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Drive ga 100-bai Tanoshiku Naru 80s Best
Release Date: 1/30/13 ? 2/27/13 ? 3/20/13
Price: 1886 yen
After being delayed from January to February, this 80s pop compilation was then delayed further to March. It seems like they’ve finally settled on a date as well as a track list. Pretty standard set of 80s tracks that Dancemania fans have seen countless times. Judging by the track lengths, this won’t be a non-stop mix.
Out of all the bands involved with The Big Reunion, Atomic Kitten made the biggest impression on Dancemania. Their first single, “Right Now” was absolutely huge in Japan. It first appeared on ZIPmania III in 2000 and would go on to appear as a playable track on Dance Dance Revolution 5th MIX. After “I Want Your Love” appeared on Dancemania X8 in 2001, Atomic Kitten wouldn’t be seen in Dancemania again until the EX series. During 2004, they became a staple of the series, with “Be With You,” “The Tide Is High” and “Ladies Night” appearing on various Dancemania releases.
The band actually released a 2004 version of “Right Now,” which was surprisingly never used for a Dancemania EX release.
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
On this day, exactly 5 years ago, Kousuke Okamoto passed away at the young age of 31. Better known to trance fans as Oriental Space, Kousuke was a true pioneer of the J-Trance scene and his presence has been sorely missed. It was listening to “Magical Express” all the way back on the first Trance Paradise that got me hooked to J-Trance, and I wanted to take a moment to remember him.
If you’re a fan of J-Trance, you owe it to yourself to get the tribute album that was released to honor his works. Disc 1 is a megamix of his most famous works, while Disc 2 features remixes by Japan’s top epic trance producers.
Rest in peace.
Exit Trance presents Speed Anime Trance Best 18
Release Date: 5/1/13
Price: 1905 yen
First three tracks have been announced, though keep in mind they’re not guaranteed to appear on the final list. One of the announced tracks is Utada Hikaru’s latest single, “Sakura Nagashi.”
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.
Reboot
Artist: Jimmy Thumb P
Release Date: 5/15/13
Price: 1905 yen
New album from prolific Vocaloid producer, Jimmy Thumb P. Visit the official website for a preview video and more info.
Say No! (Single)
Artist: Jouhou Shoribu (Rumi Okubo, Minami Tsuda, Risa Taneda)
Release Date: 4/17/13
Price: 1238 yen (CD+DVD Edition) or 952 yen (CD Only Edition)
Single for the OP theme of the anime, “Yuyushiki.” The opening theme is produced by the Vocaloid producer, Fuwari P, and the single will be released by the Exit Tunes label in both a CD only edition as well as a CD+DVD version. The DVD will contain videos for the opening theme and other songs from the single. You can visit the official website for more info.
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.
Tokyo Pleasure Ground
Artist: Touyu
Release Date: 2/20/13
Price: 1905 yen
Second album from utaite, Touyu. Bonus items include a cell phone strap (1 of 6 designs), mouse pad, poster, and clear file. Visit the official website for samples and more info.
DanceMaster | 
03 6th, 2013| 
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