Ultra 2015

In this 2015 edition, the Ultra label's annual dance overview sticks with the club-centric style that's driven the previous few years' entries, as Serj Tankian, Beth Ditto, Kid Ink, and Lil Jon are the most "pop" names here, and all of them are featured vocalists on certifiably EDM-based numbers. In other words, no Coldplay or Taylor Swift remixes included, but the MAKJ and Lil Jon number "Let's Get Fucked Up" is so "Turned Down for What!" it could turn any given frathouse into party central, while Chris Lake's "Sundown" sounds like a Sia remix even when it isn't, so fabulous club kids and lesser normals who listen to the radio can enjoy these stomping beasts together. House, EDM, electro, and (to a lesser extent) trap are the genres that rule, while the welcome revitalization of veteran producer MK's career rolls on as his ultra-disco remix of "My Head Is a Jungle" becomes the set's crown jewel. For anyone looking to move and stay hip, this one is certainly worth a spin. ~ David Jeffries