Archive for the ‘Features’ Category
Muse Remix Awards (The MRAs)
Hello handsome people.
With Muse established as one of the biggest bands in the world we take a look back at some remixes of their biggest hits. Some are good, some are bad, and some are just plain weird.
A retro remix
Muscle Museum – Soulwax Remix
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First up is a retro remix from the genius’ that are Soulwax. Muscle Museum from Muse’s first album Showbiz is given an uplifting errrm… uplift from the belgian mixing masters. The mix stays true to the original song’s format, but replaces guitars for electronics and ups the tempo , the result is a, blistering, very danceable 3:45 seconds, even if it does compromise on some of the epic power of the original.
A newer remix
Uprising – Does It Offend You, Yeah? Remix
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Uprising, the band’s first single from 5th album The Resistance, some people dislike it, others think it’s decent but sounds too much like something kylie should have released. Well, this remix for the noisy Read the rest of this entry »
Singapore Dispatches – Yuri Bashmet and the Moscow Soloists
Greetings from Singapore, the Lion City. I arrived here during the final week of the Singapore International Arts Festival, and thought it only couth to sample some of its musical offerings as I am here. The headliners for the final week are Russian classicalists, viola-virtuoso Yuri Bashmet, leading the Chamber Orchestra Moscow Soloists, accopanied by the Moscow State Chamber Choir. Now, I know classical music isn’t the usual remit for this blog, however, I thought it would be an opportunity missed to go along and not attempt to re
view this act, so here goes…
First, to set the scene. The performance was held in the iconic Esplanade. It really is a spectacular piece of architecture. Inside, the main concert hall resembles a cross between an upturned Noah’s arc, and a wooden cathedral, and the acoustics are excellent, I’d say better than the Albert Hall’s from past experience. During the interval I wandered out to the bar to grab a swift beer, which enjoys fantastic views overlooking the marina which is really quite stunning lit up at night.
I really enjoyed most of the programme. It opened with Stravinsky’s Concerto in D for strings, which sounds very contemporary despite it being over 60 years old. The first movement, Vivace, really stood out, a frantic, bustling piece, which conjured up images of a busy metropolis such as Singapore, and with a fantastic recurring discordant motif which feels like it’s always teetering on the brink of crashing, but remains beautifully balanced throughout.
Tunes to Travel To
The success or failure of any holiday or long trip abroad hinges on many things – Have I got my passport? Has the hostel/hotel been booked? Do I know where I’m going once I get there? Have I got enough money? – These are all very important issues, but one of the more crucial questions which can either have an adverse effect upon holiday vibe or enhance the experience is “What music should I take with me?”
Planning your holiday playlist is not a task which should be left to the last minute, like say, packing! Much care, thought, and attention needs to be invested in it. You need to think about the place you’re going to and match your choices accordingly. For example, if you are planning a trip to the top of a tall landmark like say the Eiffel Tower or Niagara Falls, then it might not be a good idea to have Van Halen’s ‘Jump’ suddenly blaring out of your headphones! Clearly Balearic grooves are more fitting for sun, sea and sand rather than a skiing retreat to snow-fettered mountains, for which something post-rock would perhaps be more apt. For a relaxing retreat, chilled-out ambiance is probably more desirable than banging party anthems.
