Single
Natasha Bedingfield
(Delinquent Remixes)

After months (literally!) of being caned on pirates and 1Xtra by the top rankers, Britain's latest top of the pops export finally gets into
the greedy hands of the DJs. Daniel's little sister, Natasha, merges her ear pleasing vocals with Delinquents' trademark bumpy beats and steppy basslines to turn "Single" into a floor-filler. This one will have even the most jaded raver on their feet. But it's really all about the tunes on the flip - a vox and dub mix of a presently unknown male voice. While the vox is all sunshine and happiness, the dub is dark with big bad bass swells - both guaranteed to smash up the dance.

DEEPSIX

We Belong Together
(Juicy Joints/Mask Mixes)
Juicy Joints

Another one for all you Booty Pimps out there, the Juicy Joints squad brings the heaviness with two 4x4 mixes of Mariah Carey's hit "We Belong Together". Skippy percussive beats and a wicked bassline triplet run are the highlights of the aggressive Juicy Joints mix, while the Mask mix focuses on more melodic elements and a walking bassline to better compliment Ms. Carey's most capable vocal chords. One for the ladies without a doubt.

DEEPSIX

Love Hurts
Sirens Feauring ODB
(Wookie Remixes)

Is this House? Is this Garage? When it's this good, who really cares? Wookie is on the buttons once again, proving just how damn good he is. Wookie's chord work evokes motion and draw out the essence of the Sirens' vocals while ODB adds just the right amount of funk to it. A rolling tribal bassline and brilliant percussion underpin this in fine Wookie fashion. The dub is more of an instrumental, but who's complaining. Not I! When Wookie keeps serving up hot platters like this, it can only leave us starving DJs hungry for more.

DEEPSIX

No More
Ed Case Present
K1ller Instinct

Ed is back on the case, after a hiatus. A few releases later, and Mr. Case seems to have hit his stride again. "No More" has two 4x4 mixes with silky vocals at the forefront of both. The A-side features smoother beats, sustained basslines and piano runs, while the B-side is all about the pumping bassline and organ and marimba hits. For me, the B-side wins the toss. Quality release.

DEEPSIX

Body Language
Wideboys & MJ Cole ft. Vula
Garage Jams

More and more, we're being treated to producer collaborations. The magic that occurs when top musical minds meet is usually awe inspiring and this is no difference. While MJ's mix is the standout of this quality release - it's a welcome throwback to the days of "Sincere" and "Crazy Love" - combining the streetwise breakbeat patterns with swirling and heavily processed vocals, there's a mix to fit all seasons. All based around Vula's luscious vocals, we are treated to 5 mixes ranging from the original mix complete with disco strings to MJ's 2-step lick, and - on the flip - from the stomping 4/4 speed garage mix, to the delightfully quirky Waltz mix, to the smooth soul of the Acoustic remix. Something for everyone on your gift list.

DEEPSIX

Pirate Selectas Volume 1
Wideboys
Garage Jams

From the second the bassline of the electro tinged "Swing Yo Body" (2-step mix) drops, you know you're in for something special. "Pirate Selectas" is a feature presentation of the b-boy brilliance that the Wideboys bring when they step up to the decks. "Tip Toe The Raver" gives us smile-inducing offkey ravetastik synth lines, while "Beyond the Duty of Funk" (comes in both 2-step and 4x4 varieties) lays out horns riffs and robotized vocals that Parliament would be proud to call their own over shimmering breakbeats. "Let Ya Fingaz Do The Talking" and "In 2 Deep" are two of the mellower cuts, but still have that trademark Wideboys appeal. The 4x4 mix of Swing Yo Body is bumpiness defined, complete with off key marimba bassline and stonking horn stabs. Finally, to complete the package, "Bunsen Burner" drops weighty bassline pressure with a growling vengence and infectious vocal stabs. Everything you'd expect from the duo that gave us "Stand & Deliver" and "Freak Like Me". And more.

