Remixes and sprinkling the goth glitter
Robert Smith continues to sprinkle the goth glitter, but this time it’s in the form of decaying acetates of the forthcoming Mixes Of A Lost World. So goth.
By this time the proliferation of editions, variants, formats and double, triple, live deluxe doo-daa of Songs Of A Lost World would seem over-indulgent if it were not for The Cure’s support of charities like War Child. This time around, the band will use Songs/Mixes Of A Lost World to support independent record stores.
Mixes Of A Lost World is a compilation of remixes of The Cure’s 2024 album Songs Of A Lost World. Trentemøller, Mogwai, Paul Oakenfold and Four Tet feature among the remixers. The compilation will be available to fans in a variety of formats and deluxicity, with War Child once again benefitting, but not before a small number of indie record shops, suggested by the remixers, receive test pressings to share in store with visitors. The gesture of thanks towards indie record stores also reminds music lovers that local shops need their support.
“Thank you to independent record stores everywhere and always,” notes the band.
Holy fudge that Paul Oakenfold Cinematic Remix of “I Can Never Say Goodbye”. And the Four Tet Remix of “Alone” is a four-minute sonic version of those brief little dancey jigs that Robert does on stage. You know the ones I mean.
Perhaps corny of me to say, but I appreciate seeing these acts of support that reach sideways rather than just up or down. Independent record stores, as well as independent radio and all the people who make these places work, are important links in the distribution of music — especially music made by independent and DIY artists. Remixing is an artist-to-artist connection that also allows for cross-exposure to new listeners. Trentemøller describes nearly falling off his chair when he got a “pretty wild email” from Robert Smith asking about doing a remix. Similarly, compilations put artists side by side, providing listeners with new discoveries and bands reach to new audiences. For me, various artist comps were often goldmines of undiscovered indie pop gems in the days of 90s college radio.
Mixes Of A Lost World is out on 13 June, which is still a month away, but I thought it would be fun to pick a handful of remixes that I really like, share some notes and ask followers, what are your favourite remixes of 2025 (or of all time)?
Wendy
Tan Cologne - Visitation (Luke C.’s Ghost Rider Mix)
I like the calm of the original version of “Visitation” by Tan Cologne. When I heard the “galloping motorik groove” and warmly warbled echo of this remix, it reminded me, fondly, of being a child and sitting at my Nana’s organ playing with all of the presets.
Emma Anderson - Taste the Air (Julia Holter Mix)
If I could be so bold as to name this version of “Taste the Air” by Emma Anderson it would be the Julia Holter Tip Toe Remix. It’s a playful explosion of the original, with the space created giving the feeling of tip-toeing with caution through a toyish, but uncertain dream. Heels touch the ground at the 1:24 mark and then allow you to float to the next phase of the dream.
A Deeper Heaven - Foreseer (Hypno Remix)
Marc Wheeler has described his songs for A Deeper Heaven as “sad stories you can dance to”. This speaks to his ability to craft a pop song infused with mood via wistful, slightly forlorn vocals. For those who like to get beneath the surface, the subject matter of A Deeper Heaven is far from pop. Many of Marc’s songs deal with human connection and loss, as well as the struggle to navigate those in healthy ways. I like how Marc has peeled away some of the guitars and brought the bass forward in the Hypno Remix of “Foreseer” giving it a slightly heavier feel that seems more in line with his lyrics.
Three Quarter Skies - Crows (Drab Majesty Remix)
As described in an earlier post, Drab Majesty slowed the pulse and excised the heart of “Crows” by Three Quarter Skies. The warmth of Simon Scott’s voice, which we rarely hear on stage, is set against the cool synth sounds that are characteristic of Drab Majesty.
And hey, is that a wood block, muted cowbell or empty soup can? How about that R.E.M. “Radio Free Europe 2025” remix?! It’ll be on a five-track EP with some benefits of the sales going to Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty.