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October - November 2004
Welcome
to the premier issue of the Virgo Lounge Ezine. Our goal is to give current information in the world of dance music. From this information you can find out what tracks are up and coming, what’s in production, what topping in sales and industry buzz.
We hope you enjoy and find The Virgo Lounge Ezine helpful and entertaining.
Please send us your press release or info about your project or event.
Email > info@virgolounge.com
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House Music Awards
 The first ever House Music Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 4th November, at the Neighbourhood club in London.
The voting closes on 22nd October. The House Music Awards will showcase some of the finest talent that house music has to offer - past, present and future, so get voting.
Appearing live on the night from 7pm-2am will be the Shapeshifters, Reel People, Martin Solveig, Inaya Day, Kujay Dada, Mutiny, Stonebridge & Danny S. There will also be some very special guest DJ sets from two of this year’s winners.
Visuals will be provided by Dan Tait for Pioneer, featuring the new Pioneer DVJ-X1, and the evening will be hosted by Bryan Chambers.
There are limited tickets available from www.ticketweb.co.uk
House Music Awards
Thursday 4th November
Neighbourhood
12 Acklam Road, London W10
7pm to 2am
Vote now at www.housemusicawards.com
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 First Ever DJ Association
Ever since the advent of seamless mixing the notion of the DJ as artist, professional and star has had increasing currency in popular culture and, with the DJ at the centre of an industry now worth billions, the stock of the profession continues to rise. Attracted as much by the lifestyle as the music the number of DJs has grown at an astonishing rate- there are now at least 50,000 working worldwide. Despite this there has never been an Association catering to the unique needs of these professionals, a legitimate professional body dedicated to protecting them from exploitation and promoting their interests. Until now.
The Disc Jockey Association (DJA) is the sole professional body for DJs offering the resources and the know-how to promote the profession as a whole along with the power to protect its individual members.
www.thediscjockeyassociation.com
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Bedroom DJs Chance To Become Famous
A new website has been launched which could give bedroom DJs the chance to become famous. Globalmixchart.com is the world’s first interactive DJ chart competition, where anyone can upload a mix and have others vote on it.
Clearly this site is the future for bedroom DJs. With dance music increasingly becoming more available online, this DJ ‘Pop Idol’ site - the latest online dance music development - is good news for jocks who want to promote themselves.
www.globalmixchart.com
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Roger Sanchez Spotlights New Producers
Superstar DJ Roger Sanchez has announced a fantastic chance for aspiring young producers to have their music showcased to a massive global audience.
His Release Yourself radio show is currently searching for fresh talent, and the producer of the track the S-Man likes the best will be aired as the ‘Upfront’ track on the show in July. If it is well received he may even sign it to his label Stealth.
The show can be heard worldwide in both English and Spanish at www.releaseyourself.com, on 12 stations in the UK and around Europe on nationwide stations in Spain, Italy, Greece and the Netherlands.
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What’s Hot Reviews
DEFECTED – There has been a long wait for the new album by KINGS OF TOMORROW entitled Trouble but the great work that has been undertaken by Sandy Rivera was worth all the waiting. It contains some already noted tracks such as “Dreams” and “Thru” plus some other surprises like ‘6PM’ (and example of eclecticism marked KOT).
MUTE – Remix project from 81 – 04 that has been organized by Mute for the evergreen DEPECHE MODE. Almost 25 years career for this band who, like few others, have influenced many names in today’s electronic scene and it is some of these names who do a very respectful offering by re-visiting some of their celebrated tracks. Here then are Timo Maas, Ewan Pearson, Richard X and Mike Shinoda at work on “Enjoy The Silence”, Goldfrapp works on “Halo”, Black Strobe on “Something To Do” and Ulrich Snauss on “Little 15”, we also find other names in action such as Colder, Rex The Dog, Cicada… This collection is also a rare occasion for rediscovering lost pearls like old remixes by Francois K, Flood, Underworld, Air…
COPYRIGHT “Release Yourself” (COPYRIGHT)
CONNIE HARVEY “Thank You Lord” (SOULFURIC)
One of Victor Simonellis finest moments gets the update treatment... and to be honest, the song never sounded soooo good. Also included is a little JNG dub thing... Thank You Lord!!
