REQ: Wild Mary - No One Knows (1987)

By request from 1987, this was remixed by Shep Pettibone.

Vocal/Extended Mix
Euro Mix
Bonus Beats
Dub Mix

Intonation ft. Joee - Nothing To You (1994)

Released in 1994 on Ti Amo / Metropolitan Records, Intonation ft. Joee (Joey Desimone) on vocals. The Techstyle Mix is my pick of the bunch.

Club Mix
Miami Mix
Radio Mix
Techstyle Mix

Fascination - Still Miss You (1994)

One of my favorite freestyle artists, Fascination from 1994. Co-written by Frankie Cutlass and produced by Aldo Marin and Elvin Molina for Cutting Records.

The Aim Mix
The Fantasy Mix
Fascinated Beats
Extended Club Mix
Razor Cut Beats
Radio Edit

Chrissy - I-eece - You Should Know By Know (1990)

From 1990, written by Little Louie Vega (MAW) and Marc Anthony. Louie also produced the record and Marc contributed vocals. I have always loved the intro on this record. Chrissy and Marc sound great together and have voices that can actually carry a record.

Club Mix
Lil Louie House Mix

REQ: Rainy Davis - Indian Giver (1988)

By request, Rainy Davis from 1988.

Club Mix

Sunni - You Could Change My Life b/w Why Did My Baby Get Over Me (1990)

Produced by Mark Liggett and Chris Barbosa, the single is more of a pop/R&B track from the 80's that arrived a few years too late IMO. Not a bad song by any means, it's just not the typical "Ligosa" sound I was looking for when I bought the record. The B side has house mixes of Why Did My Baby Get Over Me.

You Could Change My Life - Single Version
You Could Change My Life - Extended Version
You Could Change My Life - Instrumental
Why Did My Baby Get Over Me - West End House Mix
Why Did My Baby Get Over Me - The Lazzy Dub

Tony Garcia ft. NV - Girl You Hear Me Crying (1992)

This is Tony "Dr. Edit" Garcia from 1992, with N.V. (Noel Figueroa) on the vocals. The mix lableled Crimes Of Love Remix is actually a remix N.V.'s song Crimes Of Love and not Girl You Hear Me Crying.

Funky Melody Florida Mix
Instrupella
Freestyle Mix
Smooth House Mix
Crimes Of Love Remix

Rios Sisters - Are You Looking For Love

This was a release from twin sisters Awilda and Mildred Rios, who also released material under the name Rios. Produced and mixed by surprise, surprise, Mickey Garcia and Elvin Molina. It was edited by Tony "Dr. Edit" Garcia. I believe this was their third single and they recently worked on a newer song titled Love Stays that I don't know was ever officially released.

Club Version
Freestyle Mix
Radio Mix
Housey Feel
Alternative Mix

First Impression - Forbidden Lover (1988)

Another one from the master Lewis A. Martineé. This was a major label release in 1988 on Arista Records.

Extended Remix
Radio Mix
Acapella/Dub Mix
Condo Mix

Double Take - Soakin' Wet (1989)

This was a 1989 release on WTG Records. It was produced by John Bastianelli and Tommy Uzzo with edits by Mike Lorello.

Club Mix
Sex Mix
Dub Mix

Will To Power - Fading Away (1988)

This release includes 4 mixes by one of my all time favorite producer/remixers, Shep Pettibone. This guy was in so much demand back in the day. My faves are the mixes on the B side.

Power House Mix
Power House Dub
Big Beat Mix
The Rhythm Dub

Various Artists - Hot 103 FM Anniversary Album (1987)

This album was released in 1987 through Warlock Records to celebrate the one year anniversary of Hot 103 FM. It was a compilation of hits that were receiving frequent airplay at the station and includes tracks by the Cover Girls, TKA and Safire.

Side A
Stacey Q. - We Connect
Joyce Sims - All In All
Monet - My Heart Gets All The Breaks
Information Society - Running

Side B
Cover Girls - Show Me
TKA - One Way Love
Timex Social Club - Rumors
Safire - Don't Break My Heart

Atilla - Want To Love (1993)

This was produced by Tolga and Atilla and released back in 1993 through Ventura International Records.

Extended Club Mix
Freestyle Radio
Radio Mix
House Mix
Turk's Dub
Suzan's Freestyle Mix

Bridgette - Number One (1990)

A Bassment Records release from 1990 produced by Craig Bevan. Bassment Records released the same single with Cindy Janson doing the vocals a few years earlier. I like that version better and will post it if I can find the record.

