Phoenix - Love Like A Sunset (Passion Pit's Shuttle Remix)

If you've been paying any attention at all to the global music scene lately, you must at least have heard of both Phoenix and Passion Pit, two of the most hyped bands of 2009 (so far) - and rightly so. More likely, if you have heard of them, is that you've also fallen in love with their music. Quite different stylistically but still part of the same indie scene, it seems as though it was only a matter of time till this French synth-rock quartet and Massachusetts-based electronic band came together. The results are suitably impressive.

Phoenix - Love Like A Sunset (Passion Pit's Shuttle Remix)

To understand where this is coming from, take a listen to the original version of the track, off the inimitable Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, released earlier this year. It's a two-part, largely instrumental 7-and-a-half minute 'interlude' reminiscent of Pink Floyd-esque space jams, but with an electronic edge. Passion Pit's drummer and resident remixer, Nate Donmoyer - alias Shuttle - takes the intensely dreamy track and adds an epically grimy beat that instantly translates it to a dancefloor setting. It's the kind of beat that often gets used and abused in the average 'club remix', but Shuttle uses it to great effect without making it too overboard or offensive.

While I'm no stranger to filthy beats and outrageous drops that send you sprawling on the floor, I think the weight of this track is just right. There's a great balance going on here between singer Thomas Mars' soaring vocals and the punchy synth chords and gritty bassline added by Shuttle. I really dig how this track manages to keep the hazy feel of the original while adding that driving element that would fit very nicely into almost any DJ set. Not too hard, but not too soft either. This one's just right.

I urge you to get hold of both Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix and Passion Pit's debut LP Manners, if you haven't done so already. For your own sake.

Krafty Kuts, Freestylers & Dynamite MC - Dynamite Love

I don't know how much of a splash this track made when it came out, but it definitely deserves another mention. I was at Earthdance two weeks ago, where I managed to catch a killer set by Joburg regulars Musical Chairs on Friday night (if anyone can find these dudes on the interweb, drop me a line). Aside from the stage having one of the clearest setups (in terms of sound quality) that I've ever heard at a festival, that was the best set I heard that night, and this track was definitely a highlight. It's one of those that's guaranteed to get the floor pumping in pretty much any club you can think of, but you usually end up forgetting about it until the next time. But now, thanks to Ultrasensory, you can listen to this track from the comfort of your own headphones! The things I do for you...

Krafty Kuts, Freestylers & Dynamite MC - Dynamite Love


This is a great example of what can happen when the worlds of rap and electro come together to make some sweet, sweet music. And for once, it's not pretentious or annoying (we're looking at you, Dizzee Rascal), but just plain cool. This track makes you dance, no matter who you are or what music you're into, and that's a great thing. Sure, maybe it's a bit repetitive, but with a hook like that, how can it afford not to be? A fine piece of work all round by British breakbeat producers Krafty Kuts and Freestylers. Even Dynamite MC's fast-paced rapping about hot girls and wild parties sounds cool in context. Can you really argue with that?

The man himself

Yeah, I dig this. It's commercial, but in the best possible way. And I'll be just as stoked the next time I hear this played somewhere. When that happens, you'll know where to find me.