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Despite being under the EMI label in Japan, British boy band Blue only appeared once on Dancemania. I actually remember being quite annoyed by “One Love” when it appeared on ZIPmania DX because it was too R&Bish for Dancemania.
In 2011, they represented the UK in Eurovision with a more synth-infused song than they were known for, becoming the second Dancemania-associated act to represent the UK (following Daz from Bus Stop).
Dancemania 22 was an amazing album full of incredible Almighty remixes, but for me the standout track was Almighty’s remix of “Thinking It Over.” Sadly, it was to be Liberty X’s first and only appearance on Dancemania.
911 were a boy band trio comprising Jimmy Constable, Simon “Spike” Dawbarn, and lead singer, Lee Brennan. They made their first appearance on Dancemania in 1998 with the song, “Love Sensation,” before following it up with “A Night to Remember” and “Party People…Friday Night” on various Dancemania subseries. They made their final appearance with “More Than a Woman” on the 2-disc set, Dancemania Delux 3. Oddly, one of their biggest hits, “Bodyshakin’,” has an awesome dance remix yet never appeared on Dancemania.
Move over, Downton Abbey, ITV’s most addictive new show brings back the biggest UK pop bands of yesteryear for one more chance in the limelight. “The Big Reunion” is a new reality show featuring bands from the 90s and 2000s reuniting after years apart. The show follows them as they reminisce over the good (and not so good) ol’ days and rehearse for a one-off gig, later expanded to an areana tour.
The bands in question? Well, there’s Honeyz, 5ive, and B*Witched, only the last of whom I’ve heard of as the other two never really broke into the US market. However, as a huge Dancemania fan I was excited to learn that 911, Atomic Kitten, Blue, and Liberty X would also be participating. Over the next few days I’ll take a trip down nostalgia lane and revisit each band’s contributions to Dancemania.
Perhaps most excitingly of all, “The Big Reunion” has been a big success in the UK and will soon be licensed to other countries. The 90s movement is in full swing all across Europe, as evidenced by the return of 2 Unlimited, and I’d love to see the format spread to other countries and potentially bring back some other groups that played huge roles in Dancemania.
Saifam Speed – February 2013
Artist: Various Artists
Another pair of Speed tracks for February. “Follow You Down” is a cover of the Gin Blossoms song from 1996, while “Let’s Go Crazy” is a Prince cover.
SPE211 – [5:15] Follow You Down (Factory Speedo version) / Speedogang
SPE212 – [3:51] Let’s Go Crazy (The Factory Speed Team mix) / Speedmaster
Thief in the Night (Single)
Artist: Becky
Release Date: 2/8/13
Price: $4
A new single from Disko Warp artist, Becky. Available now at Bandcamp, Amazon, and iTunes. Protip: It’s cheapest on Bandcamp.
Titanium (Single)
Artist: David Guetta feat. Che’Nelle
Release Date: 2/6/13
Price: 500 yen
Special Japanese version of the hit David Guetta song, released to commemorate the “Ultimate” edition of “Nothing But the Beat.” The popular songstress, Che’Nelle, provides the vocals for this new version. She doesn’t quite match Sia’s power, but it’s quite novel hearing parts of the song in Japanese. Also features a new remix by a Japanese DJ, Mitomi Tokoto. Available on iTunes Japan.
Tatakai wa Kore Kara (Single)
Artist: Allover
Release Date: 2/20/13
Price: 952 yen (Type-A Version) or 952 yen (Type-B Version)
3rd single from the Akiba Koubou-produced idol group, Allover. The single will come in two editions, a Type-A version and a Type-B version, each with different team lineups singing the songs.
House Flavor Dance Classic
Release Date: 2/13/13
Price: 900 yen
House remixes of classic dance songs from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Featured artists include Chris & Toris (Minimum Cox), I.T.T, Threemason (DJ U*Hey?), and, perhaps most surprisingly, NRG Factory! Many of these tracks will likely be featured on the upcoming Greatest Hits -Dance Mix-.
Burning × Warning
Artist: Kouhey
Release Date: 2/6/13
Price: 2381 yen (CD+DVD Edition) or 1905 yen (CD Only Edition)
Kouhey’s first major album came out in 2010 under the Victor label, but it looks like the highly anticipated follow-up album will come from Avex. The new album features collaborations with noted Vocaloid producers including samfree, doriko, Darvish P, and 40mP. Guest vocalists include Sekihan and Shinichiro Suzuki. In addition to a CD only edition, there’ll also be a CD+DVD version, with the DVD featuring Utattemita lessons. Visit Avex’s official website or Kouhey’s personal website for more info.
Deluxe Age mix -International Custom Tune-
Release Date: 3/6/13
Price: 1714 yen
The latest in the surprisingly popular Age mix series. This entry features only non-Japanese songs. Unfortunately, it’s mostly repeats yet again, although it’s kind of neat to see an old Overhead Champion remix appearing.
Greatest Hits! -Dance Mix-
Release Date: 3/1/13
Price: 1800 yen
New compilation from FARM Records, featuring dance hits from today and years gone by. Looks like mostly repeats, as usual.
Santa Maria (Deluxe Collection)
Artist: Tatjana
Release Date: 1/13/13
Price: $5.99
This was released worldwide a bit earlier this year and features various remixes of the hit songs from over the years. The most interesting one is probably the Delaction remix, though it’s disappointing that it’s only the radio edit.
Hardcore (Is My Life) (Single)
Artist: J-Mi & Midi-D feat. Hanna Stockzell
Price: ???
Interesting news posted on J-Mi & Midi-D’s Facebook page. It looks like the mystery UK label that picked up their latest single is none other than UKNRecords, a new label by Chris Sargent, better known to Dancemania fans as half of Sy & Unknown. Apparently the single will be out soon, and will feature a remix by Chris Unknown.
Saifam Speed – January 2013
Artist: Various Artists
Another batch of Speed covers. Kind of surprised to see the new “We Will Rock You” remix being labeled as “Alternative Sound Planet remix.” My first thought was that it might be related to the Planet remixes from Dancemania Speed, but that seems unlikely given how long it’s been since the last Planet mix. I do wonder who did the remix, though. The other new track is a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight (Everything’s Alright).”
SPE209 – [4:09] Uptight (Everything’s Alright) (Factory Speedo remix) / Speedmaster
SPE210 – [4:29] We Will Rock You (Alternative Sound Planet remix) / Mazerati
DanceMaster | 
03 4th, 2013| 
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