Mix-tastic I - Legends Remixed

I love a remix! A producer takes another artist's song, cuts it up and makes something entirely new and completely his, or her own, while still giving props to the original artist. Perhaps the new highest form of flattery? Or might blogging about the artists and remixers be the new highest form of flattery?

To celebrate the artists, remixers and the BEATS, I introduce the first post in the multi-part series: Mix-tastic!

These three classic tracks would have been remembered for many years to come without the aid of a remix. But the remixes still give the tracks just a little more weight than they had before. Each of them tantalizes the ear with sounds of the familiar while making the body move to a new beat!

I'm on Fire (Cousin Cole's Bad Desire Mix) - Bruce Springsteen

Born in the USA (1984)

This track has a very deep classic sound. The beauty of Springsteen's original is amplified by Cousin Cole's smooth editing. The lyrics to this song amaze me. Only The Boss could get away with lyrics as dirty as these while maintaining such a pure and lovable image.

Hey little girl is your daddy home
Did he go away and leave you all alone
I got a bad desire
Im on fire

Tell me now baby is he good to you
Can he do to you the things that I do
I can take you higher
Im on fire

Did he really say that? Doesn't matter... he's The Boss and we love 'em!
Cousin Cole, based in NYC, is both an accomplished remixer and a co-owner of the Flagrant Fowl label. He has a has a funky remix of Timberland's The Way I Are up at his myspace page, check it out!

Jolene (DJ Soap's BMAF Remix) - Dolly Parton

Jolene (1974)

Don't let the beginning of the track fool you... it's slightly annoying beginning, with the quickly repeating "Jo" sample is overwhelmed by a captivating layering of guitars and Dolly's signature voice. She pleads to the stunning beauty, Jolene, to leave her man alone, with her voice full of devotion, determination and desperation. Parton wrote Jolene at the tender age of 28 in 1974, 8 years after marrying her husband Carl Dean, whom she is still happily married to today. Seems to me that Jolene, whether she be a bank teller, or a concert goer, never had a chance.

DJ Soap is a Mid-Western dynamo, working hard as a DJ, remixer and promoter. His popularity is brewing now as a result of this BAMF remix of Jolene. Check him out over at myspace.

Foxy Lady (Speaker Junk's Foxxy Switch Remix) - Jimi Hendrix

Are You Experienced (1967)

This banging update of Hendrix's classic Foxey Lady by Speaker Junk is crazy sexy! Hendrix's passionate lyrics and skillful guitar are mixed up with the thickest beats that make you want to dance all sexy like!

I wanna take you home
I wont do you no harm, no
You've got to be all mine, all mine

Speaker Junk keeps himself very busy, creating, and remixing under several monikers (Hervé, Voodoo Chilli, Action Man, Count of Monte Cristal, Dead Soul Brothers, The Young Lovers). He has several tracks that I adore and expect many more! Keep your eared perked for this one!

Biancardi Domenico

I got a message from Italian DJ, Producer and Remixer Biancardi Domenico. In his 33 minute Breaks mix he drops the freshest cut ups and thick beats that get you movin', even at your desk at 9 in the morning!

Pick up a copy of his Breaks Mix over at zshare.

Track listing:
Colin Hobbs - Coming Up (Riva Starr remix)
Black Eyes Peas - My Humps (Clark Bootleg)
Randy Brusset And Jr - Jazz Ghetto City (Lee Mortimer Remix)
Bass Kleph - Bump Uglies (Stupid Fresh Remix)
Kelis - Milkshake (Man Eat dj Jizm Remix)
Mowgli vs MJ. - Mowgli is Bad
DMX - Up in here (Mightyfools remix)
Clash - Should I Stay Should I Go (Biancardi remix)
Chemical Brothers - Salmon Dance (Crookers Wow Remix)
Elektrons - Dirty Basement (Sinden Remix)
Crookers - Il Cattivo Plus Thunder

His Electro Rap Mix is worth a listen too.

