Remixes

While this category lends itself to abuse, there is some really cool stuff to find if you dig deep enough. Some remixers, (what the heck DO you call them anyway?) tend to really muck up a good song. The truly talented can bring a somewhat different frame of reference that really enhances the original. I have also found that it is a lot cheaper to experiment with a new or unheard of act through remixes rather than full price releases.

PETER GABRIEL Kiss That Frog PGSDG 10 Performance- Kiss That Frog was, in my opinion, the weakest song on the US release from PG. That it is utterly transformed in this remix (by William Orbit), exemplifies what a talented arranger can do. What was once filler becomes an entity in its own right. Slowly building, through Orbits patented soundscape effects, into a rollicking jam that explodes forth from your speakers. Packaged with an edit of the album version and a completely overdriven bass remix of Digging in the Dirt,(Rich E mix). A definite must have for fans. Not to be confused with PGSDX 10, which contains an edit of Kiss That Frog. Sound- The usual wall to wall imaging Orbit brings to the party, coupled with true subterranean bass. WARNING- be very careful upon the first play. The cut ends with some MIGHTY bass sine waves that could be harmful to your (speakers) health!

Yello Rubberbandman (rubber version) Mercury-YELCD 55 Performance- The best re-mix of all their work, and quite the system workout. There is usually two to three cuts per release in the Yello discography that are 100% demo quality. This Swiss duo specializes in razor sharp transients, ethereal wall to wall imaging, and simply stunning bass. No overblown soft amorphous clouds of low frequencies either. Just sheer impact with no decay. Depth, for a pop record, is top notch. Many of the percussion goodies, which Yello uses mightily, don't pan across the soundstage in a straight line. Rather, some tend to curve behind a foreground instrument during the pan. Transients and high frequencies are rendered just to the edge of brightness, lending a nice transparency with no etchy fatigue. You can JAM this record! So do yourself a favor one night. Pull yourself out of that audiophile high brow attitude, have a drink (or whatever), and get ready to have the best time between your speakers you have had in a long while. JTG

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