Search - Bloc Party :: Intimacy - Remixed (LTD to 5K units)

Surpasses the original in many respects.

Peter Nom De Guerre | New York, NY | 07/02/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When "Intimacy," Bloc Party's third album, came out in late 2008 it was to almost universal adulation. It pleased the fans, most of the critics, and delivered the sweet, incredibly catchy hooks and melodies Bloc Party fans have come to expect.



"Intimacy Remixed," which, as the title suggests, delivered remixed versions of each track on the original album, surpasses the original in numerous respects. I won't get into much detail here, but I'll offer a couple of examples. Ares (Villains Remix) takes the already explosive opener of Intimacy to the next level; intense electronic rhythms flow around and underscore the already powerful melody. Mogwai's remix of "Biko" takes the underlying ballad and suffuses it with a layer of techno-boppage that somehow retains the song's original spirit. The Armand van Helden remix of "Signs" takes that song to the next level; a song about death and loss achieves electronica anthem status while still honoring the original melody.



And that's what Intimacy Remixed does so well: most of the remixes stay very true to the source material, while attempting, and often succeeding in taking it to the next level. I enjoyed Intimacy a great deal when it came out -- this album ensures I'll be able to enjoy it a great deal longer."