I believe it still Nick Festari. He is just trying out a gentler tone to his otherwise aggressive vocals. Works beautifully for Crazy Diamond, but they feel a little odd on the chous part to Jump On The SoundI'll be honest, I have never been one to really obsess over who actually provides the vocals for tracks, so forgive me if those tracks aren't sung by the same guy who does Crazy Diamond, but I just find myself a bit bored by the melody on the whole.
On that last note, I thought I would do my review for Super Eurobeat 212
Much better cd, then I originally anticipated. There are some really wonderful productions included on this compilation. As I listen to the cd for the first TIME, I realize that some songs are gonna take a few listens for one to grasp thier vibe. This is what the rest of the world will never be able to experience and that is that Eurobeat takes some growing into, but once you have been absorbed into its world, you will realize how it is 1000x richer in production value than any other genre out there. Also, Enjoy the vinyls to my 3 favourite songs.
1. Yo Shine- I Dream Of You (SCP)
Yo Shine is back with her sophomore effort and I gotta say, that this TIME around I accept her song a lot more than Power Of Love. In retrospect the song can be considered part 2 of Power Of Love. Basically the same synth structures melodies are reprised again. What this song does right, is that it ditches the annoying little childlike shout outs during the chorus that Power Of Love had. Basically it sounds more mature, which is the new sound AVEX has been striving for. The way she sings the chorus sounds very uplifting and she herself sounds as if she has been practicing on her vocal ability. She really belts out those last lines in the chorus and that makes a whole world of difference. In fact, the whole chorus sounds very powerful. I was almost expecting a somewhat faster sounding synth riff to follow. Something along the lines of Send Me An Angel would have been a better riff IMOP. When I listen to this song and Power Of Love back to back, I just can’t help liking this one at a much higher lever. The only explaination I can give is that it ditches the Kika & Fancy shoutouts, but those really tick me off. Bottom line is that this song is good and a great way to open up the cd. Still dislike the artist name Yo Shine, but on the other hand, I gotta thank SCP for kicking up those extendeds up to a more acceptable length.
8+/10
2. Ace- Set Me Free (SCP)
I really dislike that clubby-like intro on the cd version. The Itunes intro sounded more Eurobeat. I still think the song has an overall club-like atmosphere , which I can’t get into. Even the way he delivers the vocals in the verses sound Urban dance –like. This song has been out for about a month and has yet to make a dent on me. I guess the chorus is the only part that sounds uplifting. The riff is also passable in an SCP way. I really can’t point it out, but when I hear songs like Rider In The Sky and T.V. Hero; I can’t help, but to think that Ace was a superb Eurobeat artist for the early decade of the 2000s and should probably stay there unless it’s in duet form with Fastway. Maybe he should come up with a new alias for this Set Me Free style songs, cuz they sound too different from the older ACE classics of yester year for me to fully enjoy and frankly I don’t hear what everyone is creaming about with this song?
6+/10
3. Annalise- Love Toy (AbeatC)
The verdict is in. This is 100% old style ABeatC, and not from the good end either. The first thing I notice is the overly rehashed “airy” intros of those Annalise/Mega NRG Man intros during the 170s. I knew we were in for trouble when I heard that intro; which basically strips about 50% of the song’s power. The melody is there. I‘ll even go as far as to say that it’s a good melody. The problem is that it plays it too safe and in that I mean, it basically goes nowhere. It baffles me as to why AVEX would choose these song to compete with the high quality of a Dima or HRG Attack, which now a days seem to be at the frontline when it comes to creatvility. A die-hard AbeatC fan might enjoy this song , but to me it sounds like filler material. I’m guessing Pasquinni had nothing from his Sun Fire label to submit this month.