Track listing:
Cool Kids - Pump up the volume (Flosstradamus Remix)
OSOF - Like Whoa
Wu Tang Clan - Stomp (The Bloody Beetroots)
South Rakkas Crew - Mad Again
Kap10Kurt - Burning down the haus
Dizzee Rascal - Pussyhole (Mike B's Dj Edit)
Hint - Muddled Morning
Young Mc - Bust A Move
Kid N Cudi - Embrace the Martian
Kid Sister - Girl Rock
Lady Sovereign vs St. Andrew - Love Me or 80's Me
Mystro - Who you gonna blame
Larry Tee - I Love you kill

Check out his website, or send him some myspace love!

A White Music Education: Part II - Rock Evolves

I'm Waiting for the Man - The Velvet Underground The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967) It would be difficult to write about The Velvet Underground without acknowledging their deep roots in drug culture. With one of their best known tracks, Heroin, taking the listener through a turbulent high with the band members. The band has often insisted they, by no means, glorified the use of heroin. To me, it would be difficult to dispute this after listening to their songs, which often allude to desperation, nihilism, and loneliness within the context of drug addiction. The Velvet Underground were well before their time, laying the ground work for "alternative" music with their unique use of the electric viola, hypnotic rhythms from both guitar and percussion and unapologetic attitude. I've posted their classic track I'm Waiting for the Manfor your listening pleasure, a song about the painful wait every addict experiences when waiting for the guy with the stuff. It comes from the 1967 album The Velvet Underground & Nico, that is full of classic tunes from this ground breaking group. You may remember Nico from the depiction of her in the 1991 Oliver Stone film The Doors. She was the lovely lady who gave Jim Morrison some special attention in the elevator after Andy Warhol's party.

Gimme Shelter - The Rolling Stones Let it Bleed (1969) For those of us that weren't around through the 60s and 70s it's difficult to believe that The Rolling Stones deserve the huge acclaim, fame, and credibility that they have. Sure Start Me Up is a pretty good song, but there's got to be more, doesn't there? Yes! The Stones released a wealth of stunning material through their early career, including a handful of classic tracks that will likely never be forgotten. Gimme Shelter is one of these tracks. Released during the Vietnam War, the song embodies both the fear and the rebellious nature of the time. A classic track representing both the tremendous talents of The Rolling Stones, and the turbulent times they were in. While I'm of the opinion that it's long past the time that The Stones should be moving on to being producers, where they can share their wealth of experience with the young up and comers from behind the scenes, I'll admit that their back catalog is well worth sifting through. If you are looking to find some old gems, I suggest checking out December's Children, Let it Bleed, and Sticky Fingers.

Ziggy Stardust - David Bowie Ziggy Stardust (1972) Ziggy Stardust comes from Bowie's 1972 masterpiece The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, a concept album about the alien rock star Ziggy Stardust, who has come to earth to share his message of peace and love with the Earthlings who quickly worshiped him. The story turns tragic when Ziggy falls to the rock star life style of drugs and excess. A must listen that comes to us from the beginnings of the glam rock era.

Lykke Li's Album out today!

Everybody But Me(diskJokke Remix) - Lykke Li

Young Novels (2008)

Lykke Li has been heating up the music blogsphere for a few months, since RCRD LBL released a couple of her choice tracks for our sampling pleasure. Today her debut full length album is available in both physical and digital music stores. I hope this is the beginning of a long career for the young Sweedish artist.

Dance, Dance, Dance was the song that first got my attention. It is an adorable ditty in which Li sings of her ironic love of dancing, because deep down she's shy, shy, shy. I highly recommend you download a copy from RCRD LBL. I have included a copy of the diskJokke remix of Everybody But Me, which is a beautiful remix of her minimalistic track about those nights when you're out on the town, but you just aren't feelin' it. Her unique sound combines an innocence of child-like wonderment with a musical mastery, layering . There's even some cowbell on the new album for us all to enjoy!

Dhoom Tana Om

Om Shanti Om (2007)

I missed the finale of So You Can Think You Can Dance, but I was rooting for Katee & Josh and am happy to hear that Josh won. He nailed every dance I saw him do (Katee did too), and had so little training, it was amazing to watch.

My favourite dance they did was the Bollywood routine Dhoom Tana Om from the movie Om Shanti Om. I don't know anything about the film, but the song is a captivating orchestration of Indian instrumentations and vocals that incorporates tradition, flare and humour.

