Rummaging For Remixes

As Blam Jam takes a bank holiday breather this Sunday,
it's as good a time as ever to look back at some of the 
stand-out remixes of well-known tunes, that have made
a mark on the show.

Any song it seems, is now open to interpretation and it's
an artform that's become a lot more than just sticking extra beats
behind a track.

Here's one or two that have gone down particularly well;

Jamiroquai - "Too Young To Die" (Skeil's Acid Nu-Jazz Electromix)



In the last couple of months Jamiroquai have been challenging the
public to remix their breakthrough hit "Too Young To Die" to celebrate
the song's 20th anniversary.

Most of the entries have been pretty sub-standard, but this offering
from French producer Skeil is something else.

I love how he's managed to retain the melodic feel of the song,
yet he's changed the tune into something completely different, with
the verses reminiscent of Jamiroquai's later release "Alright", and
the chorus is a cacophony of voice samples similar to Flying Lotus.

It's a very uplifting arrangement and an overall polished effort.

Mario Biondi - "This Is What You Are" (Opolopo Kick Bass Rerub)


When a tune becomes very popular there's a guarantee that there
will be a barrage of remixes to follow.

And recently the modern-day soul anthem from the Italian
charmer has been given a new lease of life from Swedish producer
Opolopo, although the reception hasn't been overall positive
and even Mario himself isn't impressed.

One fan who I quote from claims that it "ruined my favourite
song of all time", though for me it was already ruined when 
it was blended together with Miles Davis' "Milestones", and
the SOS Band's "Finest", the latter being a very popular floorfiller,
but if I hear it, it's a cue to go and get myself another drink.

It's in the wrong key, and it's rather flat as a whole.

Opolopo's effort on the other hand gives the song a march darker
feel and I just love the pianos and vibe solos on there.

I'd more than happily dance to this, and dare I say it's livened
the tune up a bit.

Matt Bianco - "Half A Minute" (Joey Negro Sunburnt Mix)



Unlike the last one I had been quite a big fan of the original
version, and was one that appeared to define the future
direction of Matt Bianco after the departure of Basia and Danny White.

25 years after the original was released, Joey Negro returns
to give the song, quite frankly an incredible makeover
transforming the latin rhythms into the perfect sunset song.

Regular Blam Jam listeners will be only too aware how much
I adore this remix, to the point it has become one of the most
played tracks over the last 3 and a half years of the show,
and still sounds superb.

And as a bonus, another remix from the band giving their 
late 80s dance hit "Wap Bam Boogie" a 00s makeover.

Aaliyah - "One In A Million" (Ahmed Sirour Remix)



A poignant offering from New York producer Ahmed Sirour
made around the 10th anniversary of her untimely passing.

Just the sheer simplicity of this makes it work, setting Aaliyah's
vocals to a superb piano and string backing.

If there's one recurring trait of Ahmed Sirour, it's his modesty,
even referring to this as a "rough draft".

An understatement if ever.

Enjoy the rest of your bank holiday weekend, and I'll return
to the airwaves next Sunday, 12th of May on CSR from 6pm!