Comment: Britain’s ultra-talented electro-pop band returns with another mega single to add to their impressive discography of recent hits. This time UK’s techno group mixes in various spellbinding synths and mind-crushing baselines to accompany Elly Jackson’s haunting vocal. This will become a fall dance classic when this single drops stateside.
Grade: A+
The Weepies – Can’t Go Back Now
Comment: This folk pop band from Cambridge, Mass., recorded this bittersweet short tune for the Adam Soundtrack. This track’s heartbreaking vocal coupled with its resonating message provides a harmony reminiscent of classic Simon & Garfunkel.
Grade: B+
Deadmau5 – Ghost N’ Stuff (Nero Remix)
Comment: Joel Zimmerman (AKA Deadmau5) is one of Canada’s hottest music producers who has achieved global recognition for unleashing monster electro and progressive house dance tunes. This time he has enlisted Robert Swire to provide seductive vocals to rework his trippy psychedelic electronic-driven instrumental. Nero, UK’s revered drum & bass maestros (remixed Beyonce & The Streets), provided big beat grooves into the mix to transform this track into an instant dance-floor filler smash hit.
Grade: A
Kings of Leon – Be Somebody (Will Atkinson Remix)
Comment: These long-haired alternative indie rockers from Nashville have been one of America’s top headliners this year. DJ Atkinson rolls out this massive beat-driven mix by incorporating tribal drums and explosive electro-house driven flavors underneath the band’s highly emotive chorus. This new bootleg proves this lad from Sheffield, England, could become a globally recognized name in years to come.
Grade: A-
Radiohead – These Are My Twisted Words
Comment: The British band has reportedly recorded several tracks and started to leak out this new record for fans to salivate over. Two years since he gave his In Rainbows LP away for free, Thom Yorke and his bandmates have leaked this new track on fan sites. The song is filled with their signature distorted guitar riffs, computer-driven beats and synthesizers. While this song does not have the same radio-friendly appeal as Reckoner, this tune showcases the band’s gift for employing various odd-end instruments into their records. Fans will have to remain patient to see if the band’s next LP will rank closer to OK Computer or the underwhelming Hail to The Thief.
Grade: B
Honorable Mention:
U2-Crazy (Alex Metric Remix)
Comment: DJ Metric revamps the Irish super group’s new single into a heavy electro-beat driven dance floor stomper filled with vocoder sound effects and breakbeats, while retaining the band’s quintessential sound. Unfortunately, Alex and his managerial team have informed SkyTram that it is now highly unlikely that this remix will ever garner an official release. While U2’s record label (Island) liked the dance mix, the band itself decided to pass on it. Let us hope this sensational remix gets leaked to a Web site near you!
Grade: A+
In The Spotlight: U2-Crazy (Alex Metric Remix)
Posted8/19/09
