Hits/Covered Up: Womanly Lily Allen

Interrupting the best of 2008 countdown posts, here's my first "regular" music post in a while. As I plan on having more frequent updates (not having to upload music works cuts down the preparation time significantly!), I've gotten rid of the numbering of posts. I'm pretty attached to the categories and labels I've already started, so I won't be revamping those, but you might see some new ones pop up and others fade out. I've been a bit out of the loop as far as updating readers, so some features might be a bit recycled for a while, but bear with me and eventually I'll have my old edge back.

To kick things off, British tabloid darling Lily Allen has at last resumed her musical career, and pop fans everywhere are loving the results. The first single released from her upcoming album, the cheekily-titled It's Not Me, It's You, "The Fear" is easily her best. It may not be a fresh soundclash like her debut smash "Smile," but her lyrics are sharper than ever. Ridiculing the money-fueled, glam-focused celebrity example, it's a hilariously cynical and immediately resonant take on our modern culture. Eschewing her debut record's pop/ska fusion for a slick, futuristic electropop flavor, producer Greg Kurstin (the man behind Kylie Minogue's "Wow" among other pop classics) does an amazing job of updating Lily's sound without washing her sass out of the equation. Out in early February, It's Not Me, It's You is definitely on my list of new music to check out. If you're looking for some quick fun, try playing the online game "Escape The Fear" on Lily's website (see the link below the playlist at the bottom of this post).

Always outspoken, especially for her harsh criticisms of fellow pop stars and celebrities, Lily surprised reporters by recently declaring her love for Britney Spears. Taking her unexpected fondness to a new level, she released an in-studio live cover of Britney's massive comeback hit "Womanizer" online. Stripping it back to acoustics and piling on her well-known, heavily-accented Brit flair, it's a smooth, sultry revision that unmasks the tracks true merits. Props to Lily for the unlikely achievement, and congrats to the song's writers for crafting a track that can hold its own even without the original's high-power production.

Links:
Lily Allen's official website
"Escape The Fear" interactive online game

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Review: Best Albums Of 2008, Part 2 (Nos. 1-10)

It wasn't a fluke! Tell your friends and fellow music lovers that Different Is Dangerous is really back for good, and make sure to subscribe via the feeds on the left of the page to keep updated on new posts. Here's the second half of my albums countdown for 2008, a year which saw a lot of new faces making a big impression on my stereo. Stay tuned for lists featuring honorable mentions and compilations, as well as a huge recap of my favorite singles and remixes of the year.

1. Yelle, Pop-Up: Without a doubt the freshest new pop star to break out internationally in 2008, Yelle has an in-your-face attitude backed with irresistible electro beats provided by DJs GrandMarnier and Tepr. Her debut album never is a relentless set of instant pop gems, and the most fun record I've listened to all year. From club stompers, like global underground hits "Je Veux Te Voir" and "A Cause Des Garçons," to midtempo singalongs "Ce Jeu" and "Amour Du Soul" (not to mention the near-orgasmic, synth-filled climax of "Tristesse/Joie") Pop-Up is an energetic, infectious success. Preview: "Tristesse/Joie" [check out my full review here]***

2. Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend: Oddly enough, despite being a blogger myself, I didn't get into Vampire Weekend by way of the huge online hype generated in the run-up to their debut album's early 2008 release. Instead, I listened to them on a whim and ended up immediately buying and falling in love with the record. Full of more hooks and insistent rhythmic tricks than anything else in the blogosphere, Vampire Weekend's hip mix of indie rock, pure pop and straight-up eclecticism is a winning combination from the first track to the last. Preview: "Mansard Roof" [check out my full review here]

3. Goldfrapp, Seventh Tree: Making a sharp about-face from the glammed-up disco confections and comedowns of 2005's Supernature, Seventh Tree sees the duo stripped back to a downtempo palette even sparser than that of their debut, the hushed, majestic Felt Mountain. Arresting acoustic ballads like lead single "A&E" are wedged between sitar-laden walls of sound ("Little Bird") and bare, haunting lullabies ("Clowns," "Some People"). There is an alluring sense of resignation and isolated contemplation, balanced by a flair for the epic, as in classic singles "Happiness" and "Caravan Girl." Detour or not, it's a stunning direction for Goldfrapp. Preview: "Clowns" [check out my full review here]