I loved Katee & Josh's dance so much, I wanted to share it with you, but when I found the original scene from the Bollywood film the performance was taken from, I knew I'd have to include it too, because it is quite a spectacle!

Enjoy!



Now, Katee and Josh's performance:



I very much enjoy Bhangra music, but have very little of it! Do you have any suggestions for quality Bhangra that I and my readers may enjoy?

Music and Advertising

Steve Jobs, or at least the well paid marketing people on Jobs' payroll, have done an excellent job at exposing unique, quality music to the masses. The fame that comes to the artists behind these cultural phenomena, is likely both a blessing and a curse. It's inevitable that someone will start to throw around the "Sellout" label, and the artists lose the street cred earned by being broke and unsigned. The symbiotic relationship between the artists and Apple works to sell the music, the store to buy the music (iTunes), and the hardware to play the music (iPod). That's some mighty impressive vertical integration.

1 2 3 4 - Feist

The Reminder (2007)

The Canadian singer-songwriter has released 4 solo albums since 1999 while also performing as a member of the Broken Social Scene since 2000. Feist found moderate success with her hard work, but when Apple selected her song 1 2 3 4 for one of their iPod commercials her popularity soared, springboarding her the point that Sesame Street asked her to remake her song for the purpose of teaching kids how fun it is to count to 4.

Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings

We Started Nothing (2008)

Often the very well paid marketing wonders at Apple beat me to the punch, but with The Ting Tings I can enjoy the satisfaction in knowing that I found them first. I had been enjoying their catchy pop genius for several months when I heard the rumours that they would be the next iPod poster children. Apple choose to use Shut Up and Let Me Go one of the lesser songs by The Ting Tings. I prefer their tunes That's Not My Name and Great DJ, and strongly suggest you check them you if you like this track.

New Soul - Yael Naïm

Yael Naïm (March 2008)

The Israeli-French singer-songwriter was completely unknown to me before I first saw the commercial for the MacBook Air. Apparently Steve Jobs picked this track himself causing Yael Naïm's career to skyrocket, making her the first Israeli to get a single in the US Top 10.

"New Soul" is about self-reflection. She says she was inspired to write it after a conversation with a friend about reincarnation. "I thought I was an old soul, and that I knew life, but then starting the real life I figured I am completely new," Naim says. "I mean, everything was a mess and I did a lot of mistakes. So it was just looking back and say, 'Okay, let's start again, it's okay.'"
- Interview with the NPR March 21st, 2008

The wise young soul is currently touring extensively through Europe.

Mi Swing Es Tropical - Quantic & Nickodemus

Ritmo Tropical (2004)

Nickodemus, an experienced young DJ from New York City, joined forces with Quantic, to create this upbeat Latin tune that is perfect for dancing! These two have both been busy since the upbeat commercial brought their sound into the mainstream. Quantic just released a new album, Death of the Revolution and Nickodenmus released Endangered Species Remixed, featuring a remix of every tune off the album Mi Swing Es Tropical was originally released on, Endangered Species. The pair toured together in Columbia, Mexico and the US earlier this year.

I should also make note of the fact that the song, Flathead, featured in my previous post by The Fratellis was also highlighted in one of the colorful, people dancing about iPod commercials.

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

Capoeira

I couldn't resist posting this song, even though it doesn't quite fit with the others being that it has no association with Apple whatsoever. it has been a favourite of mine since I tracked if down after hearing it on one of the early Mazda Zoom Zoom commercials in the late 90s. A remake of the traditional Capoeira song Zum, Zum, Zum Capoeira Mata Um that was featured on the Only The Strong soundtrack, the 1993 film about Capoeira. I'm sure you have all heard parts of this song on the commercials with that cute kid whispering Zoom Zoom, who isn't really a kid any more. The song is fun and uplifting. By the way... I tried Capoeira once, the pros of the Brazilian dance/fighting style make it look easy, but really, it's quite hard.

