Remixes: Alternative Remix Anthems

Remixes usually put a Dance slant to good songs. A lot of the time, they are awful. Adding uneeded "donks" (heavy synthesised bass), turning up the snare and bass drum that sting your ears. The result is heard up and down high streets across Britain; vibrating Vauxhall Novas filled with cap wearing idiots. In the world of Alternative music, every song that is released as a single seems to have several remixes made by up and coming bands. Most of these are ignored, unless you are obsessed with a certain song, so is there any point? Yes, there is. The remix is a powerful thing that can change a mediocre or poor song into a fast paced thriller or bring out the lyrics that seem lost in a narritive of noise.
Here are some of the best alternative remixes done in modern times:

3OH!3 - Still Around (Remix)
This band are renouned for really being a feminists worst nightmare. Disrespectful and abrasive, they produce a Rap inspired, Emo records that have a "Parental Guidance" sticker on. However, this remix brings out a softer sound, you can hear his regret and disappointment in his voice that in the original you couldnt hear.


Bloc Party Vs Hadouken! - The Prayer (Remix)
A very fun and well worked song. Sampling the bridge of Banquet and adding their own lyrics, Hadouken! talk about ironic aspects of living in modern society as a teenager whilst having a laugh. Its a short song, unlike a lot of remixes but truly one of the best ever.


Editors Vs Tiesto - Papillon (Remix)
Tiesto are a big name, so you expect big things. Its sucessful in creating a more dancefloor friendly version of Papillon whilst making the synth loop of the editors sound like that of Kraftwerk or other original electronica bands from the late 70's and early 80's.


Franz Ferdinand - No You Girls (Vince Clarke Remix)
A real foot-tapper than has made Alex, the singer sound a bit like a pre-pubescent boy. Good use of dance music.


Ian Brown - Just Like You (Prodigy Remix)
The ex Stone Roses must have been chuffed to bits when he heard a massive worldwide name wanted to remix his work. The result speak for itself, bass heavy but brilliant.


Interpol - Heinrich Maneuver (Phones Remix)
Starts off slow like a 90's Moby track. However, it morphs into a Daft-Punk style dance anthem. Half way Paul Banks lends his barotone vocals over a break down, in a way that really works well. It is mainly dominated by the dance music though, so it may fall out of favour with Interpol fans.


Kids In Glass Houses - Fisticuffs (Sam Wire Remix)
Incredible! Probably the most energetic remixes of a rock band I've heard. Simple and effective.


Pheonix - Fences (Friendly Fires Remix)
Friendly Fires dont do much in the way of changing this into a dance song like most of these; just make it easier on the ear. I advice you listen to this through good quality headphones.


White Lies - Death (Chase & Status Remix)
A euphoric masterclass from Chase & Status doning well to keep the magic of the song alive too.


By David Wells