Remixes can sometimes be more than just a tinkering of a tune. Many times a song is so altered that it barely resembles the original, and in some cases not at all. You’d be hard pressed to find similarities between the two. Often I wonder why a remix then? If one changes a song completely, isn’t it just a new track on it’s own? Such is the case with the remixes for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs‘ “Zeroâ€.
I’ve never been a huge Yeah Yeah Yeahs fan, but their single “Zero” off of their new album It’s Blitz! is pretty cool. The song has an extreme 70s feel to it, like a faded Polaroid you pulled from your parent’s past. The song is a seamless mix of rock and disco, neither one or the other, just a perfect melding of the two. And as such, this is one of those tracks that don’t really need to be mixed. It already has a pretty solid dancey disconess to it. I would just speed it up a bit. But, nonetheless, some out there feel the need for alterations. Though it’ll be tough to beat the original.
MSTRKRFT Remix
Haven’t heard much from these two Canadians lately, who are known for their popular mixes. Their take on “Zero” is actually a fresh change to their typical style; it’s like they’ve spent a little more time in the studio coming up with a little originality for a change. Though this is a prime example of how the remix resembles nothing of the original, except for a few snippets of Karen O’s voice. It’s heavy on distorted synthesizers, MSTRKRFT’s favorite sounds, reworked in a mid tempo fashion. This isn’t a track that’ll get your feet tapping towards the dancefloor. It’s simply repetitive and to be honest, a little boring.
Zero (MSTRKRFT Remix) – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Erol Alkan Remix
Erol Alkan, always putting out fun and interesting tunes, takes “Zero” and also turns this into an unrecognizable track. Bouncy, distorted synths, and a smattering of snare drums make for a fun and upbeat mix. Very house heavy, pure instrumentals and again only whispers of Karen O. What? These guys don’t like her singing? The whispers have an eerie yet grand touch, but again, this mix is a little repetitive. If you’re standing in a club and sober, you’ll get sick of this fast.
DiscoWeirdos Remix
Finally a mix that doesn’t shun the words of Ms. Karen O. This remix is thus far the most similar to the original. It’s starts off completely unnecessary, with echoed vocals, and one melody that hums with a drone. It takes a little over 1 minute 30 to get involved, but when it does, it picks up a lot of life, utilizing the best part of the original, it’s disco synth melody, and then slapping on a solid beat via drum machine. The rest is pretty unaltered for the most part.
N.A.S.A. Bloody Lobo Remix
Again, graced with Karen O’s vocals. I personally think they’re too good to leave out. But that’s all that really remains, a long with the melody, but some liquid synthesizers and grungy beats make for the music here. This is a slightly harsh and heavy re-working with grinding beats but it’s got a lot going on that meshes well for a creative remix.
Zero (N.A.S.A. Bloody Lobo Remix) – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
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best thing they’ve ever done.