HARDSOUL “Committed” (SOULFURIC TRAX)
Our friends from the Netherlands always deliver and here is a great little instrumental like vibe with great musicality.
BLAZE “Found Love” (cdr)
Unreleased mixes from Boogie Boy that sees a stripping down of the vocals to a simple yet strong lead and a pitching up of the tempo. Live bassline and Moog synth give it a Patrick Adams / Leroy Burgess feel, we are very proud of this mix. Once again soulful vocal house without the cheddar!
TERRY FARLEY from www.faithfanzine.com
JILL SCOTT “Golden” (white)
The best voice in current black music once again gets a respectful and soulful remix and this time it’s UK Garage star Wookie who turns his hands to a great 4/4 jazz flavored workout. The lady’s vocals are near perfect, the song itself is great and together with Wookies beats ‘n’ bassline makes an essential peaktime vocal antidote to much of the dross that goes under the guise of funky house.
JENNIFER HOLIDAY “Think It Over” (JELLYBEAN)
Another real vocal star makes a return, originally produced by Micheal Zager this now comes in a fresh Darryl James remix that is stunning in its simplicity. Sounding like something Frankie Knuckles would have played back in the Soundfactory Bar days this deep groove reeks of NYC house in its early 90s hey day. Jennifer really has a great voice for soulful dance music and with Darryl James in on the act you know its gonna be the real deal!!!
LOLEATTA HOLLOWAY “Stand Up
(Audiowhores edit)” (GOSSIP)
This tune is currently our top scorer on the floor. A perfectly trimmed playback under Loleatta’s thrilling voice must be the recipe which makes it a great tasting dish. No more words! This is the kind of record we can shut up about, it will sell itself.
ARMAND VAN HELDEN “Everytime I Feel
(Syke’n’Sugarstarr’s remix)” (HOUSESESSION)
One year ago a yellow labeled record was floating around but we never saw an official pressing anywhere. Now the German based imprint House Session signed it for some Latin action during the Winter season. Those not feeling the Latin groove, our treatment on this lets the heads bang with its massive peaktime-groove. Ok, we kept the Latin-Vibe inside but it’s going more into a stomping direction.
FAITHLESS
“Miss U Less, See U More” (CHEEKY)
Just like some past experiments from George Michael, a very well known house base plus a new vocal equals a sure hit. Not that I don’t like it but I hope I hear some new club versions in addition to this mix between Alan Braxe with Faithless on vocals.
SUPERCHUMBO Feat. CELEDA “Dirtyfilthy” (TWISTED)
It's not over yet. The filth has just begun! The new Superchumbo dub strips down the vocal and concentrates on slowly building the groove and that wobbly b-line. Mixes from Chus & Ceballos and Murk keep this one alive until the release of the album "Wowie Zowie" early next year. Get DIRTY!
MICHAEL ANTONIO “I Won't Sleep” (ART & CRAFT)
A slamming take no prisoners vocal dub that uses the same sample as Skeelo used a few years back. Amazing stuff.
THE SUNBURST BAND “Every Day” b/we “Just Do It”
This e.p. contains two tracks: “Every Day”, a soul/r’n’b piece that has made it on the international soul scene and “Just Do It”, the one that interests us! Joey Negro is nowadays very recognisable thanks to his sounds and rhythms, this time also his ‘Club mix’ is a gem.
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KING BRITT
from Sylk 130
Fivesixrecordings
Reviews
PLANTLIFE “When She Smiles She Lights Up the Sky
(King Britt Scuba mix)” (COUNTERFLOW)
First of all the original song is amazing, like a Parliament Funkadelic meets Outcast type of thing so to remix it was a task but I must plug this because it is one of my best works. With the help of Tim Motzer’s Spanish guitar and my love for Detroit techno we have made a dancefloor stormer!. Bullfighting on the Moon!!! (he he). Deep, heavy and out of sight.
