| This collection of reworked versions of Marc Bianchi's 2003 album includes remixes that stay close to his original versions as well as adventurous deconstructions. By keeping the same running order as the original LP, the set is much more listenable than many remix projects, as there is only one version of each track. By selecting a group of remixers that are likeminded, he has ensured that the album won't stray too far from various combinations of pop music and electronica. The Album Leaf does away with the chaotic beat programming of The Young Machines and instead offers a pleasant, but ultimately uneventful melodic electronic version. Arab Strap's take on "Something To Do With My Hands" is the best example of a new version that keeps the structure of the original song intact, while improving upon its arrangement. The beat they have used in place of the originals is simply much better, placing the song in a more contemporary setting. Interestingly, Arab Strap vocalist Aidan Moffat has resisted the temptation to add his own vocals to this remix, as he has done to others in the past. The Stereolab version of "Girl Problem" is the most deconstructed, recontextualized track of the set. They have added what sounds like organ, drums, and all manner of strange analog keyboard sounds, and in the process have made a better track than anything on their own last few albums. The juxtaposition of Bianchi's lyrics "I've got a girl problem; I've got a drug problem" against this absurdist backdrop of bleeps and organ bursts goes miles toward downplaying his often overly emotional leanings. Six of the ten remixers have kept the original's vocals intact, highlighting the importance of storytelling in Her Space Holiday songs. To their credit, none of the remixers have used repeated vocal fragments, which are often annoying. Matmos and Blockhead have completely removed the vocals from their respective remixes of "Tech Romance" and "Meet the Pressure." They both offer excellent, highly deconstructed pieces based on a few elements from the original. The beautiful, weepy strings which Matmos have used as a key element in their instrumental version of "Tech Romance" prove that Bianchi doesn't always need to rely on direct lyrics to strike an emotional chord in his listeners. While it may have been interesting to hear a few acts less familiar than these pop/electronica sympathizers try to remix tracks, it may have disrupted the flow of the album. By choosing a reliable, if slightly conservative, group of remixers, this album has turned out to be a highly enjoyable companion piece to The Young Machines. - The Brainwashed Brain |
1XLP/Out Of Print