HIPSTER RUNOFF

[MP3]
Phoenix - Love Like a Sunset (Animal Collective Remix/Deakin's Jam)

2 of the most relevant bands of the year, Phoenix and Animal Collective 'collab' to output a remix of some song. I feel like this takes me back to the bloghouse era, when the most relevant bloghouse bands would create alt-synergy by remixing one another. We have possibly never seen a collab on this level in the history of the indiesphere. Wish I could be an entry level music criticism bro so that I could 'get pumped for hearing this mp3 for the first time' and then 'talk myself into the mp3 being 70% better than it actually is.' Would possibly create a writeup that utilized the word 'pop' in some 'descriptive' phrase like 'melted pop sensibilities.' I will also use of the word 'textural.' In addition, this theoretical writeup/review would include commentary on the state of modern indie music and the effects of 'internet hype', eventually losing focus on analysis of the actual song. My writeup would include between 5-10 hyperlinks to previous AnCo+Phoenix content that my blogsite had generated.

I feel like this remix is possibly 'forgettable', or it is possibly 'Phoenix in their natural form.' While Phoenix's songs are 'catchy', it is impossible to decipher 'what the fuck they are talking about' in their lyrics. This possibly has to do with a French to English language barrier. Imagine if u had to write 'smart-sounding' pop lyrics in a foreign language and ended up making weird/forced/generic metaphors in every1 of your songs. Phoenix has sorta turned into Jonas Brothers tween pop for hi level music criticism bros.

Sorta miss Deakin. Since most of my readership became AnCo fans after MerriweathPostPavvy, you might not know that AnCo had a fourth member named 'The Deakin' a long time ago. He 'left the band' and no1 really knows what happens. Wonder 'what really happened' to Deakin. Seems like they must be hiding something. I feel like they hand him remix work 'for sympathy' just because they feel bad, and still 'want him to feel involved.' Seems like the remixes would be better if Panda Bear made them. Does n e 1 know what happened with DeakinGate?

It seems like I would hear this song in a local coffee shop when an entry-level barista selects a playlist to try to seem 'authentic.' They would also probably play something by the Knife followed by a Fever Ray song, just to prove that they 'understand' that the broad from the Knife is Fever Ray.

Relevant Band + Relevant Band ≠ Relevant Remix
-Carles, 2009

Deakin

Alternative Celebrity, Buzzband

Deakin is a member of Animal Collective who 'mysteriously left' the band and no1 really knows why but sometimes he comes back.

Lists: Members of Animal Collective, indie hunks, college educated, backing band members

Read more>>>>

Animal Collective

Buzzband

Animal Collective is the definitive band of the Era of Internet Indie Music Discovery.

Lists: received above a 9 from Pitchfork, Members of Animal Collective, critical darlings, cool dads, alternative tenure

Read more>>>>

Phoenix

Buzzband

Phoenix is a French pop band that has been around for a decade but went rlly mainstream after their album "Wolfgang Amadeus" was s0 p0ppy that no1 could h8 it.

Lists: mindie (mainstream indie), French, 2k9 buzzbands

Read more>>>>

Photo via HRO, October 2k8

[MP3]
Au Revoir Simone Another Likely Story (Neon Indian Remix)

Does n e 1 remember the glory days of 2k7-2k8, back when 'remixes' were something to get 'fucking pumped up about' with your bros. Now that they have become such deliberate marketing strategies, it is more difficult to 'get wrapped up in the spirit' of two semi-related artists coming together to create one mp3 that would unite their fan bases, usually in some sort of dancey lil fun thing.

I am feel 'happy' about the opportunity to download this mp3. It seems like NeonIndian/Vega bro might be 'poised' to take over Classixx currently assumed position as 'most bloggable remixer of the era.' Fortunately, he is also a 'live band' so he can overcome the limitations of many 'bedroom producers/synth collectors' who tend to dominate the Remix Economy. It seems like Neon Indian will soon enter the 'Passion Pit' phase of getting 'over-covered' and possibly 'resented', but NeonIndian's potential for non-gimmicky longevity seems 'high.'

