Music You Should Know - Spring Edition!

Ok I've been letting it build up for a bit but here it goes - the lowdown on some of the hottest records out there that should be on your radar...

It's been 2 years since Kaskade released "Strobelight Seduction" and now he's back with his latest offerings in sexy, addictive house music with "Dynasty". The new record features appearances from Tiesto and Dragonette, not to mention his own "girls" Haley, Mindy and Becky. What's so great about Kaskade is his signature sound - it's light, it's fresh and it's exciting. It makes you wanna move and it can make you want to slow down if you know what I mean. This is his fifth studio album since bursting onto the scene in 2002. Over the years he has raised his profile by remixing the biggest names in music. The new record comes out today in a physical format, but you clever ones out there might have noticed it came out on iTunes two weeks ago. Key tracks to check out include "Fire In Your New Shoes", "Only You" and of course the lead first single "Dynasty".

Back in February, "Late Night Alumni" released their sophomore album called "Of Birds, Bees & Butterflies" and it's slowly gaining buzz as the singles hit the clubs and dance radio. My favourite in particular is the title track, there's something so "summer" about it and it's a joy to listen too. A co-worker told me a customer came in looking for them as their music was used in a new ad campaign they saw on YouTube. The grouped formed back in 2003 and had some commercial success with a single called "Empty Streets". What's interesting about that song now is that its been "refreshed" and appears on Kaskade's new record "Dynasty" I mentioned earlier. Becky Jean Williams does the vocals just as she does in the original but it's sounds even hotter. Kaskade has been a big supporter of Late Night Alumni and in fact they are branded as "Kaskade's band" with a sticker on packaging of their new disc. While maybe not as uptempo as Kaskade, their sound is softer and can borderline on chill in certain moments. Key tracks you must listen to aside from the title track are "You Can Be The One" and "Finally Found".

Also released earlier this year is a amazing new record from Morgan Page. It's called "Believe" and believe me it's ultra hot! The lead single is a cover of a 2001 Pete Yorn song called "Strange Condition". It's absolutely beautiful and pulls on your heartstrings just as the original does. The vocals are done by Lissie who is an up and coming aritst in her own right. Her voice is so signature and it just eats you up... She has her own single out on iTunes right now called "In Sleep". Anyway back to Mr. Page - this record is full of potential club singles so you should get it now and discover what you're missing. Morgan Page has been remixing other artist's tracks for years so what's great about this package is that you get that typical Page sexy house beat with a mix of different vocalists. Key tracks you need on your summer soundtrack right now are "Strange Condition", "Believe", "Fight For You", "Tell Me Why" and "Traces Remain".

One of my favourite female vocalists returns this month with her third solo record called "Love & It's Opposite". You will know Tracey Thorn as the vocalist for Everything But The Girl who had a storm of hits in the 90's. This new disc is a bit more mellower than her previous album "Out of the Woods". Secretly I am hoping for some killer remixes but I'm not sure if they ever will happen. The record drops May 18th but don't expect much promotion as Tracey isn't interested in doing much press and won't be touring either. I did have a chance to sample some tracks before the release and I recommend you try out "Hormones", "Singles Bar" and "Late in the Afternoon".

Two Divas - Two Remix Albums. Just released domestically last week was Lady Gaga and her album simple called "The Remix". It's well sequenced, loaded with all her big singles and remixed by some well known DJ's. It doesn't pretend to be anything other some music to get you moving. I love that all 17 tracks are radio edits of the club mixes 'cause nobody needs a 8 minute version of anything anymore. The other Diva is Rihanna and she will be releasing "Rated R Remixed" on May 25th. I'm a little curious about this one as unlike Gaga, she stuck to just one DJ to remix the whole record. That DJ is Chew Fu who has been experiencing tons of exposure through his remixes in the clubs. From what I've heard so far - this one should do well.

For something completely different, check out this group called Straight No Chaser - There are 10 guys in this a cappella pop/ jazz group who've already experienced some good reaction to their holiday album and a EP of 6 tracks released last summer. If you love "Glee" - you will love them! Just released last month is their first real album called "Twisted". It features stripped down - no instruments allowed - covers of such huge pop hits as "Rehab", "I'm Yours", "Tainted Love" and "Fix You". Perfect for those saturday afternoons lounging on the deck or perhaps something to lift you up on your drive into work.

Let's talk hot new singles!
First off my prediction that Kelly Rowland's new dance single "Commander" will be the most played club track this summer. Without even a remix this track will take you to another place and rock your body. Kelly has partnered up with Dance God David Guetta once again - it's not known at this time if there is a full album in their future but I know many queens out there that would be lining up to buy one.

Dido returns to her dance roots with a single off the upcoming "Sex & The City 2" soundtrack. The song is called "Everything to Lose" but you'll have everything to gain by getting this track on to your iPod. It's bound to have some big remixes - but for now enjoying the enthralling sound of Dido's voice and get ready to move your feet. Also on the soundtrack is Alicia Keys covering Blondie's "Rapture" - very interesting!

You won't know this next artist Matt Alber, but you should check out his single "End of The World". While the "album version" is mostly acoustic with a piano, Morgan Page remixed the track and it's totally amazing! His voice is wicked... Lyrically quite intriguing as well.

Ok that's enough for now - most of this stuff is on www.hmvdigital.ca or iTunes - go support these amazing artists!