DEEPSIX

What We Do
Kray Twinz  featuring Twista, Lethal B & Gappy Ranks

Much props to the Kray Twinz, who have been collaborating with artists from both sides of the pond for a while, for bringing together 3 unique artists and creating a dope cross continent grime track. Twista takes the lead verse and also provides the catchy hook while Lethal B and Gappy Ranks each handle duties on the 2nd and 3rd verse, respectively. The Kray Twinz mix of the track is easy enough for casual American listeners to get into and fresh enough for even the hardcore Grime heads to get into. On the flip side of the 12” is the Low Deep remix that features the popular “Straight Flush” beat as well as Low Deep on the mic.

MEGATRON

State Your Name
Essentials f/ J2K & Hypa Fen/Phonix

Although it might come off as a cover of the Ruff Ryder’s tune “WW3” this one sounds more gothic and futuristic than the “WW3” track. There’s something about the use of the violin samples that gives the track that apocalyptic vibe to where the song, as stated by Jendor in the intro of the song, does sound like its from the year 3005. The main track features verses from guest MC’s J2K and Dynasty (Hypa Fen &  Masterphonix) alongside Essentials MC’s K.Dot and Jendor with Remerdee introducing each MC before their verses. There is also an all Essentials crew MC mix as well as 2 versions of the instrumental. One of the instrumental is a modified version of the original track that gets chopped up a bit while the other is the original beat that includes the hook provided by Remerdee. This is most definitely a quality release from one of the best crews coming out of the Grime scene at the moment.

MEGATRON

 
Run The Road Sampler
Various Artists
679 Recordings

2 superb tracks ready to once again let the world know who exactly are running the roads on the Grime tip. The first track, brought to us by super hot producer Low Deep, is “Get Set” featuring MC’s Kano, Ghetto, Demon, Doctor and Big Seac. Low Deep brings a much larger than life and very well produced beat that brings out the best of all the MCs  on “Get Set” and is the perfect introduction to the new Run the Road 2 compilation. The b-side features the remix to the popular JME track “Serious” which starts with the original first half of the song and switches to a brand new beat and lyrics about folks who need to get their priorities in life straight. The most notable line by JME on this track has to be, “You’re a wasteman if your 29/ And your still posing by a road sign/ You need to think about your lifetime/ Before you hit 40 with your shank and your nine” which lets people know that life needs to be taken more serious.

MEGATRON 

Change Formation/Victory/ Blazer
D’Explicit
DXP Recordings

Hot 12” coming from the producer who brought us the “Forward” riddim. At the drop of the needle D’explicit’s production means serious business and the first track “Change Formation (Hench 2)” crushes anything in its path. Built like a tank, this riddim has military drum taps and sounds of bullet casings falling to the floor, providing an atmosphere of all out war on the dance floor as well as on the mic for the MCs. The other tracks include “Victory” , a mix between Street Fighter II sound bytes and  “Blazer”, which happens to sound similar to “Change Formation” but differs in its own way. Most of the tracks tend to become repetitive but when it comes down to it these tracks are built for the dance floor and the energy alone makes up for the lack of variation.

MEGATRON

The Best Of i Records
10 Years of UK Garage
Compiled and mixed by Todd Edwards
i Records

With 17 tracks ranging from Todd’s own “Shut The Door”, to Ramsey & Fen’s remix of the Somore anthem “I Refuse-What You Want”, to Dem 2’s version of “Take My Hand”, and finally to 2005’s “Like A Fire”, this
compilation spans over a decade of history and contains both the roots and the future of 4/4 UK Garage. Even more amazing than having such luminaries as TuffJam, Dem2, RIP, Ramsey & Fen and MJ Cole all on one label is the fact that this label is based in New Jersey, not London. It’s only after recognizing the breadth and depth of talent that has been signed to i records over the past 10 years that one can appreciate why record stores in the UK sell out of Todd’s releases faster than you can say “Boh!” (not that anyway says that anymore – that’s soooo 1999) and why punters from all over London crowd record stores and club venues where Todd makes guest appearances. While he’s no EZ on the decks, Todds mixing fits the style of music in fine fashion, doing justice to what is undeniably one of the best back catalogs in the genre. Highlights of the CD include hard-to-find Filthy Rich cuts like “U’re Mine” and the Sunshine Brothers & Todd Edwards remix of Jay Collins Super 20 “Don Turn Your Back On Love”.

DEEPSIX

Y.O.U.
Fully Loaded
2tuf4u Recordings

It’s a trend we’re seeing more and more these days – producer collaborations in UK Garage. This time it’s Todd Edwards and Karl
Brown hiding behind the moniker “Fully Loaded”, to merge their complimentary styles into one smile-inducing tune. With two of the
undisputed 4/4 maestros on the buttons, you can rest assured that it is bouncy and bumpy. The vocal snippets are masterfully manipulated over trademark “Tuff Enuff” beats and the bassline is vintage Todd, but
really, it’s all about the “beep beep” tune change that punctuates the song periodically. 4/4 how it was meant to be done.

DEEPSIX

European Vibes Vol.1
PrOtOn - Nu Beez
Final Cutt Records

Four smashing 4x4 dancefloor workouts. The immediate standout to my ear is PrOtOn's "Kolarz", a medley of vocal and instrument cut-up's over a super bouncy beat. Flip to the Nu Beez "This is How We Do It" for a number with a more soulful edge. PrOtOn's "Toddy Bear" wraps it up with a deeper mood and an organ bass backdrop to it's own flavor of vocal cut-up texture.

G NOTORIOUS

Holla Back Girl
Gwen Stephani (Mask Remixes)
Mask

This has to be the single most infectious record I've heard all year. From the first time I heard it, I think it was stuck in my head for about 3 weeks. The Mask boys lay down two mixes of this one, one 2-Step and one 4x4, and I can't decide which I like better. The 4x4 mix is pure bounce and the faster-feeling of the two where the 2-Step mix has a bit more punch and a dubwise bassline that gives it a more serious feel.

G NOTORIOUS

Circles
Nina Jayne (Delinquent Remixes)
Spoilt Rotten Entertainment

New Mixes of what was already a smash hit earlier this year. Delinquent return with a the "Nu Soul Refix" that really brings back what used to be known as the "Summertime Vibe"; full vocals, acoustic guitar samples and simple but effective 2-Step beats. On the reverse, the "Up North Dub" or Speed Garage remix brings vocal snippets and a uniquely melodic and high pitched organ bassline. Definitely not the seemingly, all too common, cookie cutter, rehash style Speed Garage here.

G NOTORIOUS

100% Graveyard
DJ Wolfe featuring Mic Man
Knife's Edge Recordings

What do you get when you combine 2-Step Garage and Ragga vocals? You get a big freaking smile on my face! This was a completely unexpected and wholly welcomed release in my book. The Dungeon Master mix combines soca-rhythm 2-Step beats with rezzy, moody, warping bass and Ragga chatting over the top while the original is even darker and has a bit of a Grime edge to it but still really falls on the 2-Step side of the fence. Big up to these guys just for putting this out.

G NOTORIOUS

Some Kind of Fool
Chunky featuring Kaz
Sunship Productions

Chunky of Sunship fame teams up with Kaz who's probably best remembered for getting "Freaky" with DnD. The result? A very effective and bouncy, full vocal 4x4 classic! The other mix toughens up the bass, strips down the vocals and adds some delay and ragga style samples for yet another Speed Garage-esque variation. No complaints here!

G NOTORIOUS

The Remix EP
Alias
Alias Recordings

4 Hot remixes from Alias on this great value pack. We get a nice refix of the “Warriors” track with a modified intro and some change ups in the meat of the track with backward switches on the break. The bassline is only one note though and may sound a bit monotonous to casual listeners. There are also two remixes of “Heat 2005” that have the trademark Alias groove and also a pretty good 4/4 remix of “Gladiator” which works well for changing the vibes a bit in a set. “Grind” is the top remix of them all with Ayak on vocals and additional help on the rhyming tip from Flirta D, Doctor and Desperado. Solid MC tune no doubt.

