On the beat box

 By Jimmy Newsum

Summer may be over but that doesn’t mean the heat on our nation’s gay dance floors is turning down. Clubs are working overtime to keep floors burning. Here are the top scorchers being played this fall.

Mix Magic Music, Sugar House Crew
After a two-year hiatus, Tony Moran makes his triumphant return to the dance floor with an album fully penned by the Grammy nominated producer/remixer. Clearly meant to embrace the soul, sympathy and conviction of club music, the album is packed with several diva gems all destined to become dance floor staples. Jennifer Holiday’s “Magic” and Deborah Cox’s “Tenderness” are particular stand-outs.

“Neva Eva Eva,” Faith Michaels
Michaels admits “Neva Eva Eva” is the song she wanted to write but couldn’t. Paralyzed by the success of her summer smash, “Fetish,” Michaels was fearful she might forever be a one trick pony. Luckily, The Rhythm Rehab boys came to her rescue and produced a killer song. Musically, “Neva Eva Eva” has the intensity and power of “Fetish” but its message to define yourself by your own standards – and no one else’s – stands strong on its own.

Queer Nation, Elephant
Taking aim against the rampant homophobia proliferating today’s hip-hop culture, the album Queer Nation is a call-to-arms for gay youth to claim their rightful place in pop culture. The album displays real artistic growth for a band that is best known for tales of rowdy bathroom stalls, heroin binges and month-long hunger strikes. While some may say Queer Nation borders on activism – and they wouldn’t be wrong – the album is provocative and fun.

“World Keeps Turning,” Sylvia Tosun
Her tenth dancefloor release, “World Keeps Turning” has the strength to match the success of Tosun’s “Push n Pull,” a song that climbed all the way to number one on Billboard’s club chart. It’s a marked departure from the ethereal and subdued tracks Tosun has become known for, showing a stronger side to Tosun’s voice. She even manages to belt out some soprano-style notes, proving this girl can sing.

“Touch Me,” D Alexander
The single “Touch Me” is a hands-in-the-air romp that will pull everyone to the dance floor this season. Penned by the artist, it is the follow-up to his summer debut “Beautiful.” In it, D Alexander sheds the electronic R&B sound of his past, opting instead for a fast moving disco track that expresses his passion for life, love and lust. It’s another well-produced, empowering track from a young out artist who is undoubtedly amazing to watch.