Search - Tortoise :: Remixed

..pulling the lurking electronica out into the open...

C. Dare | nowhere | 01/05/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"..is a way of summarizing this collection, which was originally released on a bunch of little, rare records which collectors no doubt kick themselves for spending money on individually once this came out. The hooks on the first two albums were carefully constructed, minimalist, in that they teased at electronica dance rhythms but never delivered.. remember bobbing your head but wanting to do more as the funky synth grooves wash into Djed? these songs, culled from the first two albums, and remixed by the likes of UNKLE, Luke Vibert (Wagon Christ), Springheel Jack, and a few of the band members themselves, bring those grooves out into the air....with awesome results. UNKLE's Bruise Blood remix of Djed busts with fatty beats that are as syncopated and reliably unpredictable as can be expected for one to do justice to the original.. Springheel Jack's remix emits massive, pane-shaking bass that at the same time soothes with its slow, repetitive pulses.. and Luke Vibert's remix is tight and tinny, danceable in a techstep way..essentially, the above are predictable electronica interpretations influenced by trip-hop and drum n bass. but the remixes by the band members and associated Thrill Jockey gurus are less predictable and less dance, a few become gurgling, spitting ambient pieces almost as long as the originals... really worth having if you're yearned for the crossover between mathrock and dance.though word has it this can be purchased for less than the pricey import tag.."

O'Rourke mix is fantastic

00101011000 | a library | 09/26/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Remix albums never feel whole. Each song has the remix artists interpretation, and so it becomes more of a compilation than an album. This disc does a better job though. Tortoise's expansive sound is retained. The songs are long and drawn out, they evolve over time. The U.N.K.L.E. remix (aka DJ Shadow) is surprisingly good. I would have to say it might be one of his best songs. It might be because it has a sample of Steve Reich. The McEntire remix is enjoyable. It has a TNT feel. Maybe he gains an influence over the songwriting on that album. Markus Popps (aka Oval) remixes are pleasent. They sound like ordinary Oval. The second mix has bass! The most enjoyable mix is by Jim O' Rourke. He is most noted as a guitarist but he is a whiz with a powerbook. This mix gave me hyperactive chills when I first heard it. He can somehow create emotion in a remix. The Bundy K. Brown mix is my second favorite. It's the most repetitive and lengthy, but the Tortoise-ish details are wonderful. Great drum pattern as well. If you like Tortoise, of course this is a great buy. To be honest though, I didn't get mine from Amazon. ..."