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Your humble host has been under the weather for the past several weeks and is way behind in my posts, all of which have been finished for some time now and begging to be unleashed.  I’m trying to take advantage of the best I’ve felt in a long while so here goes…

In a nutshell, Celine is to a second-generation what Barbra Streisand was to the previous.  She has an amazing voice that has raw power when it’s required and subtle elegance when not.

Canadian born, she started as a French singer and by the early 90s moved into English adult contemporary pop.  From there, she went on to international fame and is a worldwide tour de force in and of herself.

Sorry, I cannot heap more accolades on this gifted singer, but we all know who she is, where she’s been and all the hits.  So with that, I’ll let her fame speak for itself.

Party Favorz welcomes Celine’s induction into the Diva Hall of Fame with this series of dance floor hits and gay anthems.  As always…

ENJOY!

Album : Celine Dion

Genre : Club, House

Year : 2014

Total Time : 1:19:10.00

1. To Love You More (Tony Moran's I'll Be... Waiting Vocal Mix)

2. My Heart Will Go On (Tony Moran Anthem Mix)

3. Because You Loved Me (Chris Cox Club Anthem)

4. All By Myself (Tracy Young Remix)

5. Taking Chances (Ralphi Rosario & Craig J's Vocal Mix)

6. It's All Coming Back To Me Now (The Moran Anthem 12'' Mix)

7. I'm Alive (Johnny Rock World Anthem Remix)

8. The Power Of Love (Thunder Storm Club Mix)

9. Loved Me Back To Life (DJ Laszlo Club Remix)

10. I Want You to Need Me (Thunderpuss Club Mix)

11. I Drove All Night (Hex Hector Extended Vocal Import Mix)

12. A New Day Has Come (Mike Rizzo Global Club Mix)

This has been a long time coming for this multi-platinum and Grammy-winning artists.

Toni shot into fame in the early 90s after her voice was used as a demo for Anita Baker.  Babyface had written You Were Meant For Me with Anita in mind for the Boomerang soundtrack.  Anita turned it down but had suggested he consider the actual person who sang the demo since they were damn good.  From there, a star was born.

Much has been written about her lavish lifestyle once she became famous, which resulted in a lawsuit again LaFace Records for having to pay for her own videos and wardrobe and receiving pennies on the dollar.  Ultimately, she ended up filing bankruptcy.

It would be years later before she and Babyface became friendly again.

Regardless, the amount of #1 hits she managed to rack up on the charts, and many of those were translated for the dance floor makes Toni a surefire bet for her induction into the Diva Hall of Fame. Her voice, her face, her body she’s the total package.

I would like her to find her way into today’s scene but sadly I just don’t see that happening.  She does have a duet album out with Babyface now, but even that will likely falter on the R&B charts, or AC for that matter.

Nevertheless, she has earned her place among the greatest Divas and should feel right at home.  Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to Toni Braxton!

Album : Toni Braxton

Genre : Club, House

Year : 2014

Total Time : 1:31:42.00

1. I Don't Want To (Frankie Knuckles Remix)

2. You're Making Me High (Classic Mix)

3. Un-Break My Heart (Soul Hex Anthem Vocal)

4. Hit The Freeway (HQ2 Vocal Club Mix)

5. Maybe (HQ2 Club Mix)

6. Yesterday (Virgo Brothers Club Mix)

7. Hands Tied (Hex Hector Club Mix)

8. Make My Heart (Alexander & Mark VDH Club Mix)

9. I Heart You (Marc Picchiotti Club Mix)

10. He Wasn't Man Enough (Peter Rauhofer NYC Club Mix)

11. Un-Break My Heart (Wayne G Allure Anthem)

12. Spanish Guitar (HQ2 Mix)

This has been a long time coming for this multi-platinum and Grammy-winning artists.

Toni shot into fame in the early 90s after her voice was used as a demo for Anita Baker.  Babyface had written You Were Meant For Me with Anita in mind for the Boomerang soundtrack.  Anita turned it down but had suggested he consider the actual person who sang the demo since they were damn good.  From there, a star was born.

Much has been written about her lavish lifestyle once she became famous, which resulted in a lawsuit again LaFace Records for having to pay for her own videos and wardrobe and receiving pennies on the dollar.  Ultimately, she ended filing bankruptcy.

