Bloc Party – Intimacy Remixed
When I first learned I had to write a review for the new Bloc Party album I was very excited. When I saw that it was a remix album, I was happier than Meg Griffin getting a date to prom. If there is anything I love more than music, it’s remixed music. Bloc Party hails from England with three previous albums under their belts, including another remix album of their first release Silent Alarm. Bloc Party untouched and unscathed is fantastic to begin with. Bloc Party remixes are heroin for the musical part of your brain. Each song on Intimacy Remixed gets better and better and you feel that euphoria. While listening to the original version of Intimacy, it becomes clear that this album was meant for a remix. Its underlying electronic sound mixed with alternative and indie rock is the perfect combination for making stellar remixes. “Ares (Villains Remix)” does not start out as explosive as its original form but its danceable beat slowly picks up as singer Kele Okereke tells us “We’ll get f****d up.” And f****d up we shall as we continue listening to each electronic infused beat. The one downside of many remixes is that the lyrics take a real beating. The lyrics tend to lose their meaning, even if most of them are kept in the song. “Halo” is a song with fast drumming and electrifying guitar riffs but its lyrics are so much more. Okereke opens up about his paralyzing desires for the one he loves. Unfortunately this tale of devotion and pain is never told in the remixed version.
“Biko (Mogwai Remix)” is able to keep its melancholy feel and story of heartache. A synth drum adds a distinguished beat to the song but it doesn’t take away from the emotional aspect. The song will still cause a pain in your heart as you sing for Biko to toughen up and be strong for the both of them. The album continues with its fast paced electronic/trance sound. Each song I can see myself dancing to at a club, getting my well deserved groove on. When I reached the song “Talons (Phones R.I.P Mix), I had to refer back to the original version because I could barely recognize the song. The remix is all well and good on its own but it doesn’t reflect the former. A well done remix is one that builds upon the foundation of the song, adding something new to the established roots of the music. Intimacy Remixed is a cohesive album overflowing with pulsating beats and provocative rhythms. If you enjoyed Intimacy and want more, here it is. If you want some heart pumping electronic music to listen to, then snatch this up because Bloc Party remixed does not disappoint.
Bloc Party – Signs (Armand Van Helden Remix)
Is it me or does Bloc Party always seem to be doing something? They are back with a remixed version of last year’s Intimacy. The album does have a few remixes that will catch your eye from the likes of Mogwai and No Age. Armand Van Helden does exactly what you would think he would do with this track. He provides the song with that big punched up beat and a few other bells in whistles along the way. I always find it interesting, when a track is so morose and depressing, how remixes can just completely change the tone of the song. The band had me hooked into their remix album regardless of this single. If you are like me and must have everything it will be worth it. But, for everyone else, just wait for the album release to sneak into these remixes.
SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2009
Now in its 9th year, SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS returns on Sat July 25th and Sun July 26th at Byron Bay’s Belongil Fields to present its much anticipated annual mid-winter music celebration. With offerings from around the globe, the 2009 line-up packs a punch with a flock of Splendour first timers, festival favourites and exclusive one-off performances to boot. But first, to the all-important ticketing information.
This year all tickets to SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS will again be sold online through the ticketing service, Qjump, via www.qjump.com.au. As has been the case for the past 3 years, all ticket-holders will need to supply their name and date of birth so these details can be printed onto their ticket.
Tickets go on sale at www.qjump.com.au from 9am on Thursday 14th May
Here is what we have of the lineup so far
Bloc Party (in their ONLY Australian show), The Flaming Lips, Jane’s Addiction, MGMT (also in their ONLY Australian show), Hilltop Hoods, Grinspoon, Midnight Juggernauts, The Specials, Sarah Blasko, Augie March, Josh Pyke, Friendly Fires, Little Birdy, Birds Of Tokyo, The Gutter Twins, Manchester Orchestra, Yuksek, Bob Evans, White Lies, Kram, Yves Klein Blue, Decoder Ring, Lost Valentinos, Leader Cheetah, Jack Ladder, The Middle East, Polaroid Fame and Glass Towers
Bloc Party :: Intimacy Remixed out on May 11th
Bloc Party release a new single ‘Signs’ (Armand Van Helden Remix) on 27 April, through Wichita Recordings. The single is taken from the band’s forthcoming album ‘Intimacy Remixed’ which will be released on 11 May. ‘Intimacy Remixed’ is a limited edition release available on CD and triple vinyl.
Track listing for ‘Intimacy Remixed’ is as follows:
1 Ares – Villains remix
2 Mercury – Hervé Is In Disarray remix
3 Halo – We Have Band Dub
4 Biko – Mogwai remix
5 Trojan Horse – John B remix
6 Signs – Armand Van Helden remix
7 One Month Off – Filthy Dukes remix
8 Zephyrus – Phase One remix
9 Talons – Phones RIP remix
10 Better Than Heaven – No Age remix
11 Ion Square – Banjo or Freakout remix
12 Letter To My Son – Gold Panda remix
13 Your Visits are Getting Shorter – Double D Remix