The Verve Remixed

Verve Records is a long standing record label with its origins dating back to 1956 when Norman Granz amalgamated Norgran Records and Clef Records. The label was host to many of the great artists in Jazz & Blues including Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Nina Simone. Now, as a part of Universal, Verve Records has invited talented producers and musicians to revitalize its catalog by remixing their classic tracks and re-releasing them as a series of albums called The Verve Remixed. Volume 4 was released last May. To celebrate this union of the old with the new, I offer you my favorite track from each of the albums in The Verve Remixed collection.

See-Line Woman (Masters At Work Remix) - Nina Simone

Verve Remixed (2002)

Nina Simone had a long and diverse career releasing 37 albums over 35 years (1958 - 1993). She was also a powerful figure in the Civil rights movement, having one of her protest songs, Mississippi Goddam, boycotted in some states during the 1960's. This version of See-Line Woman remixed by Masters At Work is often heard in the coolest of cafes and lounges. The extended 10 minute version gives the listener a glimpse of the lonely life of a skilled lady of the night with beautiful piano, rhythmic clapping, a knowing flute and Simone's haunting voice.

Sinnerman (Felix Da Housecat's Heavenly House Mix) - Nina Simone

Verve Remixed 2 (2003)

Another Nina Simone remix, I couldn't resist. There are many remixes of Nina Simone out there, including a full CD in the Remixed & Reimagined series. It is common to hear this version of Sinnerman remixed by Felix Da Housecat in the hip hang out joints as well. The song lends itself both to chillin' and to dancing with its down tempo beat. The traditional American gospel song has come along way since its grass roots origins believed to be in the early 1900's.

Fever (Adam Freeland Remix) - Sarah Vaughan

Verve Remixed 3 (2005)

The classic track Fever by Sarah Vaughan is made even sexier by Adam Freeland's touch. Devilishly combining Sarah Vaughan's sultry voice with an updated tempo, Freeland masterfully brings this old tune new life, while keeping a classic feel with horns and a full dance hall sound.

California Soul (Diplo Remix) - Marlena Shaw

Verve Remixed 4 (2008)

Diplo revitalized Marlena Shaw's 1969 version of California Soul, giving it a powerful, almost inspirational quality that makes you hold your head up high as you get that "nothing can touch me" feeling. Marlena Shaw, despite changing her last name from Burgess (I'm proud to be a Burge!) to Shaw, has enjoyed a long career, releasing 14 albums on 6 labels over 30 years (1967 - 1997). She continues to perform today! Diplo has been gaining popularity since he started doing remixes in 2005 for the likes of Kanye West, Hot Chip and Bloc Party.

The Fratellis

I was watching Much Music last Friday and I think it's safe to say that The Wedge remains the last vestige of quality music television, at least in North America. What was once valuable airtime for music videos and live performances is now squandered on the latest "A Star is Born" incarnation and canceled teen drama reruns.

Nonetheless, I was happy to see some quality videos during that much appreciated hour of alt-music video programming, including one standout video from the Scottish trio The Fratellis. The video for Flathead is terribly Mod, with three 1950's pin-up girls dancing about all coyly as the guys in the band float around the screen playing their Brit Pop crossed with alt-country brand of music.

Dance Fit

Over the past couple of months I have learned how fun it can be to sweat in a room full of people dancing in time to popular music, desperately trying to stay in step with the instructor. From my love of Dance Fit I've become quite fond of some very Top 40, popular with the kids these days, tracks (quite uncharacteristic for me)! I'm all about embracing the fun and the beat these days, so I offer you two of my favorite tracks I was introduced to by my Dance Fit instructor.

When I Grow Up - Pussycat Dolls

When I Grow Up (2008)

Upon a quick listen to this song it sounded to me that the lyrics went:

When I grow up
I wanna be famous
I wanna be a star
I wanna be in movies

When I grow up
I wanna see the world
Drive nice cars
I wanna have Boobies

Sadly the song became just a little less fun for me when I realized that the last word was actually "Groupies". Oh well... The song is still fun and gets me swaying my hips and sweatin' every time!

Shake It - Metro Station

Metro Station (2008)

This young band from California offers us this ridiculously catchy tune. The lyrics describe the type of shakin' I doubt the majority of Metro Station's primary audience has yet experienced. The song is reminiscent of 80's synth pop with fun, yet dirty lyrics. A guilty pleasure to say the least!

Now... skip to the front for 4, then side sashay!