Radio
Club
House
Percapella

Noel/Noella - Silent Morning/Lonely Days (1987)

The song Silent Morning was released in 1987 on 4th & Broadway Records and went on to become a monster hit for Noel. The song was produced by Vito Bruno, Roman Ricardo and Paul Robb of Information Society fame. Remix credits went to "Little" Louie Vega and David Cole added some keyboard work.

Taking a page from the world of rap music, the song spawned one of the few, if only, "response" records in freestyle music. The song Lonely Days was released shortly thereafter by the aptly titled Noella. The latter was a Charlie "Rock" Jiminez production with edits by Carlos "After Dark" Berrios.

Noel:

12" Club
Percapella
1018 Dub
Hearthrob

Noella:

Club Mix
Radio Mix
Dub Mix
Berrios Beats

Bonus:

A remix of Silent Morning was issued on X-Mix Dance Series Vol. 19. It was done by Lenny Bertoldo and is one of the best house remixes of a freestyle song ever, IMHO.

Silent Morning (X-Mix)

Nas-T Boyz - What I'm Feeling

One more from the Nas-T Boyz. Another great release from the short lived Onna Roll records. This one was also written, produced, mixed and edited by the CBO team (Eric "Chunky" Ponce, Charlie "Babie" Rosario & Oscar "Dutch/Scar" Pabon).

Radio Mix
Club Mix
CBO Bonus Mix
Hip-Swing Mix
Nasty House Mix

REQ: Nice & Wild - Diamond Girl (1986)

Here we have one of the all-time greatest freestyle jams. I had a buddy who was visiting Florida at the time this was released and he came back raving about a song called Diamond Girl. I finally found the record at the store about a month later. The group was comprised of David, Remy and John Minnis. Each of the members went on to release a few solo singles and John re-recorded the track in 1993, but none of their efforts quite matched the success or staying power of this song.

Diamond Girl (Vocal/Disco Version)
Diamond Girl (Vocal/Radio Version)
Emu 1 (Vocal)
Emu 2 (Vocal)

Pink Noise - Give Me Energy b/w I Gotta Bigga D_ck (1989)

A Musto & Bones production from 1989. Obviously more house than freestyle, but I've always loved these tracks. The title hook samples from Shannon - Give Me Tonight and Information Society - What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy). You can also hear snippets of Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock - Joy & Pain and other tracks as well. The B side is basically different mixes of the same track with the added expletive. Writing credits on the B side are listed as Dick Hertz. Ha Ha!

Give Me Energy (Energetic Club Mix)
Give Me Energy (Hyper Dub Mix)
I Gotta Bigga D_ck (Loco Pinga Club Mix)
I Gotta Bigga D_ck (Bigga Brooklyn Bass Beat)

Stevie B. - Party Your Body (1987)

This is the song that put Stevie B. on the map. Written and produced by Stevie himself, with edits and programming by Tolga. This was released back in 1987, and Stevie continues to tour and make music 20 years later. One of the few old school artists who is still kicking around.

Vocal
Vocal Dub
Dub

Jeremy - All Alone (1995)

This was produced by Tolga Katas and released in 1995 on Summit Records. It's a bad pressing on the vinyl unfortuneately...but here it is nonetheless.

Club Mix
Instrumental Edit
Radio Mix
Vocal Dub
Bonus Mix

REQ: Clear Touch - Surrender (Your Love)

By request, this release is packed with 8 mixes!!! I was too lazy to post individually, so it's all or nothing. This track was produced by Tommy Uzzo, Mike Lorello and the great Nelson "FFWD" Cruz. The B side house mixes are very reminiscent of the Black Box sound, in particular the track Everybody Everybody.

Clear Touch - Surrender (Your Love) (7'' Radio Mix)
Clear Touch - Surrender (Your Love) (Club Mix)
Clear Touch - Surrender (Your Love) (Your Dub)
Clear Touch - Surrender (Your Love) (Woody-Perc-A-Pella)
Clear Touch - Surrender (Your Love) (Surrender Your House)
Clear Touch - Surrender (Your Love) (Everybody Surrender Your House Dub)
Clear Touch - Surrender (Your Love) (I Surrender To Your Underground Mix)
Clear Touch - Surrender (Your Love) (Underground Reprise)

Clear Touch - Surrender (All Mixes)

REQ: Around The Way - Really Into You

Not freestyle by any means and I don't have the single, but it was included in Wicked Mix release Vol. 22. It samples the classic track Just The Two Of Us by Grover Washington.

