Customer Reviews

Re:Mixed

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The premise for "Re:Mixed" is to take the organic music of the New Mastersounds and remix it. So the album consists of New Mastersounds chestnuts that have been digitally rearranged. Think of projects like the Blue Break Beats series. Selections are made from a variety of albums and long time listeners will recognize favorites like 'The Tin Drum,' 'Witness' and 'Bus Stop No.5.' The band's trademark combination of Funky and Jazzy Rock comprise the primary genre, but Disco ('Thirty Three'), Afrobeat ('Return To Gijón') and Contemporary Soul ('Hey Fela!') round things out. Most arrangements are surprisingly faithful to the originals. The changes include the cutting and pasting of solos, the addition of electronic drums and some background effects. For the most part, the mixing was done with restraint and good taste. This project never comes close to becoming Electronica and as a result, the signature New Mastersounds groove is always present. The major drawback to "Re:Mixed" is the inclusion of four tracks with vocals. These songs add an unwanted commercial aesthetic. Such an appeal to popular urban sensibilities doesn't suit the New Mastersounds. Given the vocal tracks and some of the less successful selections and arrangements, "Re:Mixed" may be the New Mastersounds weakest album. New listeners will want to begin with albums like "This Is What We Do" (2005), "Live at La Cova" (2006) and "102%" (2007). This album has a balance of some sparklers and duds. "Re:Mixed" is a great concept that ultimately met with mixed success.

Same quality music from this British band. Songs are familiar, but they are not exactly the same. The remixing makes each one sound new and the advent of lyrics gives them all a fresh funky sound. For anyone that is unfamiliar with this group - THERE IS NO BAD ALBUM! If you enjoy the old funk sound of the Meters, buy ALL of the New Mastersounds albums.