Verve Remixed

Another album that's been out for a bit but has been gaining notches on my iTunes the past few weeks. Luckily, a co-worker reminded me that I needed to take another listen to this classic. Starting in 2002, Verve Music Group has been leading the Verve Remixed project, combining classic songs of the yesteryear's and gathering some of the finest DJs and producers to have a little fun with them. Some of the names on both ends of the various remixes have included Thievery Corporation, RJD2, Lyrics Born, James Brown, Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley, The Grey Album), Billie Holiday, Postal Service, Dinah Washington and on and on we could go.

Marlena Shaw - California Soul - DJ Diplo/Mad Decent Remix

Ella Fitzgerald - I Get A Kick Out Of You - Cinematic Orchestra Remix

The 4th edition of Verve Remixed contains the typical lineup of today's beat progressors alongside legends of the past. But, two remixes stuck out in particular. The first was Marlena Shaw, the first females signed to Blue Note Records, singing her "California Soul" with a little sass (original heard here). This take was remixed by the notoriously rising, Mississippi born, DJ Diplo...and he nailed it. Didn't take much away nor did he add too much to disguise it. Secondly, the down-tempo take the British-based Cinematic Orchestra added to Ella Fitzgerald's "I Get A Kick Out of You." You can still hear the vinyl scratches and Ella's soulful, delayed vocals which add a darker tone to this song. Why those two above all the others? Not a clue. All I can say is that any of these albums are the perfect soundtrack for most any get-together, regardless if you're throwing a relaxing BBQ with the girlfriends parents or you're having the entire entourage over for a nice night. It even works as a decompressor for a hard day at work or ambient noise for a needed road trip. You can pick up your copy of the latest Verve Remixed (released in May of last spring) here.