WELCOME TO PATRICK'S HOT PICKS

This is where you can listen and download some of my favorite tracks of the moment (although, naturally, I would like to encourage you buying them legally). I hope you have enjoyed my recent hot picks, but due to size limits of the website, I have to take off most of the dated tracks. Naturally, you can always contact me if you are still interested in some of these tracks.

This week's hot pick is:


Sunshine Jones - If You Wouldn't Mind (Tiger Stripes Remix)

A great track, this remix of If You Wouldn't Mind. A talented producer and multi instrumentalist, Tiger Stripes (real name Mikael Nordgren) is on the same label and collaborates with legends such as Jerome Sydenham (remember Sandcastles?) and Danny Krivit (famous for the Strings of Life remix we all like). A great track, I would say. No real breaks that end up with a huge ball of energy, but this track just starts and never seems to take it easy. Great tempo, with nice almost spiritual synthesizer sounds, this is a brilliant trancy house track.



Last week's hot pick was:


Claude Von Stroke- The Whistler

San Francisco based DJ and producer Claude von Stroke is one of the DJs to look out for at this year's EXTREMA OUTDOOR. I have never heard him play a DJ set, but some of his productions on his own 'Dirtybird Recordings' label are absolutely amazing, so I expect a lot from him. His tracks often sound very relaxed and fun, with some great sound samples. Listen to this track .... you will seen what I mean.



Previous hot picks:


Deadmau5 - Alone With You (Original Mix)

Deadmau5 (pronounced "Deadmouse") is a Progressive House artist and DJ from Toronto, Canada. He was hardly known until a friend sent some of his material to Chris lake (remember him, scroll down a bit), who in turn sent it to Pete Tong (we all know him, right?) who started playing it on his world famous show on BBc Radio 1. It has gone fast since then, and interestingly, Deadmau5 was called the most notable producer for 2007 by Tiësto and Armin van Buuren in interviews regarding their ranking (#2 and #1 resp.) in DJMAG's top DJs in the world.
This track has a very electro sound to it. Normally, electro makes me nervous, but not in this case. This track has a beautiful melodic theme that just goes on and on and never tires, and has the sound of summer. what do you think?


Quentin Harris - Poor People (Pastaboys Main Mix)

It has been a while since I have posted the last track, so I will start the new series with a great remix from yet another Quentin Harris track. The Pasta Boys are three Italian geezers, who are quite well known for their remixes which usually have a deep house style. For me, house tracks are all about the rhythms and sounds, but in this case the lyrics are such that many of us can probably relate to it!! Have a listen, and tell me what you think.


Beanfield - Tides feat. Bajka (Ripperton Mix)

Beanfield are a couple of guys that are mainly involved in chill out music, and they are therefore no major players in the dance scene. Their track Tides was originally released in 2004, remixed very often during the past three years but never as good as this recent remix by Ripperton, a DJ/producer from Switzerland. It has a very interesting atmosphere, quite mysterious, with the unorthodox rhythm, the peculiar vocals of Bajka but most of all, by the trancy recurring samples. It's really different, in the positive sense of the word!



DJ Chus & Pete Tha Zouk - There Is A God (Original Stereo Mix)

I had never heard of 'Chus' until a few years ago. I was in Barcelona for a clubbing weekend with Nick. He took me to Pacha, where Chus was playing. According to Nick, he was arguably Spain's best and most famous DJ. From then on, I kept track of him and his usual partner in crime 'Ceballos'. My best memory of them is when Bart Wijers (a mate from university) and I went to see them on a clubbing night in 'Paradiso', the famous concert venue.
That Chus does not only know to put some decent tracks in the right order is really apparent on this track. There Is A God starts with a good tribal rhythm, but becomes even better when the first deep samples comes in. It then builds up to a first break, which is not brilliant but once it has continued the track is really full of energy. The second break, though quite similar to the first one is a bit better, with the whole track being filled with more trancy tunes. But with a much better beat that most of the trance tracks that I know!!


