CD5 Reviews July/August '97 Part III : Canada, Europe & Australia

[Gene Whitmore]

By agreement with the author, this and all previous CD5 review postings
which I have posted on this newsgroup since May 1996 have been collected
and posted on the following website. Turn your web-browser to

http://www.eurodancehits.com ("Euro-Dance Hits WWW" by Kris Grigorsky
in the USA)
http://www.eurodance.org (Eurodance by Bjorn Hardestam in Sweden)
http://www.audiophile.com/mixmtl (Mix Montreal by Alex Gravel in
Quebec, Canada)

In addition to the reviews, you will also find posted with all the reviews
from Apr. 1997 on Real Audio samples of the tracks. Listen before you
spend your money! Why waste it on something you wonąt like after you
listen to it.

I thank Krister, Alex and Bjorn for the opportunity to provide CD5 reviews
on the WWW, something I'd like to do if I had more time.

* next to a track indicated those I highly recommend

This is part 3 of a 4-part posting of recent CD5s under review.

Imports : Canada, The Continent & Australia

*+Tania Evans łPrisoner Of Love (La-Da-Di)˛ Columbia (Germany) UPC#
5-099766-456829

After spending the last 4 years being an international superstar as one
half of Culture Beat, La Evans has decided that the time has come to move
on and make a name for herself as a solo act. And with this first
release, it looks very good that she will find the success. Not the
typical Euro-NRG sound that we are accustomed to from the Germans, this
track is decidedly more UK club in flavor, running in the low 130s BPM and
with some gorgeous synth work. Three 12˛ versions on the CD5. The
[Extended Club Mix] is just a stellar high-house production that fits La
Evans vocals to a tee. The [Love Extended Mix] incorporates a bit of a
Latin feel, with some stunning guitar work. Another winner. Finally, the
[Buck Fizz Mix], while having some very nice rolling piano orchestration,
just does not fit with the vocals at all, and the mix when the two
elements are put together sounds very choppy and offpace and just donąt
complement the vocals at all. The big story here though is Tania herself,
and with this release she serves notice that she is ready to start a whole
new chapter in her career. One that, from the sound of this release,
should be bright indeed.

Fruit de la Passion łTic Tic Tac˛ KLM (Canada) UPC# 6-24758-97032-5

The Canadian version of this summerąs hottest Latin club track, this
track brings to mind for me images of Havana in the 1950s, back in the
days of La Dolce Vita with Audrey Hepburn and Princess Margaret Rose.
Only one 12˛ club version, the [Skee-Dooo Mix], which creates a solid
uptempo Latin House mix from the track. A lower tempo Latin 12˛ mix, the
[Fruit Of The Loop Mix], is also included, and is also quite nice, if a
bit slow for my taste. Overall very nice.

*Space Frog łX-Ray (Follow Me)˛ Dance Pool (Germany) UPC# 5-099766-425627

By now we are all used to the Eurogressive sound of driving, hard
hitting synth orchestrations combined with an aggressive rhythm line.
Well, this group from Germany take Eurogressive to the next level, deeper,
darker and harder..almost on the cusp of underground techno. Two 12˛
versions on the CD5. The [Spacerunner Mix] is a totally instrumental
track, with some very nice synth orchestrations. But for me, the [Vocal
Version] with vocals by łThe Grim Reaper˛ held more attraction, as the
vocals add a whole new layer to the track that works beautifully with the
dark, hard synthlines of the instrumental to create a wonderfully brooding
track.
PJ łMove Ya Feet˛ Aquarius (Canada) UPC# not listed

Follow-up to łHappy Days˛ (which is about to be released in the UK)
again mines a 70s era vocal sample and then lays a house orchestration
around it. This time however the results are not quite as harmonious as
before. Only 1 12˛ mix, the [Extended Mix], which has a less than
inspiring synth orchestration which the vocal sample simply do not cover
for. As a result, to me the mix gets very old and repetitive very
quickly. Sometimes the formula for success doesnąt work twice.