TEARS FOR FEARS “Last Days On Earth” (CDr)
We haven’t heard from these boys in quite a while. This song has the chords and melody that only Tears For Fears could do and it is one of their best songs to date! A masterpiece of pop rock.
STEPHANIE COOKE “Holding On To Your Love”
(KING STREET)
Of the various versions present on this vinyl I have chosen the ‘Grant’s Summer vocal mix’, a great old school vocal, very garage, distinguishable by the beautiful voice of Stephanie Cooke and a just right pulling groove. A sound that you don’t hear around anymore, one of great taste and atmosphere… well, in the style of 04/05 Pascia. It is really a shame that there are not many productions like this.
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KENNY CARPENTER
RAW ARTIST SOUL “Newella” (GOGO)
Reviews
"Newella" hits you on the dance floor with an absolutely slammin' rhythmic groove that is reminiscent of Fela Kuti with a house groove and it sounds very much like some of MAW's work but it's produced by Philip Kullmann. A Peppermint jam subsidiary and highly recommended.
MONICA NOGUEIRA “En Vou Levar” (FMC/SSOH)
“Eu Vor Levar” is another offering from the highly acclaimed and well sought after DJ Gregory who seems to be the man of the hour. A Brazilian song with an exceptionally well trained vocalist sings effortlessly with the fat production of Gregory. If you can find this French import, I'd pick it up.
JENNIFER HOLIDAY “Think It Over” (JELLYBEAN)
OK, time for me to toot my own horn. I've just completed a new mix of "Think It Over", a 70's disco song originally recorded by miss Cissy Houston (the mom of Whitney) and covered by the renowned miss Jennifer Holiday. She was cast in a hit American Broadway play in the 80's called Dreamgirls and I think she has the voice of a goddess.
ALEXANDER EAST “Testifi” (UNITING SOULS – USA)
That which was once defined as underground… underground sounds, a bassline that accompanies the rhythm and that certain touch of ‘something’ that makes it intriguing.
ASTRID SURYANTO & DAVE MICALIZZI “More & More (remixes)” (STATRA – USA)
Chus & Ceballos at the mixer: nothing new and nothing wondrous (apart from the vocal line: superb!) but exactly what is needed on the floors at the moment. Write this title down and remember the name of this singer!!
BEREZAMUSICA “Running Away” (SOUL LOVE – UK)
A great re-working of the Roy Ayers classic from the work of Seamus Haji that faithfully respects the original idea but sees it in a more 2004 light. Interesting.
CHARLES SCHILLINGS “Spin It Right!”
(PEPPERMINT JAM – D)
The versions have been looked after by Mousse T and their meeting has brought about the birth of a not too easy record, not at all stupid and of a very high quality. We are irresistibly attracted… how about you.
DIRTY VEGAS “Walk Into The Sunshine”
(PARLOPHONE – UK)
Very pop… this should be the right way to get closer to the ‘normal’ public with club music.
DIRTY VEGAS “Walk Into The Sunshine
(King Unique mixes)” (PARLOPHONE – UK)
On the wave of the King Unique success in the States, at the label they have decided to entrust the remixing to them. The pop line remains unaltered but the rhythm is reworked and made more club worthy.
DJ RHYTHM Pres. SOUL THEORY “Drama”
(DEFECTED – UK)
A sure success, not only on the floors but also with sales.
ETHAN “In My Heart” (BACK YARD – UK)
A well worked song for club use with a killer rhythmic structure. The few sounds added can bring about something that can be defined as raw but the energy that it unleashes is not to be undervalued.
GADJO “So Many Times” (SUBLIMINAL – USA)
It seems that the whole world has cottoned on to this masterpiece of which the ‘original’ is beautiful and the ‘dub’ is even lovelier. Those who had the first pressing can do without it… however the others have to get a move on and grab this gem. Coming soon ‘millions’ of remixes…
LENNY KRAVITZ “Believe” (RR-1000 – USA)
The L.K. classic in a rather good progressive guise. It’s liked!
