So it’s that time of year again, the season of list-making. I said the same thing last year, but I still feel the same, so I am shamelessly copying and pasting. Though often overdone, and largely mediocre, a good remix can be a powerful thing. It can transform a great song into an even greater one, and a not that great one into an enjoyable listening experience. They allow music to transcend genres, and when done right, create a song that one thinks of as completely separate from the original. I’ve chosen to list these by remixer and not the original artist. Obviously I haven’t listened to everything, but these are the jams that have taken over my year.

10. Fare Soldi [ "Start" - LBCK ]

EDM has the tendency to be repetitive, and can come off as really stale when not done properly. “Start” by LBCK was a track that I wouldn’t expect myself to normally go for, but the minimalist execution was impeccable, and thus was in heavy rotation for me during the springtime. Luckily for me Fare Soldi brought “Start” back on my radar with this remix that is entirely reflective of and independent of the original, an amazing feat.

LBCK – Start (Fare Soldi Alla Frutta Remix)

9. Toro Y Moi [ "At A Glance" - Body Language ]

This was the first Body Language track I ever heard, and it lured me in like no other. This remix by Toro Y Moi is brilliantly subtle and perfectly complements the delicate original.

Body Language – At A Glance (Toro y Moi Remix)

8. Millionyoung [ "To the Lighthouse" - Memoryhouse ]

Spring was filled with dreamy, hazy electro, and for me, this remix is perfectly indicative of that period, and of the season. A little bit melancholy, but with hopeful hints of pop, Millionyoung has completely elevated the Memoryhouse original to such a level that I’m still content to jam to it 11 months after my first listen.

Memoryhouse – To the Lighthouse (MillionYoung Remix)

7. Memory Tapes [ "Real Life" - Tanlines ]

Memory Tapes made my list last year as well, for his remix of a Fool’s Gold track, and here he is again! Tanlines are completely awesome of their own accord, but two musical loves combined can be an even more beautiful thing. This remix is stunning and still hits hard.

Tanlines – Real Life (Memory Tapes Remix)

6. Sub Focus [ "Hold On" - Rusko ]

Rusko‘s debut, O.M.G.! took total dominance over the beginning of my summer this year. It was actually impossible to listen to anything else, and dubstep officially claimed me as a victim. I didn’t think it could get any better, until I heard this Sub Focus remix that goes even harder than the original. Not for the faint of heart, the full experience can only be achieved once you’ve played this as loud as your neighbors will allow. Wobble!

Rusko – Hold On (feat. Amber Coffman) (Sub Focus Remix)

5. Javelin [ "In Heat" - HEALTH ]

I love Javelin like no other, and the nature of their original material almost guarantees that they will be excellent remixers. This remix rocks so hard that the only thing I can manage to say is Javelin + HEALTH = fuck yeah! Inarticulate, but spot on.

Health – In Heat (Javelin Remix)

4. Hey Champ [ "Beaches and Friends" - French Horn Rebellion ]

This is the ultimate summer song, period. The title is “Beaches and Friends”! It doesn’t get any more clear cut than that! I could listen to this song forever and ever, and still be content. In fact, I’m listening to it right now, it’s 28 degrees, and I’m still feeling all the warm beach vibes. Hey Champ took the French Horn Rebellion original and defined my entire summer. This song is perfection.

French Horn Rebellion – Beaches and Friends (Hey Champ Remix)

3. Rusko [ "Soldier On" - The Temper Trap ]

I don’t even like The Temper Trap (except for that one song), and I actually walked out of their DC show, but this Rusko remix is out of control. Out. Of. Control. I’m not actually sure that it’s possible to NOT like this song if you pledge any allegiance to dubstep.

The Temper Trap – Soldier On (Ruskos F’kin Seagull Remix)

2. Penguin Prison [ "Hurtful" - Erik Hassle ]

Frankly the original Erik Hassle track is terrible, but Penguin Prison has revamped it into a deeply soulful masterpiece. It’s remixes like this that truly justify the art form, and show that beauty can be found where you least expect it.

Erik Hassle – Hurtful (Penguin Prison Remix)

1. The Twelves [ "Something Good Can Work" - Two Door Cinema Club ]

The Twelves are master remixers, and this one of a Two Door Cinema Club original is my most listened to remix of the entire year. The catchiness of this track just can’t be denied, go on, try to play it in a room and have your friends not ask you about it. Won’t happen. The original is mediocre, the remix is out of this world.

Two Door Cinema Club – Something Good Can Work (The Twelves remix)

That’s it for this year, let me know what you think I missed!

So I can’t believe I haven’t mentioned Tanlines on here. First heard their name through this Au Revoir Simone remix they made. Later I came across their track “New Flowers” and rocked out on that for a couple of months. They were the opening band for the Julian Casablancas show a few weeks ago here in DC (personally thought that they seemed more genuine and intriguing than their headliner). And yet, I have never mentioned them. Blasphemy. Came across an excellent Memory Tapes remix (need I say more?) of one of their songs, and I guess that was the push I needed. This is music you can dance to. Beautiful, just beautiful.

Tanlines – Real Life (Memory Tapes Remix)
Tanlines – New Flowers

When I first heard Brooklynites Au Revoir Simone (while coincidentally living in Brooklyn, what’s up Bushwick!) I fell in love. They provide simple songwriting at its best, three ladies and a drum machine. At first they seem quiet and unassuming, but listening deeper shows how quietly poignant their lyrics and melodies are. Sample lyric, “I’m moving on/ I hope you’re coming with me”, how can you NOT love it? I don’t know much about the DJ responsible, but I came across this remix of “Shadows” which stopped me in my tracks and only gets better with each playback. Listen and listen again!

Au Revoir Simone – Shadows (Tanlines remix)