Also, stay tuned to the site as I take a detour into my favorite movies of the year soon! After that, we'll get back to the music stuff for a while, then back to normal, I promise, barring any other unforeseen circumstances. 2020 has NOT gotten off to a great start for me 😷 - or anyone who isn't a Republican, for that matter- and I don't count on it getting any more unpredictable. We shall see...
Until then, here's something to help you escape the drudgery of your day-to-day misery: great music! As ever, make with the clicking to hear and/or see the music and/or music videos, if any exist. 😁
Remix Album of the Year: Nina Kraviz Presents MASSEDUCTION Rewired - St. Vincent
So, first and foremost, I'll allow that this is also the ONLY remix album I listened to this year, but not so much because I was ignoring other releases, as there just weren't any other major ones I was aware of, really. Remix albums used to be all over the place back in the day- these days, not so much.
The main reason being the return of singles and EPs- why buy a whole album of remixes when you can just sample a listen to each and buy the ones you like (as we do with singles), or only get remixes of songs we love (as we do with EPs, which generally feature 3-6 versions of a single song for a budgeted price)?
Well, I have to hand it to Annie Clark, aka the mastermind behind St. Vincent, because she's managed to get me to pick up no less than three versions of the same album, MASSEDUCTION. The second, after the original (which itself was released in two versions, one with bonus tracks, the other without), was entitled MassEducation, and featured acoustic piano-driven versions of the songs on the original album.
Now, there's this one, which features wildly different arrangements of songs from MASSEDUCTION, many bordering on unrecognizable, were it not for the titles. Curated by DJ/producer Nina Kraviz (seen above), a lot of them are of an experimental nature, meaning that the bulk of them aren't exactly danceable, as tends to be the normal case for remix-driven EPs and albums- which is to say, most of them are intended for the clubs.
So, for that reason, I'm giving this album its own spot on the list- it's not your normal remix album under most definitions of one. Of course, that's par for the course with Clark- she's not your average rock star, either, with almost every album sounding different from the one that preceded it. But that's a big part of why I love her and will tend to buy anything she puts out: you never know what she'll get up to next.
Another reason I gave this its own category was that it has a pretty remarkable flow- it's very listenable for an album which often features variations of the same songs- up to three in some cases ("Pills" and "New York"). But with the exception of the "dub" mix of "New York"- I've always found dub mixes to be pretty useless to anyone who isn't a rapper or a DJ, as they basically boil down to instrumentals- pretty much every version of these songs is different from the others, which is a pretty cool thing for an album that runs nearly two hours long and costs under 10 bucks to download (on Amazon and iTunes, at the time of this writing).
Obviously, some remixes are better than others- duh. My advice would be, rather than only downloading the ones you like- which could end up being more costly than just buying it outright- is to listen to it once (it's on YouTube at this writing), then buy it outright if you dig it and pick the remixes you like, and put those songs on a playlist. Basically, what most of us ultimately end up doing with almost every album, anyway, save only the true classics, of which there aren't as many as I would like these days.
For what it is, though, this album is a classic of the form, even if it drags a bit in places. It was perhaps a dubious decision not to separate the various versions of the same songs, rather than splitting them up and distributing them throughout the album. And yet, it still mostly works, from a flow standpoint.
For use as background ambience or music to study, read or do your homework to, it's perfect. That may not sound like a ringing endorsement, but for a remix album of a non-dance/EDM-oriented artist, it's definitely as good as one could hope for, and kudos to Clark for letting all these talented people do whatever they want with her music- even when it doesn't entirely work, it's almost always interesting.
My personal faves, for the record: "Masseduction (Midland's Mass Seduction Remix)," "Sugarboy (Emika Allegiance Mix)," "Sugarboy (ChicagoPhonic Sound System Remix)," "Fear the Future (PTU Remix)," "Smoking Section (Mala Remix)," "Fast Slow Disco (Steffi Remix)," "Happy Birthday, Johnny (Fred P Remix)" and "Savior (Buttechno Remix)."
Remix EP of the Year: Oh Land- Replanting Family Tree
As with St. Vincent, this isn't really music meant for dancing. But it is really interesting and the remixes here, all by producer Arthur Moon, are all radically different from their predecessors. What they lack in danceability, they certainly make up for in experimentation, though. Indeed, some may actually end up enjoying this more than the original versions of the songs, depending on your respective sensibilities.
Probably the best point of comparison are the remixes of Tori Amos's 90's singles as they relate to the originals. Oh Land, like Tori, is more of an alternative rock artist, with lots of piano-based material. Both are not without experimental touches, to be sure, but the difference between their originals and what the remixers did with their material is like night and day, to be sure. That said, if you liked Tori's remixes back in the day (and her collab with BT), then you'll probably dig this.
