(11.09.06) Clone, like many other techno and electro imprints, has always been a label
centered around the vinyl pressing. But this does not mean that those
Rotterdammers have forgotten about the digital. The Dutch electro men have
put together a new remix series of tracks that have been, and are going to
be, put out on Clone. This new remix project features Clone artists, like
minded musicians and friends. This new release, cleverly entitled
Recloned, features many mixes that were vinyl only releases, some are
exclusive to this CD, but now all are available to the 5″ digital masses.
The album showcases techno, electro, italo, house and a host of talented
artists. The mixes reflect both the original artist and the remixer,
creating an interesting impression of both the label and the musicians
involved.
The album opens with S.Y.D.’s interpretation of Pauli vs Tyrell’s “Little.”
“Little” was a CBS favourite before it was even released, coming out
officially on the excellent Box Jams compilation. S.Y.D. is a Viewlexx
artist from France who loved Pauli vs Tyrell’s original so much that he
volunteered to remix the track, the result being a similar piece but this is
not necessarily a negative thing when an original is as good as Pauli vs
Tyrell’s is. The French artist adds a nice italo twist to an already
spaghetti dance influence track, which starts the compilation off well. The
‘Major Swellings Full Trommis miks’ of Putsch ’79’s “Doing It” is one of the
least interesting mixes. A slow, laid back, funk number that just doesn’t
stand up to the quality of the other pieces on the album. Track three
features Charles Webster and his housey mix of Delgui’s “Highlights.” This is
a wonderful, laid back, house number of easy going lyrics and relaxed
sounds. A track you might find yourself singing on the way to the shop or
something. One of this reviewer’s fav’s of the CD.
Alden Tyrell is remixed twice on the CD, reflecting his status at Clone (not
to mention his talent.) The highly praised Lindstrom and Prins Thomas first
step up to the remix plate with their take on “Lunar Disco Module.” The mix
is an excellent take on the original. The mix is similar in many regards to
Tyrell’s version, the electro duo twist it up a bit employing electric
guitars and much more organic sounds in place of Tyrell’s space disco synth
to create a brilliant mix. Tyrell is on stage once more with the next track
and Elitechnique’s take on “La Voix.” The Radius Records artist, fresh
from his appearance on Serge’s Vintage Future, is a studio pal of Tyrell
and holds onto some elements of the original, such as the vocals, but opens
up the keys to create a light, funky, electro tune.
Next, Bangkok Impact, under his Clone moniker of Putsch 79, offers up a neo
disco version of Applegarden’s “Twentyfive 6 Four.” Pop synthlines and
smooth vocals make for a dancefloor disco style track and a great recloning.
The unknown Divider is next to emerge from the shadows with a remix of
Jupitar Black’s “We Like Moroder.” A rich electro number with a sleek
cascading synthline, excellent chord slides and ever appreciated vococoder
lyrics. Unit 4’s “Bodydub” was one of the classics of 2004. ReCloned
features the Tiefschwarz remix of the underground club favorite. Slight
electro keys pander and echo as sharp beats and acidic shapes evolve in the
backdrop. The track is charged with energy, shards of phaser sound cut and
slice while a deep dancefloor melody intoxicates the listener and drunken
samples fade and echo; wonderful mix of a wonderful track.
Formerly a vinyl only release, techno legend Carl Craig’s remix of Adult’s
electro classic “Hand to Phone.” This 2001 take of the Ersatz Audio
founder’s darkwave original demonizes the Adult’s version with Craig’s moody
Detroit stylings. The track’s lyrics are looped up and technoised to produce
a minimal, yet dubby, interpretation. Legowelt is next to come onto the
stage with his take on Marcus Mixx’s “Shake That Thing” Wolfers acid
drenched electro version keeps the obnoxious lyrics of the original, but
cuts it up, while upbeat chords develop. The tempo rises, slope, then
ascends once more to produce a high energy mix. The album ends with Dexter
and his remix of Seymour Bits 2005 dance hit “Watskeburt?.” Dexter’s is an
instrumental take keeps elements of the original, but injects some of that
warped clone electro into the mix; a fantastic mix to end the album on.
ReCloned is a project that not only gives wax only mixes to the digital
populace, but introduces some less known artists to the ears of the Clone
faithful. The remixes demonstrate how adaptable electro is, and how tightly
knit the dutch electronic community is. Some tracks hold close to the
originals, while others experiment with the artist’s work. Overall,
ReCloned is an excellent remix compilation that features some of the most
talented electro artists of today. It is an album that illustrates why many
see Clone as the one of the best electro labels.
ReCloned is out now on Clone.
