MAROON 5 “Overexposed”

This is over-hooked, over-manipulated, and definitely over-exposed. With the wardrobe stylist, grooming and hair credits on a purple page, not to mention the obligatory tough boy rap segments, the happy major chorus repeating and repeating, I really don’t want to like this release from the manufactured Maroon 5. But it’s like a battle against the inevitable – I’ll start singing along because I’m Pavlov’s dog and I have to give my brain up to my animal instincts. Damn you, Maroon 5!

Best Cut: “Daylight”
Location: Vacuuming my condo on 18th Street.

DOXI JONES
“Die for You – Remixes”

Doxi’s roots go farther into the Bay Area than first imagined, from her UC Berkeley time studying cello and voice, joining Stanford’s youth jazz program at age 14, and her involvement in The Go Candy Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to the empowerment of young women, it is clear Doxi has more going on than the typical dance hall princess. Here’s hoping true talent and dedication can rise to the top of this creamy heap.

Best Cut: “Guy Sheiman Dub Remix” Location: Fast through the Broadway Tunnel

JILL SCOTT “Crates: Remix Fundamentals, Volume 1”

She’s been remixed a million times and I’ve probably heard them all, but this CD percolates such that I can’t ignore it. This is the first time label Hidden Beach has released its catalog to the club market and what a stellar release it is. How better to debut than with Scott and her intimate vocal style? Released just in time for the Chosen Few Old School Picnic in Chicago this month, local DJ’s get your paws on
this now.

Best Cut: “Spring Summer Feeling – Ron Trent Mix”
Location: Dolores Park Beach

EVA SIMMONS “I Don’t Like You”

On the road with LMFAO ain’t shabby gigs, so this European-styled dance phenom is getting her shot at cracking the tough US dance market right now. She’s got the Bjork-meets-Roxette edgy vocal and the slightly sugary European sound harking back to the 80’s, but it’s going to take more than big hair to get past this glass ceiling. The production on this is excellent. The samples really cut my speakers hard. DJs will be happy, but I’m not convinced it will stick.

– K Cole has been reviewing music for major publications since it came via snail mail on cassettes.  Submissions to Pop Rox by local LGBT artists encouraged. Join on Facebook.com/Pop-Rox-Bay-Times-San Francisco or send it in to:
K Cole, Katharinecole@yahoo.com.

Best Cut: “Nicky Romero Remix”
Location: I’m thinking Florida, boys