*+Kymelle łShow That Body Baby˛ Quality (Canada) UPC# 0-63961-72292-3

This is an older track, dating from late 1995. But if you can find
this track and you are a fan of Canadian HiNRG, grab this track, you will
NOT be disappointed. With synthwork recalling Bananarama łEvery Shade Of
Blue˛ combined with gorgeous driving piano orchestration and a perky
rhythm line, this track is crowned with a very catchy vocal hook that will
have you singing the chorus after only a couple minutes. Three 12˛
versions, with the [Ultimate Mix] being my favorite, just stellar. The
[T. Mix] creates a more garage-house orchestration that works very well
although a bit sparse on the synthwork, while the [Mix Version] is another
HiNRG mix, a bit brighter in the synth work and a bit less intense in
sound. Overall one of the classics of Canadian HiNRG that is worth every
effort to seek out...and would be a great track for US labels looking for
the next łRhythm Of Love˛ to pick up.

*Dr. Alban łMr. DJ˛ EAMS (Germany) UPC# 4-016888-235522

To be perfectly hones, itąs been a long time since I have actually
heard a Dr. Alban release that I personally liked. His most recent
collection was just a bit too ragga-tipped for my personal tastes. Well,
previewing his new album is this track, and I am happy to say the Doctor
is back IN. With mixes provided by the current trendsetter in European
dance, Sash!, the mixes on the CD5 pair Albanąs excellent, broody
ragga-rapping style with a hard, driving Eurogressive synth orchestration,
and the combo is a perfect fit. Two of the three 12˛ mixes are by Sash!,
the [Tokapi extended Mix] and the [Tokapi Sash! Mix], with the latter
having more of that characteristic Sash! synth sound. The other 12˛ mix,
the [C&N Project Mix], is a bit deeper and darker in sound, more
underground in flavor. Very well suited for Albanąs vocals. Overall a
great release that hopefully signals the return of Dr. Alban to the
dancefloors of the USA.

Space Frog łI Feel Your Pain˛ Dance Pool (Germany) UPC# 5-099766-486321

Follow-up to łFollow Me˛ is another dark, driving Eurogressive mix.
The 12˛ is available in both Vocal and Non-Vocal Extended Versions, with
my choice going to the vocal, which adds an added dimension and intensity
to the mix. A very nice, driving track with some excellent synth
orchestrations.

Brooklyn Bounce łTake A Ride˛ Club Tools (Germany) UPC# 4-009880-638552

Follow-up to łTheme From Progressive Attack˛ is a beautiful example of
Eurogressive orchestration. Hard, dark, aggressive synth work combine
with the husky male łTake A Ride˛ vocal sample to balance the melodic
female vocals in the [Original Club Mix] perfectly. The other 12˛ version
on the CD5, the [Let It Go Mix], is more UK Progressive in its synthwork,
with more breakdowns and more wild synth loops than the [Original Club
Mix], but with the same degree of intensity overall. A great follow-up.

SEX Appeal łLife Goes Up, Life Goes Down˛ Polydor (Germany) UPC# 7-31457-10752-2

Last year this act released one of the best NRG tracks for 1996,
łVoulez Vous Coucher Avec Moi.˛ That track was just red-hot, both in terms
of lyrics and in synth work. Now reconstituted with a new male vocal (the
very photogenic Gino Gillian), I was looking for more of the same.
Unfortunately, I was very disappointed. What we have here is another
German NRG act getting on the Euroragga bandwagon hoping to cash in on Mr.
Presidentąs coattails. Now I know there are a lot of fans of Euro ragga
out there, but it seems to me as if this genre is a phase whose time has
passed. It wouldnąt be so bad if it wasnąt obvious that SEX Appeal were
consciously aping Mr. President (with more than a dash of Ace of Base
thrown in). But what is most tragic is that this song is just about the
most pathetically łcute˛ track I have heard in ages... even Tiggy comes
across as more substantial. Iąm sorry, but vocalists who look as these
two do should not be singing the equivalent of grade school lyrics. Letąs
hope that in the future releases by this act have more mature lyrics.
NEXT!

*+Tiggy łRing A Ling˛ Flex/EMI (Denmark) UPC# 0-724386-821720

What is it about Denmark that creates such cute, bubbly and infectious
female vocal NRG tracks? This track is a very bouncy track with a cute,
if at times overused, Medieval troubadour theme (to the point of including
Medieval zither samples in the mix.) A very fun track overall. Three 12˛
mixes, with the [Alone In The Desert Mix] an interesting progressive dub
while the [Flex Disco Mix] visits musical styles that really should have
been left in the past..this is not the song for retro production. But it
is the [Extended Flex Mix] which all NRG fans will totally flip over. Its
production is very tight and all the elements (including the zither) work
harmoniously with the vocals. No, this is not the track for dance fans
who believe that their music must sound łcredible.˛ But for simple clean
fun, you canąt beat it. (Thanks to Darren Barnes in Toronto, Canada for
helping me acquire this gem).

Jay Jay łDonąt Run Away˛ NuMuzik (Canada) UPC# 7-74566-03042-8

Follow-up to łDo You Really Love Me,˛ one of the most romantic club
tracks produced last year, this track is unfortunately much less
fulfilling. While vocally another gorgeous track, unfortunately the
producers have seen fit to put it into a synth orchestration that is
almost exactly a copy of No Mercy łWhere Do You Go.˛ Now imitation might
be the sincerest form of flattery, but as heard in the [Club Mix] and
especially the [Regular Mix] this is just too close for comfort, right
down to similar guitar riffs. Only the [Revised Mix] makes an attempt to
be a bit more creative, and even then the synth instantly recalls
No Mercy. Oh well, better luck next time.

Gala łEveryone Has Inside˛ Orbit (Germany ?) UPC# 7-24389-42982

The current Gala release in continental Europe is definitely a change
of pace, and I think one of the quirkiest releases this year. It starts
out with Gala not being let in to the club in spite of knowing the key
people. In terms of vocals frankly I still have yet to make heads or
tails what exactly the song is about. The orchestration is more of the
beautiful Italian house production that marked her previous two releases.
Only 1 12˛ mix on the CD5 makes full use of the vocals, the [Full Vocal
Mix], and it is incredibly short (only 4ą00!). The other 2 12˛ mixes are
basically progressive house constructions that use only the intro vocals
wiht Gala complaining about being left out of the club. Overall I have to
say that this release is a serious let-down compared two the two gems that
preceded it.

Solina łCome Back To My Heart˛ Popular (Canada) UPC# 6-23398-31692-0

First release for the former NuMuzik artist on the Popular label (a
label whose US branch is currently on my gripe list for not releasing
enough product they license onto CD5). And like other Solina mixes the
vocals are well done and catchy, while the synth work in the [Extended
Club Mix] will remind many of the late 80s sound of Expose and Pretty
Poison. A more Latin-flavored [Mariachi Mix] is the other 12˛, although
to be honest there really isnąt a whole lot of difference between the two
in construction or sound. A very solid release. Not quite as energetic
as some Canadian NRG releases, but that seems to be the trend in the
Canadian scene.

Celvin Rotane łBack Again/Theme From Magnum˛ NEWS (Netherlands) UPC#
7-90115-75622-9

Latest release from one of the bigger names in progressive house
production is a double A-side. łBack Again˛ is an interesting hybrid of
underground house production with Eurogressive synth and rhythm lines
suggestive of DJ Quicksilver or BBE, especially in the [Club Mix].
However it is the other A side that has the DJs here in a tizzy.
Originally releases a while back vinyl only, this track sees some new
remixes (unfortunately non of which are on the CD5) that have won the
approval of DJs. And yes, the title does refer to the 80s TV show set in
Hawaii. And actually the one 12˛ on the CD5, the [Future Breeze Mix] is a
very creative track, working the theme song track into a Eurogressive
orchestration very nicely. An interesting release in sum.

*DJ Bobo łShadows Of The Night˛ EAMS (Germany) UPC# 4-016888-235423

Switzerlandąs king of feel good NRG returns, and this time heąs got the
Vienna Symphony Orchestra backing him up. Two 12˛ mixes on the CD5, with
the [Extended Version] combining the feeling of Vanessa Maeąs łToccata &
Fugue˛ with a dark, almost Eurogressive synth orchestration. Itąs also an
uplifting vocal track (it IS DJ Bobo) but unlike some of his more recent
tracks, this mix has a much more intense passion to it. The [B&B Remix]
replaces much of the orchestral work with synth work, but then give the
track a Sash! feel with some nice synth orchestrations. This is one of
the best DJ Bobo releases to come in a long time, although I still am not
the biggest fan of Boboąs rapping style.