I was, and remain a big Tori fan, so I just loved this. If you're not, or if you're not familiar with Oh Land, you might want to check out some of the original versions of the tracks, then sample some of the remixes. But if you don't like the originals, don't be surprised if you like the remixes- like I said, they're all pretty different. Just for good measure, Oh Land also includes a bonus, non-remixed track that's not on their album, "When a Hawk Comes By," which is a must for fans.
Honorable Mention: Not the News Rmx EP- Thom Yorke
Unlike St. Vincent and Oh Land, where you might actually like the remixes if you don't like the artist's originals because they're so radically different, Thom Yorke fans and Radiohead fans in general are used to weirdness from those two artists.
As such, it won't at all be a stretch to say that they'll likely dig these quirky remixes of Yorke's single, "Not the News." It's a mere four tracks of the same song, like most remix EPs (though the number of versions of a song can vary), but they are pretty different from one another, that's for sure.
My fave is definitely the opener, the "Clark Remix," which morphs from a neo-classical mix that sounds like John Cale on a bad day into a sort of chugging alt-rock to an ambient soundscape into something that sounds a bit like a Stereolab jam and back through most of the above all over again. It alone is worth the price of admission, but the other remixes are solid, too. Fans of Yorke's more experimental stuff will love it.
Other Remixes I Loved This Year, in no particular order
"Take You Home (Undercatt Remix)"- Dido
If you're a certain age, you no doubt remember the landmark remix that was Todd Terry's version of the Everything But the Girl track "Missing." Back in the mid-90's, it was one of the rare remixes to be considered the definitive version of the song, and even the band regularly includes it, rather than the original version, on their compilations.
It's not so odd anymore for a remix to surpass the original, but back then, it was still kind of a new thing, at least to a certain degree. There are certainly exceptions when it comes to 70's disco and 80's hip-hop tracks, which were wildly popular before the Billboard charts started recording them for posterity (not until the late 70's, circa Saturday Night Fever for disco, and not until the late 80's for hip-hop), for instance.
Anyway, many have tried to replicate the success of Todd Terry's achievement, but damned if Undercatt's remix of this Dido track doesn't come mighty close. Though the "Give You Up" remix got all the attention, landing Dido on the top of the Dance charts- her first #1 in nearly 15 years- I actually prefer this one.
"Never Dance Alone (Set Mo Remix)"- Crooked Colours, feat. Ladyhawke
Aussie alt-dance group Crooked Colours are a pretty laid-back trio that should appeal to the stoner rock types that enjoy the likes of Tame impala and Dope Lemon. To that end, the single "Hold On" might be a better choice, but for this particular list, "Never Dance Alone" makes the ultimate cut, especially in its remixed form, which is more in keeping with popular trends this past year, in particular the House music revival.
As an added bonus, it also features alt-rocker Ladyhawke, a New Zealand-based artist I've been a fan of since the mid-2000's. She's great and so is this mix of the song. Be sure to keep an eye out for her latest album, which will be released soon. You can hear her latest single, "Colours in the Dark," here.
"Ultimatum (Extended Mix)"- MistaJam, feat. Laura White
More House music madness, this one firmly in classic House mode, with excellent vocals from White. This version layers on the production for a more thorough dance workout than the original version, which is already pretty groovy in its own right. But hey, more of a good thing is never a bad thing, right? In this case, at least, I'll take it. Also, love those reggae-ish horns, and that "I Feel Love"-esque breakdown near the end.
"DDU-DU DDU-DU (Remix)"- Blackpink
Ooh- the bass drop on this one! I may not understand most of what they're saying, but you don't have to when the beats hit this hard. The second most-watched video of all time when it was first released, with over a BILLION views, it is currently the most-viewed K-Pop video of all time. This remix adds some hip-hop flair and even more bass to the mix, with impressive results- it's definitely my preferred version of the song.
"My Name is Dark (Art Mix)"- Grimes
Her highly-anticipated fifth album, Miss Anthropocene, is coming out soon, and of the advance tracks released- save 2018's "We Appreciate Power," which was amazing (and is technically just a bonus track on the new album) - this was my favorite single release from Grimes in 2019, though "So Heavy I Fell Through the Earth" is pretty great, too (especially the Algorithm Mix) and it's definitely the sort of song one can get lost in, like many of Grimes' efforts.
However, "Dark" has a cool 80's-New Wave-meets-90's-Industrial vibe that I just love. I get that Grimes' voice is too girly for some, and I admit it is sometimes at odds with her more aggressive tracks, but it works for Poppy's metal-tinged stuff and it works for me here, too. And musically, it's just phenomenal.
