BOTR vol 12

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.

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BOTR vol 09

OMG, TGIF, welcome at last to another BOTR on TWF.  I thought this month I would try to get this volume of Best of the Month onto the interwebs in time for the extended holiday weekend {only extended for us Yanks, much apologies to the rest of the globe.  And have fun working on Monday}.  For those of you looking to get some folks dancing at a Labor Day party {or just looking to get the ladies in the mood} feel free to download all the tracks below or cruise through this link to check out all the other BOTR volumes.

All the tracks in one zip file : here {zshare = left click}

If you’d rather just download the music and not read my totally brilliant commentary {it’s currently 1:13 AM as I’m typing it} click the link above and be on your merry way.  All the tracks below are available to be downloaded directly from this page.  Simply right click and save it.

mp3 : Bugo – Sesto Senso (NT89 Remix)
I have no idea what’s going on in this remix.  It’s fast, it’s slow, it’s Italian.  It’s quite and loud and eerily it lacks a discernible beat for almost the entire track.  It reminds me of dreaming.

mp3 : Coldplay vs Nas – If I Viva la Vida (Starters Remix)
The Nas rhymes feel a bit overclocked up on this track, but they flow nicely with the Coldplay anthem.  I kinda wish Nas was actually on more of the song, but that’s just me.  It’s a great remix.

mp3 : Crystal Castles vs Health – Crimewave (LAZRtag Remix)
If I was in the dark on the Bugo remix above then this track leaves me standing outside, in freezing rain, with a new moon.  Yet for some reason I love the cold, I like the rain, and darkness, apparently, is a good friend.  Wait for the beat to drop about ninety seconds into this one.  It is worth the wait.

mp3 : Cut Copy – Hearts on Fire (Knightlife Remix)
Question; Who knew a remix of Cut Copy could make them sound even more like they’re a band from the eighties?  Answer; Knightlife knew exactly what to do to make Cut Copy into even more of a cliche.  A very danceable, lovable, Miami Vice-able cliche.

mp3 : Daft Punk – Harder Better Faster Stronger (Coin Operated Boy Remix)
Just when you thought this song had been remixed far {and I do mean far} too many times, along comes a new track that simply begs to be heard.  Easily one of the top three tracks in this volume this is a must download.  Wait for everything to hit the floor at exactly one minute into the track.  Just brilliant.

mp3 : Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal (Black Dominoes Remix)
I have nothing to write here, I’m still listening to the Daft Punk remix.  Ok, that’s done {played it twice}, on with the show.  This track is short and sweet and serves as a perfect transition piece between dance beats.  Dig it.

mp3 : Gorillaz – Kids With Guns (Hot Chip Remix)
What’s not to like about a band made up entirely of cartoon characters?  Nothing.  And sweet and steady remixes of their tracks are welcome as well.  Especially this one.

mp3 : John Legend and Andre 3000 – Green Light (MSTRKRFT Remix)
I’ve died and gone to heaven {twice} and this is the music they play while you wait in the queue at the pearly gates.  Honestly it is that good.  This is magic {or is it “illusions!, Michael”} contained in four amazing minutes.  Could this be the surprise smash hit of the summer?  Could this be a one song repeat style playlist for an entire party?

mp3 : Lil’ Wayne – Lollipop (LAZRtag Remix)
Who the frak allowed Lil’ Wayne to make this list?  Have no fear, I’m firing my editors tomorrow.  As long as it’s on the list you should hear the way LAZRtag makes Lil’ Wayne not only bearable but actually relevant.  They should win a Nobel Prize for this.

mp3 : MGMT – Kids (Burntpiano Robo Remix)
Be warned, this remix might be the most addicting song you’ve heard all month.  Not kidding.  The entire track has been reworked {this could almost count as a cover song} into pure digital bliss.  Even the vocals.  Not kidding.  And you’ll love it.  Double not kidding two point one.

mp3 : Red Hot Chili Peppers – By The Way (Headburn Remix)
This is the perfect kickoff track for any party the world over.  Throw this seven minute wonder onto the top of each and every playlist you’ve ever created.  It’s a slow starter, it’s a quasi crowd pleaser, and it just might be the best RHCP remix I’ve ever heard.

mp3 : The Ting Tings – That’s Not My Name (LA Riots Remix)
Hand. Claps. Are. Awesome.  Period.  LA Riots have made this track into something great.  Great things are awesome too.

mp3 : This Is Ivy League – London Bridges (FHR Remix)
Hey kids, now that you’re home from school let’s think of something constructive we can do with our holiday weekend.  I feel like this could easily be the background music to some trippy modern day after school special.  The type of school special that would feature copious amounts of high fives and thumbs ups.  Maybe even a cut-it-out or two.

Ok, enough of my blathering on and on.  I’m tired, it’s after 2 in the morning and I was partying hard the last day or so.  Have fun this weekend on whatever continent you’re currently residing.  Cheers, and come back often.

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