Battle of the Bands!!

Hey everybody!

It's time for a new "Poll of the Week" on the site... meaning, it's time to discuss the results of the last round :)

Based on your votes (which were pretty skimpy, by the way!) DJ Sammy "Heaven" was the best dance remake of recent years! No surprise there, since it was the biggest mainstream hit on the list.



But now, I thought it would be fun for me and Johnny to tell you OUR picks. But not among the poll choices themselves... instead, we pit the dance remakes against their original song versions. Battle of the Bands, baby!

Let's get started.

"HEAVEN"
original: Bryan Adams

dance version: DJ Sammy


Well, here's the thing: here at DIVA DIVO, we're not huge fans of the DJ Sammy hit. I mean, it was catchy at first, but it got sooooo overplayed! Now, whenever we hear those first few notes, we can't help but roll our eyes. That said, it's more impactful than Bryan Adams' maudlin original... he goes for romantic longing, but it kind of just comes across like he's mumbling. And drunk. And tired. Haha. Anyway, in the end, we decided to give the vote to DJ Sammy. Overplayed or not, at least it was a hooky pop treat, right??

winner: DANCE version


"LISTEN TO YOUR HEART"
original: Roxette

dance version: D.H.T. featuring Edmee


First off, we have to deduct a few points for D.H.T taking the wimpy way out: releasing the ballad mix of their version as the radio single. I mean, what was the point of that?? Why release an inferior version of a song (worse singer, worse instrumentals) in the same format as the original?? The uptempo version is better, true... but it pales in comparison to Roxette's version. We love the beats, but in the end, it's the guitars that drive the point home.

winner: ORIGINAL version

"TRULY MADLY DEEPLY"
original: Savage Garden

dance version: Cascada


If you read one of Johnny's posts a few days back, you know that he's not a fan of Cascada at all. And neither am I, for that matter! But strangely, we still think that the dance version triumphs in this face-off. Cascada may use the same monotonous stomping beat over and over (and over and over and over...) again. But in this case, the repetitive lyrics ("I'll be your... I'll be your..." and "I want to... I want to...") actually make the music fit. Whaddaya know!

winner: DANCE version

"TOUCH ME"
original: Cathy Dennis

dance version: Angel City


This is the song that I would have voted for, myself! I looove Angel City, and this single was probably their best, in my humble opinion. Regardless, it's a fun and frothy dance song... a little sexual, a little sassy, a little bit of everything that you should find on the dance floor! But then again, Cathy Dennis' early 90s pop song was an awesome bubblegum hit on its own. So how's a saucy little minx like myself supposed to choose? Guess I'll declare a tie!

winner: IT'S A DRAW!


"FAITHFULLY"
original: Journey

dance version: Judy Torres


This song received NO votes from you readers, and with good reason! First of all, why would you touch a classic, classic rock song like this? Is nothing sacred? :) haha. But really, even though Judy's got the pipes to do the song justice, lyrics like "they say the road's no place to raise a family..." clearly belong to a rocker, not a clubber. The dance remake is awkward and forced, unlike the sweet, prom song-esque original. We're faithful to that one!

winner: ORIGINAL version

"ALONE"
original: Heart

dance version: Kim Sozzi


Is it just me, or do you agree that this song made a sudden comeback after Carrie Underwood performed it on "American Idol"? Hmm! Weird. Anyway, the ladies of Heart definitely have the vocal advantage... they hit the soaring notes with more ease. But Kim sings her damn HEART out, no doubt about it; they have the technique, but she equals their passion. Add to that a totally addictive euro sound (and a slew of fun remixes) and you have one of the better remixes of recent memory. Still, that original is pretty spectacular. In the end, the verdict is split!

winner: IT'S A DRAW!

"LOVE BITES"
original: Def Leppard

dance version: QED



I'm a big QED fan. Having seen Kristen Hendricks live, I can honestly say she's one of the most talented dance diva vocalists out there. And Valentin is an amazing producer... not only has he released some of the most fab pop remixes of late, but his original work is spectacular. Their artist album, "Mobius" is seriously fantastic... especially the second single, "Hardly a Day." Totally intoxicating, guys! But actually, this - their biggest hit - is the weakest, in my opinion. Why does it always work that way?? It's a good song, but it doesn't make my feet move the way Def Leppard's hard rockin' original makes my head bang. So sorry, guys... QED is among my faves, but for this particular song...

winner: ORIGINAL version

Alrighty, ladies and gents... that's MY take on the situation. What do you think? Leave me some love, and let me know which original versions... and which DANCE versions... you prefer. I'm curious ;) And I love myself a good debate... hehe!

Talk to you soon, and don't forget to check out the new poll!

Love to all,
JADE