MARTIN SOLVEIG “Destiny (Reworked mix)” (MIXTURE)
Simply great, even though it is not much different from the original version… sometimes though it is the little things that make all the difference. A future hit?
MEDITERRANEAN VIBES Feat. JO JEI “Beso” (ELAN – UK)
The label that is looked after by Ian Carey offers us a beautiful Latin house project. Nothing to say as far as the production quality goes but we are just not sure if this is the right period for releasing something like this? Delightful anyway.
MIKE MONDAY “Housequake” (LEVEL – UK)
House with a funky and essential rhythm on which there has been inserted a vocal that gives it the right amount of power… It might just be the surprise for this end of the year. We recommend the ‘Original’ version.
SHAHI “You & I” (BUBBLE GUM – BGR001)
Originally recorded by 70’s, U.K. soul/funk outfit Delegation, “You & I” came out in 1980 on their album entitled “Eau De Vie” along with other hit’s like “Heartache #9” and “Put A Little Love On Me”, these made Delegation a household name… o.k. that’s enough of the history lesson. Shahi’s cover is cleverly reconstructed so that it keeps a lot of the original musical elements intact along with the catchy chorus line and amalgamated with a kicking house groove. This is destined to be on many a top DJ’s turntable and fill the dance floors when played. Great start for this new label, another bonus is that it comes in limited edition Bubble Gum coloured vinyl (1000 copies only). Bubblicious. 9/10
GROOVE JUNKIES Feat. ALEXANDER SKY
“I Got It Bad” (MOREHOUSE - promo)
Actor come vocalist Alexander Sky delivers to us a vocal treat, “I Got It Bad” which typifies the ‘Morehouse Sound’ that we have come to expect. Quality soulful house music, lot’s of live!! musical instrumentation featured in this production including great Philly style strings and great Trumpet Solo’s. All the ingredients you need for a great tune. I like It!! So will you. 9/10
SOUTHPORT WEEKENDER “Vol. 2
Mixed by Blaze & Joe Claussell” (SUSU –SUALBCD7)
As the Thirty Fifth Southport Weekender event approaches in November SuSu unleash the second in the series of weekender comps. Remember the first?… We had the DJ trio of Joey Negro, Miguel Migs & Gilles Peterson. This time we got double trouble, legends in their own right Blaze and Brooklyn NYC native Joe Claussell. Now you know, with these guys you’re going to get a collection of musical treats, not your usual run of the mill stuff here, these guys are in one word “DEEP” musically minded brothers. The Blaze side features more of a vocal selection with the likes of Kim English’s “C’est La Vie”, Soul Switch featuring Meli’sa Morgan “Don’t say love”, Kenny Bobien “Hiya Luv” and Marcus Enochson’s “Feelin Fine”, (12 tracks in total). The Joe Claussell side is deep with a whole lot of Afro grooves and influences and features the likes of Bolla “Tumba Rhythm”, Diviniti “Find a way” (Danny Krivit Edit), Blaze featuring Louie Vega “Love Is On The Way” and the very rare Instant House’s “Awade” (Joe’s Jurge Sounds Dub) (13 tracks in total). All mixed and served up a treat, for you music connoisseurs.
