PUYL Favorite Remix: Dirty Projectors - The Socialites (Joe Goddard Remix)

Remixes provide many opportunities for musicians beyond simply twisting around someone else's song. Rising stars can gain a foothold by remixing a better known artist, and established artists can flex their creativity outside the bounds of their current fame.

Since I already wrote about one of my favorite remixes of the year, I was forced to dig for another to include on this list. I was more than happy to call up this remix of "The Socialites" by Dirty Projectors.  Joe Goddard, of Hot Chip, spins the dream-like original into a more focused and introspective sounding piece. Amber Coffman's angelic vocals remain untouched; Goddard is wisely aware that they can thrive in any setting. He takes great care to gently use an already great track to form another beautiful song.

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As a side note, we were saddened to learn today about the confirmed passing of Belgian singer The Child Of Lov. He released his excellent self titled debut earlier this year under an imprint of Dirty Projector's Domino Records. Take a listen to a couple of his songs below.

Phoenix - Entertainment (Blood Orange Remix)

Phoenix is a pretty big deal.  When the first single from their new album, Bankrupt!, dropped, it was immediately passed around by all the blogs, and even the radio stations put it in rotation right away.  As with any major release, the denizens of the Internet were eager to mash and mold it into new remixes.  We've already heard mixes from several big names: Dinosaur Jr. and Grizzly Bear got their respective claws and paws on "Entertainment" and handed off some respectable versions.  The Dirty Projectors got their filthy mitts on it too, and produced a fine remix.  Also, Hot Natured couldn't be bothered not to turn in a heated up take on the track as well.  In fact, if you head over to the band's Soundcloud all you'll find is the original, the aforementioned remixes, and the stems, so Phoenix is clearly inviting all comers to take a stab at creating some entertainment out of "Entertainment".

My personal favorite came from Blood Orange or, Devonte Hynes.  Always the creative pioneer, his version includes assistance from Mutya Keisha Siobhan.  MKS were the three founding members of Sugababes, they all left, and have now regrouped as this current trio.  Perhaps they are trying to avoid being entirely replaced again by using a name that is painfully specific as to its members...

Anyways, the added female vocals at the beginning of the track are attention grabbing and refreshing.  Think of it like jumping into a pool.  It's shocking at first, but there's no turning back.  It only takes a couple seconds to get used to it, and from there on out you're splashing around and having a great time.

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