6/10
4. Mr. Moog- Bang Bang Cowboy (Dima Music)
OOOWEEEE!!! We are up the Eurobeat smack of the month. If playing it safe is what AVEX wanted to do on this cd, then there is no safer play than Claudio Magnani delivering a 90’s style surefire anathematic Eurobeat hit. The only difference is that this song injects so many different style and instruments that it sounds 100% fresh. I never got a chance to listen to the original, but I’m guessing many of those new sound worlds include the Old Western Saloon piano. Anyway, this song has everything I have been craving from a Eurobeat song since the absence of Eurogrooves. The anticipation of this song was at an all TIME high as I requested it every chance I got and It delivers on every level. It’s like Dima took a slice of HRG Attack’s Tam Arrow and TIME records’s mid 90s style and added a dash of DELTA’s Mad Max and created the perfect vehicle to showcase Magani’s vocals. I even got a slight flashback from DELTA’s song of the same name “Cowboy”. This is what I conceder super song writing ability. I would love to know the process in creating the song or if Claudio had any part in its composure? Anyway, I quick rundown of standout points would include that saloon piano effect in the second couplet, the groovy guitar licks in the intro and that ecstatic continuous synth playing in the background, especially when the bass is dropped in the intro and break. This is definitely turning out to be one hell of a Eurobeat year and we are only into the second cd. I already have my second contender for Eurobeat song of the year. Can’t thank Dima music records enough for this song and I would love more done in this 90’s retro style. Hi Ho Silver!!
10+++/10
5. Virgenelle- Baby, Come Back To Me (GGMs)
I just go ahead and say that I love the melody used in the chorus. It reminds me how much I loved the chorus in Wanna Be Over The Moon. This could be the first Virgenelle song that I actually enjoy since she made her departure from AbeatC. It’s not just the chorus, but the overall production even sounds more powerful than most GGMs girly songs. The “airy-like” synths are ever present, but it sounds like they are overlapped with a rougher set on synths to give it the illusion of a more aggressive feel. Maybe they just turned up the bass? I don’t know, but the soundworlds sound more powerful to me and I like that. I also like the riff. It’s more relaxed in the way that it’s played and doesn’t loose its melodic structure. Her vocals are decent. I’m not the biggest Virgenelle fan, but they seem to be decent enough for a Eurobeat song of this style. What I do like is a good Outro and this cd has a lot of those. This Virgenelle song features a really cool one by adding in a few more notes after the initial last booming finish. Nice touch.
8/10
6. DJ Space C’- Danger Zone (Saifam)
So next we have Saifam’s monthly submission. Another cover song. This time of a song that I really didn’t care for its first TIME around. What I said in my SEB 211 review for Speedogang’s- Jailhouse Rock; applies for this song as well. Great intro! I didn’t even hear any similarities to the original. I also think Farina(?) dreamt up a rather fitting synth riff for the song. Anyway, what I’m really starting to enjoy from these “Speed” style songs from Saifam is the real aggressive vibe I receive from the bass line and percussion. This song even adds in some Ken Martin style guitars to further the fun. The same “pet peeve” is present. And that is; that I particularly don’t care for the vocalists that are now present at Saifam studio. He kinda tries for that raspy Kenny Loggins sound, but his vocals have no business in Eurobeat songs anyway, so what’s the point? My question is? Why isn’t Farina doing vocals for these songs? Just the pure fact that he takes up the mic, is enough to shake up the song just enough to be Eurobeat wise accepted. That’s how I would play this hand if I was at Saifam, but anyway; as the song is now, it’s not that bad at all.