Disc-O-Thek łDonąt You Want Me Ś97˛ Logic (Germany) UPC# 7-43215-02532-0

Yes this is a cover, but not of the track you are thinking of. Fans
of house will remember both the 1994 and 1996 versions of this track by
Felix released on deConstruction UK. It is that track which this is a
cover of. One 12˛ version of the track, the [Club Mix], and it is very
well done, retaining that famous synth line used in Felix, but
underwriting it with a mid-tempo Eurogressive orchestration. The result
is very nice, although the almost complete lack of any vocal makes it seem
like there is something very missing..a DIVA in attitude-filled glory.
Still, a nice release.

Jaade łBelieve In Love˛ NuMuzik (Canada) UPC# 7-74566-03052-7

Latest release for the singer whose łMove It Baby˛ is one of the
brightest jewels of Canadian HiNRG ever produced may signal that even in
Canada the move away from traditional NRG orchestrations to a more
subdued, house influenced orchestration continues unabated. In fact, the
[Original Mix] is unabashedly house, with some very beautiful synth
orchestration that works nicely with Jaadeąs vocals. The [Club Mix] is
more along the lines of releases by Amber or Wild Orchid, not quite house
but not traditional HiNRG, more subdued. This is a track that I could see
doing quite nicely in the USA, especially given the current positive
climate for midtempo releases on commercial radio.

*+Blue Boy łRemember Me˛ TJSB (Canada) UPC# 6-21432-0510-2-8

Due for US release in mid-September 1997, this international
underground house smash is just a very nice track overall, and has a sound
that is very unlike anything house music has heard before. The vocals
samples of Marlena Shaw in all the remixes (Seven 12˛ versions on the
CD5..one of the best points about Canadian CD5..they usually have
everything on them) are simply gorgeous and give the track a wonderful,
soulful feel. This soulful vibe is best seen on the [Original Mix], which
is the most underground in sound with a jazzy-bluesy feel given by the
muted synth and slow, funky rhythm line. The [Sure Is Pure Remix]
constructs a very bizarre mix with an introduction that sounds very much
like some of the 1960ąs Disney cartoons. It then goes into the same
orchestration as the [Original Mix]. The [Mad House Vocal Mix], [Cavern 3
Remix] and [Rae & Christian Remix] are all very intriguing progressive
reconstructions of the track, but to my ears not that appealing. Fianlly,
the [Deep Zone Club Mix] transforms the track into a beautiful commercial
house track that spins the vocals away from soulful and into diva with
attitude...very nice. Already top 25 on the Billboard Chart in the USA,
and climbing fast.

*Real McCoy łI Wanna Come˛ BMG (Germany) UPC# 7-43214-96722-5

For all Real McCoy fans in North America, this is the track that
wasnąt. Available only on cheap 2-track CD singles, Arista shelved the
planned Maxi-CD single release after receiving less than the hoped for
support from radio and less than positive support from many DJs who got
promos of the track. Now I think I can explain the failure of radio to
support the track...the lyrics are just too suggestive for the majority of
US radio stations that would have played the track in łMiddle America.˛
Thankfully, Europeans donąt have the same hangups regarding sexuality as
we Puritans have, and the CD5 has been released in Germany. Five 12˛
mixes on the CD5. The [Bass Bumpers Extended Mix] is a very solid, if not
overly adventurous, NRG remix while their [Club Cut] is much more dubby in
construction. The [Original Extended Mix] is an incredibly beautiful NRG
construction, one of their best in a while actually. The [Rocket To The
Moon Mix] is a rather wacky UK progressive-styled production, very dubby
with lots of deconstructions and loops. But of all the mixes, for me it
is the [Xenomania Club Mix] that is the standout. Xenomania are Higgy
(aka Brian Higgins, formerly of Motiv8] and Matt Grey. Their mix is part
Motiv8, part Eurogressive, and they work the full vocal nicely with their
synth and rhythm orchestrations. I think its just a stellar remix and
look forward to hearing more from them in the near future, as they will be
the featured remixers on the new Real McCoy single in the USA. Overall
this is a solid release, and in many ways North American fans of Real
McCoy have been cheated by Arista...perhaps its time Real McCoy find a US
label less concerned with chart points and more into actually developing
their artists.

