The original was a rather brilliant song, and electronic outfit Hercules & Love Affair offer their own take on it here. It’s very enjoyable too, with a more upbeat, positive spin based on bouncy samples, sharp percussion and uplifting vocal work that flips the vibe of the track almost entirely.
It still (somehow) maintains a hint of the relaxing feel in the original, most probably by not ‘over-producing’, which also helps project the vocals a little more. Very good remix, and a nice contrast to the original. A refreshing take on what is a difficult track to tackle, this is definitely worth a listen.
Very nice surprise here, as the much-anticipated remix album from this unusual duo is made available for a full stream.
The previous two tracks made available have both shown the potential in this duo, fusing together Jamie’s experimental and often enjoyable production style with Gil’s diverse, vintage vocals to great effect. I’ve skimmed through the album very briefly, and it seems as though that quality is consistent throughout, as Jamie serves up a multitude of styles that manage to work with Gil’s voice, for the most part.
Fans of The xx will be clamouring for whatever new material they can get, and hopefully this collaboration has won over many others that weren’t previously familiar with either artist’s work. You can pre-order and listen to the whole thing in the widget.
Fitting video for one of the highlight tracks of the alternative scene in recent months. I’ve got serious expectations for both this track and Creep as a duo.
The track is dark and a little futuristic, and both elements are captured superbly here with an ominous yet psychedelic video that makes fantastic use of various lighting effects and benefits from some skilled cinematography. It’s a little odd and quirky too, with lots of isolated, lonesome figures and instances of blood, levitation and so on: it all adds to the package appropriately, fitting the ethereal and experimental feel of the track. A first class all-round package, don’t sleep on this track. Available on iTunes right now!
As the release date for their collaborative project draws nearer, we’re treated to another track from the highly-anticipated We’re New Here.
This has a considerably more positive feel than the previous offering, with Jamie serving up a lighter production that reflects off Gil’s voice with a positive exuberance. Lots of diversity in the production too, with keyboard melodies alongside futuristic synths, all served up over a mid-tempo percussion that keeps your head nodding all the way through.
It’s another nice show of eclecticism here, and I’m really looking forward to that album!
We’ve had solo material from Jamie of The xx, and now Romy makes an appearance with this feature on Creep’s newest single. It’s a great track, with haunting, atmospheric melodies created by an enjoyable blend of synths, samples and the odd pluck of a guitar, alongside an electro sensibility in the percussion: ticks all the right boxes as far as I’m concerned.
Romy’s vocals are as mellow, whispery and harmonic as ever, bringing some real emotion and melody to this track, which combine with the dark vibe to deliver a fantastic all-rounder. One of the better tracks from the alternative scene in recent weeks.
Probably one of the most unexpected collaborations of the year. The legendary Gil Scott-Hero’s I’m New Here album from earlier this year is set to undergo treatment from Jamie of The xx, resulting in a full remix album entitled We’re New Here due out 21st February 2011. It’s been a huge 12 months for The xx, and it’s great to see Jamie getting involved in this sort of artistic diversity.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to give the original NY Is Killing Me the review and acclaim it deserved, but it was a really interesting track that was held together by nothing more than claps and the odd bass pound. Jamie strips that away in favour of an atmospheric electro production that manages to retain the slightly disquieting and uneasy vibe of the original. You can watch the video here, and grab the track/pre-order the album here.
Having seen the video (if you haven’t already, do so here), I think we’re all in agreement that the audio is a must-have. Damon Albarn and the boys (with backup from Daley) did a superb job on capturing the essence of the original, so be sure to grab the live cover version below.
Lots of music to catch up on from the weekend. First up, the Gorillaz (with the help of Daley on backing vocals) come through with a superb cover of The xx’s fantastic Crystalised.
Damon Albarn preserves the smooth, winding feel of the original with this one, retaining a sombre tone in his voice and keeping the instrumentation very simple. Really worth a watch if you’re a fan of The xx/the original song.
Interesting remix. Electronica powerhouse Nosaj Thing revamps The xx’s ubiquitous track, and adds a very dark, experimental feel to it. It’s an inspiring feat of creativity, as he incorporates very deep, lingering synths alongside echoed percussions and clicks to create an ominous and intimidating soundscape out of a once positive track.
It’s incredibly atmospheric, and combines the chillout vibe instinctively associated with the vocals with a slightly sinister edge to deliver a very addictive piece of music.
This is frighteningly good. One of the best blends/mash-ups I’ve possibly ever heard, as The xx’s brilliant Intro is mixed with Kanye and Lupe’s verses from the iconic Touch The Sky. Definitely worth giving a go: you can stream and download the track below. Great artwork too!
I’m not really sure how to describe this track. Before we get into that, some quotes from Jamie: “It’s a tune I made on one of our short breaks from touring and I was eager to make some new music. I got a steel pan and made this track”.
The steel pan influence is definitely heavy in this, and actually add a really nice light, playful feel to the track which otherwise has some pretty thick basslines (I’m not a dubstep fan, but these seem pretty close to that sort of stuff) which alternate with some thin percussion elements. It’s really unique stuff, and oddly compelling. Only a radio rip for now sadly, I’ll provide the high quality when I can.
Some superb stuff in our August snapshot which perfectly compliments the closing of summer as we welcome autumn with open arms. We’ve mixed old school with new school to create that sound which will have you rocking out until next month’s episode. New material from the likes of Atmosphere, Usher, Fat Joe, Sage Francis, Lil Wayne and Drake all sit comfortably next to some classic older joints from Damien Rice, Linkin Park, Kanye West, and of course, Eric B and Rakim.
If you’re still clutching onto the dying days of summer then don’t worry, we’ve kept July’s snapshot available for you. But trust us, take our hands and let’s step into autumn together.
The xx are nothing short of superb. After being put on to their Mercury Prize nominated-album earlier this year, it stayed in my playlists for months, being played on a daily basis. Whilst it was actually released exactly a year ago yesterday, my exposure to them was late and I fear yours may still be non-existent.
Shelter is probably a good place to start. Combining elements of indie, pop and even R&B/soul into one uncategorisable package, Shelter is a smooth, sultry effort that will lyrically engage you and relax you simultaneously. It’s fantastically mellow, and a truly original sound that has the potential to be absolutely enormous, by virtue of it being impossible to dislike.
Even if this track doesn’t grab you as it does me, there’s bound to be something else on the album you can enjoy. Examples: if you like it even slower, Infinity is the way forward. Quicker? Go with Islands.
Brilliantly subtle video. This is one of my favourite tracks from their self-titled debut album, and they’ve absolutely done it justice with this video.
Nice little story told throughout, and it’s done ever so smoothly that you’d be forgiven for missing it the first time around. Something really different, and I’m a huge fan of it/them.
This is not a Hate Is The New Love episode, but actually a mashup mixtape/album from newcomers Wait What. Beautifully appropriate name. Have a read of the press release for this project if you’ve got a minute or so, it’s interesting stuff.
I can’t even begin to describe my excitement at listening to this. I was put onto The xx’s debut album recently, and have had the whole thing in regular rotation for the best part of 6 weeks (a phenomenal album that I’d recommend to anyone!). Throw in some classic Biggie raps on top, and you’ve got both my attention and adulation.
It’s mind-fryingly eclectic stuff like this that this site is all about. Even if the tracks don’t end up being decent, I applaud this guy for the idea and creativity.
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