When a musician embarks on a ‘remix’, it often suggests a complete makeover of the original segment, generally with a distinguishably noticeable difference, such as a genre transformation or an alternative take. To draw a simple parallel, let us address our American counterparts for a second, where from over the pond they brought our TV sets ‘Extreme Makeover UK’. The writer’s behind this revolutionary programme genuinely believe it is a plausible concept to take a middle aged man from Wales, and remodel him as Peter Andre. I for one am slightly skeptical of such a challenge, but then again there are several cases where a truly innovative ‘remixer’ has taken a dismally ugly original track and managed to work their skills to make something rather beautiful. Praise be the surgeon, whatever his industry may be.
Now in this instance we encounter a ‘rework’. What’s the difference? I believe the rework suggests a revision of the subject at hand ie. not a radical change of the original, but rather an altered angle of musical arrangement that may not have been considered previously. If your neighbour was to draw a stick man, and you were to add a rather large pair of fun bags to the design, then you could call it a rework, you may even call it an admirable one. This last conjecture is pure opinion, but to recall our expert stylists at ‘Extreme Makeover UK’, it seems bigger is most definitely better – although one should probably consider that most of the participants on this programme were probably there as a result of Mcdonalds or Jordan’s bra size. It seems that we often forget about how effective the understatement can be, need I remind you of Boy 8 Bit’s self proclaimed ‘simple’ rework of Burial’s masterpiece ‘Archangel’. This simple rework was met with much controversy, where some quarters praised it for it’s new house transformation, and others shunned it, loyal to it’s stepper roots. I for one thought it was sweet.
In this case Croz a 21 year old DJ and producer from Bristol has taken the much acclaimed Burial & Four Tet collaboration ‘Moth’ and performed the act of a ‘rework’. The job commanded restrain and respect, and low and behold it was delivered with acute accuracy and class. The sentiments of tempered deep house hi hats and additional shuddery kicks, really take to the ghostly atmosphere of the original. The pace of Croz’s rework conforms to that of the waiting game, and the final release of that oh so familiar lick, lands with a sense of new continuity reflecting the originals intent. This rework acts as a tool for a different tailor, allowing the DJ of a different composure to play it in an environment that fits for them. It fits me quite nicely thank you.
Check out Croz’s Soundcloud for the download.
Darkly
