I've never been a fan of remixes and can't seem to recall a remix album that I've loved. Two years back Air put out "Everybody Hertz" with hurting remixes off "10,000Hz Legend." The Faint put out " Danse Macarbe Remixes," which I hated compared to the original, and way way back The Cure put out "Mixed Up," which ended my ten year commitment with them. Are there any good remixed albums? I take that back. I actually did like the Kings of Convenience's "Quiet Is The New Loud" remix entitled "Versus," but I think that went over well because they are a folk band. Why is there such a great appeal to remixing bands that are so mixed to begin with? I love bands like Air, The Chemical Brothers, Four Tet, DJ Shadow, DJ Krush and Kid Loco, but it seems these artists actually write the material I'm listening to. Enough on that remix tangent, the EP contains Three versions of "Surfing on a Rocket," and 3 versions of "Alpha Beta Gaga," and new track which didn't make the grade on "Talkie Walkie."
The first take on "Surfing on a Rocket," is done by Tel Aviv, which has some sprinklings of curry and middle eastern flavors. Next up is Mark Ronson Vocal Mix of the whistle song "Alpha Beta Gaga." I suppose Ronson is some kind of credible rapper, but the mix of the cow bell and him ain't getting me ready to put on my dancing shoes in the next millennium. The third track (Ahh! so refreshing) is not remixed; it is a B-Side track left over from "Talkie Walkie," entitled "Easy Going Women." This is a nice AIR song with melodies similar to Virgin Suicides tracks. It has a beautifully long guitar solo break and sparkling chimes. Next up is the second "Surfing on a Rocket" remix, this time by Juan MacLean, which actually shines in comparison to the rest but does carry on for over seven minutes. Then we have the southern twang of the Jackson Remix of "Alpha Beta Gaga," where he really pushed down the whole mix of instrumentation except for the dueling banjos. Third times a charm, right? Maybe not on the third attempt at glorifying "Surfing on a Rocket (To The Smiling Sun Remix)." This one reminds me of that 'Eye of the Tiger" song from the Rocky soundtrack. Not good! Third times a whistle fest on Mark Ronson's Instrumental Mix of "Alpha Beta Gaga." This one wins points for being the shortest track on the EP.
I don't know if it's just me but there's just too much good music out there to lavish time on a chop shop of aortic regurgitations. I just want to say that I love the band Air, with a passion, just please no more remixed material. There's no place like home and we love your songs just the way they are! |