Wonder if we are watching another 'legitimate scene member' as he eventually ascends to being covered like 'a real alt celeb who people take seriously.' Kinda weird when altcelebs make 'the leap' from buzzband to 'relevant alt celeb who is covered by blogs even when they take a lil poop.' Might be wrong, and there might be a 'huge ass' backlash against the chillwave era. Artists who were tied to chillwave should 'distance themselves' from the label if they are interested in long term internet sustainability.

Another important thing for a blogger to 'muse about' is the existence of Au Revoir Simone. It seems like after this remix, we can definitively say that the band is best consumed in remix/electro form. While their 'free spirited' girly aesthetic appeals to lil indie girls and altbaguettes who live in an 'alt dream world', it seems hard to consistently empathize with the tone of their songs. This analysis might be 'null and void' since the voice of HRO is 'a huge misogynist' and finds women 'close to impossible' to authentically empathize with.

Myspaces
http://www.myspace.com/neonindian
http://www.myspace.com/aurevoirsimone

Have u heard any bloggable mp3s lately, or is the scene 'fucking dry'? (sorta like a college campus during finals when I am trying 2 score some adderall) Ugh. Can't study/concentrate without it. :-(

[MP3]
Holy Ghost! I Will Come Back (Classixx Acapulco Nights Version)

I remember when Classixx remixed that one Phoenix song called "Lisztomania" and people listened to their version more than the original version. I think that is when they became 'authentic remixers who were highly in demand.' Feel like as time has gone on, there is a 'power rankings' of Authentic Remixers, and if you want your band to be 'relevant', you should pay $1k-$10K to secure a remix by this band. Seems like a better investment than 'buying a huge amp.'

I think that Classixx and Holy Ghost! are both authentic products, but I don't know what they look like/what their live show is all about. Feel okay with them 'just being names on my iPod' as of now.

Remix Chatter:
Industry insiders have relayed information to me saying that Classixx soon has a remix of DFA band YACHT coming out soon. Wonder if that will be as 'in demand' as the Soulwax remix of MGMT's "Kids." Have also heard that VEGA has 'epic' remixes coming out soon that will 'basically be the last great MP3 that electro/mainstream mp3 blogs blog.' Miss the days of getting 'mad pumped up' for a remix/mp3 instead of just feeling entitled to 'good remixes' and a 'decent conceptual mp3' every month. Wonder if MP3 blogs ruined everything. Miss the days of 'driving to a CD store' then being disappointed in your purchase as you listen 2 it on the way home.

Myspaces
http://www.myspace.com/classixxmusic
http://www.myspace.com/holyghostnyc

Aeroplane seem like chill bros who just throw down authentic electro tracks. I feel like it is important for electro artists to establish themselves as 'coverable' artists by the mainstream internet magazines and blogs. This is usually done by remixing popular indie artists. Popular indie artists will only select u 2 remix them if you are uplifting/authentic/have a high production level. Can't believe the remix economy has grown so much yall. Feel like it's a blessing and a curse.

Can't believe Fred Falke is getting s0 many remixes lately. Do yall think there is a point where an electro remixer bro needs to say 'too many remixes, yall' or should they just apply 1 formula to as many remixes as possible, even if the song 'doesn't turn out that great.

n e ways, this is a meaningful 5 minute DJ mix by Aeroplane. Used 2 think that Aeroplane was just 1 bro. I think that this is a pretty meaningful mix. Reminds me of my glory days as an altbro. I think the highlight of this mix is a part where they play the lyrics "1 Day we're gonna live in Paris -- I promise, I'm on it" and it reminds me of meaningful times.

Sort of think Aeroplane is the new _______.
Just trying to get back to basics/back to my roots as an mp3 blogger.

[MP3]
Aeroplane Aeroplane Annie Mac Mini Mix

Aeroplane on myspace
http://www.myspace.com/aeroplanemusiclove

Playlist after the jump

Yall. It's just the weekend. Just hangin out. Listening to music. 'Having a cold 1.' Trying to appreciate life now that the work week is over.

