As we wind down and get closer to the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, let's take a look at a category that's a little less popular. A little off the beaten path, if you will. The next topic is Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical. This particular has been in existence in its current incarnation since 2002. Prior to that, the award was for Remixer of the Year. Since the name change, the award is given for specific tracks and awarded to the remixing producer. The purpose is to recognize the abilities of the producer (or production team) to take an existing song and alter it, adding, subtracting, multiplying and/or dividing elements of it which were either previously under-emphasized or completely absent, thus re-mixing the song into a new piece of auditory artwork.
Remixing is generally accepted to be a tool of dance club DJs. For as many different types of nightclubs as one can point out, there are just as many types of remixes. This year, all five of the nominated songs are straight from the world of Electronica (albeit from different countries within said world). All of them are danceable head-bobbers, however which will cut the mustard? Let's see...
Cinema (Skillex Remix), by Benny Benassi - remixed by Sonny Moore. This song is like getting two songs in one. It starts off like a typical electronica style club song, with light vocals only for effect... then the quick break down... then dub step comes in. For those of you who may not know, dub step is a relatively new sub-genre of electronica... it's a most unusual and purposefully ugly style of music (if you want to call it that). What is the appeal of it? I can only say that it makes the listener more highly aware of the crazy world through which they navigate on a daily basis. This world is crazy, and this type of musical expression seeks to connect one with that insanity, rather than elevate one to a higher vibration, in order to better the world in which one lives. So how does this song sound? Well, it splits the difference, between a catchy club/love song and a mainframe computer throwing up, because of some massive internal deadly computer virus (not pleasant). Key Lyrics: not really any. The lyrics that are present prove not to be key, because of the rest of the "song"... Song in One Word: disturbing. Pick: No. no.... please, no! It's a "silent" nod to the underground culture of dub step, however it can stay underground.
Collide (Afrojack Remix), by Leona Lewis - remixed by Afrojack. This song is great. It's a smooth club song, in the first place, as Leona Lewis is looking to move into the dance music scene with her next album. The remix extends and adds new elements to the song that causes it to be a new adventure and, in effect makes the music share the front stage with Lewis. She takes turns in the spot light with Afrojack's musical soundscape, and it's a pleasantly balanced duet. The listener can hear elements of the original song, along with Afrojack's technicolor vision of it... and we still get to hear a few vocal solos from Leona. Key Lyrics: "When you're in unfamiliar places, count on me through life's changes." (Indeed.) Song in One Word: colorful. Pick: It's a worthy nomination, but Afrojack will have to wait another year for his shot.
End of Line (Photek Remix), by Daft Punk - remixed by Photek. This song is massively dark... and groovy. This is the perfect sound for driving, or as background music to some serious underground gathering of ill intent... it's perfect for a movie soundtrack... hey! That's what this is! Daft Punk created a score like none other, which was an appropriate fit for the movie, as well as the musical environment into which the movie was released. In order to kick it up a notch, Daft Punk invited along some of the top remixers and producers in their field to come join in on the fun, by remixing the whole soundtrack, giving it another layer of other-worldliness. The only problem with this, if you could call it that, is that is just doesn't change the song very drastically. There are definitely more beeps and twirps than before, however the overall song really remains the same. No disrespect to Photek... it's just that Daft Punk really came up with such a stunning portrait of the digital unseen world that it's hard to get past it. Key Lyrics: None. Don't need any. Song in One Word: marauding. Pick: No, not this time.
Only Girl (in the World) (Rosabel's Only Club Edit in the World), by Rihanna - remixed by Abel Aguilera & Ralphi Rosario. Now this is a remix. It's strong and muscular. It's more than double in length (not that it's a prerequisite... it's just nice). Aguilera and Rosario give this massively popular song an overhaul that makes it a new composition, while still keeping the vocals of Rihanna up front. Instead of the vocals being simply a means to an end (and completely disposable), the Rosabel remix makes the vocals the centerpiece, and elongates the musical ballet of dance beats and synths in between the verses and choruses. In addition, the music adds intensity to Rihanna's vocals. The pounding beats work well with her pleading hook... then we drift into an etheric break down, before bouncing back into a full swing of ecstatic club merriment. Key Lyrics: "... make me last all night... last all night... last all night... last all night..." (yes, gladly.) Song in One Word: magnetic. Pick: This is a toss-up, with Rope (Deadmau5 Mix). Odds are, Aguilera & Rosario will pull it off and walk away for the award, however...
Rope (Deadmau5 Mix), by Foo Fighters - remixed by Deadmau5. This is another strong muscular club banger. Deadmau5 further extends his legendary status. Although he can be known for going too far out there for some people, at times, this remix is totally accessible. Of all the songs nominated, this one is the most drastically reworked... and it works... even better than the original recording. This is an unapologetic rock song, that has been turned into an unapologizing, trunk thumping, beast of a party song. Although not much longer than it's original version, the Deadmau5 Mix is completely DJ friendly version, which enables the DJ to make it as long as necessary. This song sounds like a party at 2:24 am... and it's just getting started. Key Lyrics: "How can this come over me? I thought I was above it all." (no one is above the remix!) Song in One Word: massive. Pick: I would say this will be a tie, between the Rosabel remix of Only Girl(in the World) and this song... however... I think Deadmau5 takes this prize home, in the end. The edge out will be the vast sonic reworking of the song from its original form into the new remixed offering. (It may go the other way around, but I don't think so.)
You can take a listen to these songs for yourself, while you wait to check out the Grammys. Until then, keep reading and stay tuned.
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