It would be years later before she Babyface became friendly again.

Regardless, the amount of #1 hits she managed to rack up on the charts and many of those were translated for the dance floor makes Toni a surefire bet for her induction into the Diva Hall of Fame. Her voice, her face, her body she’s the total package.

I would really like her to find her way into today’s scene but sadly I just don’t see that happening.  She does have a duet album out with Babyface now, but even that will likely falter on the R&B charts or AC for that matter.

Nevertheless, she has earned her place among the greatest Divas and should feel right at home.  Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to Toni Braxton!

Album : Toni Braxton

Genre : Club, House

Year : 2014

Total Time : 1:31:42.00

1. I Don't Want To (Frankie Knuckles Remix)

2. You're Making Me High (Classic Mix)

3. Un-Break My Heart (Soul Hex Anthem Vocal)

4. Hit The Freeway (HQ2 Vocal Club Mix)

5. Maybe (HQ2 Club Mix)

6. Yesterday (Virgo Brothers Club Mix)

7. Hands Tied (Hex Hector Club Mix)

8. Make My Heart (Alexander & Mark VDH Club Mix)

9. I Heart You (Marc Picchiotti Club Mix)

10. He Wasn't Man Enough (Peter Rauhofer NYC Club Mix)

11. Un-Break My Heart (Wayne G Allure Anthem)

12. Spanish Guitar (HQ2 Mix)

Cher kicked off her Dressed To Kill tour last night in Arizona (among all places, clear throat).  I consider this the Farewell, Farewell tour but then again, never say never.  As she famously said on the last go-around, she’d still tour when she’s toothless and her tits are hanging down to her knees and we’d still go see her LOL.

In all seriousness, Cher is an American ICON, a diva, and a GODDESS.  Us gay folks have been in love with her for decades, because of her style, her outrageous outfits, her ability to garner headlines in the 70s, 80s, and 90s… and her voice and beauty, plastic surgery, and all.

Most importantly, the connection she has to our community is a bond that can never be broken.  It’s her style, grace, and inner beauty that endears us to her.  Never once have we been betrayed and her acceptance and appreciation for our community are her greatest gift.

The first set I ever created for Cher was completed for my good friend Terry back in 2003.  That set never saw the light of day beyond giving it to him.  Since then, I’ve created two more but I have to say that I FINALLY managed to work this mother out.  Cher DK2 is a fitting tribute to the Goddess of all who came after her and I can firmly assure you that you won’t be disappointed.

So put your dancing shoes on because Cher is IN THE HOUSE!

ENJOY!!!

Album : Cher DK2

Genre : Club, House

Year : 2014

Total Time : 2:05:04.00

1. Follow This You Bitches [Intro]

2. Dark Lady (Mixmaster F Farewell Club Mix)

3. A Different Kind Of Love Song (Lenny B.'s Different Kind Of Club Mix)

4. Believe (Almighty Definitive Mix)

5. Alive Again (Twisted Dee Additive Mix)

6. One By One (Junior Vasquez Club Vocal Mix)

7. Don't Come Crying To Me (Mijango's Club Mix)

8. Love One Another (Eddie Baez Club Mix)

9. If I Could Turn Back Time (Almighty Club Mix)

10. Walking In Memphis (Shut Up & Dance Remix)

11. When The Money's Gone (Gay Pittsburg Mix)

12. Song For The Lonely (Almighty Mix)

13. All Or Nothing (Almighty Definitive Mix)

14. We All Sleep Alone (Todd Terry TNT Remix)

15. Dov'e L'amore (Tony Moran's Anthem Mix)

16. Strong Enough (Marc Andrews Remix Edit)

17. I Found Someone (Dark Lady Mix)

18. I Hope You Find It (Funk Generation & H3DRush Club Mix)

19. I Walk Alone (JRMX DownTown Club)

20. Woman's World (Jodie Harsh Club Mix)

21. Take It Like A Man (7th Heaven Club Mix)

22. You Haven't Seen The Last of Me (Almighty Club Mix)

Cher kicked off her Dressed To Kill tour last night in Arizona (among all places, clear throat).  I consider this the Farewell, Farewell tour but then again, never say never.  As she famously said on the last go-around, she’d still tour when she’s toothless and her tits are hanging down to her knees and we’d still go see her LOL.

