What's so good?
By Elizabeth Walker | December 20th, 2011
Ahhhh, the remix category. Generally, people are polarized by this genre of music, loving or hating remixes with a furious passion. When pondering the more philosophical side of this category, a parallel (strange, and possibly dorky) thought continually crept into the forefront of my mind: the fluffernutter sandwich. A twist on the original peanut butter and jelly classic, the fluffernutter is peanut butter and marshmallow fluff – unexpected yet slightly familiar, delicious to fans and potentially unappealing to zealots of tradition.
Whatever your preference — fluffernutter or not — our top ten remixes of 2011 is an amazing list, if we do say so ourselves.
Check out the best remixes of 2011 (in our opinion) below, and be ready to brave some awesome collisions of unexpected yet fantastic unions.
Listen to more Best of 2011 playlists here.
"Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work (RAC Remix)"
Primarily known for the success of jacked-up, high-energy remixes, RAC did the entire world a solid here. TDCC's "Something Good Can Work" has been reworked so many times that the remixes are probably remixed at this point. The original came out in 2010, but this revitalizing and fresh point of view RAC produced earlier this year brought back all of our TDCC love yet again.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Yelle - Que Veux Tu (Madeon Remix)"
Yelle is one of those artists whose voice is just begging to be remixed, so it's no surprise that a remix of her "Que Veux Tu" ended up here. No matter we have no idea what she is saying, Madeon adds an uplifting and sunny disposition to "Que Veux Tu," making an already great song even better.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Kid Cudi - Falling Star (R3K Remix) "
In entered Florence, followed by a rapper named Cudi. They tarried and intermingled above some expert beat manipulation and this R3K remix made history... for 2011, at least! The two artists, although not necessarily a predictable combination, have palpable chemistry. Even if this technically might be more of a mashup than a traditional remix, it's a favorite at Indie Shuffle, so it has definitely made our top ten. We, too, live for symphonies, just of the R3K remix variety.
Download from:
soundcloud.com (External Link)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Foster The People - Houdini (RAC Remix)"
Remember when I said RAC is known for their stellar remix powers? They are so amazing we are featuring two of their edits in our top ten remixes. Astonishing, yet true. Youth, infinity, exhilaration - all words that come to mind at the first nanosecond of this song. The duo has without question manhandled Foster The People with their masterful interpretation of the indie band's "Houdini." It's absolutely impossible to listen to this remix without tapping your toe at least once. Try it and you will fail, guaranteed.
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Ellie Goulding - Lights (Shook Remix)"
A lot of Ellie Goulding remixes throw in sycophantic, overly-energized beats just begging to get some play on a Friday night. Shook's remix, however, is a delightfully casual, tepid remix. It perfectly highlights the beauty of Ellie's vocals while spinning the beat at a slower pace, making this playable everyday of the week.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Lykke Li - Sadness Is A Blessing (Gold Panda Remix)"
Gold Panda emerged in 2009 and has been killing it ever since. His remix of Lykke Li's "Sadness Is A Blessing" is no different. The beat is unmistakably Gold Panda, and mixed with the dulcet, velvety vocals Lykke Li is so famous for, this remix is a home run. Yet again, you have a remix airing on the downtempo side of things versus taking the well-traveled hyphy road. A golden remix, if you'll excuse the pun.
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Radiohead - Bloom (Jamie xx Remix)"
Jamie xx pretty much owned a significant chunk of 2011. Reworking Adele's "Rolling In The Deep" into an absolute overnight hit, coming out with some stellar original tracks, collaborating with Gil Scott Heron, and throwing down an AMAZING Essential Mix, no can argue with this The xx alumni.
The England native's remix of Radiohead's "Bloom" is hands down in the top ten, synths looping softly around Thom Yorke's languished cries. The shorter version is included here, so check out Jamie xx's "Bloom Pt. 3" if you are in need of six more minutes of amazingness.
Download from:
Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out (The Weeknd Remix)"
Florence is another one of those musicians that other artists compulsively remix. I quite remember the day this remix came out, as I compulsively listened to it over and over. The Weeknd released a number of mixtapes this year, burning with emotion and passion -- a style that this remix follows. A decimating beat ebbs back and forth ominously while The Weeknd spirals Florence's vocals in a torrential manner that even Poseidon would envy.
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
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