Top Remixes of 2010 (5-1)

Upside Sounds proudly presents its list of the Top Remixes of 2010. This list consists of tracks that we personally discovered in 2010, so don’t throw a fit if some of the songs are actually from 2009. We intend to showcase the artists and tracks that meant the most to us in this abundant year of great music. Here’s day five of our countdown – hope you enjoyed the picks.

5. Two Door Cinema Club – What You Know (LightsoverLA Remix)

If you haven’t heard of Two Door Cinema Club yet, you must have been living under a rock for the majority of this year. After signing to the French label Kitsune, the alternative rock band quickly released their debut album Tourist History. Apparently, the album is pretty good, but I wouldn’t know because all I’ve heard are remixes of the band. My favorite remix happens to be Lightsover LA’s edit of What You Know. The electronic duo incorporates a variety of electronic effects into the song while maintaining the popish goodness of the original (which I managed to listen to before this post). This makes for a song that every one can enjoy; from devout followers of music to the  the most casual of listeners. Get ready for some kick ass guitar, because this one’s a party starter!

4. Holy Ghost – Static On The Wire (RAC Remix)

Yeah… it’s RAC, enough fucking said.

3. Tegan and Sara – Alligator (Toro Y Moi Remix)

It doesn’t really get much chiller than this remix from Upside Sounds favorite Toro y Moi. Already a master of  making his own chillwave-pop, Toro Y Moi decides to lend his talents to indie rock group Tegan and Sara. The duo’s voices are as sweet and powerful as ever, buttressed by their adorable and ironic lyrics. The synths within the song wash over you like soft waves of water, leaving you completely mellowed out and in a great mood. All in all, this remix just sounds more grown up than the original – which depending on your taste might actually be a bad thing. For the rest of us, it’s a fantastic improvement on an already great pop song.

2. Marina and the Diamonds – I Am Not A Robot (Clock Opera Remix)

Marina and the Diamonds’ I Am Not A Robot became sort of a cult-classic in 2010. It was even featured in the chorus of Hoodie Allen’s single You Are Not a Robot. But trust me when I say this, Clock Opera’s version is nothing like the snippets featured in Hoodie’s lighthearted jam. In fact, this remix is very slow. But, don’t worry, this track is far from being repetitive or boring. Once you sit down and give it a good listen, you’ll hear a song that’s both a joyous declaration of individuality and a tribute to how gained independence can be lonely at times. The eclectic beats and lyrics of the song help guide the listener in dealing with these conflicting emotions. But by the end of it, it seems as if the songstress finds some sort of peace between the two, as if being separate from the pack is not so bad after all.

1. Florence and The Machine – Cosmic Love (Short Club Remix)

This doesn’t happen often, but sometimes you come across a song that manages not to get old no matter how many times you listen to it. That’s exactly how I feel about Short Club’s remix of Florence + The Machine’s track Cosmic Love. It’s weird, but every time I play the song, I feel like I’m discovering it for the first time. The song is literally seven minutes long, but it feels no longer than sixty seconds. Much like a rollercoaster, Short Club’s edit takes you on a ride that seems to be over before it even begins.Using lead singer Florence Welch’s voice as a vehicle, the group takes the listener on a journey through gradual progressions, perfectly executed build-ups, and soft drops that’ll make you feel lighter than a feather.

Within the song, Welch compares the love she feels to the stars in the sky. Like them, her love is always present. It controls what she can see and ultimately, what she can feel.  Welch realizes that when love is strong, its hard to maintain. Like staring directly into the sun, one eventually succumbs to the pain it causes and is forced to look away. And when it is weak, one is left in darkness, waiting under the moon and stars until the sun rises again. Sadly, Welch is left by herself, hoping for love to return to her. Only then will she be able to leave ‘this twilight.’  This remix might never make you dance; it may never be played in front of company; but it earns its place at the top of our list because it makes you FEEL; and in the end, that should be what matters the most.