Crafting a catchy, memorable and creative remix is a very fine art; far more intricate and skilled than simply taking the original track, crowbarring in a computerised drum rhythm and playing around with the tempo. Some artists like to experiment with differing rhythmic structures while others integrate and intersperse entirely new genres. Alternatively, there is a more subtle style developing based around the concept of minimalism, where tonal harmonies, reiteration and immaculate production are common.
Regardless of approach, the more interesting remixes will add another dimension to the original track, shedding new light on the sounds and offering the listener a fresh and exciting experience. Some remixes are guilty of taking this to the extreme however and can dilute the track too much - the essence of the original version must be maintained.
In effect, the balance between innovation and familiarity is not only an essential component of a classic mix, but it is within the attainment of this balance that the great challenge lies. To demonstrate this, let us look at some fine recent examples of the art of the remix.
Gold Panda - Marriage (Remixes)
Originally hailing from Essex, Gold Panda has a very impressive track record in the remix arena with mash-ups for Little Boots, Telepathe, Bloc Party and Simian Mobile Disco to name but a few. The tables have turned however in this new EP, released earlier this year, in which his new single 'Marriage' is given the treatment by a number of very accomplished electronic acts. Baths, Halls and Forest Swords showcase their credentials with some exciting mixes of ambience, minimalism and deep electronic sounds.
For pure futuristic originality however, the title goes to Star Slinger whose exciting synth-driven rework boasts a fantastic mix of intricate snappy beats and ambient electronic sounds. The result, a refreshing, euphoric mix with slight hints of dub step. Great stuff.
Tellison - Contact! Contact! Remixed
A really interesting rework of an indie rock album which proves that remixes are not reserved exclusively for electronic tracks. The original album - Contact! Contact! - is high-octane does of energetic guitar music with sporadic injections of laid back, lyrical masterpieces and - in essence - the 'Remixed' version is targeted predominantly at fans of this original work. There are some real hidden gems towards the end of this 13-track offering that really leap out and slap the listener in the face (in a good way).
Disaster! Disaster! (Sonolmoss - London Found Remix) is characterised by summery flourishes of light and breezy vocal samples. The combination of this uplifting sound and the blissfully simple electronic beat gives this track an almost hypnotic tone; a sort of weightlessness.
Hospital (Dr D's Stray Mix) borrows heavily from the original version both in terms of song structure and in its emphasis on the fantastic lyricism that typifies this track. Instrumentally, the 'London Found' remix is very minimalist; a feature which serves predominantly to highlight the mastery of the lyrics. Quite right too.
Wasp's Nest (Pierce Remix) is intricate, interesting and demands more than a single listen. A very layered remix which is actually quite far removed from the original track insofar as it possesses a far more chilled out, end-of-the-night vibe.
Bloc Party - Where Is Home? (Burial Remix)
Lay back, close your eyes and just absorb the deep, chilled ambience of this outstandingly hallucinogenic foray into a classic piece of Burial genius. The sonorous baseline is interwoven with smooth and sporadic flutterings from the synthesiser while samples of Kele Okereke's unmistakable tones are interspersed throughout. Burial is a true master of the remix.
Radiohead - Reckoner (Leftside Wobble Remix)
Without question one of the most irresistible Radiohead mixes out there; which is no soft compliment. Atmospheric, hypnotic and, at its heart, a truly beautiful piece of music. The stunning simplicity of the memorable guitar riff, Thom Yorke's unmistakable vocal tones and the unique crashing percussion are enhanced by a dream-like and mesmeric synth-based melody that transforms this track into lullaby that gently caresses the ears as the listener continues to drift away.
For fans of Thom Yorke and his solo record 'The Eraser', here is another fantastic remix of track 'The Clock'.
Zero 7 - Destiny (Photek Remix)
A vintage Downtempo-House style intro sets the tone of the track as the music builds for the first minute. The timely introduction of Sia Furler's soulful vocals adds more depth to the mix as the driving computerised beat maintains the energy. Furler's voice conjures up the same hedonistic tones that one might associate with the original 'Destiny' track although unlike the Zero 7 version, this remix remains intriguingly minimalist in its approach; a technique that works superbly well in this instance.
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