4. Cut Copy, In Ghost Colours: It only takes one listen to fall for In Ghost Colours, but with every successive spin new layers begin to reveal themselves and a deep love for Cut Copy's sophomore disc takes root. In Ghost Colours will instantly convert any doubters of modern electronic music, from the ecstatic builds of catchy singles "Hearts On Fire" and "Lights And Music" to flooring album tracks like "Out There On The Ice" and "So Haunted." Full of warm synths and uplifting melodies, it subtly mines the sounds of electronic predecessors like New Order and Depeche Mode, alongside futurebound production by LCD Soundsystem's Tim Goldsworth (who also had a hand in my number 20 pick, Hercules And Love Affair), creating an album of remarkable depth and emotion. Preview: "Lights And Music" [check out my preview here]

5. The Raveonettes, Lust Lust Lust: Back with a raw sound dripping with feedback and distortion, The Raveonettes have hit a new career peak with the unsettling Lust Lust Lust. Taking the frantic energy of their debut full-length (2003's Chain Gang Of Love) and slowing it down, the record is a dark, melancholy rumination on love, lust and loss. It's an album that deserves to be listened to in full, at full volume, for even its standouts (including single "You Want The Candy" and most of the whole first half of the disc) are dwarfed by its power as a complete set. The dense, singular musical vision of Lust Lust Lust unconsciously succeeds in making a strong case for the continued relevance of the album format, something that has become unfortunately rare in our current digital climate. Preview: "Dead Sound" [check out my full review here]***

6. Santogold, Santogold: Emerging from her role as A&R director and pop songwriter to take center stage, Santogold commands a unique blend of sounds on par with fellow trailblazers like M.I.A., and even Siouxsie Sioux long before. Backed by slick production from Switch and Diplo, with a voice that alternates between a brash, bouncy yelp and a powerful singing register, Santogold's debut is an unmissable set that brings together the best and boldest of nearly every popular genre out there. Preview: "Say Aha" [check out my preview here]

7. MGMT, Oracular Spectacular: Building up a rabid fanbase over the past few years, MGMT finally broke through to the almost-mainstream of indie rock this year with the full release of their entrancing first record Oracular Spectacular. Built on solid song structures and writing, it's covered in psycheledic flourishes and utterly unique progressive touches, as on the storming, bombastic glam stargazing of years-old lead single "Time To Pretend." The tight grooves of "Electric Feel" and the stadium charm of "Kids" are just a few of the standouts in a short collection packed full of winners. Preview: "The Youth"***

8. Coldplay, Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends: Breaking the spell of X&Y's calculated arena ambitions, Coldplay's fourth album is a leap into new sonic territory for the band. Absorbing a wide palette of new sounds, Viva La Vida eschews their past reliance on formulaic songwriting to instead focus on developing their musicality. While the lyrics sometimes still falter, and several songs fail to lift themselves out of the context of the whole, it's a worthwhile transitional record that demonstrates Coldplay are progressing towards greatness. Plus, it contains some of their finest work to date (see international hit "Viva La Vida" for instant proof). Preview: "Lovers In Japan" [read my full review here]

9. Madonna, Hard Candy: To be frank, Hard Candy is by no means Madonna's finest album, or even within her top five efforts. For the most part, it's an uneven attempt to cater to the hip-hop addiction of America's youth, and falls flat in several places. When the unlikely collaborations with the Neptunes and Timbaland work, though, they really work. Bringing a fresh R&B beat to simple pop tunes, dance monster "Give It 2 Me" and singalong treat "Heartbeat," along with the soaring, if utterly derivative, "All Good Things (Come To An End)" rewrite "Miles Away," are Madonna's best tracks of the 21st century. It's not an artistic high point, but when she loosens up and stops trying for hits (as on the overwhelming soundclash "4 Minutes"), Madonna successfully reminds listeners of why she's still the Queen. Preview: "Heartbeat" [check out my full review here]

