Broken Social Scene Drop "Texaco Bitches" Video And Remix, Announce Winter Tour

Broken Social Scene @ Treasure Island Festival 2010, from the HAD Archive

It's been almost two months since we saw Broken Social Scene wrap up their summer tour at the Treasure Island Festival, and in the interim, the band's been busy.

Yesterday they released not only a video for "Texaco Bitches" (above), but also a downtempo remix by Canada's Star Slinger (below). The video is a bizarro jaunt into a "sumo" match between to oil....tribes? Indeed - hard to explain. Nonetheless, worth a gander, if for nothing than bizarreness alone. The remix is an enjoyable twist on the original - the latter's default "Broken Social Scene" feel is replace by a nice plodding, percussive take on things.

Apparently none of this got the band very worn out, as they also managed to throw together a winter tour, that gets under way after the new year. The band will be making their way from their home in Ontario, all the way down to the deep South over the course of about a month and a half. This is will include a New York date at Terminal 5, so we're psyched for a little cure to our wintertime blues. In the meantime, enjoy that remix with some holiday cheer!

Broken Social Scene Winter 2011 Dates
1/16/11 London, ON @ The Music Hall
1/18/11 New York, NY @ Terminal 5
1/29/11 Edmonton, AB @ Freezing Man Festival
2/10/11 Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre
2/11/11 Tampa, FL @ Ritz
2/12/11 Ft. Lauderdale @ Revolution Hall
2/13/11 Orlando, FL @ Firestone Live
2/15/11 New Orleans, LA @ Tipitina’s
2/17/11 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
2/18/11 Austin, TX @ La Zona Rosa
2/19/11 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
2/20/11 Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom

mp3: Broken Social Scene - Texaco Bitches (Star Slinger Remix)

Phoenix - "1901 (Alan Wilkis Remix)"

Phoenix at Central Park in 2009, from the HAD Archive

When Phoenix released tracks from their record in multi-track format, the number of remixes was so staggering that the band actually ended up releasing a separate album of other artists' interpretation of their work.

Even that didn't manage to grab all of the great tracks out there, and here's a little proof for you. This remix of "1901" is the work of Brooklyn-based producer Alan Wilkis, and has been hanging out in our files for the better part of a year. We figured this evening's Phoenix show at Madison Square Garden was the perfect time to bring it to your attention.

The remix captures the poppiness of the original, but then takes it in another direction that subtly suggests the rock-pop genius of Van Halen's "Jump". In other words, it does exactly what a remix should: takes a great song, and gives it a completely new perspective. Enjoy.

mp3: Phoenix - "1901 (Alan Wilkis Remix)"

Robert Fripp Joins Nick Cave On Grinderman Remix

Sure, it caught our interest when we heard that Nick Cave was making a comeback with his bluesy rock combo Grinderman. But it lured us in even more when we heard that Cave had enlisted Robert Fripp to workover a remix of the lead single "Heathen Child", and had retitled it "Super Heathen Child". Well, we finally got around to listening to the track, which dropped a few weeks ago, and we love it.

In typical Fripp fashion, the astute guitarist lays down guitar lines that are subversive and bizarre, but at the same time manage to give the song new definition and personality. In other words: it's very, very good. But don't take our word for it: check out a stream of the fab new remix below, and feel the love.

Phoenix Drop Complete Multi-Track Recordings For Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Phoenix @ Outside Lands 2010, from the HAD Archive, Photo by Rick Audet

If you're a remixer, or better yet anyone who fetishizes the deconstruction and creation of rock music, we've got some great news for you. Those lovely gentlemen in Phoenix, who always tend to do things their own way, have decided to release the complete multi-track tapes from their record Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.

What does this mean for you? Well, for one, it means that you can download the tracks and remix them (for better or worse) to your heart's content. But, (and more importantly to us) it also means that you can navigate through these recordings and see just how the band managed to construct so much pop goodness, piece by piece.

Granted, it's an activity that will only appeal to the most audio and process obsessed of fans. That being said, if you're here reading this blog, and you take us even remotely seriously, then we can only guess that you fit into that category, and find this just as delightful as we do!

Oddly, we could only find mention of the download in the email we got from the band's mailing list, but because we're so kind, we'll hit you with the links here. Feel the love.

