Singles populate dance music like no other genre. No, we're not talking about the kind you find perusing the back pages of the Houston Press, but the kind you find at your local record store.
The reasons are pretty simple. Often, record execs don't wanna dole out the bucks for a whole album until an artist proves himself, or they prefer to make a quick buck with lots of different names on singles as opposed to one expensive album from one artist.
Sometimes singles are the only avenue through which a dance artist gets to be heard. Names like Abigail, Rozalla, Casa Grande, Pulse and Karel rarely put out anything more than a one-song disc with remixes because they are only serviced to clubs.
Speaking of remixes, that's another point of sale for releasing CD singles. Artists can expose themselves to different audiences with tweaked versions of one song. Witness the recent crossover power of names like Cher, Bette Midler, Selena, Jody Watley and, most recently, LeAnn Rimes, who hit it big on country, pop and dance charts with "How Do I Live?"
The reason for this segue is that I've recently been shipped a load of singles by artists who aren't exactly Madonna but deserve a listen nonetheless. They may not be burning up the charts yet, but give them a while. Some even have full-length discs out or coming soon. So now I give you the single file:
React: "Can't Keep My Hands Off You" (Columbia Records) - Good looks and a groovin' No Mercy-esque beat heat up the first single from this New York-based duo, who are the latest addition to the Berman Brothers' (Amber, Real McCoy, She Moves) impressive roster.
Timothy Cruz and Daniel Metreyeon claim to be influenced by George Michael, and, indeed, the catchy, high-impact song bears resemblance to some of the former Wham! member's work. Check out the dance/crossover mix - it's a bit sped-up and is aching for club play.
King Britt Presents Sylk 130: "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life" (Ovum Recordings /Columbia Records) - From the truly brilliant full-length When the Funk Hits the Fan comes this sly ditty, and it's one of the most refreshing gems currently on the dance floor. Britt works a soulful, easy R&B beat here, and the Francois K Classic Mix of this classic disco hit is truly sublime. Check out the entire album for a clever, totally listenable musical day in the life of Philly.
She Moves: "It's Your Love" (Geffen) - The Berman Brothers are at it again, this time spinning a pop twist on the Tim McGraw/Faith Hill monster country hit. Reworked for twirly girl group She Moves, the song is reincarnated as a soul-pop ballad in the first version, and it's a likable affair.
Love to Infinity creates a dance mix best described as house-lite, but it's the Berman Brothers themselves who turn in the best club overhaul. It starts slow and quickly builds to a perky Euro-beat you'll be unable to resist. The sugar-sweet lyrics complete this joyously sentimental cover.
Pulse featuring Antoinette Roberson: "Music Takes You" (Jellybean Recordings) - Dance music comes first with Jellybean, and these guys don't disappoint with "Music Takes You," a soulful diva call available in five versions. Roberson combines the right amount of attitude and real skill, and the result is akin to the fierce Mariah Carey remixes that often storm the clubs. Hex Hector, responsible for that smashing club mix of Toni Braxton's "Un-break My Heart," is the guy behind this groove, so you know it's all good.
Instinct: "He's a friend" (Jellybean Recordings) - Heartfelt vocals and lyrics propel this track beyond the usual club fare, while the beat still shuffles along a drum 'n' bass-like rhythm. The swelling chorus in the background anchors the song, and Kenny Bobien hits the right notes with his strong delivery. There isn't a lot of variation in the mixes, but why change something that's already the bomb? It's another in the long line of Jellybean's endless flavors.
La Casa Grande: "Subalo Parriba (Move it Up)" (Jellybean Recordings) - Taking a cue from The Blackout All Stars' monster club smash "I Like It," La Casa Grande opts for a Latin house jam with plenty of fire. The throbbing beat never lets up in the En La Casa mix, while the Heavenly Edit works a darker groove. The versions on this single are all over the map; this is a party jam of the highest order. One word of advice, though: avoid any of the Banana mixes. They dilute the original energy of the song. Other than that, turn it up and let the Latin flava loose.
Any grooves goin' on I should know about?
E-mail me at jgg95173@bayou.uh.edu.