American Analog Set - Updates EP
(Tiger Style)
It's disappointing that the American Analog Set, a band whom I love — no, really, I LOVE them — have stooped to the level of the "remix EP." Always somewhat straddling the fine line between dance and "chillout music," this EP remixes a few tracks from their most recent album, Know by Heart, and presents one new song — a cover of a Her Space Holiday tune.
Her Space Holiday return the favor by remixing the sublimely beautiful "Aaron and Maria," transforming it into an empty dance number, complete with pointless synthesized drum breakdowns. Their attempt at "Know by Heart" is a bit more abstracted, really just suggesting the original song. It's one of the more successful pieces on the EP, though, as it's different enough from the original that I can listen without being annoyed.
Styrofoam contribute the final two remixes. The first is an overblown version of "The Postman" that mixes Fennesz-like electronic haze with the gentle pulse of the original song. "We're Computerizing and We Just Don't Need You Anymore," my favorite song from Know by Heart, is completely altered, with the vocals removed and a smooth Seefeel-like ambience layered over everything. It's a nice bit of electronic trip out music, and I don't blame Styrofoam for their effort.
Tiger Style, however, gets the blame for releasing this disc. Maybe they need money, and they're trying to cash in on American Ananlog Set's popularity — I don't know. I'm not against "remixes" entirely, I just felt that this release was pointless. Listening to it actually annoys me, because I'd rather be listening to Know by Heart. I hope that this will be the only dark spot by this otherwise exceptional band.
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