Better Versions
The latest release by Rob Garza and Eric Hilton allows for a different take on the musical remix.
Published May 2, 2006
When the word "remix" is mentioned, the images that arise from the depths of the mind are typical of those found in a rap video. Because of the stereotypical hip-hop remixes that have become so popular on mainstream media outlets, we now associate the remix with convoluted words interspersed with electronic clicks and heavy repeated synthetic beats, followed shortly by the moans of scantily clad young women, and so forth. Of course, I'm stereotyping much here.
Despite the prevalence of mass-produced stereotypes, there are some diamonds to be found in the rough. Thievery Corporations' Versions reminds us that there is more out there than the stuff on the radio.
These remixes (or as Thievery Corporation calls them: "versions") aren't at all like the ones seen on MTV. Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, the duo that created the remixes found on this record, have taken a different approach to altering music to mold to their ears' liking. The essence of the songs' original counterparts is still present despite the fact they have been mixed.
Under every song on the album, a constant, usually non-electronic, and rather pervasive pulse drives forward the upper layers of mixed sound. The original lyrics and musical lines, like any remix, are repeated a number of times, but Thievery Corporation has done a nice job of keeping the material fresh, even after the song has been playing for several minutes.
From mariachi to calypso, the styles of the album cover the diverse spectrum of music from around the world, extending beyond the constraints of the English language and dabbling in a number of foreign tongues. But there's a lot to this album:
"Karana" will make you experience the wonders of schizophrenia.
"Angels" will pretty much just mess with your head.
"Khalgi Stomp," with its heavy use of the sitar, will fill your mind with images of harems and concubines.
"Dirty Little Secret" will lift you through your ceiling and bring goose bumps crawling with its delicate vocals and ethereal strings.
I can recognize the appeal of remixing a song, but to remix the song "Strange Days" by The Doors, the classic rock band of the '60s and '70s, just seems absurd.
The eclectic variety of music found on Versions makes the album an interesting listen, but it's not music someone can just listen to; it's music to dance to.
