RW: My Top Remixes of 2008
Posted: December 31st, 2008 | Author: Cody | Filed under: Remix of the Week | Tags: belle & sebastian, boys noize, coldplay, cut copy, del the funky homosapien, jay-z, justice, kaiser chiefs, maroon 5, mgmt, radiohead, rick astley, rihanna, rolling stones, solly, soulwax, the avalanches, the lindbergh palace, thin white duke | 2 Comments »
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.