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix Multitrack Downloads

Lisztomania

1901

Fences

Love Like A Sunset Pts 1 & 2

Lasso

Rome

Countdown

Girlfriend

Armistice

An Horse Deliver Remix EP, Return To US

It's been a while since we last saw An Horse, but we will tell you this: we've missed them. The Australian duo have a swagger and sensibility that's all their own, and carries over equally well on record and in a live room. Given that, we were pretty psyched to learn that the band has taken their killer debut Rearrange Beds and wrapped it into a five track remix EP.

The EP (which is available digitally, and as a physical bonus for a limited time) features remixes from Gerry Smith (of TV On The Radio) and Bodega Girls (mp3 below), among others. More importantly, the release of the record marks the band's return to the US, as they open for Kaki King throughout the spring.

We have to say, we're glad to have some interim material from these guys (we eagerly await their next full length), and moreover, you should definitely check them live. It's a show well worth your while.

An Horse Spring 2010 US Dates
Apr 23 La Sala Rossa w/ Hannah Georgas Montreal, Quebec
Apr 24 Mavericks w/ Dan Mangan Ottawa, Ontario
Apr 25 The Red Dog w/ Hannah Georgas Peterborough, Ontario
Apr 26 The Garrison w/ Hannah Georgas Toronto, Ontario
Apr 28 Theatre Of Living Arts w/ Kaki King Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Apr 29 9:30 Club w/ Kaki King Washington DC, Washington DC
Apr 30 at’s Cradle w/ Kaki King Carrboro, North Carolina
May 1 Criminal Records instore w/ Local Natives Atlanta, Georgia
May 1 Variety Playhouse w/ Kaki King Atlanta, Georgia
May 2 3rd & Lindsley w/ Kaki King Nashville, Tennessee
May 4 Beachland Ballroom w/ Kaki King Cleveland, Ohio
May 5 The Ark w/ Kaki King Ann Arbor, Michigan
May 6 Park West w/ Kaki King Chicago, Illinois
May 7 High Noon Saloon w/ Kaki King Madsion, Wisconsin
May 8 Varsity Theatre w/ Kaki King Minneapolis, Minnesota
May 9 The Waiting Room w/ Kaki King Omaha, Nebraska
May 11 The Fox Theatre w/ Kaki KIng Boulder, Colorado
May 12 Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom w/ Kaki King Denver, Colorado
May 14 Neumo’s w/ Kaki King Seattle, Washington
May 15 Wonder Ballroom w/ Kaki King Portland, Oregon
May 16 WOW Hall w/ Kaki King Eugene, Oregon
May 19 Knitting Factory w/ Kaki King Reno, Nevada
May 20 Mystic Theatre w/ Kaki King Petaluma, California
May 21 The Fillmore w/ Kaki King San Francisco, California
May 22 El Rey Theatre w/ Kaki King Los Angeles, California
May 23 elly Up Tavern w/ Kaki King San Diego, California
May 25 The Glasshouse w/ Kaki King Pomona, California

mp3: An Horse - Listen (Bodega Girls Remix)

Caribou Streams Album, Announces Remix Contest

Caribou at Slim's in 2007, from the HAD Archive

News just came over the wire that the new Caribou album Swim (which is obscenely fantastic, btw), is now streaming in full over at Soundcloud. We've had our hands on the record for a month or two, and are truly loving it. We highly recommend you head over and check it out as soon as you get a chance.

Additionally, the band has announced a remix contest centered around a track from the record, "Sun". All the multi-track parts are downloadable here, and once complete, remixes are to be uploaded here. While we haven't heard it yet, we're sure the Record Store Day "Odessa" remixes 12" will certainly serve as a source for inspiration.

Finally, as previously noted, the band are out on an extensive tour of Europe and North America. Take our word for it when we say that this is a band you definitely want to see live. Check out the dates below.

