1. Fruko Y sus Tesos ‘El Preso’
Growing up in a super Colombian household, Salsa was a major part of the soundtrack to my youth. This brings back memories to those ‘into the wee hours’ parties where my parents would drag us to some basement in Queens.
2. Jackie Moore ‘This Time Baby’
Amazing how this song still gives me those goosebumps. I play this so much in my car that now my kids know all the words. Stone cold CLASSIC!
3. Deep South ‘Believe’
I used to frequent this club near my house as a late teen and we had quite a nice group of friends at the time that would meet up every Saturday night. This is one of the songs that brought us all together and it has a positive message as well.
4. G.L.O.B.E. & Whiz Kid – Play that Beat Mr. D.J.
For those that know, Hip Hop was actually my first music love. Something about those early Tommy Boy Records releases that just had so much impact on me. This is one I will never forget.
5. C-Bank ‘One More Shot’
John Robie’s production is so top-notch here. Not only is this song a beast but it inspired so many of my productions due to his use of sounds and effects. And that broken glass sound of course.
6. Robert Owens ‘Bring Down the Walls’
To me, tracks like these define House Music. There is nothing extraordinary about it but that’s where it’s magic lies. It’s simplistic, sweaty groove with the best male vocalist ever associated with the genre, Mr. Robert Owens. It’s just a proper dim light, throbbing bass kind of vibe.
7. E.S.G. ‘Moody’
To experience this on a proper sound system was life-changing for me. This is as simple as it gets as far as sounds. You have a drum kit, congas and a bass guitar… that is all you need here. Let’s not forget those raw vocals.
8. D Train ‘You’re the One For Me’
This is yet another example of a song that stuck with me. This song makes me dance. A sight to be seen.
9. Metallica ‘One’
I remember the white kids listening to this in high school and for some reason, I really gravitated towards it. Yes, its a metal record, but there is something super soulful that I love about this song.
10. Soho ‘Hot Music’
It doesn’t matter where or what time this song is played. If this doesn’t make you dance then we can’t be friends. Simple as that.
Basement Jaxx – Romeo (Harry Romero Remix)
New Jersey’s Harry Romero remixes Basement Jaxx ‘Romeo’ on his Bambossa imprint. A humble house music legend, Romero cut his teeth during the heyday of New York’s vibrant scene and has continually proven to be one of the finest advocates of proper house music ever since. Last year alone he released on Cecille, Subliminal, Crosstown Rebels, as well as the Pete Tong/Kolsch approved and Beatport-trouncing ‘Afro Horn’ on Rebellion. That same year he also further cemented his reputation as an infallible remix artist with appearances on Classic and Nervous, not to mention reimaginings of Jack Back & CeCe Rogers ‘Freedom’ on Defected and Danny Tenaglia ‘Don’t Your Back’ on Hot Creations. This next release on Bambossa is a spectacle as Romero remixes one of dance music’s timeless hit singles nearly twenty years after its release: Basement Jaxx’s ‘Romeo’. A steady house groove propels the track forward, then Romero teases in the original’s signature synth stabs and Kele Le Roc’s diva vocals before instigating an unexpected murky bassline, rattling open hats and sporadic sax.
