RW: My Top Remixes of 2008

rick astley will never give you up, let you down, make you sick, or ruin your remix.

I can already hear the moans. “Another top ten?” Yeah. But take this with a grain of salt,  and I think you will find this to be a very enjoyable experience.

You Can’t Always Get What You Want (Soulwax Remix) -  the Rolling Stones

This remix puts a brand-new spin on a timeless classic. I first heard the song in the soundtrack of a movie,  and have loved it ever since. But it’s not just because it’s a classic song. I like it because of the job done by the remixer.  Soulwax is one of the best remixing outlets out there, and almost everything I hear by them I want to go out and purchase immediately.  But, this is just the first on my list and I’ve got nine more so let’s keep going.

Video Tapez (ft. Del the Funky Homosapien) – Radiohead

Radiohead has always been known for their abstract sound, as well as the interesting people that they attract. This remix is no exception. Featuring the styling of Del the Funky Homosapien (aka. Deltron 3030)  the song transforms from that of rock to rap.  There’s always a fresh sound when you try to remix Radiohead,  and it’s always super fun to listen to.

I’m A Cuckoo (Avalanches Remix)  – Belle & Sebastian

This remix is completely different. Instead of trading the original sounds for electronic beats, the original points of the song are replaced by tribal drums and a choir. This remix also happens to be done by one of my favorite remixing outlets, The Avalanches.  The subtle change of the backing makes a huge difference and in turn makes it one of my favorite remixes of the year, even if it was released a few years ago.

Umbrella (The Lindbergh Palace Dub) – Rihanna Feat. Jay-Z

Earlier this year I was able to obtain notoriety to our blog when I first wrote about The Lindbergh Palace, and some of the work they’ve done in remixing, more specifically their dubs. This dub mix is no exception and is one of the most profound pieces they’ve ever done.

Never Miss A Beat (Cut Copy Remix) – Kaiser Chiefs

This next remix is one that I kind of found out of the blue. It combines my favorite European rock influence with my favorite Australian electronic influence. Personally, I preferred the original version of the song to the remix, but what keeps bringing me back to this remix is not the song itself but the way in which it was remixed. Cut Copy is my favorite electronic group out there, and while I like their remixes, I like their original content better.

Electric Feel (Justice Remix) – MGMT

A sure winner for any top 10 list this year is can he beat anything by MGMT.  These relative newcomers generated lots of buzz this year with a seemingly endless number of great singles.  But it is this remix, however, that kept my ears bleeding all summer long.  Remixed by the heirs to the electronic music kingdom, Justice, this remix is full of classy transition and poise that you would only find in a Justice song.

Talk (Thin White Duke Remix) – Coldplay

Three words. Speak N’ Spell. Any song that uses a speak n’ spell is almost sure to be a good song in my book. Combine that with my favorite Coldplay song from the album X & Y,  and I’m sure to love it. This remix is not only enjoyable, but danceable.

If I Never See Your Face Again (feat. Rihanna) – Maroon 5

I’d always let myself be turned off to the idea that I would listen to Maroon Five, but the song is really catchy and I ended up liking it a whole lot.  Before I knew it I had listened to this song more than 10 times and enjoyed it more with each play. The song comes from the Maroon Five remix album released this year. Generally such albums tend to generate only a few good remixes, but I was very impressed with this one. Remix fans alike will will rejoice to the earlier sounds of Maroon Five set to hip-hop beats,  and given a whole new life.

Lights & Music (Boys Noize Remix) – Cut Copy

Before the release of their sophomore album earlier this year, thanks to the wonderful website HypeMachine, I found this incredible remix of the single “Lights and Music.”  Whenever I think of the original version of the song my mind always clicks back to this remix, since it was first to hit my ears.  It’s a fun playful mix, and even if it’s not the original, it’s still a great addition to any Cut Copy fan’s collection.

Never Gonna Give You Up (Solly Remix) – Rick Astley

When they write a book about Pop Culture 50 years from now, they will say that the year 2008 was the year of the RickRoll. NEVER GONNA GIVE YOU UP! NEVER GONNA LET YOU DOWN! NEVER GOING TO TURN AROUND, DESERT YOU! NEVER GONNA MAKE YOU CRY! NEVER GONNA SAY GOODBYE! NEVER GONNA TELL A LIE, AND HURT YOU!

I hope your ears bleed in 2009.

RW: Merry Christmas from Coldplay

Many artists are joining in the giving spirit this holiday season and offering up some free goodies for your downloading pleasure. Just in time for our regular feature Colplay has offered up a nice little remix by Thin White Duke of the title track from this year’s Viva La Vida.  Just head on over here for a free download. That’s all I got. Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! And as always I hope your ears bleed.

Coldplay – Viva La Vida (Thin White Duke Remix)

Coldplay Sued For Plagarism

Apparently virtuoso rock guitarist Joe Satriani, or at least his legal representation, is sueing Coldplay for copyright infringement.  He is claiming that they took stole from his 2004 instrumental track “If I Could Fly” when writing the title track to Viva La Vida.  In court papers filed last Thursday, he said that the song used “substantial original portions” from his own original song (BBC).  Personally I don’t think the guy has a case.  Yeah I can hear similarities in the song.  But honestly, there is nothing new under the sun.  If Satriani wins its gonna be horrible for the music business.  As if artists aren’t already having a hard time making it, then they’ll have to be extremely careful that anything they write hasn’t been done in some similar fashion before.  But maybe you guys see differently.  Well, listen to the songs below and leave a comment letting us know what you think the verdict should be.

Joe Satriani – If I Could Fly

Coldplay – Viva La Vida

Wedding Music

Saturday I attended the ceremony and celebration that took place for two of my very best friends who decided to give each other their hands (and the rest of themselves) in marriage.  And I had a great time.  Weddings have not always been something that I particularly enjoyed.  But lately, especially when I am good friends with those getting married, I really enjoy weddings.

I think one of the main reasons is that there has been more emphasis on the celebration than the ceremony, which is the way I think it should be.  Now I believe that marriage is a very sacred thing that should be taken very seriously.   And assuming it doesn’t drag on forever I really enjoy a lot of the traditions that we have regarding the marriage ceremony, and would never want to get rid of it or diminish its importance and value.  But I love that with the last several weddings I have been a part of, the whole weekend has just felt like one big party.

Another reason I have come to enjoy weddings lately is that people have felt the freedom to be creative with the music that they use during the ceremony.  Hearing the music that people choose to have everyone in the wedding party walk down to or what they pick as their first dance has become one of my favorite parts of the wedding. And since Eric and Ashley did such a great job of picking music for all of these things I thought that it would make a great playlist worth posting for my faithful readers.

Devotchka – The Winner Is (removed 2/13/09)  (Grandparents)

Coldplay – Life In Technicolor (removed 2/13/09) (Bridesmaids)

Ray Lamontagne – Shelter (removed 2/13/09) (Bride)

David Gray – The One I Love (removed 2/13/09) (Mr. and Mrs.)

Ray Lamontagne – You Are the Best Thing (removed 2/13/09) (First Dance)