Also, there's nothing held back lyrically, when the sentiment is the likes of "Fuck the world, you stupid girl" and "That's what the drugs are for"- so, girly though her voice may be, she's definitely not playing it safe. And can we mention that she's dating and will soon be the baby mama of no less than Elon Musk? The man's got some taste in women, let me tell you. (Witness this list - not sure about all those "rules," though.) And, of course, Grimes has great taste in music. Bring on that album, girl!
"I Wish (Robotaki Remix)"- Hayley Kiyoko
As with Grimes, Kiyoko's a performer with a strong lesbian following- indeed, she's been dubbed "Lesbian Jesus" by her fans! Kiyoko started her public life as an actress, appearing in both Disney's Lemonade Mouth and Jem & The Holograms as- what else? - a musician, and as an FBI analyst in the short-lived CSI: Cyber.
Music eventually took center stage, though, and she now has as fervent a following as you're likely to find in pop music, at least here in the States. (Overseas fandoration is a whole different animal, to be sure- just ask J-Pop/K-Pop stars.) It helps that she's very down to earth and humble- especially when some of your fans are referring to you as Jesus! 🙇🙌😵
This track is already pretty sweet in its original form, but the Robotani remix definitely takes it to the next level, IMHO. The EP from which it was taken was just dropped earlier this year, and it's worth a listen as well- and the title is fantastic: I'm Too Sensitive For This Shit. Aren't we all? Lol.
"Click (No Boys Remix)"- Charli XCX, feat. Kim Petras & Slayyyter
Charli XCX has been putting out some of the most experimental and radical dance music within the genre as a whole since the mid-2000's, when she landed a record contract at the ripe old age of 14- also the name of her debut album. As such, she's sadly only had limited success with her own music, while churning out the hits for others. Well, it's everyone's loss, as her own music is leaps and bounds more inventive than her popular stuff.
Case in point: this wildly original track, which in its OG album form features Kim Petras and rapper Tommy Cash, and is already pretty out-there, but which is even more radical in its remixed form, which keeps transgender singer Petras, loses Cash and adds female pop singer Slayyyter (aka Catherine Slater)- hence the "No Boys" part of the title.
I think it blows away the album version, even though I like the original just fine. By making it all girls, though, it gives the song a feminist edge that takes it to a whole 'nother level. The title, "Click" also doubles as "Clique," so it makes more sense for it to be all women.
It's easily Charli's most adventurous track of the year, regardless- check out that near-industrial beat drop towards the end, for instance- and that's saying something, especially if one includes the stuff that didn't make it onto the album and was leaked online, some of which is pretty radical in its own right. But insofar as official releases go, this is the best of the bunch, experimentation-wise.
"All In Your Head (RL Grimes Edit)"- G Jones
Looking for a noisy banger? Check out this one, which features beat drops so heavy you'll sprain your neck trying to keep up. The original version is noisy and dope in its own right, but I prefer this more relentlessly propulsive remix. More of this sort of thing, please, Mr. Jones.
"Here With Me (Colin Jay Remix)"- Marshmello, feat. Chvrches
I just love Chvrches, but they aren't exactly known for their dance tracks. They're more like Goth pop. You can maybe jump around to it, but dance? Not really. In its original form, this song sticks with the Chvrches formula, even with DJ Marshmello involved. Not so this remix, by Colin Jay, which brings in a House-type keyboard line and a hip-hop beat and suddenly, Chvrches are danceable AF. Go figure.
"Bipolar (No Mana Remix)"- Kiiara
This fantastic remix takes listeners on a sexy mind trip- the perfect backdrop for a song that deals with mental health struggles, particularly as they relate to relationships, which, as anyone who's been involved with someone with such problems can attest, can be pretty demanding. Speaking for myself, it's a real rollercoaster, believe you me. But there are two sides to every equation, and it's always nice to hear from both sides- especially if the results are this creatively rewarding.
"LesAlpx (Extended Mix)"- Floating Points
One of the subgenres The Chemical Brothers pioneered was psychedelic techno, in songs like "Setting Sun" and "Let Forever Be." Others, such as Brian Eno, fused that subset with a more mellow vibe, for what became known as trance, or ambient music. You can hear elements of both in the music of Floating Points, which is very loosely structured and free-flowing.
This song, which, in its extended form runs well over ten minutes, starts out fairly minimalist and ambient, before eventually morphing into something more beat-driven and propulsive, with lots of layers and quirky touches. This isn't the sort of thing that spawns a lot of hits, per se, but FP's music is certainly critically-acclaimed amongst those who like this sort of thing. If you don't dig on songs with epic lengths, his single "Last Bloom" is significantly shorter, at just over 4 minutes- if not as good as this one, IMHO.
