I like Asher Monroe, I do. Sure he's a good looking chap and that can't really go unnoticed can it? But it goes much deeper than that. Fresh from a run of eclectic and diverse singles (the pop majesty of Hello Baby, the buoyant danceability of Here With You & the invasive seduction of Hush Hush), the bloke continues to charm with his musical output and electrifying stage performances. I'm revisiting Hush Hush today - a song that not only dominated my summer but (currently) is standing a very good chance of being one of my top ten songs of 2013. Now when I first wrote about Hush Hush back in May, I wrote that "the words are vivid brushstrokes on the musical canvas. Add in the urgent sense of the instrumental that mirrors the fervent emotions of the lyrics and you feel like you are living in a song where you are seconds away from being discovered. This heightens the experience of the verbotten, the naughty thrill, the running (hand in hand) just a corner away from the world spying in and spoiling the intimacy of what you have. This is topped off with a truly emotive delivery from the Asher, elevating the song to greatness (the fact that in the chorus line of "dirty little secret" Asher manages to convey both tender longing and raw sex appeal all in three words is all the evidence you need of this fella's ample abilities)..." This still stands 4 months later which means the plethora of remixes unleashed onto iTunes (and taking Billboard Dance Charts by storm - yay!) have the unenviable task of creating something that brings new meaning to the song without losing any of the magic of the original. It can't just be a faster, more bass ridden version - not for Mr Monroe as I've come to expect so much more from him. Luckily, Justin Prime, Gregor Salto, Ralphi Rosario and many others have done their boy proud - however, if I have to pick a favourite (it's like picking your favourite Friend in the 90s. Nigh on impossible (It was Monica)), I'd go with the immensely satisfying Dave Aude Vegas Radio Remix. Here are my ten secret reasons why. Sshh...
- 01 ~ It's a VEGAS radio remix (baby). I am going to Vegas for Christmas and New Years this very year. Ergo, I am predisposed to love anything that references Vegas at the moment (do stop by and say hello if you are in the vicinity for the most wonderful time of the year). However, while that fact alone makes me love the remix, it's the other 9 points that get me hitting repeat-peat-peat (sung Selena Gomez, Wideboys Alias Edit styl-ee)...
- 02 ~ It launches straight into the crux of the song with Asher singing "let's keep it on the hush hush" while a pulsating, synth driven groove invigorates like an icy cold morning shower. And I think that's the point - it instantly commands your attention, drawing all your focus on what's coming up next...
- 03 ~ During the verses, Asher's voice seems more isolated from the music almost as if existing on another dimension. This is a good thing and I will tell you for why - it adds to the mystery & intrigue of the song. It's essentially a song about something hidden, something not for public consumption - the stark nature of Asher's vocals go a long way to amping up the aura of enigma that the song seeks to purvey.
- 04 ~ the first chorus adds to the sense of narrative that the music brings to the song. It feels like it's holding back, holding it's breath, waiting for the unleashing of this almighty burden onto the world. The higher pitched synths juxtapose nicely with Asher's pleading vocals to give a tangible sense of anticipation. It's all entirely worth it as it leads to this...
- 05 ~ the end of the first chorus launches into a frentic, galloping EDM frenzy that feels like it's mirroring an epic chase; perhaps Asher and his dirty little secret running from discovery, striving to keep it all hidden just a little bit longer. Plus it's musical nirvana that makes you want to fling your hands in the air with gay abandon and shimmy like a ninny. Feels good, don't it?! :D
- 06 ~ Those background screams in the rave-tastic instrumental are just the living end. Adds completely to the frisson of delirious excitement that the track has already given. And it keeps going, teasing and titillating like some sort of exquisitely unbearable foreplay that reaches orgasmic proportions just as the second verse kicks in. Amazing!
- 07 ~ I love that you can hear Asher's breathing/breath control in the song & it seems so much more vivid as if the breakneck speed of the song has got him a little taken aback too. Also, when he goes from the lower register parts of the song to falsetto in the second verse it's pop xanadu of the highest order. Superbly done ;)
- 08 ~ the remix almost creates the need for an entirely new video to accompany it, to give visual realisation to the sense of urgency created. Perhaps Asher is captured, bound & gagged (well maybe not gagged, how on earth would he sing?! Silly me) as a 24 tv show style clock ticks down while the paparazzi, his bodyguard & his dirty little secret all rush to get to him first for that kiss and tell. That the remix can create new nuances to the song is a testament to it's majesty :)
- 09 ~ It leaves you desperate for more. And any good song or remix should do that. It should end, leaving you a bit giddy wondering what the heck just hit you and then has you hitting that repeat button to experience it all over again. This is too good to be played just once.
- 10 ~ it's Abercrombie and fitch ready! It would go perfectly on their fall soundtrack in the store. I'll be well annoyed if I don't hear it at least once while picking out some new plaid shirts and a nice v neck sweater for work next week...
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