The Be Rad Blog

Late night post for all you zombies…

Zombie man Kavinsky held a remix competition for his excellent song “Nightcall” that has well expired, but, that didn’t keep Himan from putting out a super-duper remix for your listening pleasure. Himan adds that  never out of style disco-house touch that I’ve yet to hear added to Kavinsky’s pleasure inducing tune. “Nightcall” had such a distinct sound that was hard to stray away from but Himan excels at creating a new sound to the song. Grab that Soundcloud download before it reaches it’s limit. This is a rad little remix you don’t want to miss.

Be Rad. Enjoy.

Not the newest of news but most definitely worthy of mentioning on this wonderful blog of mine.

RAC VOL 2 comes out tomorrow, March 4!

RAC is an acronym for Remix Artist Collective and they happen to put out some of the best remixes EVER! Duh. They’ve been releasing teaser tracks for VOL 2 since Monday and they, of course, are nothing short of rad. My favorite is the remix of “New Theory” by Washed Out. I didn’t think you could remix a dreamy song to sound dreamier but they’ve done it. Oh boy it’s dreamy. Listen and download the track below then head over to RAC’s website to check out two other remixed tracks the will be appearing on RAC VOL 2 tomorrow.

Be Rad. Enoy.

click thru to watch video

Daft Punk just put out an official video for their first, er, single, off their most recent musical endeavor, the Tron: Legacy Official Soundtrack.

You won’t be pressed to find a critic or blogger that hasn’t said “Derezzed” is the most “Daft Punk” thing on the new Tron:OST – but that’s because it is true. It is probably the only song on the album that, if removed from the context of the soundtrack, still holds up as a good DP song. While the entire soundtrack is wonderfully composed and produced, it’s still just a movie score: worthy of a couple full listens but truly meant to be accompanied by the film itself. Even though its place is amongst the complete Tron:OST, let’s bask in the idea that “Derezzed” is actually a new Daft Punk single, cause that’s what everyone seems to be doing.

I must say, I was not expecting this video. Not at all. I thought their appearance in the movie and production of the OST would have been enough publicity for the reclusive robots – but I was wrong. And boy am I glad. This video gives me hope. There has been so much speculation as to what to expect from them: What type of publicity will they be doing? Are they going to tour? Is there going to be a new album? Oh the questions! Oh the possibilities! The guys of Daft Punk seem to be embracing their, now, even bigger, fame and are really putting themselves out there. I can only hope for more.

But seriously, this video is awesome. And Daft Punk’s actual appearance in the video is so bad ass! I really love the retro vibe of this video like the old wire graphics and dusty arcade machines. Also, I couldn’t help but think of Michael Jackson’s video for “Smooth Criminal” in those opening shots – its feels so familiar. Anyways, the video ends up being a short story that parallels to that of the actual concept of Tron – users and programs. Daft Punk may be an exceptional case for this paradigm, but, as robots, running on programs, are they really even users?

Nerdy thoughts aside, and to further provide some evidence that “Derezzed” is being treated like a true Daft Punk single, let’s listen to some remixes. First off, fellow Frenchies, We Are Crisis Children give the song an even more glitchy vibe with a few rad chants. Cassettes Won’t Listen gives the track a more ambient feel with a slight touch of dub. Then we have Breakdown, who effortlessly turns the song into a dance floor killer – lots of build ups and heavy bass. And finally, my favorite of the remixes thus far, is by NTEIBINT. While he certainly adds his own touch, this remix doesn’t stray too far from the original – it simply becomes radder. Enjoy the remixes, go out and buy the Tron: Legacy Soundtrack, and go see TRON!

Soundcloud: Daft Punk – Derezzed (We Are Crisis Children remix) by We Are Crisis Children

download: Daft Punk – Derezzed (Cassettes Won’t Listen Remix)

download: Daft Punk – Derezzed (Breakdown Remix)

download: Daft Punk – Derezzed (NTEIBINT Remix)

click thru to watch video

Be Rad. Enjoy.

Not only does John Boswell produce everything that is the Symphony of Science, he also produces is own personal music under the moniker, Colorpulse. As his website states, it’s a mix between “electronica, rock and ambient music,” much like the melodies heard in the Symphony of Science tracks.

Well, looks like Mr. Boswell felt like having some fun with his musical and Auto-tune skills. I present to you “Get Pitted – A Surfer’s Remix.” The original video is of an over excited surfer proclaiming the glorious epicness of his recent surf session. If you haven’t watched it, check it out below.

Now here is where John Boswell comes in. Clearly a fan of the original video, Boswell added his melodic Auto-tune signature. The song is actually really catchy and fun. I am really starting to enjoy these Auto-tune parodies. Such fun…

download: Colorpulse – Get Pitted

Be Rad. Enjoy.

RAC never fails for produce excellent remixes. When I see those three capitalized letters trailing a song name I know that I’m in for a treat. Here, RAC has taken an artist whom I’ve never heard of, Jayme Dee, and an original song by her that I probably never would have listened to, “Love Whiplash”, and turns it into a pop gem I find charming and worthy of numerous repeat listens. Some may say it is a fault, but I cannot resist pop music. It’s happy, upbeat and when it’s done right, it’s oh so good. Seriously though, this RAC remix is a nice jam. It’s a cutesy love song about broken hearts, kind of typical, but RAC really electrifies and elevates the song into something much much more.

Jayme Dee – “Love Whiplash (RAC Remix)”

Bonus!

When checking in with RAC (more like grabbing the link to their site) I noticed they remixed Empire of the Sun’s song “Walking On A Dream.” Old song, new remix. RAD!!!!