10. Crystal Castles, Crystal Castles: From the first beats of "Untrust Us," Crystal Castles is an addictive, enthralling listen. The duo score immediate favorites with soaring synth washes ("Vanished") and sinister, glitchy electro numbers ("Crimewave," "Courtship Dating"), creating a sound that draws inspiration from both their Atari-inspired namesake and Death From Above 1979. Repetition and cheap thrills abound, but the album's contrast of rough, punk-fueled outbursts interspersed with taut hipster dance grooves is genius. Preview: "Untrust Us" [check out my preview here]

***Notes: Several of these releases actually first surfaced in 2007, but are featured on the 2008 list because they received either their first US release or a full, mainstream or physical release in 2008. Yelle's Pop-Up came out in September 2007 in France, but in 2008 in America and the rest of Europe. The Raveonettes' Lust Lust Lust was released in November 2007 in the UK, but a few months later with an updated tracklisting in the US. MGMT's Oracular Spectacular had a US digital release way back in fall of last year, but didn't see a full physical and international release until the first half of 2008. With all of its single releases and promotional schedule limited to this year, I think it's fair to include it. Though not entirely confined to the 2008 release schedules, these three albums, at least for me, were very much a part of this year's musical landscape and for that reason deserve to be on the list regardless of specifics.

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Review: Best Albums Of 2008, Part 1 (Nos. 11-20)

For my first real post back, I'm kicking off with my countdowns of the best music of 2008. To start the recaps, I've picked out my top 20 albums of 2008. Listed here is the second half of the list, numbers 11 through 20, and still to come are my top 10 and a list of the best compilations and other odds-and-ends. New to the blog is the music player at the bottom of every post. Scroll down to see an imeem playlist with all the featured tracks in the post to listen to, with links to search for the songs on Amazon and iTunes. I'm no longer featuring free downloads, but I will make sure to provide occasional links to other sites, as well as include promotional downloads approved for free previewing. Let me know how you like it!

11. The Killers, Day & Age: The Killers roared back into relevancy after a lukewarm response to 2006's Sam's Town, tapping electronic producer Stuart Price (of Confessions On A Dance Floor fame) for an album full of bombast and experimentation. Lead-off singles "Human" and "Spaceman" are their best yet, while tracks like "I Can't Stay" test out new rhythms and sounds. Day & Age, with its scattered gems and bold range, sounds like a bridge between their debut, 2004's Hot Fuss, and something possibly great on the horizon for album four. Preview: "Neon Tiger"

12. Moby, Last Night: Following the low-key, sample-free Hotel, Moby returned to the dancefloor on Last Night, an album chronicling the many stages in the evolution of dance music while documenting each part of a long night out at the club. Ranging from classic house and disco to rave and downtempo comedowns, it's a concise journey highlighting Moby's strengths, even if it doesn't push any new boundaries for the electronica pioneer. Preview: "Disco Lies" [check out my preview here]

13. Carla Bruni, Comme si de rien n'etait: With a delicate voice reminiscent of Jane Birkin or Charlotte Gainsbourg, French First Lady Carla Bruni's third album is a fresh, intoxicating collection of love songs and reflections worth crossing language barriers for. Preview: "L'amoureuse" [check out my full review here]

14. Cat Power, Jukebox: Though not a match for her 2006 masterpiece, The Greatest, Chan Marshall's second set of cover songs is a remarkably sad, beautiful record. Her hearfelt, soul-injected renditions of "Silver Stallion" and "Don't Explain," along with the haunting "Ramblin' (Wo)man" and the excellent, stark takes included on the limited edition bonus disc, make Jukebox a must-listen for Cat Power fans. Preview: "Silver Stallion" [check out my full review here]

15. Sharleen Spiteri, Melody: Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri stepped away from the band for a solo album steeped in the retro mood that Amy Winehouse and countless others fought to resurrect the last two years. It recalls older Texas, and is captivating with its almost theatrical soul melodies. Melody is a seductive and evocative record that merits widespread attention. Preview: "Melody" [check out my preview here]

16. Scarlett Johansson, Anywhere I Lay My Head: Though it's easy to be skeptical of an actress's vanity album of Tom Waits covers, Scarlett Johansson's collection of yearning, affected takes deserves consideration. It all flows together for most of the album, but it all works well as a whole. Standout "I Don't Want To Grow Up" is epic with its bruised, grand statements about youth and life. Preview: "I Don't Want To Grow Up" [check out my preview here]