7+/10
7. David & Toy- You & I (Dima music)
First off it should have been Dee Dee and Toy as the artist name. David should be left for more Aggressive sounding material. This intro immediately shot me back to Hey Hey Baby Cry from the now defunct Vibration records. Beautiful song for any Eurobeat TIMEline. When I heard that intro I knew I was in for a pleasant ride. For me an intro pretty much is the sneak preview of the rest of the song. I usually know weather I will like it or not. Our new addition to Dima music label; Toy, sounds great. I kinda get the feel that her artist name of Toy was very fitting. Before this review is through, I will rack my brain to death trying to figure which other Eurobeat song follows that same melody line that is used in the chorus. I absolutely, conceder the riff melody perfect for an upbeat song like this one. I wanna say “Wonderlover”, but I know there I are others rolling around in my brain, but for now Wonderlover comes closest. As I hear the song, I get the feeling that David & Toy have a very strong relationship. They are both in perfect synch and deliver the lyrics with a lot of passion. Reminded me, of the old Dave and Domino duets from ABeatC. We also get the everpreasent Hi-hat effect used throughout the song, but for me it feels like it provides the perfect backround to unite their vocals. This is really another Wonderful song. Just listen to all the instruments and it wouldn’t be Dima production without the classic trademark guitar mini break. A very classy song, from start to finish.
10/10
8. Joe D. Toaster- Crazy Diamond (HRG Attack)
Let me say that is perfect Italo disco Radio pop. I do have a few suggestions. First off it seems that Festari is now doing 99% of the vocals at HRG Attack. I can almost hear a completely different vocal style delivery on the two songs on this cd. Almost as if he is a different vocalist. I remember many vocalists doing this in the 90s. Pasquinni, Farina, even Caria. I really do love Festari’s vocals ,because he can sing in so many tones. I think on this song, he really hit the bulls eye with his gentle tone. As this song is a gentle Italo disco style number which flows by with it’s retro mesmerizing soundworlds. His vocals are really in synch with the the Brian Ice tones used in thosedays. The wonderful continuous synth in the background immediately takes me back to the early 80s when New Wave and Italo was beginning to fuse into what the U.S.; at that TIME, considered the perfect radio pop sound and The Echo-ish percussion makes this song the perfect 80’s Italo flashback. Now, as far as vocals delivery; I honestly think the song would also have worked marvelously with the tones used in Rainy Days. Those little aggressive pronunciations he uses are really the Festari trademark and I; for one, hope we get them back real soon. Another thing that really confused me is the artist name Joe D. Toaster for this title. It’s actually pretty cool to see Joe make such an easy transition from say, “Feel The Power Inside” to this song, but maybe HRG can also introduce a few new aliases and keep the aggressive names like Joe D. Toaster and Banana separate. Imagine how mind blowing would it have been for Mad Cow to sing this song?LOL! Anyway, Another Italo bomba from what is at the moment my favourite Eurobeat label. Who knows, maybe the D. in Joe’s name stands for Diamond. BTW, please bring back the 5:30 + song lengths. Please!! So make a song even more epic.
10/10
9. Mellisa White- Movin’ & Lovin (SCP)
How many here are familiar with the teen pop sensation of Belanova sweeping up the Mexican pop charts these last few years? That‘s the vibe I get form this song’s intro. It’s very radio friendly and wouldn’t sound out of place next to Belanova. What bugs me is that on this particular number by Mellisa White sounds just like any other x female vocalist at SCP. The song could easily have carried the artist name Momo or Stella for example. I remember when Mellisa’s songs stood out. She had her own style. I remember Wanna Be With You had a cool groovy vibe and of course; Everlasting Fire had that borderline aggressive feel. Now it’s One heart, One Soul part 2. I actually liked that Momo song a lot, but I don’t I will be warming up to a song that sounds so identical to that one this soon. The one part that stands out is the Intro and break for its Belanova vibe, but not much else. Even the riff sounds kinda rehashed. Good song length though.
7-/10
10. Megan- TIME to Say Goodbye (Sinclaire Style)
For once the song title seems like a good idea, since none of her songs have seemed to do anything for me yet. I think the song tries too hard to feature one those Aggressive intros that only Bon can pull off. Sinclaire never fails to showcase a great Anthemic Eurobeat song like Wheel Power & Go on one cd and then almost immediately fall back onto this style that seems are just produced for the sake of speed. Not even the erratic synths that sound very much like Kiss My Boo Boo seem to save this tune from ultimately ending up in the ever growing pile of forgettable Bratt Sinclaire Eurobeat material. What this label needs is a really great female vocalist to give his female sung songs the boost they need. For now this song goes by from begging to end with nothing to offer me but an erratic fast riff and I need crave much more that.
