It has been a full year since the BOTR series graced this humble page. And I do apologize. I apologize. But it is far better to apologize than to eulogize. And in the end it is far better to actually post music than to take months off (sorry mates, but deadlines at work and real life adventures are simply dominating my time).
I started this series, and the BOTM series, because in my previous life I had much more free time than anyone else on the face of the planet. Literally. Well since then I landed a fairly demanding (and rewarding) job, a car, a girl, a life, a etc. So I’m not sitting flush with free time anymore, but I still care. Honestly, I still care. So enjoy the remixes, witches.
mp3 : Bloc Party - Hunting for Witches (Crystal Castles Remix)
Imagine if you took Bloc Party and strained their music through a Nintendo soundtrack. Then you added a grungy bass line and called it a remix. Brilliant.
mp3 : Busta Rhymes - Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See (Valerna Remix)
Everything about this mix is perfection. Busta spits like usual except this time the backing beats and remixed nature perfectly complement his nasty flow. Rappers today wish they could drop lyrics like Busta. This track is so good I’m tempted to simply stop now and publish this post.
mp3 : Chromeo - Destination Overdrive (DFA Remix)
This remix reminds me of Kill Bill. Just when you start to think “OMG, is this ever going to end” you’re immediately stunned into silence at the beauty of the following moment. Yes, it’s over seven minutes. Yes, it’s worth it.
mp3 : Fenech Soler - Lies (The Phantoms Revenge Remix)
If anyone out there is looking to edit a sweet ass parkour video I highly recommend this song. I don’t know why they should be lumped together, but it makes sense.
mp3 : Fever Ray - Seven (The Twelves Remix)
Hello 2009, welcome to 1974. Or a Guy Ritchie film.
mp3 : Florence & The Machine - You Got The Love (The XX Remix)
I love the bass line in this remix. It sets the perfect subdued mood and lets the string plucking float along like it was meant to.
mp3 : Ladyhawke - Paris is Burning (Cut Copy Remix)
This is another track that feels like it’s never going to reach a point worth caring about. If you turn it off in the first minute you’re missing out.
mp3 : Major Lazer - Keep It Goin’ Louder (Feat. Nina Sky & Ricky Blaze) (Diplo Remix)
I honestly should not have to sell you on this track. Look at the group name. Major + Lazer = Win. This track = Massive Win.
mp3 : Major Lazer - Pon de floor (Chewy Chocolate Cookies Remix)
Oh colonial era drum beats, oh trumpet fanfare, oh crazy twisted drum and bass synth that cuts in after thirty seconds.
mp3 : Passion Pit - Sleepyhead (Ring Trick Remix)
Remember when everyone was claiming Passion Pit was going to be huge? Remember when everyone was wrong? Dead wrong? Well guess what, no one cares anymore, because this remix is great.
mp3 : Peaches - I Feel Cream (Proxy Remix)
The opening of this remix could easily qualify as the essential ‘film noir’ of remixes. I’m not quite sure if I’m supposed to think that is a good thing or a bad thing.
mp3 : Phoenix - 1901 (L’Aiglon Remix)
The first of three remixes of one of the most popular tracks of the year. This takes a straightforward pop/rock track and makes it even more straightforward.
mp3 : Phoenix - 1901 (Pete Herrs Symphonic Remix)
If the previous remix was straightforward then this remix is literally so far out in right field it’s playing cricket. It begins spread out and sparse but soon enters the realm of angels.
mp3 : Phoenix - 1901 (The Tremulance Remix)
I’m including this remix to round out the trifecta of what a remix can be. We had a straightforward pop remix, followed by a minimalist symphonic remix/re-imagining, and this is a frenetic blip filled mix.
mp3 : Phoenix - Lisztomania (Redial Remix)
I know you’ve all be wondering what this track would sound like it was sped up and played frantically with more reverb than a live Prince show. Well wonder no more.
mp3 : Radiohead - Videotape (Ring Trick Remix)
You can almost never go wrong with a Radiohead remix. Especially one centered around the impressive track Videotape. Ring Trick simply nails this remix.
mp3 : The Sounds - No One Sleeps When I’m Awake (La Dolce Vita Remix)
Sugar coated remix covered with whip cream, chocolate sauce, and sprinkles. Bring your own cherries.
mp3 : Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll (A-Trak Remix)
A fitting, wailing end, to this installment of BOTR. The repeated “off, off, off, off, off” is what remix dreams are made of.
I hope it’s been worth the wait and we’ll all keep our fingers crossed that it’s not another year before BOTR returns. Enjoy the music.
+ more @ twf hype elbows amazonmp3 itunes
add this post to del.icio.us / digg / facebook / twitter
