sonic slang

Despite Iffy New LP, Depeche Mode Remix Draw Still Strong

I'll admit that Sounds of the Universe (despite the promising title) was a bit of a letdown after Depeche Mode's excellent 2005 release, Playing the Angel.  But any doubt about the band's still god-like standing amongst its peers can be erased by the parade of remixers still chomping at the bit.  The latest, according to Pitchfork, include Sigur Ros and MGMT.  Bravo.

Midnight Juggernauts on RCRD LBL

I have to start paying more attention to RCRD LBL.  Though the site hasn't turned the music industry on its ear like some hoped it would...these guys spin some good tunes.  Today I've been diggin' their dueling remixes of Midnight Juggernauts' "Into the Galaxy." 

The "Chateau Marmont" version has a slinky post-punk feel that recalls The Rapture, while the "Danger" remix made me remember The Human League (fondly).  Two very different takes that are both worth a look.  Check them out here.

Johnny Cash Gets Remixed

Johnny Cash wasn't nearly as curmudgeonly about new-fangled music as he could have been (they guy did cover Nine Inch Nails), but we're pretty sure that if someone had tried to put out a Johnny Cash remix album (featuring, naturally, Snoop Dogg) before he died, some asses would have been kicked.

Johnny Cash Remixed is in stores 10.14

M83 Remixes Midnight Juggernauts

Though we've mocked M83's overwrought 1980s emotions, there's no denying that Anthony Gonzalez has skills.  That fact made his band's cover of Midnight Juggernauts' "Shadows" all the more disappointing.   The funk virtually erased by a synthy minimalism, it's shoegaze without the hooks - Pretty, but boring. 

Stream it here

Black Kids Ready Debut Single

They certainly had their share of haters in the beginning, but Black Kids seem to be doing just fine.  In addition to dates with Kate Nash, Cut Copy and a stop at Coachella,  on April 7 we'll see the "proper" release of "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You." 

The single will come with three additional tracks: "You Turn Me On" (Beat Happening cover), "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover" (Sophie B. Hawkins cover) and a remix of "I'm Not Gonna Teach" by The Twelves.

Thankfully, the polished up new version stays relatively to the joyfully sloppy original, but we're particularly lovin' the 80's dance party heard on the remixed version.  Check it out at the band's MySpace.

Feist Remixed for New Single

Thank goodness Feist didn't take home the "Best New Artist" statue at the Grammys.  We want this chick to hang around for a few years.  (Where you at, Jody Watley?)  So despite the loss, and her apparent lack of business savvy, the blogger love train keeps rolling along.  This week's plug: New remixes from Britt Daniel, Gonzales, and Grizzly Bear, as part of the "I Feel it All" single via Arts & Crafts.

Check out Grizzly Bear's take on "My Moon My Man" right here