Quentin Harris - House (Danny Howells Re-Edit)

Again Quentin Harris? Yes, although this edit is more Danny Howells' track than his own. Danny Howells has been one of the most popular DJs in the world for years, featuring in the DJ mag top 10 for a few years, in between all those trance DJs like Tiesto, Armin van Buuren and Paul van Dyk. In contrast to those guys, this UK DJ plays more progressive and Tech House. Interesting fact, Howells did his debut mix album on the Dutch ID&T label (you know, the people who used to organise Thunderdome and now Sensation in the Amsterdam Arena), before going on to mix several edition in the legendary 'Global Underground' series. Howells played at the Lakeside Stage at this year's EXTREMA OUTDOOR, but at the same time as Misstress Barbara, so I had to miss it.
I know some of you really liked that track U Don't Know I put up a few weeks ago, also by Quentin Harris. This is track is really different though. With many of these 'underground' tracks, you have to be patient, as it builds up slowly. But, it builds nicely, and grooves from the start. Added are different layers of melodies, building up towards a high point that is just amazing. An instant classic!


Shlomi Aber - Crop Duster (Original mix)

Recently, I have picked several tracks to get you into a summery mood, particularly those people who were coming to EXTREMA. So most tracks had catchy tunes, often with lyrics. With EXTREMA another year away, I have some time to suggest some other great tracks, but tracks that are more 'underground'... and less radio 538!!
The first one is a Techhouse track from an Israelian DJ called 'Shlomi Aber' that was released 4-5 months ago. He is an up and coming DJ from Tel Aviv, but I have never heard him playing myself. However, his productions are supported by big name DJs like John Digweed and Pete Tong, so he should be well known very soon. Crop Duster is a track that does not rely on melodies or lyrics (it basically lacks any), but is comprised of a solid 'diesel-like' beat; once it has started it is hard to stop. And slowly it builds towards a break that I am sure would set any party on fire. Be patient, maybe listen to it a few times, eventually it will pay off. And, as usual, I would like to know what you think!

Quentin Harris - U Don't Know (Original Mix)

Ah, just a few more days till EXTREMA OUTDOOR this Saturday. Time to get into a real summery mood. So I have picked a real feel good track if you ask me. I did not know 'Quentin Harris' as a producer, although I know he is a well known remixer of all kinds of R&B tracks. But after hearing this track, I will keep an eye on him. U Don't Know builds up slowly, with more and more layers being added all the time. With catchy lyrics and vocals, this deephouse track oozes class from beginning to end.


Ralph Falcon - I Need Someone (Cube Guys Remix)

To be honest, there's not much I can tell about Ralph Falcon, as I have hardly heard from him myself before this track, although he did produce a real Dance Classic Fired Up as the 'Funky Green Dogs'. But to regular visitors of this section, the 'Cube Guys' could be more familar. They did the remix of Elektro that was THE summer hit of 2006. As I know many of you really liked that track, I figured this may be a popular one as well, though it is slightly less catchy than Elektro. And I would not be surprised if it was played at this year's EXTREMA.


Arno Cost & Arias - Magenta (Original Mix)

OK, maybe this is a very easy choice, as it has been around for a few months already, but this is one of the most popular tracks of 2007, played by the most famous DJs of the world. But as most of you are not such regular clubbers, I think it is a good track to get you into the summer mood. Upon hearing it, you may at first be surprised that I put it on the website, as Magenta is trancy, very trancy, which as many of you know is usually not my cup of tea. But the melody.... ah, the melody, it is sooo catchy that it makes up for the beat, which is average at best. A real crowd pleaser, which will surely be played at this year's EXTREMA. I have picked the original mix here, but there is also a re-edit by Axwell that combines Magenta with Robin S singing Show me Love. Look out for that one too.


Misstress Barbara - Don't Leave (Original Mix)

It is no secret that Misstress Barbara (note the 4 "s"'s from 'miss' and 'stress') has been one of my favorite DJs ever. The first time I witnessed a live set from her was I think at the 5th anniversary of Awakenings at the Now and Wow in Rotterdam. That must have been about 5 years ago, but I have seen her 4-5 times since, and never have I seen a bad set. Arguably her best set was two years ago in the Techno tent at extrema, where we got all sweaty from that amazing set. In the past, her musical style could be described as "Drummy Funky Pumpin' Techno", and I am just really into the tribal beats that she played a lot. Now, I am still into that when I go out, but when listening to music at home or in the lab, I am getting more into the deeper, groovy and funky house, still with the rhythm as the most important elements. Strikingly, that is exactly what my heroin is including in her sets nowadays, so I cannot wait for her set at this year's Extrema.
Don't Leave is her latest production, and what a massive track it is. It starts off with a solid beat, which is soon accompanied by a catchy melody. And along the track, more and more energy is added, until one big ball of energy is released.....


Robyn with Kleerup - With Every Heartbeat (Tong and Spoon Wonderland Remix)

Surely, this song must have reached the shores of Holland by now. She is a Swedish pop singer-songwriter, apparently very popular in Sweden but I had never heard of her before. I probably still would not have if it wasn't for this track. Actually, it is a very sad ballad, and it first reminded me of Kate Bush. However, in this remix by Pete Tong and Dave Spoon, it is both sad AND euphoric at the same time. Try it out, and let me know what you think, but I am sure this will be big in Holland as well. Oh, and for those of you who would like to experience this track with a big crowd, Pete Tong is actually playing at the main stage at this year's EXTREMA OUTDOOR! I would not be surprised if he plays it.....


iio - At The End (Saeed and Palash Remix)

IIO is a New York City based house music act consisting of producer/songwriter Markus Moser and singer/songwriter Nadia Ali. You may know IIO for their 2001 hit "Rapture (Tastes So Sweet)". "At The End" was actually already released in 2003, but I never found the remix that I heard once in a set by Lucien Foort. Fortunately, I recently found the remix by Saeed and Palash. I really like the tribal sound, and although it may appear to be a bit slow at first, you will find that there is actually a lot of energy in it when you turn up the volume. And I do not know what it is, but Nadia Ali's voice has a very sexy sound to it. Great track.


Martijn Ten Velden & Lucien Foort - Bleeep!

As some of you may know Lucien Foort is one of my favorite DJs, nicely combining both progressive and tech-house in his DJ sets. What not many people know is that this Dutch DJ is the man behind one of the first house hits in the Netherlands, when he released "QUADROPHONIA" back in '89. This was a worldwide hit and sent Lucien around the world promoting it to all four corners of the globe. From then on, Lucien became a respected DJ and producer. His latest production is a collaboration with Martijn Ten Velden, whom I am not familiar with as a DJ, but he is a well-known Dutch producer. After a relaxed intro, suddenly this simple bleep comes in and from then on it is about 8 minutes of bleeping madness...

16 Bit Lolitas - Sedna (Original)

I know I already had "Most Prescious Love" as this week's hot pick. But I had forgotten that I bought this track as well last weekend. And as 16 Bit Lolitas are performing at EXTREMA this Saturday I thought it would be nicer to put it up before that.
The 16 Bit Lolitas are Ariaan Olieroock and Peter Kriek, and they are relatively new to the dance scene. Both with a firm background in religious choir music and country they decided in 2003 to try and do something new. And they have quickly made a name for themselves, and their live performances are supposed to be really good.
"Sedna" (the name of a recently described novel planet) begins on the dark side, some might say even a bit boring, but out of nowhere comes a stunning melody that takes over, constantly rising in a beautiful breakdown until the moodier bassline (I confess, these are not my own words though I do agree) drops back in to add some contrast. This should sound good on speaker systems at the festival........ might even make some people believe in God.