In all seriousness, Cher is an American ICON, a diva and a GODDESS.  Us gay folks have been in love with her for decades, because of her style, her outrageous outfits, ability to garner headlines in the 70s, 80s, 90s… and her voice and beauty, plastic surgery and all.

Most importantly, the connection she has to our community is a bond that can never be broken.  It’s her style, grace and inner beauty that endears us to her.  Never once have we been betrayed and her acceptance and appreciation for our community is her greatest gift.

The first set I ever created for Cher was completed for my good friend Terry back in 2003.  That set never saw the light of day beyond giving it to him.  Since then, I’ve created two more but I have to say that I FINALLY managed to work this mother out.  Cher DK2 is a fitting tribute to the Goddess of all who came after her and I can firmly assure that you won’t be disappointed.

So put your dancing shoes on because Cher is IN THE HOUSE!

ENJOY!!!

Album : Cher DK2

Genre : Club, House

Year : 2014

Total Time : 2:05:04.00

1. Follow This You Bitches [Intro]

2. Dark Lady (Mixmaster F Farewell Club Mix)

3. A Different Kind Of Love Song (Lenny B.'s Different Kind Of Club Mix)

4. Believe (Almighty Definitive Mix)

5. Alive Again (Twisted Dee Additive Mix)

6. One By One (Junior Vasquez Club Vocal Mix)

7. Don't Come Crying To Me (Mijango's Club Mix)

8. Love One Another (Eddie Baez Club Mix)

9. If I Could Turn Back Time (Almighty Club Mix)

10. Walking In Memphis (Shut Up & Dance Remix)

11. When The Money's Gone (Gay Pittsburg Mix)

12. Song For The Lonely (Almighty Mix)

13. All Or Nothing (Almighty Definitive Mix)

14. We All Sleep Alone (Todd Terry TNT Remix)

15. Dov'e L'amore (Tony Moran's Anthem Mix)

16. Strong Enough (Marc Andrews Remix Edit)

17. I Found Someone (Dark Lady Mix)

18. I Hope You Find It (Funk Generation & H3DRush Club Mix)

19. I Walk Alone (JRMX DownTown Club)

20. Woman's World (Jodie Harsh Club Mix)

21. Take It Like A Man (7th Heaven Club Mix)

22. You Haven't Seen The Last of Me (Almighty Club Mix)

For some odd reason, I thought I needed to do an update to the original Mimi induction, which I just re-upped for those fans that can never get enough.

It was inevitable that some overlap would occur and I did my best to diversify the offerings compared to the latter.  Overall, I’d say this is really for the hardcore amongst you as the first set pretty much encompasses the most important aspects of her career, save Triumphant.

That’s not intended to knock this set or Mariah herself, but her focus lately has been understated as Sony tries to compile a winning recipe for her next album, which should be dropping soon.  It could be a combination of typical schlock of yore, cheesy R&B-pop, or something really sweet like #Beautiful.  I don’t think Mimi will be twerking al la Beyoncé, but we’ll just have to wait and see when the album drops.

In the meantime, slurp this one up as it will likely be her final submission into the Diva Hall of Fame although her contributions have been ample and substantial, to say the least.

So would you please give a rousing applause and welcome once more …Mariah Carey!

Album : Mariah Carey 2.0

Genre : Circuit, House

Year : 2014

Total Time : 1:37:50.00

* Beautiful (Finally Found DJ MichaelAngelo's Remix)

* I'm That Chick (Tony Moran & Warren Rigg Club Mix)

* Hero (Gustavo Scorpio Private Mix)

* Infinity (Jasmin's Club Mix)

* Obsessed (Cahill Club Mix)

* Emotions (Hex Hector Club Mix)

* Triumphant (Get 'Em) (Danny Verde Club Mix)

* I Stay In Love (Jody Den Broeder Club Mix)

* I Want To Know What Love Is (Cutmore's Club Shakedown)

* Up Out My Face (Ralphi Rosario Club Mix)

* My All (David Morales Classic Club Mix)

* Almost Home (Big Kid & Brian Cua Big Room Vocal Anthem)

* Bye Bye (Tony Moran & Warren Rigg Remix)

* Don't Forget About Us (Tony Moran & Warren Rigg Anthem Mix)

* We Belong Together (Peter Rauhofer Reconstruction Club Mix)

* Shake It Off (Constantine Club Mix)

* Touch My Body (Tommy Love Royal Club Mix)

* You're Mine (Jump Smokers Extended)

For some odd reason, I thought it was imperative that I do an update to the previous Mimi induction, which I just re-upped for those fans that can never get enough.

