINGE RATING: 8.9

New Music Reviews

Shana | Uyangichomela |Ralf Gum Deep Mix|

I've long be a fan of Ralf Gum's work, but this particular track is especially tasty. The story goes that Ralf Gum heard Shana (which stands for Simply Hot And Naturally African) perform in South Africa and fell in love with this trio of performers. And I have, too. Their sound is smooth, and when backed up with a nice deep house vibe, as you get with Gum's deep version, you have the best of all worlds -- Afro vibe combined with deep house flavors to create a nice blend that is sure to get your head bouncing.

HINGE RATING: 8.9

Reelsoul f. Damon | What Am I Supposed To Do |Vocal Mix|

There is no denying that Will "Reelsoul" Rodriguez has carved out for him a definitive sound that I might best describe as deep and electronic. And though he has most certainly ventured beyond that to try out other sounds, there is no denying that when you think of Reelsoul, there is a signature sound that is all his. While that is certainly the case with this track, there is something else that takes what is at its most basic a quality track and adds a nice layer. Certainly, part of it is attributed to vocalist Damon, who did a great job on an earlier Reelsoul track, "Take Me To A Place." But this one also strikes me as being a bit deeper and meatier.

HINGE RATING: 8.8

Dawn Tallman | Who Can I Run To |Bams Remixes|

Every time I think of Dawn Tallman, I think gospel house. So I was definitely interested in checking out this track, which is a cover of the Jones Girls song of the same name. Generally, I hate remakes -- why not let the original stand on its own? -- but I am making an exception for this one, which has a different interpretation while paying homage to the prototype. I am especially fond of the Bams Viscious Dub mix, which definitely gets a room going. Very good effort.

HINGE RATING: 8.6

Elements of Life f. Lisa Fischer & Cindy Mizelle | Into My Life (You Brought The Sunshine) |Main Mix|

This lot had me with the dub versions that came out first, but they have won me over all over again with the vocals! Here's the thing: At first, I was sort of unimpressed with the vocal when I first heard it, in part because there was a lot of hype surrounding it. For those who might not know, Elements of Life originally released the two dub versions of this song several weeks before the vocal came out, and during the proceeding months everyone was hot after the vocal. And when the vocal finally came out, my reaction was like, eh. It just felt lifeless relative to the hype and the dubs, which I loved. But then I listened. And listened. And listened. By about the fourth listen it clicked with me and I was a convert. There is just something very positive about this song, and it simply works, reminding me of an earlier time in house music. Pay special attention to the bass -- it's pure class.

HINGE RATING: 9.2

Song of the Week: David Storm Ruffin - Fantom

Coming soon on David Storm Ruffin's own label Vinyl Banditz is this gem, "Fantom," which brings me back to those garage days, while at the same time offering something fresh and new. I trotted this baby out at the start of a set and everyone was like, "What's this track?" or "Where can I get it?" It went over that well. My only gripe, and it's a small one, is that it would be nice if there were some vocal samples of some sort interspersed throughout the song, but there is enough here already that you hardly notice. Ruffin has been churning out a lot of product lately, what with the new label and all, but one need not worry. In this case, flooding the zone can be a very good thing indeed.

HINGE RATING: 9.0

Celeb DJs: Stop Them Before They Spin Again!

I am somewhat nervous about posting this particular item, in large part because I fear it will come off as sour grapes or player hating. And perhaps there is a bit of hateration going on here, but my outrage is getting the better of me, and it's compelling me to act.

What's driving my rage this fine day? Celebrity DJs. They are, in a nutshell, representative of everything that is wrong and evil in the world, consumed not by talent or skill but instead by this need to fuel egos that labor under the misconception that they world is eager to hear and experience their special blend of blather.

I speak of the DJ AMs and DJ Samantha Ronsons of the world, people who have managed to leverage a moderate ability to spin records (if you could call it that given some of the "help" they get along the way) and turn it into this Los Angeles-style of celebrity which places more of a premium on the perception of fame than any real talent.

To be sure, AM and Sammy's style of DJing (a term I am using loosely here) is not exactly my cup of tea. Scratching in my view involves a lot of effort and histrionics for a minimum amount of payoff. This view should not surprise you; as a deep house DJ I am more about the music, and letting the music do the work than assaulting listeners with the blips, beeps and whirls that have come to define scratch DJs.

However, real DJs who scratch get from me a lot of credit, as when things go truly right, you can only cheer these cats for their exactitude. Indeed, being able to sample bits and pieces of a multitude of songs and combine them into something that doesn't sound like a car wreck is at the heart of turntablism and when executed well is in fact of work of art. Not my cup of tea, mind you, but a work of art nonetheless.

But what is appalling to me about celebrity DJs, or those who appear to be more about grabbing fame than having skill, is they all seem to use the DJ equivalent of steroids -- computers. AM and Sammy both have laptops up there in the DJ booth with the Scratch Live program beaming brightly from the computer monitor. That means that whatever it is they're doing is being helped along by software that, well, has made it easier for them to do their thing.

For those who don't know, Scratch Live is a computer program that enables someone to play back and manipulate digital audio files like MP3s using either a turntable or a CDJ. I'm sure it's a helpful tool for those who want to skip the years of practice and hard work and immediately start bagging girls at clubs. But if you are into the art of spinning records, this is like being hopped up on 'roids while doing the Tour de France.

I know, I know, there is likely going to be some folks who hem and haw at the notion that if you use a computer to aid in your spinning, that's OK. These are the people who think technology should be embraced if it helps make life easier. I am as a general rule in agreement with that sentiment, but in this case I cannot disagree more.

DJing, when done naturally, is like golf. It's a game of chance. It's a game that has highs and lows in a single session. It challenges you, does your head in and drives you crazy. When it's good, it's like having successfully completed a complicated brain surgery. When it's bad, you feel like wanting to jump out of a window. Every time I start a mix, I am rolling the dice, haunted by questions of, will the mix work out, will it be error free (most times it's not), will I suffer the indignity of having gone through half of my two-hour session error free only to mess up something in the second hour, can I quickly recover from that error? Each time I start mixing, it's a crap shoot, and believe me when I tell you I have small rituals I perform in an effort to keep the errors to a minimum. What I won't do, however, is start getting juiced up by flopping a laptop on my DJ table and letting some glorious software do my heavy lifting.

But apparently these celebrity DJs have no problem using steroids, and in many ways you really can't blame them. Most have bought their way in (or perhaps their parents bought their way) to the spotlight, and sadly most clubbers don't appreciate what's involved in mixing. They aren't really into thinking; they just want to hear stuff they recognize, and schlock DJs like AM and Sammy are more than happy to oblige -- in large part because in the case of both, music and taking listeners on a trip appears secondary to bagging girls.

The only good thing about these superstar DJs is that eventually they fall out of favor, and are relegated to living obscure lives, never to be heard from again. Just ask Junior Vasquez.