What is it about Springsteen tracks that lend themselves to incredible, melodic slow disco edits? Cousin Cole’s rework of “I’m On Fire” set the precedent, and now Martin Vogel’s matched that with an absolutely gorgeous edit of Bruce’s “Tougher Than The Rest.” It’s part of a collection of edits issued by Perseo, an off-shoot of the always-solid Italians Do It Better label. Stream it below, and go cop the CD (or the vinyl!) over at their store.
Been really enjoying the new Arcade Fire LP over the last week or so. This synthy bit of 80s disco (it owes quite a bit to Blondie’s “Heart Of Glass” but I don’t think anyone’s complaining) is my favorite track, it’s been getting plenty of repeats in my headphones. I especially love how breathy and tentative Regine’s vocals are in the beginning.
The original version of “Hang With Me” appeared as a ballad on Robyn’s Body Talk Pt. 1 album, but they reworked the track into a poppy-as-hell dance number for the second part of the album, which is due to be released soon. I dare you not to get this shit stuck in your head. Plus, doesn’t the video make you want to hang out with Robyn and have jam sessions in hotel rooms?
Excellent 80s vibes on this single from Visitor, a duo out of London. The original version is pretty good, but it might be a little heavy on the cheese factor for some people (not me!). But then comes Alan Braxe to the rescue, with that golden touch of his. The vocoders in the middle are particularly nice, but make sure you listen to about 3:45 when he lets the kick drums loose and everyone throws their hands in the air.
Some really nice dreamy synth-pop courtesy of France’s Anoraak. I have a feeling that this summer is going to be all about the dreamy synth-pop for me, in fact there’s a mixtape on the way that should all but ensure that (more info on that later). This track is from his upcoming and yet-to-be-named album, out August 30th on Naive.
Not really sure how I feel about the rest of Infinite Arms, but goddamn “Dilly” is a hell of a summer song. Every time I hear it I just want a Corona and a pool party, like, ASAP. It’s probably unhealthy that my first reaction to an upbeat summer jam is to want to create a real life version of a beer commercial, but I’m gonna let that slide for now.
Villa Nah are from Finland and they make some pretty great 80s style synthpop (they were also featured on that great Helsinki 78-82 EP that came out on Top Billin, if you remember that). Their album Origin was just released, and it carries a nice Junior Boys kind of vibe throughout. This track is one of my favorites from the record, the chorus is particularly nice.
Juan is back with long-time collaborator Nancy Whang with this epic (over ten minutes!) track from his upcoming DJ Kicks mix. Kinda has a bit of a vintage DFA vibe to it, I’m into it.
Sorry about the lack of activity over here this month. To make it up to you, here’s March’s top ten mix. Regular updates should resume soon, and I promise that April’s top ten mix won’t fall so late on the calendar.
Michoacan – In The Dark Of The Night (Clap Rules Remix) – DFA
Kid Creole & The Coconuts – I’m Corrupt (Idjut Boys Edit) – Strut
Ilya Santana – You Are The One – Rare Wiri
Ilija Rudman – Night People (Garage Mix) – Instruments Of Rapture
Black Van – Yearning – DFA
Gorillaz – Stylo (Alex Metric Remix) – Floor Bangers
Holy Ghost – On Board (Feat. the DFA Celestial Choir) – XL
In Flagranti – Ex Ex Ex (Bottin Remix) – Codek
Mano Le Tough – Eurodancer (Azari & III Remix) – Mirau Musik
Fabio Lendrum – Trouble (CFCF Remix) – Road Records
