Gay Pride Edition 2010 Volume 3

Welcome to Friday’s edition of Pride.  As promised, I’m serving up a heaping platter of happy house music.  Unlike the Original and the BPM, there’s not quite as much “happy” music that comes out early in the year.  After all, it’s still snowing and bitterly cold in most parts of the world, so I guess it’s hard for producers to get into that frame of mind early on.  Frankly, if they did, they’d save a lot of people from cabin fever.  We could just sit underneath a fluorescent light, soaking in the rays, while listening to something that reminds us of what’s to come later in the year, summer. Nevertheless, I’ve extracted the best of the disco, funky and camp from my previous T-Dance sets and bulked up the remainder with brand-spanking new tunes that’ll make you glad you held out for the fun, sun, and beaches.  I’m talking celebratory, hands in the air, makes you feel so good early Sunday morning dance music! Kicking things off, I pulled out one of my favorite songs of the year.  Hot on the heels of last year’s “Runaway,” which sat in Juno’s funky house Top Fifty for over ten months since it’s release last summer, DJ Kid Stretch pulls another favorite out of his arsenal with “Give U More.”  This song is packed with so many samples, that it’s hard for me to keep up; and honey, I am the queen of samples.  The one you will recognize is the undeniable big voice of Loleatta hollering in the background. I’ve got two, count them two brand new Peyton singles.  The first is a collaboration with Eric Kupper called “Celebrate.”  Just in time for Pride, Peyton is talking about celebrating his life. As out and proud as we are this season, we should be singing right along with him.  The other is a new song in collaboration with the UK hottie, Wayne G.  I gave everyone a taste of “Ur the Best Thing” on Gay Days v1 and now here comes the original version, in it’s full blown soulful glory.  For all those that have been searching for the one true love and found it, this one’s for you.  If you haven’t found that special someone just yet, don’t fret, I’m fairly certain they’ll wash up on a beach for you to take home, after a long night of partying. I’ve also sneaked in our girl Kimberley Locke who was recently featured in the G-Spot, with her brand new discolicious single “Strobelight.”  Speaking of disco, how about three classic remakes?  First off is the 1979 classic “You Know How to Love Me,” originally performed by Phyllis Hyman (may she rest in peace).  As part of the Fierce Angel group, Soraya Vivian does the vocal duties and boy oh boy, does she hit this one out of the park!  In fact, I fell so in love with her take, I added her again on part two of this Pride Edition and for now, that treat will remain a surprise.  Let’s just say she has quickly become a contender and is right up there with Katherine Ellis as the next Party Favorz girl.  Once you hear her voice, you too will become a believer! Next up is the totally unexpected remake of the Anita Ward classic “Ring My Bell.”  When I got the promos, I clicked the play button with hesitation.  How could anyone possibly top this monster classic from 1979?  One listen and I was blown away!  FAMA pours everything into this song and completely breathes new life into something that I would have never in a million years thought to touch.  I absolutely love, LOVE the DeepCitySoul Mix, but wait there’s more!  The remix package also includes amazing renditions by Richard Earnshaw and Richie Jones.  Unfortunately, the label is holding out on those, because they only included the radio edits.  I fully expect a second release containing the full-length version of those two later next month; hopefully in time for Beach House. Finally, in the disco realm, Eric Kupper and Cathi O deliver “Haven’t You Heard.”  With its familiar catchy refrain, this song had immediate gravitational pull.  The only problem was that I couldn’t figure out who originally sang this song.  In fact,