17. Lady GaGa, The Fame: Bursting onto the scene with an oddball persona straight out of a 60s David Bowie concert, Lady GaGa has fashioned a uniquely futuristic brand of pop with her debut set of simple, incessant club numbers. The writing may be throwaway at best, but for sheer fun and bombast it's a winner. Preview: "Boys Boys Boys" [check out my preview here]

18. Kleerup, Kleerup: The producer of Robyn's comeback "With Every Heartbeat" followed up that smash with an album that singlehandedly justifies the continued existence and evolution of electronic music. Full of enormous synth lines and light, empassioned vocals, Kleerup is a very emotional record despite its technological detachment. Preview: "Hero" [check out my preview here]

19. Duffy, Rockferry: A higher-pitched Amy Winehouse with a more mainstream appeal, Duffy's debut album hits all the right notes with an amazing range of songs. The tracks are united by their rough, unique throwback sound and well-constructed rhythms, with standouts including upbeat single "Mercy" and heartwrenching ballad "Warwick Avenue." Preview: "Rockferry" [check out my preview here]

20. Hercules And Love Affair, Hercules And Love Affair: Antony Hegarty (of the gloriously odd and beautiful Antony & The Johnsons) lends his voice to an engaging trip back to the roots of dance music. Exploring classic disco, house, soul and electro with a distinctly modern feel (courtesy of LCD Soundsystem genius Tim Goldsworthy), the project is a total success, with instant classics like "Blind" and "You Belong" wedged between grand, bold basslines and melodic hooks. Preview: "Hercules' Theme"

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Attention: The Britney Phase Is Over!

Prepare yourselves! Different Is Dangerous is coming back! OMGWTFYESSS!!! I've emerged from hibernation and am working on new music players to embed into the site. This means things will continue as they were, except instead of having free downloads of questionable legality up, I'll have a bomb player inserted right onto the page for listening and evaluating recommended tracks. I'm not so sure what to do with the old categories I had up just yet, so you might be seeing some new tags replacing the old ones, and some being phased out completely (any suggestions?). There will be a greater focus on album reviews (both new and old) than before, and more quick posts too. I'll still be posting up download previews for those digitally-inclined artists and labels who send me their music for review (which so far include the amazing independent label Matador Records), so keep those coming to probablyrustin@gmail.com. Things should be up and running within a week or two, so notify all your friends, relatives, lovers and acquaintances that the blog is on the mend and a comeback of Britney proportions is imminent! See you all soon and thanks for sticking with me in the dark times!

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Attention: Le Sigh...

The time has come to move on to other things. This blog, Different Is Dangerous, my year-old pride and joy, may be no more as of the end of this month. I have painstakingly gone through every one of my 260+ posts and removed any music files contained there to avoid any further destruction of my work. Thanks to another 8 DMCA notices that came pouring into my inbox this week, I had to act. What bothers me more than anything is that instead of contacting me directly (via the readily available email address that I provide on this home page), the RIAA members behind the takedown of my posts are instead forcing Blogger to entirely delete my posts. Luckily, some of them were saved, so I was able to salvage the reviews and commentary that I've written over the past year (with music links now removed, so all that remains is my personal, entirely legal input). To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure what my next move will be. I've become a target for a record industry that is losing profits left and right and wasting resources attacking the problem in the wrong way (like harassment of bloggers like myself). It's a terrible bridge to burn, as there are very few people left in this country who are as passionate about music as bloggers. I've spent thousands on music in my lifetime, yet I committ myself to writing about and sharing my love for the songs for free. If anybody from a label is still reading this, just check out the post below and see how many comments were written in support of what I'm doing. For a blog that gets just 1000-2000 visitors daily, and comments few and far between on most posts, it's an impressive number of replies. The jist of most of these replies is that this blog has inspired listeners to go out and explore the music they've heard. Many readers have actually bought new music and become avid fans as a result of the samples I've posted, as I knew would be the case. It's digital media that are revolutionizing music and getting people excited about artists again, and it saddens me to not only be saying goodbye to the blog as it was, but to even be witnessing this pathetic state of affairs in music.