Just listened to three bullshit remixes of mainstream rock artists done by 'authentic-ish' bloghouse/electro artists.

See post to stream audio
*************
Remix #1: Lenny Kravitz - Let Love Rule (Justice Remix)

Yall probably know Lenny Kravitz as some rock bro who is black, and had the big hit about 'wanting to get away--wanting 2 fly away' or something like that. Think it used to be played on the radio/vh1 before the internet/blogs existed. Didn't even listen to this song really. Just feel kind of 'outraged' after Justice remixed U2 one time. Feeling sad. Don't even know 'why' I like/listen 2 bloghouse. Ashamed.

Sort of just want to listen to this song and eat seven 100 calorie snack packs. I think it is about 'escapism.'

**************
Remix #2: Chris Cornell - Part Of Me (Kleerup remix)

Not sure what bands Chris Cornell has been in. I think he was in that 'really ghey and inauthentic band' that was formed after Zach De La Brocha left Rage Against the Machine. I think 'Rage' h8ed the 'rap bullshit' that Zach De La Rocha wanted to make, but then realized that they 'let some fruity rock diva bro' into their band, and 'wrote some ghey songs', and then 'got back together' to 'make money' by playing at big festivals. Think Kleerup is branding himself beyond 'some bro who made electro songs for Swedish broads 2 sing on.'

Might start a band called 'The Audioslaves' because it is a metaphor about the modern music industry / signing a record contract / meeting expectations of fans and how that clashes with ur artistic existence.

**********

Remix #3: U2 - Magnificent (Fred Falke Remix)

Think that Fred Falke has evolved into a guy who 'makes authentic remixes' by 'high level artists.' I wish that some1 could make me a spreadsheet that listed the price of remixes by every electro artist in the world. Think Daft Punk would probably be #1. The song is 'okay' but 'kind of fruity', but I think that's mainly because it is U2.

*********
Sometimes I wonder if there is a 'point of diminishing returns' when it comes to remixing a 'huge artist.' Sometimes I feel underwhelmed by the product, so it makes me think less of an 'artist who I liked.' Not really sure if there is a way to measure the overall 'impact' that a remix makes when it comes to 'mainstreamers downloading it and looking for the remixer's music.' When do people even hear these 'mainstream remixes'? When they buy an album on iTunes?

confused and lost.
Mainstream = alt?

XX BONUS picture of all three artists with 'long hair' like rocker bros used to have XX
'hey'

'rock n roll'

'in the name of love--it was a beautiful day'

When I heard this remix by Cut Copy of Maroon 5's "This Love", a lot of stuff went through my head:

• Has Cut Copy officially 'made it'?
• Why is Maroon 5 trying 2 be alt and having a remix contest?
• Why is Maroon 5 releasing a 'remix album'?
• Are we about to enter the era of excessive REMIX products by mainstream artists?
• Should I 'give this remix a chance'?
• Could I imagine lead singer Adam Levine as an 'authentic disco singer over a DFA-sounding product'?
• Will I ever be able to think of the world as not being a constant struggle between mainstream & alt?
• Would I be more open to this remix if James Murphy/Frankmusik/Girl Talk/some other alt-male singer was singing?

Is this remix authentic? Do yall like it, or does it make u uncomfortable?

[MP3]
Maroon 5 This Love (Cut Copy Galactic Beach House Mix)

Myspaces
http://www.myspace.com/cutcopy
Cut Copy has 74142 friends.
http://www.myspace.com/maroon5
Maroon 5 has 338427 friends.

DLed from
http://masshyperbole.blogspot.com/2008/12/cut-copy.html

This song will always be an anthem for females with no personalities who listen to 'alternative hits within the top 40', and will eventually develop into a soft rock staple in 2k15.

