Blake Lewis’ sophomore album was inspired by two things: the sadness he feels over the closing of record stores due to the slumping music industry and his recent break-up – a relationship he is still working on getting over. It’s easy to hear the influences of 80s electro-pop artists like David Bowie, Prince, and Depeche Mode on Heartbreak on Vinyl; as well as contemporary …
Heartbreak on Vinyl – Blake Lewis (Tommy Boy)
Blake Lewis’ sophomore album was inspired by two things: sadness with closure a recent break-up.
Blake Lewis’ sophomore album was inspired by two things: the sadness he feels over the closing of record stores due to the slumping music industry and his recent break-up – a relationship he is still working on getting over. It’s easy to hear the influences of 80s electro-pop artists like David Bowie, Prince, and Depeche Mode on Heartbreak on Vinyl; as well as contemporary electronic dance music. The unique blend of both styles of dance works well in establishing Lewis with his own club sound. The talented beatboxer co-wrote all but one of the songs, including the first release, “Sad Song”, described by Lewis as a “melancholy anthem for the broken-hearted.” Heartbreak on Vinyl is a thoughtful, deep album. Thankfully, the gloom of heartbreak doesn’t take away from the album’s fast moving, upbeat appeal.
Big Muscle of the Rhythm – Bill Bennett (Big Muscle)
DJ Bill Bennett has helped elevate the sounds of dance music, spinning the hottest tracks …
DJ Bill Bennett has helped elevate the sounds of dance music, spinning the hottest tracks, concocting the fiercest beats, and headlining the globes largest, most exciting events including the hometown show of Madonna’s “Drowned Out” tour. But with his latest compilation Big Muscle of the Rhythm, named after the popular muscle worship hook-up site, Bennett is giving fans one more reason to include him among the pantheon of DJ deities. This compilation moves in a decidedly peak hour dance floor direction with sweat pounding tracks that tell a real story. Bennett acknowledges he has overcome some tough personal experiences in moving tracks like “Reason”, based on his own troubled relationship, and “Sacrifice”. Several singles are destined to be dancefloor staples so rather than spend money on the individual hits, fans of dance will want to purchase the entire Big Muscle of the Rhythm album. It will save money in the long run.
Kaleidoscope – Tiesto (Ultra)
Kaleidoscope is a steep departure from Tiesto’s past albums. It has much more of an electronic feel to it, encapsulated in “I Will Be Here”, the first single from the album.
Kaleidoscope is a steep departure from Tiesto’s past albums. It has much more of an electronic feel to it, encapsulated in “I Will Be Here”, the first single from the album. There are several gems including the title track (Sigur Ros’ Jonsi vocals are chilling), “You Are My Diamond” and “It’s Not the Things You Say”. A warning to Tiesto fans, however: the tracks are very different from what you might be used to. Re-tune your ears a bit and you’ll likely agree that these new works are great in their own right. Overall, Kaleidoscope is a worthy addition to the Tiesto collection.
Single Spotlight: “Give Me Tonight” – T.R. featureing Frenchie Davis (Dauman Music)
The American Idol diva has joined forces with Abercrombie model T.R on the 25th anniversary re-make of the 1984 dance hit, “Give Me Tonight ”.
The American Idol diva has joined forces with Abercrombie model T.R on the 25th anniversary re-make of the 1984 dance hit, “Give Me Tonight ”. Twenty five years later, the song still resonates with dance fans. The new version is funkier and energetic. It has been updated and adapted for today’s clubs, but the sexy spirit of ‘Give Me Tonight ‘remains true to the original. Some of today’s top remixers are included on the must-have maxi-single, including DJ Escape, Johnny Vicious, and Mike Rizzo.