mp3: Caribou - Odessa

stream: Caribou - Swim

Caribou Spring 2010 Dates

Apr 17 Freebutt Brighton
Apr 19 Deaf Institute Manchester
Apr 20 Corsica Studios London London
Apr 21 Paradiso (Upstairs) Amsterdam
Apr 22 Beursschouwburg Brussels
Apr 23 Le Point Ephemere Paris
Apr 24 Le Romandie Lausanne, Waadt
Apr 25 Palace St. Gallen, St-Gall
Apr 26 Magnolia Milano
Apr 27 Feierwerk Muchen
Apr 28 Berghain Berlin, Berlin
Apr 29 Prinzenbar Hamburg
Apr 30 Pop Revo Festival Århus
May 1 Hornstull Strand Stockholm
May 3 Phoenix Concert Theatre (AA) Toronto, Ontario
May 4 Babylon (AA) Ottawa, Ontario
May 5 La Tulipe (AA) Montreal, Quebec
May 6 Middle East Downstairs (18+) Cambridge, Massachusetts
May 7 Music Hall Of Williamsburg (18+) Brooklyn, New York
May 8 Bowery Ballroom (18+) New York, New York
May 9 First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia (AA) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 10 Rock And Roll Hotel (AA) Washington, Washington DC
May 11 Jefferson Theater Charlottesville, Virginia
May 12 Cat’s Cradle (AA) Carrboro, North Carolina
May 13 Earl East Atlanta, Georgia
May 14 Spanish Moon Baton Rouge, Louisiana
May 15 Warehouse Live Studio Houston, Texas
May 16 Emo’s (AA) Austin, Texas
May 18 Clubhouse Music Venue (AA) Tempe, Arizona
May 19 El Rey Theatre (AA) Los Angeles, California
May 20 asbah San Diego, California
May 21 Teatro Fru Fru Mexico City
May 24 The Independent San Francisco, California
May 26 Hawthorne Theatre (AA) Portland, Oregon
May 28 Sugar Nightclub Victoria, British Columbia
May 29 Rickshaw Theatre (AA) Vancouver, British Columbia
May 30 Sasquatch Festival George, Washington
May 31 Republik Calgary, Alberta
Jun 1 tarlite Room Edmonton, Alberta
Jun 2 Amigos Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Jun 3 oyal Albert Hotel Winnipeg, Manitoba
Jun 4 7th Street Entry At First Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jun 5 Rock Island Brewing Co. Rock Island, Illinois
Jun 6 Granada Theatre Lawrence, Kansas
Jun 7 The Firebird (AA) St. Louis, Missouri
Jun 8 Zanzabar Louisville, Kentucky
Jun 9 The Grog Shop Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Jun 10 The Casbah Hamilton, Ontario
Jun 11 Paragon Halifax, Nova Scotia
Jun 16 Heaven London
Jul 31 Victoria Park London, London and South East

Animal Collective Remixes Phoenix

It seems that Phoenix really, really, really, do not want you to go a week without hearing some new jams from the band. Case in point: after last week's "Rome" remix by Neighbors, the band has now released a remix of "Love Like A Sunset" by Animal Collective. More specifically, one third of the collective - Deakin.

While we tend to be ready to consume just about anything Phoenix related, this one is a bit of a let down. It characterizes not only a pretty boring remix, but just about everything we dislike that Animal Collective has done since Feels. Which is to say: repetitive uninteresting beats, over-dependence on vocal reverb, and a childish use plinky synths.

We know we'll probably get a lot of disagreement, but from where we're sitting someone needs to give Deakin a call: The point of a remix is not to make the band being remixed sound like they're ripping off your own band. Check it out for yourself below.

mp3: Phoenix - Love Like A Sunset (Animal Collective Remix)

Neighbors, Devandra Banhart Remix Phoenix

Phoenix at Rumsey Playfield, from the HAD Archive

Was this weekend's show not enough Phoenix for you? Well fear not, because we have a bit more for your Monday. While are the proles are relegated to remixing "1901" and "Fences", the rock star set gets a different tune altogether: Neighbors and Devandra Banhart have remixed "Rome", and the band is giving the track away for free.

While we're not always Banhart's number one fans around here, "Rome" is one of the most killer tracks on Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. What's more, its dynamics and killer riffs make it ripe for remixing. And, Neighbors and Banhart definitely deliver. While we'd rather than Banhart not sully Thomas Mars' vocals with attempts at dueting, the rest of the track is spot on.

The pair manage to take a lot of the rock out of "Rome", instead opting to lean on the atmospherics of the tune's bridge. Amongst bendy synths and layered vocals, the remix emphasizes Phoenix's more subtle side, and that suits us just fine. Check it out for yourself below.

mp3: Phoenix - Rome (Neighbors and Devandra Banhart Remix)

Phoenix Drop "Fences" As Multitrack Download

You may recall that earlier in the year when Phoenix released their single "1901" as a multi track recording for remix purposes. Well, apparently that wasn't the end of it, as the band has now gone and released "Fences" in the same format. You can snag the multi-track download right here.

