Welcome back! This week we’re going international, recommending 5 new dance tunes from artists all over the world. And where last week’s column saw us having a religious experience over the new Ultra Nate/Michelle Williams match-up, this week we’re going from the heavenly to the profane with two titles that can’t be printed in family papers!
F#ck U Betta (Dave Aude Mix) – Neon Hitch
The more overt of this week’s two expletive-strewn ditties is from Neon Hitch, the young British singer-songwriter who provided vocals on Gym Class Hero’s current radio track “Ass Back Home.” (She also co-wrote and sang back-up on Ke$ha’s “Blah Blah Blah,” so you can already vibe the modicum of restraint we’re talking about.) In advance of her upcoming debut album “Beg, Borrow & Steal,” she’s just released the single “F U Betta.” As in “She can f#ck you good, but I can f#ck you betta.” Oh yes: Girl is direct! That whopper of a line is followed by the insanely catchy repetition of the echoing “betta, betta, betta, betta…” leap-frogging up and down the musical scale. Dave Aude’s bouncy mix is a perfect match. Love this. Pick of the Week.
“Same Sh#t” (Original Mix) – Qwote feat. Pitbull
New release from the up-and-coming Haitian-born, Miami-based singer Qwote sounds like a Sean Kingston/Jason Derulo mash-up. And yes, it features a token appearance by the ubiquitous Pitbull (who must never leave the recording studio). But what sets this one apart is a terrific backing hook reminiscent of the chant of the castle guards in “The Wizard of Oz.” Fun, fun, fun.
“Antidote” (Radio Edit) – Swedish House Mafia vs. Knife Party
Swedish house trio Swedish House Mafia teams up with Australian electro duo Knife Party for their follow up to their dance hit “Save the World.” This is much more of a house track for bigger rooms, but the clever push and pull between the vocal backward slides and the insistent musical builds make this a fun choice in small doses. The Radio Edit is just the ticket.
“Dance On” (WaWa Club Mix) – Blush
This is a total pop confection from the Asian pop group Blush, whose 5 female members were pieced together from different countries. (One is named Nacho!) Catchier than their first single “Undivided,” this tune benefits here from a slightly harder edge from the mixing of Polish duo WaWa. Disposable pop, to be sure, but as their own lyrics say, “yummy as a popsicle.”
“Nothing For Love” (Original Mix) – Nathan Seth feat. Klubjumpers
Dance music is known for its big-voiced divas, so it’s nice to be able to shine a spotlight on the guys. Thailand-born, New York City-based singer Nathan Seth has had his debut single “Rebound (Nothing For Love”) produced by Klubjumpers. His voice, reminiscent of Enrique Iglesias but smoother, is instantly likable.
Here’s this week’s TOP 20 DANCE CHART, with Nicki Minaj’s eyes set on the top spot and big leaps from Kelly Clarkson and Nicole Scherzinger:
