Happy New Year!

Here’s what I got up to, and then some.

> My New Years Eve was single-handedly the best New Years Eve celebration I’ve ever, ever had. It was small; a group of no more than 8 at one time, primarily situated most of the evening in a small outdoor laundry room, but by God did we make a lot of noise for that tiny little laundry room.

> New Years Day was celebrated at the Summadayze Music Festival, which has been running for as long as I can remember on NYD in Melbourne. I’ve been to quite a few over the last 10 (11 now?) years, but this years was by far and away the best yet. Great atmosphere, good tracks; and Solange…

> Met Solange. She was LOVELY. Here is a picture.

> Technotronic played for 15 minutes in thunder and rain. They were set to perform at 8pm but, due to being late, were then moved to 9:30. By the time their equiptment was set up, it was 9:45 and the stage closed at 10pm due to sound restrictions. Really, really disappointing. Whosever fault this was is besides the point; sure, Technotronic could have learnt to be on time for their first Australian festival appearance, and sure; Future Entertainment could have gotten the acts tech-folk to set up their equipment at 9pm instead of 9:30… but pointing the finger doesn’t solve the fact I did not hear them perform “Move This.” A somewhat bitter ending to a monstrously good day.

> Sebastien Leger took the title for my set of the day; playing Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” and The Aztec Mystic’s “Night of the Jaguar” cemented that fact quite early on.

> During the recovery period (hem hem), I watched a LOT of Better Off Ted, starring Geelong’s own Portia de Rossi. Portia is from Geelong, AND SO AM I.

> Everyone is (rightly so) losing their shit over the amazing new Roisin Murphy single, “Mama’s Place.” Clicky Clicky.

> I’m not sure if I’ve said this before, but you can follow me on Twitter now…

Much more positive about 2010 than I was this time 2009. Here’s hoping it stays that way! Now that the silly season is out of the way, expect some regular blogging…

Charge those glasses; it’s 2010!!

In less than 12 hours time I may indeed be seeing Technotronic play at Summadayze. But it seems that the festivals surprise, last-minute guest is none other than the Great and Almight Solange “Sunlounge” Knowles playing a DJ set.

Just when I thought my New Years couldn’t get any better…

SHE WILL MEET ME AND SHE WILL LOVE ME.

There’s something about Beyonce.

Something.

Unfortunately, I’m not sure what that something is yet because, time after time, album after album, she disappoints me by not going down the path which is her ultimate destiny; to become a 21st century Disco Diva, like her supposed hero Diana Ross was in the 20th. So much potential lies within how fierce (pardon the pun) Beyonce’s imagery of late has been. The picture up above, in its full form, is probably my absolute favourite picture of Beyonce to date, and I will forever remember this remix album cover as being probably her most iconic photograph. This is one of the things I will remember her for in years to come.

I do love, however, that Beyonce is still very much a remixable artist. If her song is rubbish, there is a very good chance that if it’s remixed, it will end up being monstrously good and very similar to the kind of thing she should be doing. Everything of hers the Freemasons have remixed is instantly of legendary status (but not entirely due to the Freemasons), and most of the mix packages that come through for Beyonce singles feature at least one absolute stomper.

There are enough spectacular Beyonce remixes to make up what would be the perfect B-Bouncey album. One of the best, it seems, is an incredibly recent one. The Dave Aude Remix of “Halo” is of epic proportions. And not ‘epic’ like the kids all say things are these days, but proper ‘epic’ – in pop music terms; that kind of epic. It’s the sort of dramatic dance song that, coupled with the teary lyrics, provide a landscape for what is the absolute best kind of disco; where you get to dance your heart out to a sad story being told.

I’ve uploaded it for you to download, chances are it might disappear so grab it quickly. Keep an ear out for the destructively amazing breakdown and build-up at the 6 minute 20 second mark. DI-VA.

Halo (Dave Aude Remix).mp3

Beyonce runs the risk of missing this possibly monstrous opportunity before it’s too late. You might say that she’s obviously doing fine enough with what she’s already doing, and you’re right. But why should Beyonce settle for mediocrity? Or, even worse; second best? I believe a wise woman named Madonna once said not to go for second best, and if Beyonce wants to be bigger than God (actually, she’s quite religious isn’t she, so let’s just say ‘as big as God’ to keep her happy), she needs to take that advice on board as a mantra.

If you feel the same, you should become a fan of Beyonce Remixes on Facebook.

Oh, and just for the record, I am definitely one of the people that thinks her sister, Solange, is the better popstar of the two.