Fun facts: Floating Points is actually the moniker of Sam Shepherd- no, not the playwright, of The Right Stuff fame, lol: that would be Sam Shepard. Shepherd is, believe it or not, an actual neuroscientist. Interestingly, there is also a neurosurgeon, by the name of Sam Sheppard, who was accused, convicted, and later exonerated of murdering his wife in the 50's and 60's.
"Takeaway (Shipwrek Remix)"- The Chainsmokers & Illenium, feat. Lennon Stella
Another House-influenced remix, I actually like this version better than the original, and it's certainly much more danceable. Also, it's cool to see Stella, of Lennon & Maisy fame (if you know them, it's probably because you watched the show Nashville), strike out on her own (sort of), and in a different genre altogether.
Stella does have an EP, entitled Love, Me, which was released in 2018, however, for those who want to hear her all on her own for real. Check that out here (it's the first five songs on the playlist). She's also looking mighty stunning these days, I might add. 😍
"On My Way (DJ Salva Garcia & DJ Alex Melero Edit)"- Alan Walker feat. Sabrina Carpenter x Farruko
DJ Alan Walker has an interesting vibe- he looks like a mugger, with his black hoodie and face mask- see pic above- but his music is actually pretty laid-back and mellow. Meanwhile, pop hottie Sabrina Carpenter, formerly of Disney's Girl Meets World and more recently in the acclaimed The Hate U Give, is cute as a button, with a voice to match.
Finally, the Puerto Rican singer Farruko, is best-known for his collaborations with Daddy Yankee, Jory, and J Alvarez, before becoming a hitmaker in his own right, as well as working with Nicki Minaj and Travis Scott, among others.
Put 'em all together and what have you got? A decent down-tempo slow-burner. But add DJ Salva Garcia & DJ Alex Melero to the mix, and you've got a certified banger, with inventive production and cool beats.
Walker's "Alone, Pt. II," featuring Ava Max is also pretty good, and groovy in its original form, but I like this one the best, albeit in this preferred version. Walker's stuff is well-worth checking out in its own right, though- here's a handy playlist so you can do just that.
"Work It (Soulwax Remix)"- Marie Davidson
“You wanna know how I get away with everything? I work- all the fucking time.” The perfect song for your next feminist protest rally: "Sweat to be a winner!" indeed. Gotta love it. The original is solid, but this is the one you want to blare on your stereo or iPod/phone, trust me.
"Ever Again (Soulwax Remix)"- Robyn
Soulwax strikes again with this fabulous remix of the already-excellent single from the legendary Robyn, one of the most consistent hitmakers in the techno-pop scene- this girl writes hits in her sleep, as fans will attest. She's also a favorite of remixers, and this is one of the best, if not the best of her current crop of single remixes. The Yaeji remix of "Beach 2k20" is also pretty great and very inventive- not that the songs weren't already awesome as it was.
"Joys (Purple Disco Machine Extended Remix)"- Roberto Surace
The original is a floor-filler, to be sure, and the video is highly amusing, but give me this longer, even funkier remix any day of the week, which transforms the former straight-up House track into something more inventive and layered, and adds even more of that killer S.O.S. Band sample ("The Finest") and more guitar to go along with that impressive bass bumping. If the original is pure 90's, this one takes things way back to the 80's, with serious finesse.
"Don't Start Now (Purple Disco Machine Remix)"- Dua Lipa
The Purple Disco Machine strikes again! I already loved this song as it was, and previously included it on my Best Pop Songs of the year list, and it was already pretty discofied as it was, but damned if PDM don't take it to another level here, throwing in some hip-hop style vocal stutters, some House-style piano, and one fantastic drop towards the end, all in under four minutes. Nice. The "Pink Panda" mix is almost as good, and even more House-oriented, for those who can't get enough of that.
"Juice (Breakbot Mix)"- Lizzo
Definitely in the same vein as the Purple Disco Machine remixes, this one takes an already funky as hell song and takes it back to the 80's for a supremely groovy tour de funk, complete with vocoder effects. Don't be surprised if you find yourself liking this even more than the original. The "Good as Hell" remix with Ari is pretty solid, too, but nowhere near as much of a reworking as this one.
“Underwater (Yotto's Dusk & Dawn Remixes)"- Rüfüs Du Sol
I've included a "cheat" on all my lists thus far- here's this list's dual entry. It's a bit more justified here, though, as the two remixes are for the same song. But don't let that fool you, as each has their own vibe, which naturally suits the title: there's the slow-burn, menacing 80's-ish groove of "Dusk" and the brighter, sunnier, but still melancholic "Dawn." Both are worth hearing, though, no matter what time of day it might be, and mark a fine ending to this particular list.
Thanks, as always, for reading, and be sure to join me, on the other side of the Oscars, for my Movies of the Year, Pt. 1 and my Albums of the Year list, plus a special bonus one with a look at artists you might never have heard of, but should definitely check out! 😉
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