Really Into You (Wicked Mix)

Tony "Dr. Edit" Garcia - Don't Let Me Go b/w Baby It's You (1988 - 1991)

One of the busiest producer's in freestyle, this is a double-dose from Tony "Dr. Edit" Garcia. The A side features Wickett Rich with Don't Let Me Go and the B side includes Baby It's You by Edee which was originally released a few years prior. Tony founded High Power Records while his brother Mickey Garcia was one of the founders of MicMac Records.

Don't Let Me Go - Alternative Club
Don't Let Me Go - Freestyle Club
Baby It's You - Club Mix

Zavier - Emotional Pain (1991)

This is another "Naughty" Norty Cotto and Yianni Papadopoulos collaboration with Zavier handling the vocals. This was released on Sneak Tip Records in 1991. Nice beats on this one.

Club Mix
Radio Mix
Dub Mix
Accapella Mix

Giggles - Memories Of Love (1994)

There were a couple of different "Giggles" vocalists, but I think it is Maria Respeto on this track. Written and produced by Charlie "Rock" Jiminez with edits by Carlos Berrios and Henry Santos. Charlie also provides backing vocals along with Debbie Cole. This was released on Cutting Records back in 1994.

Club Version
Radio Version
Dub Version
Bonus Breaks

Fascination - Don't You Think It's Time (1987)

One of Todd "The God" Terry's productions from 1987. Fascination was one of my favorite freestyle artists and this was her second single and second project with Todd. Great mixes on this 12" featuring work by Masters At Work, Gail "Sky" King, Manny Lehman, Bad Boy Orchestra and of course the man with a 1,000 aliases. My favorite has always been the Transformer mix.

New Links Here

Cherokee - Calling On Your Love (1989)

The record label reads Cheerokee but it's a typo which should read Cherokee. This was a Tolga & G.T. project from 1989 on Bianca Records.

Extended
Radio
Club
Percapella

REQ: When In Rome - The Promise (1988)

Virgin records release from 1988. The B-side remixes were done by Freddy Bastone. A few bonus mixes included below as well.

O N Mix
O N Dub
Coliseum Mix
Vatican Dub

Bonus:
Ultimix
Do As The Romans Do Mix *from Altered Anthems

REQ: Angela - All Hung Up (1985)

From Sutra Records in 1985.

All Hung Up

New Remix Series

One of the oldest remix service companies is putting out a new Freestyle remix series. Hot Tracks was bought out by Select Mix a few years ago and just released the debut issue of Freestyle Tracks. The original Hot Tracks label had mixers like Chris Cox, 1/2 of the now defunct Thunderpuss remix duo, and Cameron Paul, who later went on to start the Mixx-It remix service. I will post some older freestyle remixes from the various remix services in the next couple of weeks.

Denine - Tearshed '93 (1993)

From Viper 7/Metropolitan Records, here is Denine's remake of Tear Shed by MKG ft. Emery Torres. In addition, I've included the original full length version and the house mixes.

Schommer Club
B-96 Radio Edit
Power 96 Mix
Freejack Mix

Bonus:
Club Mix
Tear Shed Goes House
Dubb The Tear

REQ: Nas-T Boyz - The Search (1991)

By request, The Search by the Nas-T Boyz (Twilight, Jay Love & Kid Smurf) with backing vocals from Deborah Cole and production from Oscar "Dutch" Pabon, Eric "Chunky" Ponce & Charlie "Babie" Rosario.

Radio Mix
Searching For Club
Planet Radio Mix
Search For House
CBO Rub A Dub Dub
Stringapella

Don't Look Back - Review

OK, so I received the CD's in the mail yesterday. First let me clarify that these CD's are pressed, not CD-R's, and they were shipped in standard jewel cases so I can vouch for the quality. I must have been one of the first to receive them, because I updated both CDDB and Discogs. I loaded them all to the iPod and will give them a listen over the next couple of days. I'll be back with a review and a few updates shortly.

Blog Spotlight - Musicizmylife

The last site for today is Muzikizmylife hosted by Rhymez. While not a full-fledged freestyle site, you can certainly get your freestyle fix along with a share of pop, R&B and other genres. His posts include a nice commentary and he's given me the insight on a few artists I had never heard of before.

