Big, Big, Big Love

I haven’t gone this long without hearing a song that catapults me to a computer to write this here. But upon listening to “Big Love,” the massive, Herclues & Love Affair-ish track from CFCF, I literally couldn’t wait to get home to post this. Driven by a smooth, happening bassline, the song grooves and grooves for six and half wonderful minutes. The piano, maracas, and chirping vocals take the song from great to amazing– possibly even phenomenal (ed. note– yes, phenomenal). Not since “Blind” has a song been able to invade the dancefloor, living room and bedroom so fittingly. It won’t be long until everyone’s got the fever– and you’ll know it when it happens– I’m currently very, very sick with it.

CFCF – “Big Love”

*****

Ohhhhh Weeee

Mark Ronson, the multi-talented and multi-faced producer responsible for soul-bending albums from Amy Winehouse and his own record of covers,  shifted gears into some smooth and flowing hip-hop back in his 2003 debut album that acts like a magnet with your feet to the dancefloor. Passed on greatly when it was released, it features Ghostface Killah and the always crooning Nate Dogg– and then there’s Ronson who’s crafted a soulful, old-school inspired rap gem to wipe up the aisles cluttered with dumb one liners and chipmunk samples that have taken over hip-hop lately. Ghostface slides across the trumpets and saxophones until Nate Dogg breaks in with his “oooohhhh weeeee” that sounds as sweet as anything he’s ever sung.

Mark Ronson – “Ooh Wee (Feat. Ghostface Killah & Nate Dogg)”

*****

You Give Me Butterflies

Anyone who’s come within five feet of me this year has heard me rant about how unbelievably good Hervé’s Mixmag set is. Honestly the best electro set I’ve heard maybe ever. From start to finish the guy throws in both well known and unheard bangers, like his remix of Kidda’s “Under The Sun” which claimed a spot in my top 50 songs of the decade, and go-to crowd pleaser of any sane crowd, his own “Cheap Thrills.” But under one of his many monikers, he Hervé-ifies “Butterflies” to make it the hardest-hitting, pleasure-inducing electro anthem in a while. It doesn’t take long for it to drop, and as soon as it does, you’ll be hooked. Guarenteed.

T2 – “Butterflies (The Count Of Monte Cristal’s Sceptre Mix)” [download]

*****

Those 3 Words Saved My Life

Steve Angello, member of Swedish House Mafia and all-around house DJ all star team, has been all over the map in 2009. One of the most prolific DJs of 2009, Angello was touring, recording and remixing almost non-stop. And now that 2010 is upon us, we can begin to dissect and appreciate the mostly massive tunes the man gave us. His remix of “3 Words” may not ever break the red velvet rope of nightclubs, but it’s a headphone paradise. Angello rides a single guitar line until a steady bass picks up that feels not unlike Deadmau5’s “The Longest Road remix,” which landed at number 15 on my decade best-of list. It’s a pop song with a dark and mysterious touch, thanks to Angello’s magical tinkering.

Cheryl Cole – “3 Words (Steve Angello remix)”

*****

I’m in the Quicksand

La Roux’s underappreciated (at least here in US) debut album is full of passionate, snappy, girl fire that oozes with electro bliss and unstoppable synth power. And the next best thing has been seeping onto the internet in heavy, sometimes unmanageable doses– the remixes. Her voice is the ripest remixing tool since Royksopp, and house, dubstep and electro DJs have all had their turn. The concensus seems to be Skream’s dubstep rework of “In for the Kill” is the tune, but Alex Metric’s remix of “Quicksand” is in a league of its own. Patience pays off here, and if you stick around for that breakdown at 2:56, you’ll see what I mean. It’s the sound of the new and improved La Roux.

Hear the original before the remix:
La Roux – “Quicksand”

La Roux – “Quicksand (Alex Metric remix)“ [download]

******