Jimmy Somerville łDark Sky˛ SPV (Germany) UPC# 4-001617-162002

For those expecting the usual upbeat, energetic JS release, prepared to
be shocked. Jimmy turns introspective and dark in this release, and the
remixes on the CD5 reflect this in their quirky, brooding progressive
reconstructions. Of the remixes, probably the one least innovative is the
[Sure Is Pure Mix] which is more of an underground house track, with some
beautiful piano work. But it is more of a dub than an actual vocal mix.
Perhaps the most bizarre of the mixes is the [Tony De Vit Mix] which is an
uptempo dub and really sounds out of place when compared to the other
mixes. The [J&S 12˛] starts out very contemplative and sedate..perfect
for the tone of the song, then breaks out into a more aggressive Daft Punk
influenced synth orchestration that is nice. The last two remixes are
very progressive, with the [Only Child Mix] very breakbeatish and the
[Dillon and Dockins Mix] just really wacked and bizarre. A very
interesting release from Mr. Somerville, who continues to break the
expectations people develop of him and his work.

*Disco Blu łDisco Blu˛ TJSB (Canada) UPC# 6-21432-0509-2-2

The Canadians are so much more advanced than us poor US slobs when it
comes to dance music. One of the biggest Italian house tracks from this
spring gets a CD5 release in Canada, a market less known for the
popularity of house than for NRG, yet no release of this track
commercially in the USA is planned. And if you are a fan of Italian house
productions, then this track will put a big grin on your face. Beautiful
dark, moody synth orchestration and a smooth, steady rhythm line combine
with the seductive vocal samples to create a simply gorgeous house track.
Only 1 [Extended Mix] on the CD5, but thatąs all you need. Why canąt we
get any US labels to release tracks like this in the USA. If it can sell
in Canada, surely it can here as well.

*+Gloria Gaynor łOh What A Life˛ Crossover (Italy) UPC# 8-019991-670132

Proof that old disco divas never die, they just return to the floors
fiercer than ever. And in the hands of Alex Natale, La Gaynor proves this
maxim with a vengeance. Pure Italian house perfection, with gorgeous
orchestrations that support, but donąt overwhelm, La Gaynorąs vocal
performance. Only 1 12˛ mix, the [Alex Natale Club Mix]. For house fans,
it just doesnąt get much better than this.

Whigfield łBaby Boy/Saturday Night Ś97˛ ZYX (Germany) UPC# 0-90204-61412-7

Latest release from the original Princess of Danish NRG is another
sweet confection that her fans will eat up. Actually, to be honest the
track in its [Original Extended Mix] sounds like a cross between łSexy
Eyes˛ and łAnother Day.˛ Listen and hear the cavities develop. Two other
12˛ versions of the A-side on the CD5. The {MBRG Extended Mix] is a very
intriguing track, although I am not exactly sure how to describe it, other
than rather airy and light in sound, especially as it doesnąt have the
full vocal. Finally the [Pocho Extended Mix] tried to turn the track into
an Italian piano-driven house track. The result is not all tha bad
actually. Now, on the CD5 as the B-side is łSaturday Night Ś97˛. Only
one extended mix of it, and it is truly interesting. It seems as if they
wanted to turn the track into a Eurogressive track, but then halfway done
they decided to go for a UK NRG sound, so the result is an odd mish-mash
of elements, all topped off with the very sugary lyrics of Ms. Whigfield.
Perhaps not the best concoction, but again its not too bad, though it
really can not hold a candle to the original Ś94 version.

*Captain GQ łCome On And Dance˛ NuMuzik (Canada) UPC# 7-74566-03062-6

Latest release from one of Canadaąs biggest NRG acts is more of the
same great HiNRG that Canada is becoming famous for. Two 12˛ mixes on the
CD5 (which are much shorter than indicated on the cover sleeve,
BTW...someone needs to get new timers!). The [NRG Club Mix] is a very
bouncy, catchy production with some very nice piano work in accompaniment,
and the Captainąs gruff, aggressive vocal delivery works very well against
it. The [Cool Short Stab Mix] is more traditional NRG with hard
aggressive rhythm lines and strong synthwork, although a bit more
restrained than most Canadian NRG tracks. Overall a very nice release.