To all of my readers, thank you so much for sticking with Different Is Dangerous over the past months. I've had an amazing time writing this blog and I can only hope that you've found something to fit or even expand your tastes on these pages. It's breaking my heart to even have to make such a serious decision about my blog, especially given how much I've put into it. For now, the blog is NOT closed, however in whatever form it may continue, it will be fundamentally different. For the sake of nostalgia, take a look back while the blog is still untouched. A lot of the posts have been torn apart by broken links, missing photos and formatting mishaps over time (not to mention deletions and removals), but for now they're still here for the world to see. I repeat that I have not made a final decision as to the fate of this blog, nor have I thought of any alternatives so far. It may stay open with a refreshed format, or I may take on some new venture (and hopefully invite all you amazing listeners along for the ride). Check back sometime next week for the final word. I guess different really was dangerous after all...

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Attention: Unsure

As you may have noticed, four posts I made over the weekend and yesterday were either taken down (thanks to a DMCA notice) or vanished mysteriously. Then again today, I woke up to find yesterday's posts (the extensive covers post and another rave post) were also gone, and that one of them was also due to a DMCA notice. They were taken down so fast that no cache exists for either post, meaning that I effectively lost all record of the posts I wrote without any chance of simply removing the preview downloads and keeping up my comments and design. This is getting a bit ridiculous, and frankly I'm starting to doubt whether I should even keep up with this. I love this blog, but I hate having to worry about record labels removing what I spend time writing and taking my intentions the wrong way. Maybe one day they'll finally fully embrace the digital music revolution, but until that day comes I'm not sure it's really feasible to keep playing this cat-and-mouse game of "where did my post go?". It's taking too long for the RIAA to realize that it isn't bloggers that are the problem. It's entirely counterintuitive to be threatening the biggest advocates of music out there, who have spent countless hours and resources following, talking about and in effect promoting their music for free (I won't even admit to how many hundreds upon hundreds of dollars I've spent over the years on CDs, records, concerts, memorabilia, etc.). Instead of spending money on petty policing, they need to focus on developing a new business model for the 21st century, one that accounts for the fact that the physical music format is no longer the biggest moneymaker, and that illegal downloading is impossible to stop. I haven't spent a single day in a business class, but from just my own lifelong knowledge and observation of the music industry, I know that something is not right and that it isn't too difficult to fix with innovation. On hiatus until I make a final decision.

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Mixed & Mashed 33/Classics 30: Movie Stars

Inspired by the handful of new "Movie Star" remixes from a promo I just got a hold of, and intent on posting some more great Róisín Murphy mixes, I decided to a post on stars and fame. There are tons of tracks in my library on the topic, and legions more about the broader subject of stars (by everyone from David Bowie to Lady GaGa). To kick things off, there are two more amazing mixes of Róisín's "Movie Star" worth checking out. Taking a completely different approach from his other remix, Junior Sanchez's "LAX" mix is an exuberant electro stormer, seemingly designed to brighten up any dancefloor. The "She Is Beautiful" mix by Sam & Di Angelis turns the single into an intoxicating piano house number, perfect for a classy moment in the middle of the night. For the Classics portion of the post, Paris Hilton (of course) gets us going with her aloof, manufactured reggae-tinged hit "Stars Are Blind." Britney Spears laments the hard times she has finding love as a star in the ultra-sappy "Lucky." Felix Da Housecat provides the dance throb for the set in a mix of his classic ode to decadence, "Silver Screen Shower Scene." The tributes to sin continue on Hole's roaring "Celebrity Skin" and Suede's grinding, scuzzed-out rock on "Filmstar." David Bowie gives us some classic perspective on his mid-career breakthrough "Fame," and Lady GaGa wraps us up with a taster from her new album. "Paparazzi" is another of her finely-crafted pop gems about the famous life, this time slowed down for contemplation and added glam effects. Those poor famous people have it so tough!