We're actually excited to see "Fences" get the nod, as it seems to be the underappreciated stepchild of "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix": it hasn't really been played live, and gets little mention in critical circles as well. We're curious to see what fans will come up with for the track, but more importantly whether this development causes the band to dig out the track for a live showing at Central Park this weekend. We certainly hope so!

mp3: Phoenix - Fences

Oasis Drop "Falling Down" EP, Remix 12", and Free Live Collection

We're not usually much for EPs that cram themselves full of unneeded remixes and then try to bill themselves as being full of "new" material. That being said, we somehow find ourselves more than willing to accommodate the new Oasis EP and 12" for "Falling Down".

For one, you get the demo version of the title track, and for another you get the unreleased B-Side "Those Swollen Hand Blues". Typically, that alone would be enough to convince us of the purchase. Oasis demos and b-sides are, frankly, as good as their full records. However, the releases also contain a number of remixes, about one of which Noel Gallagher has indicated "All superlatives will apply". Frankly, that's enough to get us to listen.

Apparently not wanting to come off too strong as trying to make a buck, the band is also dropping some tasty free content as well. They've released a video for "Falling Down" (above), and released a free live album in the UK, featuring a whole bunch of live Noel solo tracks. We're a bit partial to Noel's vocals, so this one is must have for us as well.

If you're curious about the new B-Side, you can check out the link below. Stereogum name checked the Beatles on first listen, but we're a bit more inclined to reference solo Lennon. Sure, Oasis Beatles' love is always out there on their collective sleeves, but this track just seems a bit more stripped down in a way that reminds us far more of Plastic Ono Band. Give a listen, let us know what you think.

mp3: Oasis - Those Swollen Hand Blues (zShare, click through)

Enjoy Some Bowie Mashups, Courtesy Of Bootie

We're sure that many of our readers are familiar with the San Francisco mash-up party Bootie - the party takes the (still?) popular practice of mashups, and throws them into a live environ with DJ's up to the task. For what its worth, despite mashups' reduction in relevance, Bootie still seems to be going strong.

That being what it is, we were interested to discover that Bootie has sponsored a mashup project surrounding the David Bowie album Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars. The project, entitled Ziggy Remixed is a full-on CD comp, including cover art and the like. It features eleven tracks, some that are simply remixes, and others that are mashups. Most notably, it features mashups with MGMT, Bob Marley, The Supremes, The Beatles, and Deep Purple.

While not every track is to our fancy (remixes are a difficult balance), we have to say that the disc is entirely a worth listen. The DJ's manage to do a fantastic number with the remixes, giving new character to Bowie's material, and generally making the whole deal feel natural, which is really the idea, no?

While we did find out about all this through Bowie's official website, that still doesn't guarantee how long the disc will be up, and for free. We recommend you head over and snag the tracks ASAP - it'll make your Friday just that much more awesome!

mp3: Stardust Kids - A Plus D (Bowie vs. MGMT)
mp3: Ziggy Remixed - Full album download site

Monkey Journey To The West Remixes and Vinyl Drop Tomorrow

It seems that despite the fact that he's knee deep in Blur-reunion hype, Damon Albarn's Monkey: Journey To The West is still continue to wring out a fair dose of relevance. The much-lauded crossover project has received considerable attention, ranging from the BBC to the Olympics, and now it's been subjected to the remix treatment.

Ubiquitous remix-master Diplo, along with Kwes, are the driving forces behind two remixes of "Monkey Bee" that drop tomorrow as a digital single. Diplo's remix (we haven't heard the Kwes remix yet) is a drastic take on the original that travels from downtempo reggae, through some arcade analog synths, and straight on to some hip hop beats. "Journey to the West", indeed.

In addition to the remixes, the record has also been released on vinyl in what appears to be an intricately assembled box set featuring a hardcover book, lithographs, and 200 gram (!) vinyl of the record. The package looks amazing, but with a 255 UK Pound price point, we have to say it's a little rich for our blood. If you find yourself in the market for a copy, however, The Vinyl Factory is where it's at. We'll be green with envy.

mp3: Damon Albarn - Monkey Bee, Diplo Remix (YouSendIt, click through)