MEGATRON

Pull Up The People
M.I.A. (D'Eexplicit Remix)
XL Recordings

M.I.A. vocals seem to provoke a “love it” or “hate it” response but luckily there are both vocal and instumental versions on this record. Vocals or not, this track rocks many crowds; be it the grime scene or the indie rock massive. The D’Explicit remix of “Pull Up The People” borrows some of the vibe of Lethal Bizzle’s “Forward 2” but changes it up with some fire alarm bells and other nice additions to the riddim. D’Explicit does the triple duty of creating beats that are hard and grimey and make you want to shake your ass while complementing M.I.A.’s vocal style.

MEGATRON

Single
Skepta
White Label

The man who brought us the classic “D.T.I. Anthem” is back and this time he’s actually taking mic duties on his track “Single”. With the help of the infamous “Ice Cream Man” riddim by Wiley, Skepta lets loose spitting some lyrics about “getting your mack on” in the club or anywhere else the single ladies are kicking it around the streets of London. This song is definitely entertaining and would be great for a music video. On the B-Side are 2 unknown riddims that shows why Skepta is still running things production-wise. One of the stand out riddims is the 2nd tune on side B that shows a slow but steady paced, much darker side of Skepta’s production.

MEGATRON

Bongo Eyes 3
Bossman
Bossman Dubz #3

Already a classic, “Bongo Eyes” once again gets the remix treatment by the Bossman of the Essentials Crew and this time part 3 hits harder than a Barry Bonds homerun. On this version the intro is the same for the first 4 bars and then after that it jumps into light speed with the additional snare hits that give it that extra kick. On the flip side is the vocal version provided various members of Essentials addressing the “other” crew out there biting the “No” hook and going non stop on the mic, trading off with intense quickness. Not for the faint at heart but definitely for the rude!

MEGATRON

Uh Oh / Uh Oh (D'Explicit Remix) / No!
Lethal Bizzle
V2 Music Limited

The king of hooks comes back with the lead single to his forthcoming album "Against All Odds". Produced by Sticky (of Social Circles fame) "Uh Oh" takes the best elements of both Sticky and Lethal Bizzle's music and create a simple but infectious dance floor track. As a treat to folks who buy the 12" there is also the D'Explicit remix of "Uh Oh" which is big but doesn't seem to have the same charm as the original mix. Also, those who missed out on the original 12" of "NO!" by Lethal Bizzle and Firecamp get another chance to pick it up since it's on the B-Side of the 12". Overall a great set of party jams at a great price.

MEGATRON

The Avenue (Heartache Remix)
Roll Deep
Relentless

The original version of "The Avenue" is the track that's loved by many outside of the Grime scene but its the Heartache remix that has the harder edge and more familiar Roll Deep sound. Big bars on this track from the usual suspects like Breeze, Scratchy, and Riko Dan, to name a few. If you like the beat by itself, be sure to pick up the white label version of this release as it incudes the instrumental.

MEGATRON

Lift Off / Death By Stereo Remix / Tenor Jam
Macabre Unit
Terrorhythm Recordings

Plasticman's Terrorhythm Recordings number 4 is out and boy do the quality tunes on this label keep on coming! First we have the remix of "Death By Stereo" which isn't as intense as the original but has it's own unique flavor and works well in the mix thanks to the Macabre Unit. "Tensor Jam", while in large part reminiscent of Macabre Unit's earlier tune "Sense" released on B-Line Recordings, shakes up the original riddim and adds in various of change ups and more texture and detail to the song. The biggest and most original tune of the EP though has to be "Lift Off" which sounds like 1980's Detroit Techno injected with a dose of Grime and a dash of funkiness. This one is guaranteed to get any crowd going.

MEGATRON

Gameshow Riddim / Arabian Riddim
TNT
Left Recordings

From the TNT camp come 2 riddims that will get MCs and Ravers alike bouncing off the walls. The "Gameshow Riddim" has a sinister acid vibe to it. I was expecting more of an explosive, noisy bassline after the first drop but instead the track builds slowly in a great and unpredictable way. This one would work either for mic sessions or instrumental DJ sets. On the flip side is the "Arabian Riddim" which is the better of the two tunes on the record. It definitely has dancefloor appeal and will hypnotize the hips to move even if your mind tells you not to. Even though the "Arabian Riddim" is a bit repetitive there is something about it that keeps the waist winding.

MEGATRON