Silent Alarm Remixed

by

Bloc Party

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Most remix projects are a mixed bag, and this is no exception. The concept here is that these remixes follow the order of Bloc Party's deservedly well-received debut album, but the concept only works so well as some songs probably don't deserve a remix treatment, while others ("So Here We Are" and "This Modern Love" for example) could easily benefit from two or three remixes. A minor quibble, but there you are. As far as the tracks themselves, "Like Eating Glass (Ladytron Zapatista mix)" includes a nice rythymic treatment but buries the vocal; "Helicopter (Whitney version)" is ok but breaks no new ground; and "Positive Tension (Blackbox remix)" is a highlight that successfully redefines this track. Again, "Banquet (Phones Disco Edit)" doesn't really do much to redefine the original, while "This Modern Love (Dave P & Adam Sparkle's mix)" adds definite sparkle to one of the highlights of the debut album. "The Pioneers (M83 Remix)" is a waste of M83's apparent talents, the track goes no where slowly. "So Here We Are (Four Tet Remix)" is probably the standout track on both the debut and this remix version. On the bonus CD, "Plans (acoustic)" strips the track of much of Bloc Party's sonic anger and, reminiscent of The Jam's "That's Entertainment," shows a shimmering beauty below the tension.