6/10
11. Cy- Ro- Jump On The Sound (HRG Attack)
Oh my what has happened here? This is a perfect example of how even a super bias fan like me can cringe when I hear something that I think doesn’t work. I can’t explain it, but I feel this song was composed of two different style songs. Kinda like a fusing of an Italo with Aggressive style song. For me it misses the mark big TIME. I remember how off putting It’s All Up To initially sounded when I first heard it, but by the end of the year, it became one of my favorite songs, so this one might grow on me as well, but for now , I’m not 100% sold. First off; let me give credit where credit is due. Awesome intro! I was expecting something along the lines get The dark Side Of My Brain. Pretty much the riff is perfect for HRG Attack DOA style and Festari starts off great as he aggressively delivers the verses. The melodyies even reminded me of Batman Is Bruce Wayne, but then he gradaously starts to bring down the tone in the bridge and by the TIME the Chorus comes along; the song has somewhat taken a different direction. The melody it’s self is wonderful, but not in a song that gets me hyped for an aggressive style tune and he even sounds even odder when he delivers the lyrics in the chorus. I’ll go as far as to say that the label might have been trying to sneak in another Italo style melody in a fast song. I don’t know? I believe the song has promise to grow on me if I listen to it as if I’m getting the best of both HRG Attack worlds, but I feel like I suddenly have to put the breaks on when the chorus comes along and that really throws me out of my zone. Maybe Festari was trying to show us that it was indeed him singing Crazy Diamond. LOL! What is cool, is that if Vinyl made it’s comeback, this song would be the perfect one to make the transition form Italo style to aggressive style. Maybe I’m being too hard, but it’s gonna take some repeat action on my player for me to fully grab the vibe this song is delivering. Who knows by the end of the month, It could easily become my favourite of the bunch? I wonder if anyone else is getting this vibe? I would definitely be interested on Ditz or Jay’s take on this song? Anyway, the artits name Cy-Ro is officailly becoming the risque taker of the label.LOL!
8/10
12. Go Go Girls- Sex Skiller (GGMs)
I can almost envision the anticipation from Go Go Girl fans when they see this song on the track list? The song actually hits the high mark whan I listen to it. At a Go Go Girls level; it really brings back memories of those older ABeatC classics, so those who are fans, are probably gonna be creaming their britches. LOL! The GGMs team pulls no stops as they give this song the total Go Go Girls work down. At a Eurobeat level; it’s better than their previous song, which has already slipped my mind. Let’s start of with the intro. Pretty awesome! Reminds me a bit Shotgun Killer by TIME’s Pride & Love. I love the way it repeats “drive” right before they sing “just tonight I will drive you mad”. Yeah, that’s just like Shotgun Killer. The riff is very according to a Go Go Girls song and again it sounds like they overlapped the airy synths with a more powerful sounding keybord. The melody in the verses is Aggressive style , but the stand out is the offbeat melody in the bridge. I don’t know; it has that vibe that some Manuel songs use. Kind of haunting/eerie. Anyway, the GoGo Girls actually started that style way before Manuel, so it’s sort of their trade mark sound. I think it’s Lollita who hits some very high notes only heard by dogs. SomeTIMEs they turn me off, but this TIME, they are only backup and only up until the closing of the song, so it’s not too bad. She sounds cool when she screams at the end of the bridge. The overall feel of the song I get is that its trying to inject a “Slasher” theme, especially with the deep Killer voice. The soundworlds in that bridge really fit that “killer” theme and any aggressive Eurobeat lover should feel right at home when listening to this song. that outro really hits the Eurobeat spot. Trust me you will find yourself singing along when you least expect it.
