Welcome back kids!
I am dropping this new mix because several of y'all asked me for it. Kim English...gone too soon.
Legit, this was one of the more challenging, yet rewarding mixes I have done. Never have a created a full tribute of just one artist, particularly one who has been remixed by such a wide array of producers.
Kim English is a legendary dance floor diva; her remixes spanned so many dance genres (circuit, soulful house, gospel house, and house). It was a challenge to bring all those disparate styles together. I rarely re-record mixes, but this one I wanted to get just right. Second pass come out totally different anyway.
Each of the tracks on this mix speaks to me, but some have special meaning to me. For example, Learn to Luv (Junior Vasquex Remix) is in the top 20 of my all time favorite songs of any genre. The lyrics are inspirational, the piano is a bit moody and somber, the beats hit. And of course there’s that infectious synth that cuts through the track and gives it fire. Junior's mix is wonderful because its evokes sadness, triumph, and audacity all at once. Admittedly, I like multiple versions of this song, so I layered into a Harry Choo Choo Romero remix. Ironically, when I first discovered this song back in like 2004, I don’t think I knew what it meant to love myself. It feels good that I got to do this tribute fully loving myself at last.
I kept this entire set at 125 bmp, which made the circuit songs sound completely different. Unspeakable Joy (Razor n Guido remix), which I heard for the first time back in 1998 on a dancefloor in Boston, should only be played at 125. The horns have extra punch and you get to hear the layers of percussion. The vocals come across more clearly and Kim's vocal shine.
I wasn’t going to include Michael T Diamond’s remix of Jumpin and Bumpin because for some reason I was thinking I didn’t care for that Darude Sandstorm sample, but when I heard it loud in my studio, the memories came rushing back. I distinctly remember being at Splash in NYC on Friday nights to support my friend David Knapp, and hearing this song drop. I don’t think I ever told him how much he’s inspired me as a DJ.
Guido Osario’s remix of Treat me Right is such perfection. Reminds me of warm summer nights on the dancefloor on Fire Island. For reasons best left unsaid, I didn’t fully grasp what Kim was saying in Treat me Right. But oh how the lyrics ring true for me.
I can’t make you love me I got to know who I am inside Cause I know my value I no longer waste my time There’s someone who’s for me Yes it is only a matter of time I am strong and can be alone
Around 45 minutes, I go deep into Kim’s catalogue. I wasn’t familiar with 4 the Luv of Music until recently. But it gives me life. Its def one of the highlights of this mix for me. Same is true for Been So Long (Wamdue Remix). This song is beautiful and it anchors the last quarter of this mix. It really touches me and I could listen to it over and over.
I had to close the mix out with Everyday (Hex Hector and Mac Qualye). The lyrics say everything I need to hear right now. Who knew Kim was singing about gratitude? Hell, I didnt even know what that was when I was little thing in the clubs.
When I look around, I cannot take for grantedPlease, give to me, the favor I've been handedAll the miracles and wonders I have witnessedI do not guess, I know that I am truly blessed
I must keep the faith, no matter what I'm seeing'Cuz that's the key unlocking or receivingThe impossible taking place in my lifeThe greatest steps ascending through those higher highs
I got my health, I got my strength, I'm in my right mindI still have breath, so I got hope that love is on my sideAnd where I go, I know I need not look behind meHe keeps me safe and this is something he does everyday
Kim English thank you raising a little gay boy into a man. You were teaching me lessons and I didn’t even know what you were talking about. But now I do and you will forever be i