Mixed & Mashed 33:
Róisín Murphy, "Movie Star" (JNRSNCHZ LAX Mix) [YSI] (original on Overpowered)
Róisín Murphy, "Movie Star" (Sam & Di Angelis 'She Is Beautiful' Remix) [YSI] (original on Overpowered)

Classics 30:
Paris Hilton, "Stars Are Blind" [YSI] (from Paris)
Britney Spears, "Lucky" [YSI] (from Oops!...I Did It Again)
Felix Da Housecat, "Silver Screen Shower Scene" (Malibu Mix) [YSI] (original on Kittenz And Thee Glitz)
Hole, "Celebrity Skin" [YSI] (from Celebrity Skin)
Suede, "Filmstar" [YSI] (from Singles)
David Bowie, "Fame" [YSI] (from Best Of Bowie)
Lady GaGa, "Paparazzi" [YSI] (from the forthcoming The Fame)

***Note: Links removed***

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Hits 39/Shameless 09: Britney's Back!

Taken from her forthcoming album Circus, due out in early December, "Womanizer" is the return-to-form that Britney promised us last year with the ill-fated "Gimme More" video/performance and Blackout album. While she had the music ready for a big return, her head was all over the place and it didn't go down quite as planned. Now, though "Womanizer" as a song can't really stand up to "Gimme More" or "Piece Of Me," it is an insistent pop track that makes the best of her vocal abilities and backs it all up with an unmissable, if repetitive, title hook. The video completes the package to great effect. Her best since "Toxic," helmed by that video's high-profile director Joseph Khan (who also directed her classic "Stronger" clip). Reuniting her with her big-budget, entirely over-the-top pop persona of years long past, it sees her playing several racy alter egos (including one fully nude one) to the womanizer who did her wrong. It's worth watching and hearing, and definitely makes me excited for her real comeback. While waiting for Circus to drop, check out some of my favorite classic Britney tracks below (a miniature greatest hits from her heyday to the present). Now that she's cleaned herself up and gone back to being "classy sexy," maybe it will be a bit less of a guilty pleasure to listen to her. Then again, there are many reasons why Britney Spears belongs in the Shameless section... Also featured are three more noteworthy remixes of the single (another one was featured earlier), picked from the huge flood that are starting to come out.

LINK: "Womanizer" on YouTube.

UPDATE: The links have all been taken down thanks to a DCMA complaint that Blogger received about some of the songs (I'm not sure which). Sorry for those who missed out, and to whoever was understandably pissed that I posted the songs up. For future reference, I can be reached directly via email to take down tracks and will do it immediately. To preview the tracks that I mentioned, check out this blog on Hype Machine.

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Classics 29: London Conversations

Inspired by a forthcoming Saint Etienne compilation album and an old Lily Allen single, I decided to do a quick post on songs about London. As previously mentioned, the quintessential British trio are documenting their long career in an updated best-of compilation, London Conversations: The Best Of Saint Etienne, due out in the next few weeks internationally in several editions. As another taster, I've included their sprawling classic "Avenue" (included here in its full mix; an edit will be on the new collection). Lily Allen has a less optimistic view of the brighter days in the city on her infectious second hit "LDN." Pet Shop Boys slow their normal tempo and go acoustic on the somber "London," one of my favorites from the duo. Coldplay bring their trademark stadium grandeur and contemplative musings to "Cemeteries Of London," while Variety Lab take a lounge house look at a rainy day in England on the great "London In The Rain." There are definitely more London conversations out there (in my library and probably yours), but these should be a nice sampling for now.

UPDATE: The links have all been taken down thanks to a DCMA complaint that Blogger received about some of the songs (I'm not sure which). This post wasn't one of the three mentioned in the copyright complaint, but it went missing today so I figured I'd take down these tracks also. Sorry for those who missed out, and to whoever was understandably pissed that I posted the songs up. For future reference, I can be reached directly via email to take down tracks and will do it immediately. To preview the tracks that I mentioned, check out this blog on Hype Machine.

