May 2002Everyone must concede that the "nu-80s" sound is here, especially when you have the likes of Felix Da Housecat remixing major label artists like Brandy on "What About Us?" This column reported the coming "nu-80s" phenomenon about a year and a half ago but quite frankly the edgy, more progressive approach becoming mainstream was an unexpected, pleasant surprise. Naturally with all the interest in reviving the elements that made the music from the 80s so powerful a renewed interest in the legendary artists from that distinctive decade was inevitable. Many of these "superstars" are pursuing concert tours again (Simple Minds, Human League, etc.) to squeeze out a few more ducats from diehard fans. However, this may not be the best way for us to preserve a found memory of our favorite group from the 80s -- God save us from the hairdos alone. A really fine and dignified way to remember a performer is with a tribute album. I'm a sucker for a really well produced, thoughtful tribute project. The performers interpretations of well-known songs reveal as much about themselves as the artist being lauded. PETER GABRIEL was an undeniable musical force dominating the 80s, and of course, his influence continues to this day. "Leaves from the Tree: A Tribute to the Music of Peter Gabriel" is the latest tribute album from Vitamin Records. This is added to their roster of honorees including; Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Tool, and Tori Amos just to name a few. The collection of thirteen Gabriel songs found here cover an interesting range from the obvious single hits and obscure lost album gems. This is a fully listenable album but there are some standouts. DAVE WARRIN featuring JODY WATLEY gives "Don't Give Up" a soulful turn updating a true classic without losing a bit of the original intent. The sensitive remix is by our own Jay-J of Moulton Studios. There are a few selections that are ready to spice up your "nu-80s" set. "Sledgehammer"'s hedonistic message is updated, but still a true homage, by Supreme Beat featuring The Beat/General Publics DAVE WAKELING, a true 80s legend in his own right. BEN NEILL with vocals by Andrew Montgomery turn in everyone's favorite "Shock the Monkey" and a rousing version of "Big Time" by Ryeland Allison is sure to satisfy. SUPA DJ DMITRY remixes JULEE CRUISE's ethereal rendition of "Only Us." "Mercy Street," "Games without Frontiers," and "San Jacinto" are a few other well-known titles found here. "Loved to Be Loved," "Exposure," "Lead a Normal Life," and "Of These, Hope" are additions that help put this tribute into a higher league. Also on the tribute tip, albeit unorthodox, is "SELECT CUTS FROM ECHO BEACH," Select Cuts (GM). The concept here is thirteen remixes of "Echo Beach" by the innovative Canadian 80s band MARTHA AND THE MUFFINS. A dub attitude is the only element that ties the selections together, beyond the source material of "Echo Beach." THOMAS FEHLMAN (Orb), JIMMY CAUTY (KLF), REVEREND ECHO, DEEP DIVE CORPORATION, PRE FADE LISTENING, and SUSHI CLUB are a few of the notable musicians that constructed some of the most beautiful reinterpretations. Martha and the Muffins even redo the track producing a version following the lead of the dub masters involved. VINCENZO breaks the format of the others by turning in a quality late-night houser. Q-BURNS ABSTRACT MESSAGE (a.k.a. Michael Donaldson) released "Invisible Airlines" to much critical acclaim in 2001. "Re-Routed" is a remix package with a fresh take on the LP's songs with contributions from some top electronic producers. LISA SHAW, newly signed to Naked Music with a solo LP due soon, provides the voice of the album and it stands as some of her best work. With the variation in production and manner of music you will probably never hear Shaw with this diversity of "approach, style, and phrasings." "This Time" gets two remixes, one a Latin tinged, almost batucada, pumper by Pete Rivera that will work all dance floors and one electro mix from Q-Burns with fellow Floridian Grumptronix. Take my word for it, we would all like to see this as a single. LOVESKY gives "Innocent" a deep 'n' sexy progressive rework that could easily find its way into all the crates of the big boys. KING BRITT takes on "Innocent" as well providing a quality, straight-up Chicago house version. HAKAN LIDBO is brought on board to remix "Shame" into a classy techno-torcher. Lidbo is restrained with his touch revealing a previously unheard sensitivity, justly so for this beautiful song. "Differently" has Funky Transport and Neon Heights each presenting their versions of trippy breakbeat. Pork Recordings Tetris makes a rare appearance remixing "Hey! Star City" into their unique trip hop sound. Doctorolive winds things up with a really acidic break mix of "Imprisoned Glitch." Another album getting the full make over is BLOCK 16 debut "Morning Sun Remixed" on Nuphonic. Block 16 is Raj Gupta (a.k.a. Laj, Ray Mang), keyboard genius Pete Zivkovic (Faze Action, Xpress 2) and DJ Glen Gunner (a.k.a. Street Corner Symphony), a power trio by anyone's definition. When the original version of this album was released all those who knew of it raved. With refined song construction and vocalists like Jhelisa, Bim Sherman, and the legend Robert Owens the responses were overwhelmingly positive and justified. The original "Morning Sun" album was extremely listenable, but frustrating because all the material cried out for full club treatment. With a multitude of offers to remix the various tracks the obvious outcome was "Morning Sun Remixed." All nine tracks are "A-side" singles ready to go. The hit-bound stand-out is the luscious "Can't Stop" featuring Robert Owens with remix by Xavier Zubercock and Ray Mang. If this track doesn't work your dance floor give it up! This is Owens (a.k.a. GOD) best since "I'll Be Your Friend" and even if you do not normally spin LPs play this one until the 12" is released. There are three tracks featuring Jhelisa, "The Land Is Yours" remixed by Kost Effective and two mixes of "Find an Oasis," the Fug remix and Rollercones dub. On-U Sound mainstay Bim Sherman is responsible for vocals on three phat tracks, "My Sunshine" with a decent remix by Dubtribe, "My Sunshine" remixed by Tony Assassin, and title track "Morning Sun" mixed by French maven Pepe Bradock. There's actually another version mixed by Charlie Dark with vocals by Jon Lucien. Ten albums that haven't left my player.
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