It was inevitable that some overlap would occur and I did my best to diversify the offerings compared to the latter.  Overall, I’d say this is really for the hardcore amongst you as the first set really pretty much encompasses the most important aspects of her career, save Triumphant.

That’s not intended to knock this set or Mariah herself, but her focus lately has been understated as Sony tries to compile a winning recipe for her next album, which should be dropping soon.  It could be a combination of typical schlock of yore, cheesy R&B-pop or something really sweet like #Beautiful.  I don’t think Mimi will be twerking al la Beyoncé, but we’ll just have to wait and see when the album drops.

In the meantime, slurp this one up as it will likely be her final submission into the Diva Hall of Fame although her contributions have been ample and substantial, to say the least.

So would you please give a rousing applause and welcome once more …Mariah Carey!

Album : Mariah Carey 2.0

Genre : Circuit, House

Year : 2014

Total Time : 1:37:50.00

* Beautiful (Finally Found DJ MichaelAngelo's Remix)

* I'm That Chick (Tony Moran & Warren Rigg Club Mix)

* Hero (Gustavo Scorpio Private Mix)

* Infinity (Jasmin's Club Mix)

* Obsessed (Cahill Club Mix)

* Emotions (Hex Hector Club Mix)

* Triumphant (Get 'Em) (Danny Verde Club Mix)

* I Stay In Love (Jody Den Broeder Club Mix)

* I Want To Know What Love Is (Cutmore's Club Shakedown)

* Up Out My Face (Ralphi Rosario Club Mix)

* My All (David Morales Classic Club Mix)

* Almost Home (Big Kid & Brian Cua Big Room Vocal Anthem)

* Bye Bye (Tony Moran & Warren Rigg Remix)

* Don't Forget About Us (Tony Moran & Warren Rigg Anthem Mix)

* We Belong Together (Peter Rauhofer Reconstruction Club Mix)

* Shake It Off (Constantine Club Mix)

* Touch My Body (Tommy Love Royal Club Mix)

* You're Mine (Jump Smokers Extended)

Folks, if you haven’t picked up a clue yet, it’s Diva time here at Party Favorz.  Boy, do I have some lip-smacking inductions heading your way in the next week!

I quietly kicked things off with the re-up of Whitney and a Donna Summer reboot from late last year that was updated with a couple of new tunes.

Now, it’s time for one of our all-time favs, Miss Deborah Cox, or just plain Cox if you’re nasty LOL.

Deborah has stayed busy since her last induction in 2010 with several more #1s under her belt, I thought it apropos to revisit one of our leading ladies.

Deborah puts the “D” in Diva and is definitely at home and in good company.  Ladies and Queers, please welcome the fabulous Deborah Cox!

Album : Deborah Cox 2.0

Genre : Circuit, House

Year : 2014

Total Time : 1:24:51.00

1. Live Show Intro

2. If It Wasn't for Love (Mixin Marc & Tony Svejda Original Mix)

3. Beautiful U R (Yinon Club Mix)

4. Play Your Part (Leading Role Mixshow)

5. Nobody's Supposed To Be Here (Hex Hector's Club Mix)

6. Something Happened On The Way To Heaven (Junior Vasquez Mixshow)

7. Things Just Ain't The Same (Hex Hectors Club Mix)

8. It's Over Now (Hex Hector Mixshow)

9. Absolutely Not (Hex Hector & Mac Quayle Mixshow)

10. House Is Not A Home (Tony Moran & Warren Rigg Sexy Mix)

11. Higher (DJ Escape & Tony Coluccio Club Mix)

12. Everybody Dance (Tony Moran & Warren Rigg Club Mix)

13. Easy As Life (Tony Moran Mixshow Edit)

14. Tenderness (La Cha Cha Mix)

15. Mr. Lonely (Hex Hector & Mac Quayle Main Club Mix)

16. Remember Me (From The Ghetto) (Original Mix)

Folks, if you haven’t picked up a clue yet, it’s Diva time here at Party Favorz.  Boy, do I have some lip-smacking inductions heading your way in the next week!

