Sounds Familiar: Week 5

November 6th, 2012

Julia McAlpine

Continuing our expansion of original content, Under The Gun Review presents its latest column, Sounds Familiar, dedicated to trawling the world and web for the latest remixes, redos, and reminiscent bits that our newest columnist Julia McAlpine finds appealing. Be prepared for some diversity in your music library. The songs may not be new, but they will be different and worth a spin.

If you have a remix or cover that you would like to see featured here, let us know! Write utgjacob@gmail.com with the subject “Sounds Familiar” and we’ll take a listen!

CHVRCHES – “The Mother We Share” (Miaoux Miaoux Remix)

The original version this track by Scottish electro-pop group CHVRCHES was my obsession all last week, and my adoration grew to the point of snubbing the concept of remixing the track. I’m really impressed by this Miaoux Miaoux remix, though, as it manages to change up the song without tainting the winning melody of the original. So enjoy — “The Mother We Share” with a generous serving of bubbly eighties synth! Side Note: The singer, Lauren Mayberry, rocks the coolest eye makeup and is totally my newest girl crush. How is she so good at being cute and edgy in equal proportion?

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/65197679″ iframe=”true” /]

Wanderhouse – “Lights” (Ellie Goulding Cover)

It seems I really like me some moody covers. This track starts out almost painfully slow, but once the minimalistic guitar plucking steps in at the chorus, the cover takes on a brooding quality akin to anything produced by The XX. Pair that with the gorgeous vocals of Wanderhouse’s Marie Moreshead and this track is ideal for rainy day contemplation (try this instead of your go-to Elliot Smith next time).

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/65163766″ iframe=”true” /]

Angus & Julia Stone – “Big Jet Plane” (Michael Brun Bootleg)

I love Angus & Julia Stone, but I’m often not quite in the mood for them. While I like “Big Jet Plane,” the track has always reminded me too much of their earlier hit “Paper Aeroplane,” which bothers me despite the fact that I love so many bands that produce extremely similar songs time and time again (such as aforementioned The XX). All that aside, I love this progressive house remix of the track. This is the ideal sub-genre of electronica to pair with the calm dreaminess of the Australian brother and sister duo. Finally — an Angus & Julia Stone track you can lounge or workout to!

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/6374951″ iframe=”true” /]

Viceroy – “Chase Us Around” (Jay Lamar & Jesse Oliver Remix)

You can always use one more feel-good, eighties-infused progressive house track. The chorus of “Chase Us Around” fits the chill party song bill with fun, fluffy dance lyrics; “Every night until we see the sun/We let the beat chase us around, chase us around.” A simultaneously relaxing and upbeat track, this remix is probably perfect for your life. Actually, it’s definitely perfect for your life.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/65245174″ iframe=”true” /]

Two Door Cinema Club – Sun (Gildas Kitsune Club Night Remix)

Let’s be real — a remix is probably going to be good if you’re building off of a Two Door Cinema Club song. What I like most about this remix is that is strips the song of most of its lyrics, leaving two basic phrases to stand out among the rest: “I’m far away” (which is repeated for most of the song) and the heartfelt “I know that I’m in love with you” that comes towards the end of the track. The tune is dancey, but manages to be a thought-provoking love song at the same time, uniting two qualities I usually look for separately in music.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/64729959″ iframe=”true” /]

That’s all for this week! Julia is going to practice her “Gangnam Style” dance moves, because “Gangnam Style” is probably our generation’s pathetic substitute for the Charleston.