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Hits 38/Mixed & Mashed 32: The Great Remix Recap, Part II

Part II of the remix rundown started on Friday features another ten hot mixes, most of which aren't so new, but still well worth listening to. Kicking off with some very laid-back versions, Estelle's "No Substitute Love" gets a fun, relaxed electronic touch courtesy of Treasure Fingers, while Ewan Pearson gives the expansive treatment to Hot Chip's latest promo single "Hold On" in a nine-plus minute mix (check out more of his mixes here). Things heat up with The Ting Tings' forthcoming single "Be The One," in a dark, pulsating dance remake by Japanese Popstars. A huge array of remixers and amateurs are starting to tackle Britney Spears' new cut "Womanizer," but none have really done the trick for me yet. Until some official versions are released, the Loose Shus remix is a decent minimal take that strips it down to a bleepy electro groove. "Sunset Blvd." by Pacific! is great in its Touch remix form, building to a great synth wash halfway through. MGMT have had some ace big-name remixes lately, and the now-aging Soulwax mix of "Kids" is no exception (though it can't match the awesomeness of the Justice remix of "Electric Feel"). M.I.A.'s "XR2" gets a cool mix by Hydroz that doesn't depart too much from the feel of the original, but gives the obtuse growler a nice kick. Ladytron and ADULT. are cut from the same twisted electronica cloth, so it's only natural that the ADULT. mix of "Runaway" is a real widescreen grower. Slowing it down some more, Daft Punk are extended and given an amped-up groove on the EASTAR mix of "Something About Us." Last, but not least, one the Spice Girls' most memorable tracks ("Spice Up Your Life") gets an addictive modern electro makeover courtesy of Burntpiano (who also recently mixed Vampire Weekend's "Oxford Comma," featured in an earlier post).

UPDATE: The links have all been taken down thanks to a DCMA complaint that Blogger received about some of the songs (I'm not sure which). Sorry for those who missed out, and to whoever was understandably pissed that I posted the songs up. For future reference, I can be reached directly via email to take down tracks and will do it immediately. To preview the tracks that I mentioned, check out this blog on Hype Machine.

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Open Your Box 24: Crystal Castles Vs. HEALTH

Though both of the album's I'm featuring today were released much earlier in the year, I'm just now getting into them and felt it was necessary to post some samplings from them. Tied together by their bumping, insistent collaboration "Crimewave," Crystal Castles and HEALTH are relative newcomers on the electronic music scene, but are already making big waves with their dark, insanely catchy tracks. Crystal Castles quickly worked their way into my head at the start of the semester, when it seemed I would hear their self-titled album playing absolutely everywhere, day or night, at home or out at a party. Though I'm not the biggest fan of some its noise-based tracks, their simple but hard-hitting melodies can't really be beat, as on the great "Untrust Us" and "Magic Spells." HEALTH's remix disc HEALTH//DISCO completely reinvents them as dancefloor beasts, with beats and rhythms straddling several of electronica's best styles. The Pictureplane remix of "Lost Time" sounds like a techno reimagining of the New Romantic sound, with its vast expanses of sound made for filling a large, well-wired room. Conversely, the C.L.A.W.S. remix is a deep, drugged-out monster with a dirty electro beat to die for. The CFCF mix of "Triceratops" is again completely different, this time evoking the bright synths of the 80s with a distinctly modern tone. Alongside the unmatched original mix, an LA Riots remix of "Crimewave" shuffles it up and ups the excitement for play in edgier clubs. The best of all the tracks featured here, unfortunately, is a low-quality file (see below***), but the Crystal Castles mix of Klaxons' "Atlantis To Interzone" still stands as an instant classic, with its screaming riffs and big, bouncing bassline proving too hard to resist.

From Crystal Castles:
Crystal Castles, "Untrust Us" [YSI]
Crystal Castles, "Magic Spells" [YSI]

From HEALTH//DISCO:
HEALTH, "Lost Time" (Pictureplane Remix) [YSI]
HEALTH, "Triceratops" (CFCF Remix) [YSI]
HEALTH, "Lost Time" (C.L.A.W.S. Remix) [YSI]

Remixes:
Crystal Castles Vs. HEALTH, "Crimewave" [YSI] (from Crystal Castles and HEALTH//DISCO)
Crystal Castles Vs. HEALTH, "Crimewave" (LA Riots Remix) [YSI]
Klaxons, "Atlantis To Interzone" (Crystal Castles Remix) [YSI]

***Note: Links removed***

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