fDELUXE - RELIT

After feeling like I'd recaptured a part of my youth with "Gaslight", I was pleased beyond words that fDeluxe returned with a remix album entitled "Relit".  I didn't wait long before ordering the disc.  And let me tell ya, it doesn't disappoint.  Right off the bat, you get two back to back remixes of 'Sanctified'.  The first mix was done by a guy named John Fields and in a nod to The Beatles, he calls his mix the Strawberrius Remix.  "Strawberry Fields" is the title and subject of a Beatles song.  The tempo seems punched up and the track is really grooving.  This is a great number and a lot of fun.  The second mix seems to be the product of a number of people but this one is so far beyond funky it's not even funny.  With a Linn drum patch fronting the rhythm section, this one is a nostalgic romp to the Minneapolis sound of the 80's.  Definitely the best mix of the two and so dang infectious.  I should point out, both mixes of this song are actually fantastic.

Next up is Eric Leeds' mix of 'Lover'.  Eric's sax is featured heavily in this mix and it's quite lovely.  This song was already beautiful and having a romantic jazz version only heightens its edge.  Not to be missed, this one stands out as a serious contender for best mix.  St. Paul gets credit for the Amsterdam mix of 'Drummers & Healers'.  It's an interesting mix bordering on a house beat with minor notes drizzled about for atmosphere.  Another base hit for the band.  Next up is one of two mixes of the song, 'Over The Canyon'.  This mix is exciting for a couple of reasons...  1) it's funky and fun - 2) it uses sounds that seem to date back to early 80's and they're just brilliantly mixed in with the song.  I love this one too.  Next up is '@8'; which also has another mix later on.  This is the Swang mix by someone apparently called Swang.  It's a stripped down version with some guitar bits and orchestral swells making the tune sound very much like it belongs on 1986's Prince And The Revolution album, "Parade".

Wendy & Lisa put in appearance on 'Midnight Gaslight' one of the first mixes released to those who pledged during fDeluxe's fundraiser for "AM Static".  It's a brilliant mix.  Next up is the second mix of 'Over The Canyon' by a guy named Josh Beagley.  It's a minimalist mix, but also well executed.  It doesn't do a whole lot for the song, but it has got a thumping club beat and that's probably what the band was looking for at this point.  'Beautiful You' gets a remix by artist Steve Parke and his mix partner Jesse Hayes.  The vocals are treated with a computerized distortion of some sort and the tune is stripped down to the bare minimum.  This is probably my least favorite mix on the disc, but it's still an interesting interpretation.

'@8' get it's second mix by a DJ who hypes the tune by speeding it up.  The vocals are slightly sped up and the music is stripped out.  Of the two mixes, this is the one I'd say dropped the bomb even though I love the music.  The sped up vocals just ruin the track.  Would've worked better as an instrumental.  'Gaslight' gets another mix.  This one by St. Paul and he demonstrates his affinity for techno mixing once again.  This is the track I think has the best chance of becoming a club hit.  

'The Vigil' gets an interesting reworking by Ishan Cooper.  It's a kinda digital lounge mix.  It's laid back, chill and hints of something naughty happening behind the scenes.  Like we're all sitting around while the good stuff is all taking place in the green room.  'Gaslight' gets a third and final treatment.  Another mix by St. Paul, but this one sounds like some bizarre Spanish/Arabic war time thing.  It's really trippy.  The final track is an alternate piano version of 'When You Go'.  It's lovely and a delicate way to end the disc.

fDeluxe have made another amazing record.  So far, I haven't heard a single release from them that's disappointed.  They're on a major roll!  This is a group that needs to continue to record and release.  I can't wait for more.  My final words:  A REMIX CD THAT DELIVERS THE GOODS AND LEAVES YOU BEGGING FOR MORE.

fDELUXE - RELIT
01. Sanctified (Strawberrius Remix)
02. Sanctified (Neon Romeoz Pajama Party Remix)
03. Lover (Mr. Leeds Mix)
04. Drummers & Healers (Amsterdam Remix)
05. Over The Canyon (MasSheen Mix)
06. @8 (Swang's @85 Remix)
07. Midnight Gaslight (Jackhouse Remix)
08. Over The Canyon (J-Man's Getting Deeper Remix)
09. Beautiful You (Designer ReMix)
10. @8 (Flight To Paris Remix)
11. Gaslight (MMI Remix)
12. The Vigil (Coop DeVille Remix)
13. Gaslight (Yeager Remix)
14. When You Go (Alt Piano Mix)