Hey, house heads! In 2025, with dance music exploding again and everyone chasing the next big genre blend like Afro house or tech infusions, it's pure bliss to stumble on something that takes us right back to the roots. Old school house music is having this quiet comeback moment—think classic grooves that build slow and hit deep, perfect for those late-night sets where subtlety reigns. That's exactly the vibe I got from diving into Benn Starr's "Can't Stop Me," reworked by Roger Pauletta on Tesser Music. If you're craving that authentic New York house music flavor, this one's a must-spin.
Let's chat about the track itself. This remix is all about restraint and atmosphere—Roger Pauletta strips Benn Starr's original down to its essentials, letting a few key vocal phrases hover low in the mix while the groove takes center stage. It's not rushing anywhere; it's a proper slow-burner with real weight behind it. The drum programming feels warm and insistent, classic New York style, giving everything room to breathe. You can picture it in a dimly lit club, building that subtle pressure that keeps the floor moving without overwhelming. It's underground house at its finest—sparse, soulful, and built for those hours when the party's settled into its rhythm.
What makes this release extra special is the history woven into it. Benn Starr isn't just any name; he's a true pillar of New York's house and club culture going back to the late seventies. The guy's roots run deep—from spinning on WBLS and WRKS to hosting his own shows on WNYU. Over four decades, he's worn every hat: DJ booths, studio sessions, even engineering at Time Warp Studios in the nineties, mixing for major hip hop acts. His early stuff on Todd Terry's Freeze Records helped shape that raw, crafted sound we love in classic house tracks. Later, he co-founded Bennyboy Records with Mercedes Martinez, dropping originals with his signature soulful edge. Starr's groundwork is the heart of "Can't Stop Me," and it shows—there's depth and character that's pure New York house legacy.
Then there's Roger Pauletta stepping in for the remix duties. If you're old enough to remember the early hip house wave, you'll know him as half of 2 in a Room—the duo behind bangers like "Do What You Want" and the massive "Wiggle It." Raised in the thick of NYC's club scene, Pauletta knows how to honor foundations while adding his touch. Here, he keeps things focused on Starr's core, delivering something quietly addictive with that vintage sensibility in every element.
In the bigger picture, this drop feels timely. Dance music's booming post-pandemic, with fans hungry for real connections on the floor, and there's a growing love for remixes that nod to house classics without overdoing it. Labels are digging into back catalogs, and artists are blending old school house vibes into modern sets—think Strictly Rhythm or Nervous Records influences popping up again. Tracks like this remind us why New York house music has endured: it's about craft, groove, and that unmistakable warmth.
Honestly, spinning this had me nodding along, imagining it in a packed room where the energy builds organically. If you're into old school house music, classic house remixes, or just solid underground grooves, give "Can't Stop Me" a listen. It's a nod to the legends while feeling fresh enough for today's playlists.
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What do you think of this old school house remix? Does it hit that late-night sweet spot for you, or got any other classic house tracks on repeat right now? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I'd love to hear!