I quietly kicked things off with the re-up of Whitney and a Donna Summer reboot from late last year that was updated with a couple of new tunes.

Now, it’s time for one of our all-time favs, Miss Deborah Cox or just plain Cox if you’re nasty LOL.

Deborah has stayed busy since her last induction in 2010 with several more #1s under her belt, I thought it apropos to revisit one of our leading ladies.

Deborah puts the “D” in Diva and is definitely at home and in good company.  Ladies and Queers, please welcome the fabulous Deborah Cox!

Album : Deborah Cox 2.0

Genre : Circuit, House

Year : 2014

Total Time : 1:24:51.00

1. Live Show Intro

2. If It Wasn't for Love (Mixin Marc & Tony Svejda Original Mix)

3. Beautiful U R (Yinon Club Mix)

4. Play Your Part (Leading Role Mixshow)

5. Nobody's Supposed To Be Here (Hex Hector's Club Mix)

6. Something Happened On The Way To Heaven (Junior Vasquez Mixshow)

7. Things Just Ain't The Same (Hex Hectors Club Mix)

8. It's Over Now (Hex Hector Mixshow)

9. Absolutely Not (Hex Hector & Mac Quayle Mixshow)

10. House Is Not A Home (Tony Moran & Warren Rigg Sexy Mix)

11. Higher (DJ Escape & Tony Coluccio Club Mix)

12. Everybody Dance (Tony Moran & Warren Rigg Club Mix)

13. Easy As Life (Tony Moran Mixshow Edit)

14. Tenderness (La Cha Cha Mix)

15. Mr. Lonely (Hex Hector & Mac Quayle Main Club Mix)

16. Remember Me (From The Ghetto) (Original Mix)

Finally kicking out the last installment of the Top Dance Songs of the Year 2013 series.

After working on all four sets for the past several months, I can honestly say and predict that EDM as we may know it is on the precipice of plateauing.

That’s not to say that it won’t be as big as ever in 2014, because it will.  However, with the watering down and manufactured sounds spurred by the big labels that churn out one anthem after another, it’s hard to differentiate between one artist or producer over the other.  It’s like “hey that formula worked for Swedish House Mafia last year, so let’s copy it 20 more times and we’re guaranteed a hit or two.

A good example of this is the young prodigy Zedd. Last year’s Spectrum and this year’s Clarity were both massive hits off of his major label debut on Interscope; so much so they released the “expanded” version of the album with the new single Stay the Night, which followed the same formula of its two predecessors.  It was a decent enough song but so obviously formulaic, I couldn't help but feel his label is boxing him in and stifling his creativity.  2014 will be a real opportunity for him to switch it up and present us with something new while clicking on the dance floor as well as radio (the latter being expected by his bosses).

Avicii clearly understands you have to stay fresh.  His single Wake Me Up, which was panned by many as too country, folksy or gimmicky, went on to become one of the biggest EDM tracks of the year. If he had major label backing, that song may likely have never made it out of the gate.

Of course, this leads me to the disco insurgence of 2013 by comeback kings Daft Punk.  Thankfully, someone over at Sony had the good sense to put some serious backing and promotion behind their latest effort. Get Lucky was also one of the biggest dance tracks of 2013 and rightfully so. With its thick bassline recalling the late great Bernard Edwards and slick guitar licks by Nile Rogers both of Chic fame, the song would fit nicely smack dab in the middle of 1979.  While I don’t see any straight-up disco resurgence going forward, I wouldn’t at all be surprised if its sibling NuDisco manages to crossover into the mainstream sometime in 2014.

With Tiesto taking up residence right next door to Britney in Las Vegas, you begin to understand the copious amounts of money surrounding EDM now as it has moved from the underground to mainstream acceptance.  The fuse has been lit in 2013 and will continue to burn (thank you Ellie G.) through 2014 before finally imploding sometime in 2015.

Party Favorz has been at this a long time and has followed the trends from Disco to Hi-NRG to House Music to Trance and so forth.  Each trend in dance music is a byproduct of another, often with a twist and I expect no difference in the future. I am not making any predictions as to what new sounds may be in store for us but my undying passion for all things dance will continue unabated and Party Favorz fully expects to take everyone down the road toward “the next big thing” as it happens.  So stick around and I’ll make sure we stay on the right path.