Blog Spotlight - DJ Papa C's Dance Land

Next up is another great freestyle site called DJ Papa C's Dance Land run by DJ Papa C. It includes a wide variety of freestyle and features Papa's own hand-picked artist compilation albums.

Blog Spotlight - Freestyle Beats

I figured I would pass along a few sites worth checking out for those who may not be aware of them. The first is Freestyle Beats run by AJ. I drop by and check this site whenever I have a chance. You will come across old and new freestyle, and others that straddle the line we call freestyle.

REQ: Class - Find Another Puppet

By request, here's Class - Find Another Puppet on MicMac Records. I'll get the label scan up once I get a new scanner :-(

Club Version
Pumpin' House Mix
Radio Mix
Serious Dub

Lydia "Lee" Love - Don't Take Your Love Away (1987)

One of the early Clivilles/Cole productions from 1987 on NY Groove Records. It also features work work by Hugo Dwyer, Gail "Sky" King, and Ricky Crespo. The promo version featured Chep Nunez and The Latin Rascals.

Do It Properly Dub
Fierce Club Vocal
Kicking Live Mix
Love-Apella Mix

REQ: Edmond - Taught Me (1989)

By request, here's Taught Me by Edmond. This was released on Sleeping Bag Records in 1989. Remember that label?

Club Mix
Hard Dub
Percapella
Radio Mix
Soft Dub

Erotic Exotic - If My Love Doesn't Suit Ya (1988)

A second dose from Lewis A. Martineé, this time it's Erotic Exotic, one of the few freestyle bands. I didn't care much for this song when I first bought it, but looking back I don't think it was that bad now. It was OK for that period. The Miami Bass Mix is my pick of the bunch. The group also recorded the song L.O.V.E., which is a great song and one which I still frequently record on my mix CD's.

Dub Mix
Extended Mix
Miami Bass Mix
Radio Edit

Check out a live performance of L.O.V.E. from Chile.

Paris By Air - Voices In Your Head (1989)

From one of my all-time favorite freestyle producers, Lewis A. Martineé, comes this Paris By Air project from 1989. This guy wrote, produced, arranged and mixed some of the biggest songs in freestyle. Working with artists like Exposé, The Cover Girls, Sequal, Voice In Fashion, Debbie Gibson, Pet Shop Boys, and the list goes on and on. He did it all. This was my favorite release from this group with the Bass Mix being my favorite mix.

Atomic Mix
Bass Mix
Extended Mix
Radio Edit

Back later this weekend

My mobo died and I should be receiving a replacement tomorrow according to UPS. I'll post some stuff over the weekend.

It's Finally Here!!!

The much anticipated double CD release of NEW freestyle material produced by the one and only Carlos "After Dark" Berrios is available now. Consider it a late Christmas present folks. It's been quite some time since I have been this pumped about a new release, but there just isn't that much excitement in the world of freestyle these days. At least until now.

There is a mix of established veterans, from George LaMond, Willie Valentin and Lisette Melendez, to "relatively" unknowns, like Emma Collado and Jessica Fabus. Emma and Jessica who? Get the CD and you'll know what I mean. Jessica's track is my clear favorite thus far from the few I have heard. There are also a few Spanish tracks included in the lineup (see full track listing below).

The CD's are out now and Carlos has stated he will make digital downloads available sometime in the future, but not for at least a few weeks. So the CD's are the only option for right now. I will try and get his permission to post snippets from the sampler he put together so you can hear some of the material before ordering.

I ordered from the Amazon store but you can also purchase using PayPal on eBay. It will probably be another month or so before you can get them on iTunes.

1) http://www.amazon.com/shops/admrecords
or here
2) http://stores.ebay.com/admrecords

Session One:
1. The Jump Off (feat. K7)
2. You Better Stop (feat. Bethaney)
3. I've Been Waiting (feat. Willie Valentin)
4. Physical Attraction (feat. Nyasia)
5. Veronica (feat. Tomax)
6. Do You Want It Right Now (feat. Joei Mae)
7. Obviously (feat. Jessica Fabus)
8. I Need A Lover (feat. Lisette Melendez)
9. I Can't Go On (feat. Joei Mae)
10. You Left Me (feat. Miles Petty)
11. Se Marcho (feat. Katya)
12. The Ultimate Edit Battle (Part One)

Session Two:
1. What Is Love (feat. George LaMond)
2. For Your Eyes Only (feat. Joei Mae)
3. Light Of My Life (feat. Ron Esco)
4. No Hay Nada (feat. Katya)
5. Let It Go (feat. Miles Petty)
6. Don't Ever Say (feat. Lisette Melendez)
7. Walking Away (feat. Emma Collado)
8. I'm Torn (feat. Synthia Figueroa)
9. Rescue Me (feat. Julie Carrozzi)
10. No Lo Niegues (feat. Tomax)
11. Sexy Boy (feat. Connie Lapera)
12. The Ultimate Edit Battle (Part Two)

I'll post a full review once I receive my CD's.

