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Filed under: Remix!

DJ Monsieur Adi thaws out Madonna's "Frozen"

I've posted DJ Monsieur Adi's brilliant remix of Madonna's "Music" recently, and now he's back with another breathtaking remix, this time of "Frozen".

Now, Adi isn't just your average remixer. He finds a way to create really lush, almost orchestral, soundscapes that breathe an entirely new life into these classic songs. For example, "Frozen" is transformed from an Eastern-influenced string ballad to a bold, triumphant march to redemption. I love how a song that I've loved for 13 years is able to sound completely brand new to me.

Check it out, and if you like, take a listen to his first Madonna remix of "Get Together".

<span>Madonna - Frozen (Monsieur Adi Remix) by arjanwrites</span>

<span>Madonna - Get Together (Monsieur Adi Remix) by Monsieur Adi</span>

Madonna, remixed

Since "Music" is one of my all-time favourite track by Madonna, it's pretty hard for me to admit when a remix actually improves upon it.

But, Italian DJ Monsieur Adi has done just that. The song from 2000 is updated with a slinky French disco bass line, lush synths, a sample from "Celebration" and a guitar solo. Yes, a guitar solo.

It's amazing! Give it a listen!

<span>Madonna - Music (Monsieur Adi Remix) by arjanwrites</span>

Gaga goes country

Ever since Lady Gaga released her latest single, "Born This Way", my friend Kevin has strongly stated that it sounds like a country song put through a disco processor.

He can rest assured that he is completely right because Lady Gaga has randomly released a "country road" version of the hit, validating his claims.

This isn't just your average remix. Gaga re-recorded the vocals and all for this track. And, it works in a campy way.

But, somehow I don't think she's going to win over any Bible Belt fans. So, why did she feel the need to release this version?

By removing all the techno beats, is she trying to prove that the song has a sturdy foundation? Trying to remove the endless comparisons to TLC and Madonna?

I remember when I first saw Gaga's blues-y acoustic take on "Poker Face", which was just as random, but proved to me that she's actually a talented musician. This feels like it's trying to do the same thing...but why? We already know she's talented.

 

Maybe she's just having some fun.

Either way, bust out your rhinestone-studded cowboy hat (I know you have one) and let's start the hoedown!

The time they went and ruined a perfectly good song...

So, what do you do if you are one of the few artists who did not take part in a a super collaboration for a massive hit? You can make your own remix!

Well, at least that's what seems to have happened with Lil Wayne, Big Sean and Drake, who released a remix of Kanye's song "All of the Lights", which features everyone from Rihanna to Fergie to Kid Cudi to John Legend to Elton John to La Roux and many many more.

"All of the Lights" is my favourite song from Kanye's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, so I feel extra-slighted by this remix. It ruins the song, in my opinion.

Gone is the storyline about a troubled man trying to pull his life together for his daughter. Gone is the sing-along chorus. Gone is the anthemic feeling that happens toward the end.

Instead, we have these three guys basically bragging about their status and wealth and sexual prowess. Way to dumb it down. 

Hey, losers, there's probably a reason Kanye didn't put you on the track. And this is why.

Ke$ha mixes it up

And now Ke$ha has a remix album.

I Am The Dance Commander, I Command You To Dance is expected to drop on March 22 and feature remixes of pretty much all of her singles, including "Sleazy" featuring Andre 3000. It seems there's a new track on there too called "Fuck Him, He's a DJ". Classy.

EW has an exclusive preview of "Animal" remixed by Switch. While the original sounds like an 80's New Wave heartwarmer, the Swtich remix is probably better. Switch turns the song into a dark, swirling track that sounds downright scary, if it wasn't so mesmerizing. It's totally something I would listen to after a night out, before crashing in my bed.

Check it out here!

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Lady Gaga gives us a hint of her new music

In case you didn't know, Lady Gaga's personal stylist, Nicola Formichetti has recently become the creative director of Mugler and he debuted his first menswear line on Wednesday.

The cool factor in this is that Lady Gaga herself remixed the soundtrack for the show. And over a Stylelist.com, they've posted a video that uses a remix of a new Gaga tune from her upcoming album Born This Way. And I've lovingly embedded it below.

There's not really much to it. She's speaking in German over a really good house beat. The title of the track is unconfirmed, though many think it may be the title track and lead single "Born This Way". And really, since it's a remix, who knows what the original mix sounds like.

But, one thing's for sure. This is only the beginning of the Gaga-onslaught. And I can't wait.

Andre 3000 comes out of hiding, helps Ke$ha get sleazy

I haven't heard much from Andre 3000 for the last little while. So, who knew that he'd suddenly pop up in a guest rap on Ke$ha's song, "Sleazy"?

I guess the guy needs a paycheque?

I don't mind that Andre has decided to work with Ke$ha. I mean, he worked with Gwen Stefani before and the results were great.

My problem is how his verse has NOTHING to do with the song.

"Sleazy" is about Ke$ha refusing to dress up and get her act together in order to impress a bunch of executive big wigs. Instead, she just wants to get messy with her friends.

And then Andre's rap is about his absentee father, which somehow veers into this weird fantasy about dating Ke$ha.

Did he even listen to the song? Or did he just write a random verse for anyone and just inserted their name in when someone hired him? How desperate is he for cash? Someone better check in on him. Big Boi?

  <span>Sleazy (Remix) - Ke$ha feat. André 3000 by HDMI44</span>

When remixes ruin a perfectly good song

I love Adele's new song "Rolling In The Deep". It's a beautifully crafted song with smart lyrics that showcase her amazing voice. 

What I don't love is this remix by Jamie xx going around. It actually came out a few days ago and many of my peers have raved about it, but I needed some time to give it a few listens before I could make up my mind about it. 

And the verdict is, I hate it.

Listen, I'm all about remixes that take the original song to an entirely new level. I think it's creative and brilliant, especially when it works. It's way better than most remixes that just speed up the track and add a dance beat to the original song. 

But, in the case of "Rolling in the Deep", the song is completely butchered. Jamie xx's remix removes any of the melody and replaces it with a stuttering staccato beat that is impossible to move to. He also chops up Adele's voice and distorts it to sounds like the girl from The Exorcist in full possession mode. 

I do not like.

What do you think?

The Temper Trap mix it up

One of my favourite bands of the past year, The Temper Trap, is releasing a remix album of their hit debut, Conditions. And the best part is, they're streaming it for free on Soundcloud, and I've embedded it below for you.

You're welcome!

For me, a good remix doesn't just add a dance beat to the original track. It completely reimagines the song and turns it into something that barely resembles the original. Fortunately, all the remixes on this album follow that rule.

You know you've done a good job when you make your very overplayed, but still enjoyable, single "Sweet Disposition" sound completely new.

If you don't have time to listen to all the tracks, I recommend listening to "Love Lost", "Rest" and "Science of Fear". Stellar tracks.

Conditions Remixed will be released next week.

  <span>Latest tracks by The Temper Trap</span>