Cut Copy

Buzzband

Timeless Australian electro band Cut Copy

Lists: Members of Cut Copy, Australians, 2k11 buzzbands

Read more>>>>

"We can remix yall." -The Cut Copies in this pic

I had never listened to the Kaiser Chiefs because their name made them sound like a bad 90s band. However, now that Cut Copy remixed them, I gave them a chance. I h8 how closed minded I can be sometimes, yall. Should I take a Diversity Awareness class?

Which well-respected band has done the most remixes? Maybe Van She? The Teenagers? Jousteece? Should you have a 2:1 ratio of originals-to-remixes if you are a legitimate band? Or like a 10:1 if u want 2 be authentic, or maybe a 1:10 if ur a startup trivial electro producer.

N e ways, if there was a bloghouse radio station, this song would be on it.

[MP3]
Kaiser Chiefs Never Miss A Beat (Cut Copy Remix)

mp3 heist from
http://discodust.blogspot.com/2008/09/cut-copy-run-hide-survive.html

Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/kaiserchiefs
http://www.myspace.com/cutcopy

<3 bloggable hits <3

Cut Copy

Buzzband

Timeless Australian electro band Cut Copy

Lists: Members of Cut Copy, Australians, 2k11 buzzbands

Read more>>>>

I remember back during the Remix Economy's golden age in 2k6k7, the Teenagers were able to deliver on a wide range of remixes, usually taking the song to a new level. That's what remixes are for, yall...to appeal 2 more people. <3 cross branding <3

N e ways, have yall heard about Vampire Weekend? They are pretty buzzworthy. I think I saw them on MTV/in a respected online music magazine/saw them on a mainstream late nite talk show.

Who would have thunk that the first time I would listen 2 Vampy Weekend would be [via Teenagers Remix]?

[MP3]
Vampire Weekend - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa (The Teenagers Remix)
[Mediafire] [zShare]

Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/vampireweekend
http://www.myspace.com/theteenagers

My favourite remixes by the Teenagers (whats ur fave?)
1. Lo fi Fnk - City
2. Black Ghosts - Face
3. Simian Mobile Disco - It's the Beat
4. Air - Mer du Japon
5. New Young Pony Club - The Bomb
6. Au Revoir Simone - Fallen Snow

Remember the time that Vampire Weekend was on that magazine cover? [link to my expert analysis]

When are there too many remixes? Does too many rmxes take away value from your product? Is it shortsighted to think that 'the more rmxes, the better'?

[Where connections = remixes]

I rlly like Cut Copy, and all of these authorized remixes by artists who are relevant/worthy of remixing them, but as a consumer, it is natural for me to want a new product.
"Hearts on Fire" already has rmxes by:

• Knightlife
• Joakim
• Holy Ghost
• Midnight Juggernauts
• Damage
• (some1 else?)

Should there be a limit on the number of remixes that can be done on one song? I'd say 3.5 is a safe number, but usually you should have 1 great dance remix, and an additional banger or 'concept' remix based on ur band's brand. If u worked for a major independent electro indie record label, what would u suggest during a brainstorming session?

[MP3]
Cut Copy Hearts on Fire (Aeroplane Remix)

Get the DAMAGE remix of "Hearts on Fire" here
http://masshyperbole.blogspot.com/2008/06/company.html

<3 bathroom pix <3

[Photo by We Know What u did last night]
Few artists are able to get strong brand-enhancing remixes from heavy hitters. Most rmxes are just kind of like 'I guess I should create more versions of my product.'

If I were an artist or rcrd lbl who was in the process of formulating a marketing strategy, I would ask myself, "How could I get a bunch of shitty mp3 blogs to blog about my artist to have a perpetual presence on hype machine?" The key would be getting either the endorsement from a top tier blog, or just having your artist remixed by an artist who is in the HypeMachine Top 20.

I think Ladyhawke has a good opportunity to be more than just 'another artist on electro blog.' She can be a relevant artist who even makes her way to the long tail of crappy music blogs that post things for the sake of 'reporting news', 'posting popular mp3s to get hits', and 'reBlogging what the most respected blogs blog about.' When it comes to getting to the top of hypemachine, you need to do more than just get blurbed about on 5 electro blogs. The key to the hypemachine is getting blogged about on as many crappy blogs as possible (the ones that post radiohead on a weekly basis).

