Top Remixes of 2008

For remixes, I’d say 2008 was a far cry from amazing. Sadly, I think the year suffered from what I’d call the ‘Ed Banger Syndrome’. Not to blame the French label for all ills in RemixLand, but it does seem that their glitch-tastic formula has been adopted as a template by nearly all who try their hand at a remix lately. I heard far too many remixes this year that could easily be classified as Justice Lite or Diet Sebastian. There was nothing as outstanding as Soulwax’s ‘Phantom Part II’ remix or Optimo’s take on Colder’s ‘To The Music’ or Van She’s fantastic reinterpretation of Feist’s ‘1,2,3,4′ from last year.

Not that it was all lemons, mind you. Otherwise I wouldn’t really have a list to present you. I suppose I just came to the realization as I was picking these tracks that it wasn’t nearly as difficult to narrow down this list as it was last year. In a way though, I think that just makes these mixes that much more outstanding. Or something. Hey, I’m trying to go for a ’silver lining’ approach here, cut me some slack.

#1 The Presets – This Boys In Love (LifeLike remix)
[LifeLike]
This is an ideal remix for DJs, as the original starts up with guns blazin’. This take by LifeLike provides a nice intro and outro for easy mixing. But you certainly don’t have to be a DJ to enjoy this killer track.

#2 The Rolling Stones – You Can’t Always Get What You Want (Soulwax Remix) [Soulwax]
Will Soulwax ever stumble? Taking on a classic like this can be dangerous ground, but Soulwax managed an interesting interpretation. Not a dancefloor crusher like their remix of ‘Phantom’ last year, but a unique take nonetheless.

#3 The Faint – The Geeks Were Right (DIOYY Remix)
[Does It Offend You Yeah]
DIOYY dirty up every thing they touch. Love it.

#4 The Kills – Last Day of Magic (James Rutledge Remix)
[James Rutledge]
My favorite track off their 3rd album. Everything Rutledge changes here is complimentary and doesn’t take anything away from the original.

#5 MGMT – Kids (Soulwax Remix)
Yes, Soulwax again. Now this *is* a dancefloor crusher. Catchy as it comes.

#6 Bloc Party – Mercury (CSS Remix)
[Cansei De Ser Sexy]
CSS took BP’s ‘Mercury’ and evened it out. The original is interesting but has the potential to annoy. This version just rocks.

#7 Walter Meego – Forever (Van She Tech Remix)
[Van She Tech]
Walter Meego’s ‘Forever’ was the song of the summer, unquestionably. So if you’re going to remix it, you’d better not mess it up. Thankfully, Van She Tech didn’t let us down. They simply gave ‘Forever’ a fresh coat of heavy electrohouse beats.

#8 The Virgins – Rich Girls (RAC Remix)
[RAC]
RAC can do no wrong in my eyes. They (‘they’ primarily being Andre Anjos) seem to get that remixing’s primary purpose is to adapt an already amazing track to the dancefloor, not to transform the music into something completely unrecognizable and otherwise unenjoyable. Polish the hooks & beef up the beats, and the people will dance.

#9 Ladytron – Ghosts (Blestenation Remix)
[Blestenation]
I’m not a massive rap/hip-hop fan, though I do indulge here and there. What I really hate is a so-called remix that merely involves some famous rapper adding a rhyme or two to an existing hit. This is why you can trust me when I say this remix/collaboration between Ladytron & Brooklyn hip-hop crew Blestenation is that great. The Brooklynites seemed to understand their source material, and made sure the additions fit in, tonally, with what was already there. In fact, were I to rank these mixes, I’d say this one would easily sit atop at #1.

#10 Das Pop – Fool For Love (Sebastian Remix)
[Sebastian]
I don’t know how this single wasn’t bigger in ‘08. The band is from Ghent, which we now know is a breeding ground for greatness. Add to that the fact that the Brothers Dewaele are producing their debut, and it’s absolutely shocking. Even so, this remix by Ed Banger’s Sebastian is absolutely fantastic, and just slightly better than the original.

Now, it’s entirely possible I’ve forgotten some brilliant remix, so feel free to let me know if I have in the comments, and I’ll update the list where appropriate (providing I agree to its awesomeness, of course).

***ADDENDUM***

#11 MGMT – Kids (Petshop Boys Synthpop Remix)
Not as good as the Soulwax mix, but worth posting if for no other reason than it’s the freaking Pet Shop Boys. Yeah!