I Was Wondering if I Could Feel These Emotions Again

Back in the winter of 98/99, Stardust's "Music Sounds Better With You" was inescapable. I was in Bristol at the time, and everywhere -- from the stoned out rare groove djs at Cosi's, to the corporate sucks at the student shag bar -- that song was playing. It was to the point where I should've hated the song, but it's just so damn catchy you stop minding after awhile.

Benjamin Diamond provided the insane earworm vocals on that track. But he sorta fell off the hit-single radar since then. He's been super busy though, starting up Diamond Traxx records and putting out a couple of amazing compilations. He's also been busy working on his solo album. However, it's not quite the french house that some of you have been waiting for. It's more like a rock/pop album, with lots of clean acoustic guitar, smooth beats and even smoother vocals. You will find the sexy, syncopated shuffle of the french house on a few tracks, including the lead single "Let's Get High." But even those are more subdued, and less dancefloor-ready than one might expect. "These Emotions" is another standout from the album.

This Alan Braxe remix does its best to fill in the gaps with everything you little French House freaks need. Heavily filtered kick drum? Check. Sweeping synths? Check. Gorgeous vocal hooks on repeat? Check. Shuffle? You betcha. I do wish the tempo were a little faster, but I think that would be contrary to the nature of the song.

Ben Diamond has made an excellent little record. I just got it in the mail on Friday and haven't stopped listening all weekend. The album, Out of Myself comes out on !K7 on May 9th. Until then, you can order the Let's Get High 12" for six bucks or you can download the mp3s for $2 direct from the label.