www.southportweekender.co.uk
SOULTUNES “Gotta Keep That Feeling” (PROGCITY – D)
A refined project with the right amount of pull for today’s floors
1: BARBARA TUCKER & BRIAN CHAMBERS
– Deeper In Love (ZOO GROOVE STEREO)
2: SHAHI
– You & I (BUBBLE GUM)
3: GROOVE JUNKIES Feat. ALEXANDER SKY
– I Got It Bad (MOREHOUSE)
4: LOUIE VEGA Feat. URSULA
– Journey’s Prelude (VEGA)
5: LISA SHAW
– Let It Ride (NAKED MUSIC)
6: MYKAH
– Little Boy Blue (CATCH A GROOVE)
7: SK RADICALS
– Someday I Will (SWING CITY)
8: MUSAPHIA & MAYHEM
– Fusion (REFUNKT)
9: THE WISEMEN Feat. MICHELLE HARRIS
– Ruffneck (MI CASA)
10: QUENTIN HARRIS Pres. CORDELL MCCLARY
– Travelling (SPACE)
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The Hype Chart
SYNTAX
Love Song (Skylark remix) (ILLUSTRIOUS)
JTV Feat. CSILLA
Fantasy (DREAM BEAT)
JSTO Feat. ALISON JIEAR
I Just Wanna Dance (COLUMBIA)
MISS KITTIN
Requiem For A Hit (Abe Duque rmx) (ASTRALWERKS)
ALEX NERI & FEDERICO LOCCHI
Aurora (TENAX)
STEFANO FONTANA
Jack It Up (RE>>VOX - HI)
BLACK ATLANTIC
No Need To Hide (FORENSIC)
MARTIN SOLVEIG
Destiny (MIXTURE)
DIRTY VEGAS
Walk Into The Sun (King Unique rmx) (PARLPHONE)
SERGE SANTIAGO
Blue e.p. (SANTIAGO)
THE CHI CHI SQUAD Feat. KAHORI
Treat Me Right (AUDIOMATIQUE)
TJM
Small Circle Of Friends (PHILLY GROOVE)
KINGS OF TOMORROW
Trouble (pt.1 + pt.2) (DEFECTED)
UNA MAS Feat. KATHY BROWN
Something For Nothing (ESSENCE)
MOBILEGAZER
My House (KILOWATT)
M1 Feat. FLIPSIDE
Freak The Frequency (RE INVENT)
MYLO
Drop The Pressure (SUPERSTAR)
DANNY HOWELLS & STEF VROLIJK
Phono Corono (YOSHITOSHI)
HOTT22
Moon And The Spoon (GOSSIP)
PHOEBE
Grateful Things (MODO)
WEST LONDON DEEP
Inside My Head (white)
WAWA Feat. EDDIE AMADOR
The After Party (FLUENTIAL)
REZA / Soul Execution (DTPM)
MAMBANA
Felicidad (Wawa remix) (HOUSEWORK)
SOULARIS
Soaring (REFUNKT)
REX THE DOG
Frequency (KOMPAKT)
DEEP DISH
Flashdance (Skylark remix) (POSITIVA)
LINGUA FRANCA
The Calling (VARIATION)
QUIVVER
These Are The Days (BOZ BOZ)
COPYRIGHT
The Afro e.p. (COPYRIGHT)
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Hot Sales Chart
SOUL CENTRAL
Strings Of Life (D:VISION)
GIAGA ‘ROBOT’
Every Monday (RE>>VOX)
SHAPESHIFTERS
Lola’s Theme (POSITIVA)
MICHAEL GRAY
The Weekend (EYE INDUSTRIES)
T&F And MOLTOSUGO Feat. CE CE ROGERS / Stay (AIRPLANE!)
MOONLIGHT vs AZOTO
San Salvador (TAMBOUR)
ERIC PRYDZ
Call On Me (OXYD)
TIGA
Pleasure From The Bass (PIAS)
LK
Runnin’ (AZULI)
A-STUDIO
S.O.S. (ARK)
STELLAR PROJECT
Get Up Stand Up (ABSOLUTELY)
DAM SWEET
I Don’t Know (MCM)
GIGI D’AGOSTINO & DATURA
Summer Of Energy (NOISEMAKER)
DANIELE TIGNINO Pres. SQUAT ’84
Say No! (What’s Goin’ On) (OCEAN DARK)
AFRIQUE vs OUT THING
Kuma Ya (DEFINITIVA)
DAVID MORALES with LEA LORIEN
How Would U Feel (AIRPLANE!)
