Can "Two Pages" be improved? (Two Pages Reinterpretations - 4hero)

Member Name: music-mad

Product:	Two Pages Reinterpretations - 4hero
Date:	13/06/09 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The Azymuth Remix of Star Chasers

Disadvantages: Many remixes do not significantly improve upon or differ from the original

"Two Pages Reinterpretations" (released in 1999) by 4hero is, as the album name suggests, a collection of 11 remixes of 7 tracks from their "Two Pages" album (1998 Mercury Prize nominee). If you haven't already heard of this album I highly recommend it to people after a jazzy, organic drum n bass sound. In my opinion, a good remix should improve upon the original tune and/or sound completely different and fresh. Let's see how this remix album shapes up:

1. Planetaria (Hefner Remix) 6:18
This instrumental has a much more laid back tempo and a simpler arrangement than the original. Slightly increased repetition and fewer instruments reduce the organic feel although the distinctive double bass is retained - I prefer the original.

2. We Who Are Not As Others (Jazzanova Version) 7:07
Jazzanova are a talented group and produce a really good remix, transforming a cold and sinister original into a warm and jazzy tune featuring beautiful percussion. The length of the track, the instrumental nature and very gradual evolution means this track works much better as background music which doesn't require any concentration.

3. Mathematical Probability (Mustang Remix) 5:43
I wasn't keen on the original's theme of alien life, lack of melody, tuneless female sample and dated drum samples despite the complex drum patterns after 2 minutes. Mustang produce an entirely different remix using better drum samples - significant work has gone into the drum programming but the absence of a melody is noticeable.

4. Escape That (New Sector Movements Selekshan 2 Sector Rub Remix) 9:38
Overlong, repetitive, slowed down and simply not in the same league as the original.

5. Escape That (Off-World Remix) 6:41
This remix doesn't do enough to separate itself from the original - it retains the beat, melody and vocals and adds processed sound effects that I find distracting.

6. Dauntless (Restless Soul pacific Remix) 4:50
Not very melodic at first and fairly repetitive; this remix succeeds in sounding significantly different and develops a jazz noodling melody. However I much prefer the original, which was shorter and contained an evolving, head-nodding drum n bass beat despite an absence of melody.

7. Star Chasers (Masters at Work Main Mix) 10:53
This remix essentially transforms the track from a drum n bass tempo into a house/dance tempo. It is only halfway through this lengthy track that it really begins to distinguish itself with a long guitar noodling solo.

8. Star Chasers (Azymuth Remix) 6:18
This is the highlight of the album for me and a clear stand out track. It is mainly instrumental and sounds quite different from the original. It takes over a minute to really get going, but then a live drummer kicks in and breathes life into the tune, becoming increasingly manic as the track progresses. The accompanying bass guitarist and rhodes player combine to create a lively and sunny tune, which always puts me into a good mood.

9. The Action (Shawn J Period Remix) 3:49
A forgettable remix which is inferior to the original.

10. We Who Are Not As Others (Alpha Omega Remix) 6:37
After Jazzanova's remix effort I'm not sure we need another - this is as creepy as the original and also makes use of dated drum samples. It only really becomes memorable in the last 90 seconds when the drum programming suddenly moves into overdrive. Sadly most listeners would have switched off long before then, so the extra effort and complexity is wasted.

11. We Who Are Not As Others (Sonar Circle Remix) 7:22
This is conventional, stripped down, menacing drum n bass that concentrates on deep bass and classic beat cut-ups to maintain interest. Not bad.

Summary
There are many "filler" tracks on this album that make it hard to justify a purchase - anyone who has not heard the originals should buy "Two Pages" first. Fans of the original album should proceed with caution; the Azymuth remix of "Star Chasers" is the only track I keep returning to time and time again. Alternatives I recommend are:
- "Timeless" by Goldie
- "Play With The Changes" by 4hero
- "Permutation" or "Supermodified" by Amon Tobin

[Also reviewed on Ciao and Dooyoo]

Summary: Hard to justify a purchase due to filler tracks