Can somebody please tell me when the hell a remix of a song become the same damn music but with different lyrics and/or a guest rapper/singer on it? That is NOT a remix. Back in the day a remix used to be a complete REVAMP of the song with different music and/or a different melody. Some artists still do it this way, but I heard 3 "remixes" on the radio today and it was the same damn thing just with some guest performing on it. What the hell is going on...

What's your definition of a remix?

Janfriend said:

I'm with you! A remix is when they change the style of the song or turn it around in a way that it makes it completely different.

althom said:

Yeah, they used to jump the tempo a couple notches, blast some different arrangements and even change the melody.

Oh well, at least they're not instantly making it techno... :thankgod:

Janfriend said:

I agree, you have people like j-lo and mariah to thank for the new take on remixes

I agree! And another thing: Extended versions of a song should be more than just a 11 minute repetitive beat! Put some thought into it! Jam! Add a new musical section or sound or idea! Hello!

lovebizzare said:

I think King of the remix has to be R. Kelly. When he's done with the remix it's a whole new joint entirely!

lovebizzare said:

I wouldn't say that. DJ quick came out with 3 "remixes" of one song and it was the same music with a guest rapper

"Give me the light" by Sean Paul had a "remix" with Busta Rhymes- same exact music

P.I.M.P. has a "remix" with Snoop Dogg

None of those are what I truly consider remixes

As for Mariah, she always completely revamps her songs. I have some of her maxi-singles: Dreamlover, Honey, I Still Believe and some others. Her remixes are completely different songs, as it should be
[This message was edited Fri Jul 25 12:05:05 PDT 2003 by Janfriend]

This has been the topic of conversation many a nights around my way.

A remix can take many forms. But none of those are what you're talking about. (re the original post in this thread).

I don't know when this started but it's pretty much all the fault of Bad Boy Records.

What infuriates me to no end is: Kids today think "remix" means "re-make" or "cover" ... as in "did you hear that new remix of 'boyz n the hood' by dynamite hack?"

I miss remixes by the cure. I miss true extended mixes that didn't stretch a three minute song into a 12 minute disco anthem. I miss true dub mixes (when exactly did "dub mix" come to mean "simple instrumental mix"? who remembers what a real dub mix is??)

In the interest of this thread, I'd like to recommend some remixes that are worth seeking out for anyone who has lost faith in the remix.

Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat (extended mix)
... Takes the original too damn sugary radio ballad and turns it around on itself. Neat breakdown in the middle, a different (and longer, and better) sax take, and a funky ass piano break near the end. true genius, and of course only released in japan, dammit.

Dr. Dre - Let Me Ride (extended mix)
... Now here's an eleven minute mix that's worth searching for. Dre, back in his hey day knew how to drop a fuckin 12 inch mix on that ass. More lyrics from snoop, a fucking great (for it's genre) guitar solo (when's the last time you heard a real guitar solo on a rap single? and "the breaks" by kurtis blow does not count, lol) and a special message from Dre himself plunked in the middle, letting everyone know how fucked up they must be for listening to the whole eleven minutes... tsk tsk dre, have more faith in yourself: this production owns) ... not to mention that George Clinton sat in on this session and gave a few adlibbed vocals to the mix (whereas the lp version only has Mr. Clinton sampled from the "mothership connection" album).

Ani Difranco - Joyful Girl (Peace and Love extended Mix)
... Here's one of those "change the whole beat around" mixes. Ani tries so hard to be funky, but rarely makes it (although those who have seen her live (me!) would argue that point...) ... This one makes it. features an alternate vocal too, which probably disqualifies it as a true remix but fuck it.

The Cure - A Letter To Elise (blue mix)
... Cure fans supposedly hate this one, calling it their worst remix ever. Fuck them, just find it. Transforms an already gorgeous song into something even heavier.

Billy Idol - Rob The Cradle Of Dub
... Good luck finding this one, but what a treasure. Why is it that this little punk (and I mean that not in a bad way) had some of the most exciting dub mixes in the 80s?

New Order - Bizarre Love Triangle (12" mix)
... Oh how I love that vocoder.

Paula Abdul - Forever Your Girl (Frankie Foncett Mix)
... Another example of creating an entirely different beast out of a mediocre track. I bet this one tore up the clubs at that time! just find it!!

Soft Cell - Tainted Love/Where Did Our Love Go
... Yes, yes the 80's flashback shows have destroyed this song forever... but find the nearly 9 minute 12" mix of this song and find your love for it renewed.

U2 - New Year's Day (Hot Tracks Mix)
... This one was club/dj only, and it's too long, but the extra verse fucking rules, and I won't listen to it any other way. Can someone point me towards an official version of this song that includes the extra lyrics?

...

Hmm looking at this list nothing is even from the 2000's. I guess that point is made, but I was bored so what the fuck.

remember the dear old extended versions? I would die 4 u, america, anotherlover...

extended mixes are not remixes

Janfriend said:

Wow, then I guess Grace Jones' "Slave to the Rhythm" was one big ol' remix! It was hot!