Blaze ft. Barbara Tucker - Most Precious Love (Chocolate Puma Remix)

Barbara Tucker is arguably the leading diva of dance music, and has been for years. She has provided the vocals on many house classics, my own personal favorite being the 1995 hit "I get lifted", together with Little Louie Vega (indeed of Masters at Work). Blaze is known for productions including the well-known remix of Lisa Stansfield's poppy dance hit "People hold on" and De'Lacey's "Hide away". Now with "Most Precious Love" they have another huge hit, having received record of the year on Pete Tongs Essential Selection, and winning the award for Track of the Year at The House Music Awards. And although most of you will probably have heard "Most Precious Love" on the dancefloor and on the radio, I did want to share this new remix by Chocolate Puma that accompanied the re-release after winning the award. This really is summer!

Demi - Gearbox (16Bit Lolitas Remix)

Demi has been a regular on the London DJ circuit for a number of years. More recently, he has spread his wings to take in gigs in Argentina, South Africa, Eastern Europe and North America, including Crobar in New York. "Gearbox" is the first release on his new record label, Deeper Substance Records. The original mix has seen support from Pete Tong, Steve Lawler and Deep Dish. Dutch duo 16-Bit Lolitas, who will perform at EXTREMA this year, have added a more progressive flavour. The techy percussion and the deep bassline work well, and results in a groovy piece that walks the line between progressive and house. A great track, although it may be a bit more suitable for advanced dance listeners.......

Chocolate Puma - Always and Forever (Original Mix)

Chocolate Puma is not a name many of you will instantly recognize, but they have been around for quite a while producing tracks as 'The Good Men' (from the song "Give it Up", shamelessly used by 'Simply Red' for their song "Fairground"), 'Rene Et Gaston' and 'Klatsch!' to name a few. "Always and Forever" was already an Essential New Tune in Pete Tong's famous BBC1 Radio show, which is a real honour and usually a sign that something is going to be big.... and it was. Its very catchy tune really makes this a track that just gets you in a great mood, no matter what.

Masters At Work featuring India - To Be In Love (MJ Cole Mix)

Believe it or not, London has seen 5 consecutive days of sunshine, so summer is definately coming. And such good weather asks for a summery track. It did not take me long to come to 'To Be In Love' by Masters at Work (MAW). MAW is the appropriately titled team of "Little Louie" Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez. One of the most successful remix teams ever, they are better known for their productions and releases than for their DJ skills. Sung by Vega's wife India, this is one of my personal top 10 dance tracks of all time. Some of you may already know it, as it is already over 6 years old, but it has never bored me. From the first second onwards, I just want to go to the beach and have a beer......... and then dance!

Chris Lake vs Kings of Tomorrow - Changes finally

Chris Lake is a relatively new name in the dance scene, but he is widely considered to be one of the hottest young producers ever since his first single "Changes" hit the charts at the beginning of this year. Though a good song, I personally always felt it was lacking something. That has all changed with this version though, in which he has fused his own track with one of the best dance tracks of all time "Finally" from the 'Kings of Tomorrow'. The fabulous lyrics of "Finally" combined with the simple but catchy melody really make for a great track. Interestingly the man behind 'Kings of Tomorrow' is actually called Sandy Rivera, and for those of you who are joining me at this year's Extrema, he is a man to look out for in his year's line up!

Outwork - Elektro (Cube Guys Remix)

Despite the name not really an electro track, but an funky rhythm accompanied by a catchy tune ("pada-papa") that will stay within your head long after hearing the track. Not my own personal favorite, but sure to be a crowd favorite at this summer's festivals!

Texas - What about us (Jacques Lu Cont mix)

Last year around this time, Jacques Lu Cont (real name Stuart Price) produced one of the best tracks of the summer with his remix of The Killers' "Mr. Brightside" under the moniker Thin White Duke. This year he has produced another cracker by remixing "What about us", the latest single of the Scottish outfit Texas. A trancy, even dreamy track, but with a stunning progressive bass line that gives it lot of energy. Watch out when driving!