No matter how great a song is, sometimes it can be improved with a good remix or mash-up. Here are just a few gems.
“Ignition (1901 Remix)” – R. Kelly vs. Phoenix
For some reason, these songs complement one another incredibly well in this mash-up. Phoenix”s easygoing indie vibes are the perfect backdrop for R. Kelly”s “it”s-the-freakin”-weekend” attitude. If ever a hipster spin on an early-2000s hit worked, this is it.
Lyndsie Kiebert
Rawr
“Idfc (Tarro Remix)” – Blackbear
This low-key artist is entering the music scene in a big way with his laid-back sound and hypnotic voice. The original track is soft, highlighting the pain behind the song”s message, but this DJ mixes it with a beat that brings out more of the anger behind the lyrics.
“Still Into You (Synchonice Remix)” – Paramore
“Still Into You” is arguably this pop-punk band”s most pop-like song, but this dubstep remix gives the radio hit a complete makeover. The DJ plays with the lyrics, creating unexpected riffs, and the drop isn”t just another 2008 hum-drum “I-saw-that-coming” drop.
“You Haunt Me (RAEKO Remix)” – Sir Sly
The song alone is already pretty haunting, but RAEKO took it to a whole new level – and not in a bad way. The depth this DJ adds to the track is phenomenal. In this case, the remix is undoubtedly better than the original.
“The Middle (WizzyFlip)” – Sammy Adams
DJ Snake”s “The Middle” is quickly scaling the Top 40 charts, and rapper Sammy Adams has given it his own touch with killer lyrics laid on top. The original song might be gaining popularity on its own, but this remix is sure to turn some heads.
“The Next Episode (San Holo Remix)” – Dr. Dre
This DJ adds layers on layers of popular trap sounds without eliminating the classic Snoop tongue clicks and “90s hip-hop attitude of the original track. This remix would be an immediate hit at any party.
“Midnight Life” – The White Panda
Again, who knew indie and rap would make such an incredible team? The White Panda has taken the atrocity that is Kanye West (though he was admittedly likable when he recorded “The Good Life”) and mashes him with M83″s genius track “Midnight City.”
“Cavalier (Samuraii Remix)” – James Vincent McMorrow
This remix brings the intensity of the mix-tape down a notch, playing off of McMorrow”s consistently soft sound by adding a Kygo-like tropical chillstep vibe. By speeding the original tempo up just a tad and emphasizing McMorrow”s haunting voice, the result is peaceful – but also playful.
Lyndsie Kiebert can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @lyndsie_kiebert