HAVANA FUNK
Bakiri Ban (D:VISION)
SALOME DE BAHIA
Taj Mahal (D:VISION)
DANZEL
Pump It Up! (MOTIVO)
THE BLACK EYED PEAS
Let’s Get It Started (A&M)
AFROPEANS
Better Things (RISE)
INAYA DAY
Nasty Girl (PEPPERMINT JAM)
CAROLINA MARQUEZ
The Killer’s Song vol.1 (DO IT YOURSELF)
HAIDUCII
Mne S Toboy Horosho (Nara Nara Na Na) (UNIVERSO)
FAROLFI vs GAMBAFREAKS
Subtravel (24)
O-ZONE
Despre Tine (TIME)
2 BLACK
Waves Of Luv (JAYWORK)
DEEP DISH
Flashdance (RISE)
BITCH HOTEL
End Of Time (D:VISION)
MARTINI BROS
Big & Dirty (TURBO)
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Alternative Chart
KIKI
Turn The Lights Down (BPITCH CONTROL)
SOULCENTRAL
Strings Of Life (Funky Lowlives mix) (DEFECTED)
BURT LATINO
Bombay Cha Cha (BAM!)
FLUNK
True Faith (BEATSERVICE)
FEIST
Mushaboom (P)
RITON
Square Eyes (GRAND CENTRAL)
PINEY GIR
Que Cera Cera/Girl (TRUCK)
WEI CHI
Faces And Places (Henrik Schwarz mix) (COMPOST)
BUDNUBAC
Quedate Conmigo (BLANCO)
BULLY ROY
Property Ladder (CHARIOT)
ANNIE
No Easy Love (679)
OLYMPIC
Untitled (A TOWN FULL OF FONZIES)
ALEX MORAN
New Fish To Fry (3AM)
INTERPOL
Slow Hands (Dan The Automator rmx) (MATADOR)
JAMES YORKSTON
The Heron (DOMINO)
HEXSTATIC
Salvador (NINJA TUNE)
CLIENT
Radio (Rex The Dog mix) (TOAST HAWAII)
LAZYBOY
Police Dogs Bonfire (SUNDAY BEST)
FUNK DVOID
Cant Get Enough Of A Bad Thing (SOMA)
MEDICINE
Do As You Do (WALL OF SOUND)
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Hip Hop Chart
TERROR SQUAD Feat. FAT JOE & REMI
Lean Back (STREET)
KAYNE WEST
Jesus Walk (ROCAFELLA)
LL COOL J
Headsprung (DEF JAM)
R. KELLY
Happy People (JIVE)
JUVENILE Feat. SOULJA SLIM
Slow Motion (white)
HOUSTON Feat. CHINGY
I Like That (CAPITOL)
BRANDY Feat. KAYNE WEST
Talk About Our Love (ATLANTIC)
YOUNG BUCK
Let Me In (INTERSCOPE)
AKON Feat. STYLES P
Locked Up (STREET)
LLOYD BANK
On Fire (INTERSCOPE)
NICOLE WRAY
If I Was Your Girlfriend (ROCAFELLA)
MOBB DEEP Feat. LIL JON
Real Gangsatz (JIVE)
NELLY Feat. CHRISTINA AGUILERA
Tilt Ya Head Back (UNIVERSAL)
TWISTA Feat. R. KELLY
So Sexy (ATLANTIC)
TONY SUNSHINE Feat. P. DIDDY
Oh My God remix (JIVE)
JADAKISS Feat. ANTHONY HAMILTON
Why (INTERSCOPE)
CIARA Feat. PETEY PABLO
Goodies (LAFACE)
USHER
Throw Back (ARISTA)
FABOLOUS
Breathe (DESERT STORM)
METHOD MAN Feat. BUSTA RHYMES
What's Happening (DEF JAM)
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For more info, visit these sites
www.discoid.com
www.djmag.com
www.i-dj.co.uk/
Click here for list of other Dance Music Publications.
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