Subtle Touch - When You Leave (1989)

This is one of those female empowerment songs :-), but I still love it. Where would freestyle music be without all the heartbreak? Produced by Arnold "Mad Dog" Rodriguez and Dave Darlington, it was released on Polygram Records in 1989. The edits were done by some guy named Omar Santana. The name rings a bell but I can't put my finger on it.

12" Version
7" Version
Acapella
Drumapella

Nas-T Boyz - Intimate Strangers (1991)

This was put out by one of my favorite labels, Onna Roll Records, back in 1991. Their small catalog also includes a full length CD from the Nas-T Boyz and material from Donna Williams, Of Unknown Origin, Visage and Rios Sisters among others. I only wish they were able to hang around longer because they released some nice tracks during their time. This single was Produced, Mixed and Remixed by John Bastianelli and features backing vocals by the great Jason Tomi whose name is mispelled on the label.

Nas-T Radio Mix
Pop Radio
LP Version
Back To school Club
Extended Club
Drumapella Dub

Mark Milan - One More Chance (1991)

I would guess this came out late 80's/early 90's on Metropolitan Records (they rarely included the release year on many of their single releases so it's hard to tell now). This was a great track. Written, Produced and Mixed by "Naughty" Norty Cotto with Yianni Papadopoulos. It contains samples from Shannon - Give Me Tonight, C-Bank ft. Jenny Burton - One More Shot and Ralphi Rosario ft. Xavier Gold - You Used To Hold Me.

First Impression Mix
Radio Mix
One Mo' Dub
Naughty Boy Beats

Joey Kid - Counting The Days (1990)

I believe this was the third single released by the former Trilogy member. Issued first through Bassment Records, then major label Atlantic Records in 1990. It was Written, Produced and Mixed by Craig Bevan with Joey's Loose Touch partner George LaMond contributing backing vocals.

New Links Here

Miss Issa vs. Exposé - Let Me Be The One

Continuing on with the theme, next up is Let Me Be The One originally recorded by Exposé. This cover version was recorded by Miss Issa. To say she is easy on the eyes is an understatement. She has appeared on the cover of Maxim en Espanol among others. She has also collaborated with Fat Joe and Trina.

The original was first released on Exposé's debut album, Exposure, in 1987, though I pulled this from their Greatest Hits compilation from 1995. Fast forward 20 years to Miss Issa's version.

Miss Issa - Let Me Be The One

Expose - Let Me Be The One

Kyss Major vs. Taylor Dayne - Tell It To My Heart

Two different styles on this next set. This is an R&B flavored remake of Tell It To My Heart from Kyss Major. She was previously a member of the group Ebony Vibe Everlasting and is currently in Germany wrapping up work on her debut CD. The original comes from the Taylor Dayne 12" single from 1989.

ROCFAM ft. Kyss Major - Tell It To My Heart

Taylor Dayne - Tell It To My Heart

Mariah Carey vs. Judy Torres - Weakness Of The Body

The song Weakness Of The Body was recorded as a demo by Mariah Carey but never commerically released. Mariah eventually recorded and released Vision Of Love from her self-titled debut album which began her string of consecutive number one singles. Weakness eventually fell into the hands of Judy Torres who recorded the track for her album Love Story released in 1989.

Here are both versions of the track. Even though I am one of Judy's biggest fans, I have to give the nod to Mariah. This is vintage old-school Mariah, back when she still sang and showcased her vocal abilities. I also think the music is much better than on Judy's version and not just because the audio quality is a bit clearer.

As always, judge for yourself...multiple links available below.

Mariah Carey - Weakness Of The Body

Judy Torres - Weakness Of The Body

New Updates Coming Soon

I will be resuming updates on this site very soon. In the meantime, you can check out some of the stuff I have posted over at Multiply. Follow this link ---> http://kangle108.multiply.com

VA: Cutting Records Dance Vault

Amazon.com Link

DL link taken down.