The remix has always been an important tool for the collage-minded post-modern musical artist. Now USOUNDS introduces remixica, our specially remixed remix reviews, where USOUNDS writers remix a new review of a remix album…

ORIGINAL REVIEW: XIMER: Takako Minekawa
REMIXED BY: Various Artists
REVIEWED BY: Phillippe Coullette, IV

This album is a small one, but it’s a gem. Takako’s lilting vocals are the perfect implement for fellow stars like Cornelius, who remixes Milk Rock into a polyrhythmic sound cornucopia, as is his trademark. Other tracks just glide by, pop feathers on the golden zephyrs blowing through current Japanese electronic music.

The album also contains an acoustic version of Cloud Cuckoo Land– while this version doesn’t improve on the original, it made for the perfect end to a delightful day last week, when I had Theo guide the G5 to Aruba. My lovely wife Coverton– of whom we shall speak no more– couldn’t join us, so I invited several female acquaintances to come along in her stead. I won’t bore you with the details, but a marvelous day was had by all, especially me.

Around dawn I walked down to the beach alone, accompanied only by a portable stereo and the gently rising sun. The acoustic Cloud Cuckoo Land, with its mix of strummy melody, smooth computer bleeps, and singalong vocals, calmed my soul yet stirred my heart. The day was just beginning, and so was I. Compared to the sun and the sky and the sand, I was but an infant, the whole universe mine to discover anew.

I sat down and let the new sun wash over my body as I changed tracks to Black Forest, remixed by Kid Loco. It’s Takako reimagined as a dancing 70’s queen, complete with disco hooks and dreamy bluesky vocals. A few of the girls trickled out of the cabana and started to dance by my side…

Another day had come, and I was ready.

THE REMIX
BY CLARENCE BAXTER