Once upon a time, the producer was king: Phil Spector, Joe Meek, Tom Dowd, Lou Adler, and Russ Titleman, just to name drop a few. Nowadays, it’s the remix artist. This compilation of formerly import only, b-sides, and limited release tracks skillfully re-imagined and by Alias, a.k.a. Brendon Whitney, is evocative of Bill Laswell’s stellar work with Miles Davis and Carlos Santana wherein the knob-twiddler retains the essence of the song yet adds their own indelible stamp. Up for reinvention are a varied group of artists including; John Vanderslice, the One AM Radio, Lali Puna, Why? Lucky Pierre, 13 & God, and Sixtoo, among others. The fact that they’re not household names adds to the intrigue. Slowcore purveyors One AM Radio are recast as smooth-jazz operators ala Bryan Ferry in “What You Gave Away.” For “Crush” Lucky Pierre (which is Aiden Moffat of the now defunct Arab Strap) is reborn as a funky, trip-hopper. A drum ‘n’ bass make-over for Alias & Tarsier’s somnambulant “9:24” is downright erotic. Everything old is delightfully new again. Highly recommended for fans of Everything But The Girl, Morcheeba, Portishead, and Stereolab.
--Tom Semioli
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