Four Tet – poetry in an empty coke can

RMX ROUNDUP: swim good + Star Slinger / filous + RAC / CHVRCHES + Four Tet

Posted on August 29, 2015August 29, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

A lot of end-of-summer remixes have surfaced as of late, which means it’s time for another Remix Roundup. To start, we wanted to share the Star Slinger rendition of swim good‘s “Since U Asked.” The original was a nostalgic gem of a track, and the UK producer takes it to the next level with his stellar upbeat spin. While leaving Merival‘s vocals at the forefront, Star Slinger shakes up the tempo and brings out the beat, ensuring the danceability factor. Stream below.

Next is the new mix of filous‘ first original track, “How Hard I Try” by prolific Portland producer RAC. The original track, by rising Austrian artist and music prodigy filous (the french word for “Rascal”) features vocals from James Hershey and has an inherently tropical tone. RAC takes it in a different direction with a more muted approach to the synths and haunting echoey instrumentation, which is apt given the subject matter.

In related news, RAC is actually going on tour with filous, Big Data and Pink Feathers this fall so be sure to check out their tour dates. For those in the District, they’ll be at DC’s 9:30 Club November 10 so get your tickets now!

Last but not least, we’re loving the fresh Four Tet take on the new CHVRCHES single “Leave A Trace.” CHVRCHES — everyone’s favorite Scottish synthpop outfit — caused a stir on the internet with the announcement of their sophomore album, Every Open Eye, due out September 25 on Glassnote Records. The English electronic artist strips down the poppiness of the original and instead supplies an underlying tension, building the track around the hook: “I know I need to feel relief.” It’s a masterful case of the production mimicking the message of the song, as only Four Tet is capable. Listen below.

Four Tet – Parallel Jalebi

Posted on February 28, 2014March 3, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Four Tet, the well-known producer from the UK (aka Kieran Hebden), released his seventh album Beautiful Rewind at the end of 2013. Known for combining electronica with the experimental elements of jazz, Four Tet has a number of critically acclaimed works under his belt. No wonder his show at DC’s U Street Music Hall tonight is sold out. Check out his remaining tour dates below after listening to “Parallel Jalebi” off the latest LP.

Tour Dates:

2/28 – Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall
3/1 – Austin, TX @ Mohawk
3/6-3/7 – Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex
3/8 – San Francisco, CA @ Mezzanine
3/22 – London, UK @ TBA
3/29 – Birmingham, UK @ Rainbow Warehouse
4/10 – Mayrhofen, Austria @ Snowbombing
4/12 – Milan, Italy @ Design Week Festival

Andrew Bird – Imitosis (Four Tet Remix)

Posted on June 20, 2013March 14, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

How this accomplished artist managed to slip under my radar until 2013 is beyond explainable — Andrew Bird, the classically trained violinist and one-man band originally from Chicago is a truly gifted musician. His brooding and improvisational vocal style is reminiscent of Rufus Wainwright. Thankfully through Indie Shuffle — who reposted the Four Tet remix this year — I’ve been introduced (better late than never?).

NPR describes his music as “an eclectic mix of gypsy ballads, jazz, folk and rock.” Interestingly, Bird also claims to rewrite his songs for the audience every night, which is apparent just by listening to a few different versions of his live tracks. I’m partial to the acoustic version of “Imitosis” below.

“Imitosis” is a track off his acclaimed 2007 album Armchair Apochrypha – and Four Tet does a nice job on the remix, keeping it close to the original with a slightly updated feel.

Stream his live concert from 930 Club circa 2007 over at NPR.

And if you’re lucky enough to be anywhere close to Bird’s upcoming tour destinations, do yourself a favor and go see this insanely talented man live.

Tour Dates:

7/25 Bearsville, NY
7/26 Bearsville, NY
7/28 Newport, RI
8/2 Happy Valley, OR
8/3 Happy Valley, OR
8/17 Sterling Heights, MI
11/14 Davis, CA
11/15 Santa Cruz, CA
11/16 Santa Cruz, CA
11/18 Arcata, CA
11/19 Chico, CA
11/21 Santa Barbara, CA

Ultraísta – Smalltalk (Four Tet Remix)

Posted on November 8, 2012November 9, 2012 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich’s newest project is a trio called Ultraísta, named after the Spanish literary movement ultraismo. Nigel brings his singular brand of sonic soundscapes to the group’s self-titled debut LP, which was released October this year.

This excellent Four Tet remix of “Smalltalk” highlights the cool vocals of new London artist Laura Bettinson. Another requisite remix to check out (if you call yourself a Radiohead fan) is the Alpines rework of “Bad Insect” below.