Stoney Debate: Is it OK to remix legendary classics?

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Stoney Debate: Is it OK to remix legendary classics?

As per most dance music nerds, I have a daily morning internet jaunt to see the goin’s on in the dance music world. Weird Guy Sebastian remix – ok? Sweet new Chromeo – noice one. Then I happen to stumble upon a remix from the Socialytes. I know their work and I don’t dislike it, but something about the track they were remixing really turned my stomach.

The track in question was The Clash’s epic track, early 80s staple, ‘Rock the Casbah’. We all have our non-dance favourites – and this is mine. As a member of a UK immigrant family, my pa used to play The Clash’s greatest hits in the car and tell stories about how he had been a failed skinhead (he was bald by default but just couldn’t carry off the whole ‘racist and violent’ thang). I also revisited the tunes in high school – when my cohort collectively decided that we would wear Doc Martens, smoke ‘fags’ and relive our imagined version of the 80s Britannia in 2008 Newtown, Sydney.

The Socialytes remix isn’t bad, it’s not even average. It’s a really well formed track with a good house base – utilizing the catchy lyrics and unforgettable piano intro. It progresses into heavy electro with one heck of a drop and (as per most tracks which rely on the drop) becomes a bit of a bangerz delight. Despite all of this, I can’t fucking stand it. How could you remix such a classic? Such an memorable song – an amazingly simple track which celebrated the united groove of a deprived working class? It simply seemed a bit…bastardised.

This got me thinkin’, is it OK to remix these classic rock and acoustic tracks? Does doing so pose a respectful homage to the past or simply pull a crass rip-off of legendary music?

At Stoney Roads, our thoughts are divided. We’re fully aware that emerging producers will remix the classic rock track in order to gain some quick listens and commonality. In this sense, it can be argued that remixing classic rock or pop songs makes dance music more accessible to those who may not be interested in dance music – or need some swaying to the electronic side. Bringing us back to the early days of Stoney – remixing anything and everything was fair bloody game. David Bowie (the Ziggy Stardust days), Mozart, The fuckin’ Simpsons theme song, producers took a lucky dip in music history and remixed the shit out of it.

But when is enough enough? For me, there’s a fairly fine line between accessibility and exploitation. In that, here are the Stoney tips to avoid a truly shithouse remix which puts the whole institution to shame.

STONEY TIP #1: Don’t do it just for the quick ‘likes’.

We’re sure we don’t need to tell you that prozzing yourself for a quick ‘like’ is never a good thing. If you are a deep house enthusiast and couldn’t really give a crap about 50s crooners, don’t just shove some Dean Martin in your remix for some quick ‘kitsch’ value. Chances are you’re gonna look/sound like a twat. Also I might sound like a mega-dork but it’s not a bad thought to briefly consider the historical importance of songs. Was it politically a big deal to a lot of people? Maybe not the best idea to bash it out in a club full of munters.

Here’s a sample of what NOT to do. A remix of The Smith’s classic ‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’, turned into a fuckhouse of abomination by some dude who goes by Davide Starfire (I will find you, make fun of your last name, and then mace yah.)

STONEY TIP #2: Remember, remixing is about ‘re-imagining’ a track with respect.

As we’ve learnt from many top selectors – any kind of remixing is about taking your favourite part of a track, focusing on it, deconstructing it, and then working it into a sweet amalgamation with your own sound (just watch some experts say so here if you don’t believe meh). Why shouldn’t it be the same with remixing classics? Re-imagine the track people, don’t just smash ya sound over the top.

Here’s another example of what NOT to do. J-Cash is rolling in his grave I assure you.

STONEY TIP #3: Be cautious when remixing classic dance tracks.

Early Daft Punk, Moby’s ‘Go’, Fatboy Slim, Kraftwerk, Justice – approach with caution. These are already such classics in the dance community and you’re probably going to have the slight appearance of a fat rookie noob if you remix these. If you really think you can, we ain’t gonna stop ya – but ye will be at the scrutiny of other dance fans – and they dun’ always play nice. Have some serious consideration before you take on the big dogz.

If you need a bit of inspiration, or we’ve left you in despair over your remixing dreams, here’s some examples of people who’ve done it right.

Bill Withers – ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ (Lido Remix)

Whether you remember it from Hugh Grant’s melancholic walk through Notting Hill, or cried to it when your girlf/boyf left you on your lonesome, it’s a sweet track, re-imagined into a gorgeous remix by Lido – alternating through heavy electronic strikes and liquid soundscapes. An amazing piece of music.

Eric Clapton – ‘Cocaine’ (No Big Deal Remix)

Nothing really to say. Awesome song then, great mix now. The sweet technical qualities added by No Big Deal is something that nothing other than cocaine could have inspired. Everyone loves the powders, that’s pretty much it.

Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven (Gramatik Dubstep Remix)

I was highly skeptical when I heard the familiar riff, but not alot could have prepared me for the ear seduction I was about to experience. There’s nothing contrived about this – Gramatik has basically conceived a new track out of a much beloved and globally recognised track. Many, many vibes from this one.

So although I’m still rolling about the idea of my beloved Clash track being remixed – I can see merit in the craft.

Are there any tracks that for you would be totally against making/hearing a remix of?

Jumping back into the future, the Stoney Roads & Kilter remix competition closes TONIGHT. Will you be incorporating some classic vibes into your entry? Go to www.tracksift.com to enter and check out the competition. More information here.

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