Santi White, better known as Santigold (previously Santogold) probably needs no introduction. She released her self titled debut album last year to great acclaim, with hits such as “Creator”, “L.E.S. Artistes” and “Lights Out”. Not only is she showcasing her own music, but she produces and writes for various artists, such as Lily Allen, Ashlee Simpson and has had collaborations with Julian Casablancas and Pharrell. Lights Out is a song of hers that I just truly love.
.Santigold – Lights Out
“Lights Out” nicely harkens back to 80s New Wave with heavy influences from The Cars, The Pretenders, & The Pixies. With solid snaps on a snare drum and chunky guitars paired with delicate synths, “Lights Out” is a sleek, refined song with effortless, beautiful vocals, particularly the elongated ‘Daaaahrling’. This track could certainly be described as a perfect blend of The Strokes and The Cars.
.DJ Mehdi Remix
This was a great find for me. I love this song, but even more so I love DJ Mehdi, so to find that he did a remix of it was pretty amazing. And he did not fail. But then again he never does. This mix puts a bounce in your sunny morning step. Mehdi replaces the chunky guitar riff with a bubbling, poppy synthy drum line. In the middle of the mix he showcases his creative talent, by inserting a brilliant devised melodic piece of whispered bongos met with jazz piano key bounces. It manages to stay quite similar to the original, but as all great remixes, tinkers it enough to make it upbeat and original. Minimalism can be grand.
.Tepr Emo Remix
This mix is quite on the opposite spectrum than Mehdi’s. It slows the song to almost a ballad, which goes well with Santigold’s shy vocals. Melodically it’s fuzzy and touched with distortion, bringing a more ethereal element to the tune. It does highlight a beautiful piano that plays throughout the song, which goes nicely with the light splashes of drum machines. A mix for the introspective at heart.
http://www.fileden.com/files/2009/7/20/2515664/Santi-LightsOut-RUBATO.mp3David Rubato Mix
This is a pretty funky, disco inspired mix. It has a nice bubbling, distorted grind that slips around through the track. It’s very Justice-esque. That little piece is enjoyable, the main focus of the mix, though it doesn’t mesh too well with the vocals. One great portion of the mix is that certain parts of Santigold’s vocals are matched with a robotic overdub. Very cool. Indeed a fun track for the dance floor.