DJ Scot Project łY (How Deep Is Your Love)˛ Overdose (Germany) UPC#
4-014235-240397

Here is a German track that fans of UK Progressive should definitely
look for. Hard driving synths and aggressive rhythm lines combine with
the male łHow Deep Is Your Love˛ samples in the [Original Mix] before
breaking down to vocal only then slamming an even more intense synth loop
orchestration..stellar. Two other 12˛ mixes on the CD5 take the track
into even more creative progressive lands, with [De Zenkąs Vacation Mix]
being especially well done. If you like to dance to hard, driving
progressive, this track is for you.

*Mount Rushmore w/The Knack łYou Better˛ Aquatic (Belgium) UPC# 5-412545-730024

Another track in the bumper crop of UK house remixes that was released
this summer, this track has some great sassy diva vocals provided by Kate
Cameron telling it to her man straight up. Five 12ą˛ vocal mixes on the
CD5 provide several garage/house interpretations to choose from. [Andi
Amo 12˛ Mix] is pure diva-driven garage house, with an attitude..so watch
your pąs & qąs! The [Decot and Peter Ramson 12˛ Remix] is more preachy &
gospel, with an incredible church organ orchestration that will have them
asking for penance. The [Culture Groove Remix] is a bit more underground,
with some deep, dark synth lines and a hard, heavy percussive
orchestration. The [Kendoh Remix] is more of a commercial UK house
orchestration, a bit less attitude-driven than the first two mixes, but
with some very nice piano orchestration. Finally, the [Mount Rushmore
12˛] provides a more retro funky orchestration, less melodic but very full
of energy. Overall an essential track for those who like their house to
tell them exactly where to go.

Backstreet Boys łEverybody (Backstreetąs Back)˛ Jive (Canada) UPC#
7-4321-51201-2-4

While the USA gets serviced with łQuit Playing Games˛ (without a CD5
release containing the 12˛ versions available on vinyl!) The real world
gets this track. Now one of my pet peeves with most of the boy bands is
that while the tracks are usually well sung and usually very fun, the
remix production is crap, making the song almost useless to mix with. On
this CD5 there is only 2 12˛ versions (there are actually 4, but two are
less than 4ą15˛ which is totally useless for most DJs). The [Extended
Version] is a long version of the quasi-hip hop radio version...and really
is rather pathetic. Sorry guys, but you just ainąt Boys To Men, no matter
how much you seem to want to be. The [Max & Macario Club Mix] transforms
what is a rather dismal release into a very nice uptempo house mix that
works very nicely with the vocals. Now, if there had been an NRG version
of this release this could have been a great release. As is, its only
mediocre.

Natasha Hagen łYou & You˛ Blanco y Negro (Spain) UPC# 8-421597-011118

A very pretty NRG track with lots of nice Latin guitar and rhythm
orchestrations. Only 1 12˛ mix on the CD5, but it is a very richly
composed track, with a beautiful English-language vocal sung with great
emotion and feeling by Ms. Hagen. For fans of latin-tinged NRG this is a
winner well worth seeking out.

Deuce łOn The Bible˛ Central Station (Australia) UPC# 5-021456-088249

Follow-up to łNo Surrender˛ from 1996 in the UK sees Australian release
this year. And for fans of UK NRG its a gem of a track. Three 12˛ mixes
on the CD5. The [Wand 12˛ Mix] has a hard-charging synth orchestration,
driving rhythm line that work perfectly with the rather campy vocal
performance. (If you are a fan of Candy Girls, youąll love this mix..Wand
is one of their pseudonyms). The [Kenny C Remix] is a bit harder and
aggressive in its synthwork, kind of Tony de Vit styled. For me itąs a
bit choppier sounding in its total performance. Finally for the true UK
progressive fan, the [Lazonby Secular Perversion Mix] (nice name!) is a
wild ride into a minimalist underground orchestration, dark and broody.
Cut release, though not as good overall as łNo Surrender.˛