Or you can just get blurbed about in Pitchfork.

Another interesting issue with HypeMachine is the fact that women don't really dominate the hypemachine Charts. Other than Madonna, Feist, M.I.A., and Santogold, I can't remember too many women who topped the charts (which are usually reserved for meaningful-core bands & bands that r kute+sound interesting). I just picture a lot of alt bros who use hype machine to search for women only when they need to make a playlist for a mainstream girl who they are trying to seduce.

Anyways, I think Ladyhawke has only had quality remixes done of "Paris Is Burning," as opposed to just a bunch of shitty remixes. Utilizing Cut Copy & Peaches is definitely a brand-strengthener.

I wonder if Modular makes their signed artists remix their other artists. Is there a REMIX CLAUSE on the record contract that says "You have to rmx at least 2 of our other artists." I hope so, cuz that's 'good business'/excellent forced cross-branding.

[MP3s (STREAM ONLY)]
Ladyhawke - Paris is Burning (Cut Copy Remix)

Ladyhawke - Paris is Burning (Peaches Remix)

Myspaces
http://www.myspace.com/ladyhawkerock
http://www.myspace.com/cutcopy
http://www.myspace.com/peaches

XX BONUS PEACHES MUSINGS XX
I wonder how Peaches' career would have gone if she didn't write that song about fucking away pain/sucking on her titties.

Did u know Peaches was Feist's roommate when they lived in Canada?
Do u remember Feist? She was in that CD player thingy commercial.

Is Peaches the Karl Rove of women in music?

XX BONUS XX
INTERVIEW WITH LADYHAWKE
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3ARieXIAyM&hl=en]

Cut Copy

Buzzband

Timeless Australian electro band Cut Copy

Lists: Members of Cut Copy, Australians, 2k11 buzzbands

Read more>>>>

I was watching this MSTRKRFT interview which features some good insights into their brand, creative process, and showcases some of the best & worst habits of alternative celebrities.

At the 4:20 mark in the video, the MSTRKRFT bros start talking about remixes, and go pretty in depth into their remixable criteria manifesto.

Do you enjoy MSTRKRFT Remixes? I've read a few HRO comments about songs or the way people look that say "I think this would be better if MSTRKRFT remixed it." Do you buy into the theory that MSTRKRFT can fix any thing?

I've never been particularly into their originals, but I think they are probably pretty socially relevant in terms of 'being a 2 man electro act that was a pioneer in learning how to capture the hearts of Generation Y clubgoers.' When it comes to modern indie music, I think they might be one of the band/producers most responsible for 'Americanizing' the current state of electro-club-dance stuff.

Whenever I hear a MSTRKRFT songs, I end up somewhere within this range of conclusions:
BAD CONCLUSION: "Why do people like MSTRKRFT so much?"
OKAY CONCLUSION: "I don't 'get' this, but it's probably really good if I knew a lot about the history of electronic music."
GOOD CONCLUSION: "This is pretty good."

How to you feel about MSTRKRFT's body of remix work. Do u wish they stuck to remixing lesser-known bands like Metric or New Young Pony Club? Or do you like this new phase where they are remixing Usher, Jesse McCartney, and who knows who else within the next 2 years? As alternative markets continue to transition into mainstream markets, MSTRKRFT could continue to be a critical intermediary between both worlds.

If some1 could remix your life, who would it be?

[MP3]
Usher - Love In This Club (MSTRKRFT Remix) [Link Removed Due to Copyright Violations]
Metric Monster Hospital (MSTRKRFT Remix)

Stream multiple MSTRKRFT RMXs

Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/mstrkrft

xx BONUS CONSUMER SURVEY xx

Is the MSTRKRFT shoe the best product ever created by a band, musician, or general alternative celebrity?