Top 5 Remixes of 2010.

Before I carry on, I realised that certain remixes that appeared on my "master list" didn't (spoiler haha) make my top 40, but because the art of the remix was very refined this year I feel the need to pay 'homage' to my favourite remixes that I boycotted from the list.

5 "Spanish Sahara" (Chad Valley Remix) - Foals

From a cold and difficult 7 minute slog (I wasn't a fan) to something that resembles Spandau Ballet on hallucinogenics, Chad Valley created something rather beautiful as per usual. Singer Yannis sounds weepy and self-pitying on the original, but here, his double tracked voice is shimmering and dreamy. "Total Life Forever" indeed.



4 "Dancing on My Own" (Fred Falke Remix) - Robyn
Making a sad song sadder and more wistful with some mournful chords, Fred Falke's take on Robyn's crowning glory doesn't much up the dance stakes, in fact toning down the brutal pulsating bass of the original and replacing it with glowing chords and a late 90s house sensibility that indeed feels like dancing on your own. If the original is desperate and emotional, this mix is one sung from the aftermath; this Robyn is resigned to loneliness, and there's no Fred Falke version of Hang With Me or Indestructible, so it seems that this is where it ends. How mean of you Fred, really.


3 "Heads Will Roll" (A Trak Remix) - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Something of a 2010 club classic, this is probably the most popular indie remix of the year, partially thanks to Annie Mac's fondness for it (she included it on her "Presents 2010" mix CD). And absolutely deservedly. Addictive beyond belief, Even Karen O is a slave to the demonic steel drum chords and commandeering funky house bass, chopping heads off left, right and centre on the dancefloor. Dangerous stuff.


2 "Starry Eyed" (Russ Chimes Remix) - Ellie Goulding
Whoa, where did THIS come from? The original "Starry Eyed" was fun, but a little bit diddly diddly to really live up to its subject matter (being high on life or drugs or whatever). However, when the Russ Chimes remix finally kicks in properly after a long 3 minute build, not going mad is simply NOT an option. Goulding's voice is cut up and haemorrhaged all over the track, as dirty throbbing bass and massive beats collide. But that piano, OH that piano. That's when you know shit's going down. The whole track is perfectly structured and a true clubber's delight; CRAZY. Though not quite as crazy as my number one...


1 "Get Outta My Way" (BeatauCue Remix) - Kylie Minogue
This is less a remix, more a cut and paste exercise. BeatauCue rip apart samples of this feel good anthem and tear scratches into the original record, so what we are left with it something that has to be heard to be believed. Kylie is essentially everywhere, screaming in your ear in distress as a colossal beat pummels her into submission and beyond. THE intense funky house experience of the year without a doubt.