9-/10
13. Claire M.- M.U.S.I.C (Dima music)
I have to admit that when I first saw the artist name, I actually thought Clara Moroni was defecting to Dima’s stable? It’s actually exhilarating when I see a new artist debuting on a cd. It really gives me confidence in the genre and that others also feel the same way. Funny enough, this song kinda has a DELTA feel it. Like those older Leslie Parrish songs, but that’s not why I like it. What really grabs my attention is that intro. It sounds really calm, but perfect for the song. It’s very short, but effective and once you hear its accompanying violins in it’s verse form, you will be swept away in its melody. I only hear a couple Violine- like notes in there and they sound great in the backround. This is also another uplifting song with a positive Eurobeat message. Combing the themes of both Music and Romance has proved a winning formula TIME and TIME again in Eurobeat songs and this song is no exception. The difference is; that instead of having a really romantic feel, It relies more on the upbeat melody of the soundworlds. A really nice debut for another new Eurobeat artist.
9-/10
14. Digital Planet- A New Day (ABeatC)
another older AbeatC song is what we get to round things off. I do not collect nonstops, so I never heard this song, Honestly many were playing it down as just another filler, but I gotta say, this is a really wonderful song. The message is 100% positive and I honestly can’t remember when I enjoyed a Digital Planet song this much? I can only remember liking West End Guy and somehow always thought it was some weird answer to Pet Shop Boys’ West End Girls; when in reality the two have 0% in common. This song has a sort of music box effect that immediately pulls me under. I get the feeling that I’m opening up my eyes from some mystical transe as I see the skies were suddenly opening up to reveal a whole new promise land. As the synths start playing I feel the force of purple and orange beams pulling me up through the clouds. By the TIME the melodies and verse begin ,I’m flying throughout the promise land witnessing and taking note of all the marvels a new world has. New species of animals, plants, mesmerizing colours dancing before my eyes. In the end it turns out to be a dream, but it remains so vividly engraved in my mind, that I begin to tell the rest of the world what I had witnessed. I tell everyone we must all gather up and meet at a precise TIME and place for a revelation that will change our lives forever. Finally the break comes along. This is the moment everyone has been waiting for as the new world is revealed for the rest of the population. Billions of heads look up to the heavens in awe of what our world could be like once everyone pulls together and starts taking care of the planet. This is were the theme of a New Day kicks in. How can one not love this song?
10/10
15. King & Queen- Ya Ya Ya (Slow Mix) (ABeatC)
Seems ABeatC got a rally royal treatment on this cd? Could it have been on account of Dave’s B-Day. Impossible right? Anyway, I don’t really see the point of this song. In retrospect it’s only a preview of a song barely clocking in the 2 minuits and a half TIME mark. All that said, As much as I didn’t care for the song it’s firt TIME out; I have to say that it didn’t sound half bad at the end of this cd. Especially following the Digital Planet song. You can really appreciate the beautiful vocals of the group King & Queen. The rest of the music is as far as Eurobeat as you can get, but the melody is ever present and sounds really soothing. It’s funny, but if you add some bas line and guitars you could have a Rick Astly melody there. LOL!
6/10(it’s just too short to fully enjoy)
Well, this cd; like many in the past, has managed to surprise me 100%. Which is exactly what I felt would happen once I compared the full versions to the preview clips. For me it took a few listens to get a real vibe for some of the songs featured. While some are instants classics like Bang Bang Cowboy; others like “Jump On The Sound” might take some getting used to. It seems I have plenty of TIME for that, since next month we get a nonstop. I still feel selection of songs was for a safe play, but the quality for those songs is very exceptional, so in the end it worked out for everyone. Still pissed at them for dissing DELTA.
I use audacity and my vitcims are usually TIMErecs and HRG Attack at thier 4:00(extendeds) phase. I don't mean just cut/paste jobs. I add some outros as well. 