Empire of the Sun – “Walking On A Dream (RAC Remix)”

Be Rad. Enjoy.

Now that Duck Sauce’s “Barbra Streisand” got the official treatment, the official remixes are gonna start rolling in: as if the bootleg remixes weren’t enough. Oh well. In addition to more remixes, a few mash-ups have surfaced and they’re are a lot of fun. I hope to hear more of these. Shall we…

Party Ben couldn’t help but infuse some Michael Jackson into the saucy diva to make “Beat Sauce.” As if “Beat It” wasn’t fun enough, Barbra helps it move up a few notches. This one is loads of fun. I really like the use of the “Michael Jackson” in lieu of “Barbra Streisand.” Nice touch.

Beat Sauce (Michael Jackson VS Duck Sauce) – Party Ben

Rather than going pop, Just Banks turned to ever popular genre of mash-ups, hip-hop. I don’t think I’ve ever listened to the original “How Low” by Ludacris by I’ve heard the track remixed and mashed-up six ways to Sunday – so here’s another. Nothing less that top notch production here, I just wish it hit a little harder.

Barbra Streisand (Just Banks “How Low” Remix) – Duck Sauce

I’m not sure when I’ll get sick of “Barbra Streisand” but I don’t think it is any time soon.

Be Rad. Enjoy.

I just listened to this track this morning and it’s slowly infecting me: penetrating my soul like an orgy of salacious serenading sounds.

Le Knight Club gets remixed by 18 year old French producer Hana Yori Kichou Na. This track is infectious French house at it’s finest. Upbeat with the right amount of chill. I can’t stop listening.

Le Knight Club – Chérie d’amoure (Hana Yori Kichou Na Remix) by Hana Yori Kichou Na

Visit Too Many Sebastians for the download.

Be Rad. Enjoy.

Hylas and the Nymphs by John William Waterhouse

I’m not sure where or how I came across Blacklight Flashlight, but their song “Dreaming In” popped up on my shuffle a few days ago and it prompted me to do some internet browsing about said artist. There isn’t much out there, he’s still trying to come up, but he has a few remixes under his belt and there’s one in particular that really caught my attention: “Disco Sirens” by Midfield General.

The original track was produced by none other than Xavier de Rosnay (you know, like, one half of Justice) and has Vila from the Bumblebeez [81] on the rap vocals. From the awesome production to the ill female rapping, this song already has a lot going for it. Then steps in Blacklight Flashlight. He speeds it up, adds a whole lot of entrancing bass, and pretty much makes the song an orgasmic auditory overload. Play it REAL LOUD, turn up the bass, and be prepared to be blown away. I can’t stop listening to this song. Can’t stop. Jump on board and get seduced by this siren – this disco siren.

“Disco Sirens (Blacklight Flashlight Remix)” by Midfield General

Be Rad. Enjoy.

Today, September 13, 2010, marks the 25th Anniversary of the release of the original Super Mario Bros. game in Japan. The famous plumber has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember; from the original 2D side scrolling adventure, to the vast array of Super Mario Galaxy, I’ve always been down to help Mario save that lovely Princess Peach. Although today is a celebration focused primarily on Mario, let us not forget the plethora of unforgettable characters that have been born from the series – Toad, Yoshi, Bowser, koopas, goombas, bomb-ombs, Luigi, etc. The list could go own, but I think you get the point. Twenty five years of Super Mario Bros. means much more than just a birthday for our favorite mustache, it is a celebration of the best video game series ever.

Twenty five years ago today, a star was born that forever changed the lives of many. I would personally like to thank Shigeru Miyamoto, Koji Kondo, and all the wonderful people at Nintendo for creating the most beloved game character ever and for continuing to be the best video game company around. Thanks Nintendo!

I’ll leave you with the two of the best Super Mario Bros. Theme remixes out there. First we have Aphex Twin. While keeping it very true to original, they’ve added an extra sense of eeriness that makes it seem like you traveled way beyond the depths of level 1-2. On the other hand, we have the pumped up, hyper remix by RAC. The famous theme is overhauled and given an extra thump and a whole lot more energy. Both remixes are perfect.

Koji Kondo – Super Mario Bros. Theme (Aphex Twin Remix)

Koji Kondo – Super Mario Bros. Theme (RAC Remix)

Happy Birthday Super Mario Bros.

Be Rad. Enjoy.

photo: Cameron Smith

If you’ve read this blog at all, you ought to know that I have a soft spot for Florrie. I won’t go into how I think she’s an ideal pop star or how her music is fantastic – oh wait, I just did. Anywho, Florrie gives out ALL her music for free on her website and she recently announced some remixes of her new songs from two heavy hitting producers.

Fred Falke is no stranger to Florrie, but I’m always glad to hear another remix of his. Mr. Falke put his French hands all over “Give Me Your Love” and “You Wanna Start Something.” I must be honest – I’m not too impressed by either of these remixes. He just extended the edits and didn’t add much flavor – the originals stand out more, especially “Give Me Your Love.” Thinking about it now, maybe that was his point as they are “club edits” – I don’t know, what do you think them?

Florrie – Give Me Your Love (Fred Falke Club Edit)

Florrie – You Wanna Start Something (Fred Falke Club Edit)

Then we have remix extraordinaire Justin Faust – he gives “Give Me Your Love” a proper remix that makes it a disco approved dance classic. Gotta love a good remix. Check it out below.

Florrie – Give Me Your Love (Justin Faust Remix)

Head to Florrie’s website for even more songs and news.

Be Rad. Enjoy.