This is the last Mashstix Alternative Show. I like to personally thank G3RST for the amazing job he's done with the show (don't worry he's not leaving the team)
There is some good news with the bad however, as The Radio Stix Show will be back in full swing with a whole new crew... keep your eyes peeled! - Paul Stix
If you read the original post for this track in the forum you will see that it’s a very personal mashup for Dan and if you know Dan’s work you’ll also know he’s yet to make anything sub standard and this one is no different. Personally this isn’t my cup of tea musically, I don’t know any of the artist’s work that are used in it, but that is never important in any mashup. I can’t find faults in this track at all, its all very well constructed and very smooth. Even if you don’t like this one go check out the rest of his work, he’s one of the top ten best mashup artists around today.
Cons:
The only con I can think of is the way it ends, which is a bit sudden but it really is a minor point and no way detracts from the overall quality that’s been put into it.
From the outset I knew I was gonna love this track - two fantastic sources. Just hearing the Kiss track in a pop context brought it right up to date - they ought to be looking at this as an official release it would definately rock the clubs! The melody is spot, the way the vocals sit brilliantly with the bass and work amazing well with the breaks in the instrumental.
Liking the inclusion of Adam's vocals @ 2:50 too..... nice touch.
This rocks Dan!
Cons:
Absolutely nothing to complain about Dan - this is spot on bud. Definately your best this year.
Can Dan really make Europe trendy again - after all this time? The glam rock perms, spandex trousers, big riffs, etc... Well, in my day, I'm not ashamed to say I was there (just don't tell anyone!). ...and I saw them on tour too! DOH! Whilst I'm not embarrassed, will many more have the balls to blast this out from their speakers in public (or in the privacy of their own homes, with the curtains drawn and the windows sound-proofed?) ;o] Great combo from Dan, with two versions available (an 'A+B', and a 'B+A', if you get my meaning). You have the option of a 'rocked-up' Britney or a 'danced-up' Europe. Both are on the button and quality mash-ups.
Cons:
Great production all round, as we have all come to expect from Dan. Just to enter the debate on favourites (see the forum), I much prefer the Dance version and was a little surprised to see the Rock one up for review. The Dance one just sounds so much cleaner, crisper, and I think the vocals stand out and match the mental better (but that's just my personal taste).
Tips:
Not that I'm worthy to give Dan tips!! ;o) ...but, in my opinion, the Spears vocals sound a little low in the mix, especially in the first verse - now, it might be that my speakers are f*cked, but I can't hear what the blonde bombshell is singing about. Also, do the vocals start too early in the mental? Would it have worked better if the pella started 4 bars later (ie. after the spooky instrument bit had finished playing and where the Tempest vocals normally start in the original '...Countdown' track)? I'm sure Dan already knows the answer, and it's probably 'NO! ..shut up, you don't know what you're talking about!', but would have to try it in the mix to know...
Theres only one thing I hate more than the whining drone of Daniel Bedingfield, thats the MOR pop rubbish that is the music of of the Killers...
...That said, I was instantly impressed by Dan's mashup. mashed to perfection, Dan has created something that is greater than the sum of its parts. every 14 yr old girl should have this on thier ipod.
Cons:
maybe not cool or challenging, but apart from that subjective minus, flawless.
Dan 'the man' is back with a cheeky little combo. The inclusion of Pink's vocals work very well when combined with the Greenday backing. If I recall right, this Pink track was when she was doing RnB type stuff - you wouldnt know it by listening to this.
Cons:
Audio quality wise its not as 'clean' as your usual stuff (Pinks acapella), its not a big thing by any means. I only mention it because I have to mention something or this box would look silly ;)
Tips:
Make more tracks ! I can't offer you any advice, because that would be silly. I would just like to hear more from you.
Yes, Dan Mei did it again! Combining the instrumental version of a track called "Break Your Heart" with the vocals of Bon Jovi and it works like a charm in his new mashup.
I think I even like it better than the original track by Taio Cruz, this combination sounds more like a dance / trance remix of you give love a bad name. This makes Bon Jovi so danceable!
Cons:
It's just a personal taste but the Mo Do vocals feel a bit odd, don't get me wrong they fit well timing wise etc. They're just sort of obsolete because the combination of Taio Cruz and Bon Jovi works, no need for that German gibberish :)
Tips:
Take it slow, we reviewers can't keep up with the amount of mashups you produce. Nah just kiddin' feed us, we're never getting tired of your productions!
This mashup has all the hallmarks of Dan Mei's benchmark-setting production values, as he uses music from Swedish group Nordman to replace the original steam-driven "prog-rock" synth of Genesis circa 1983. The result is an improvement on the original because the fuller instrumentation (especially the sweeping chords behind the choruses) is a better fit to go with the generally powerful vocal.
Cons:
I'm not crazy about either source here, but that's a matter of personal taste.
Tips:
Did Luke Skywalker teach Obi-Wan Kenobi how to use the Force? I'm not even a Jawa!
It's about time we had a bit of Kelly Clarkson again, in mash up terms,a number of years ago this girl was more popular than Lady Gaga. That being said her vocals on this tune have been put to tremendous use, the vocal effects work beautifully with Rihanna's instrumental. It is a dark, atmospheric piece but highly listenable.
Cons:
As is usual with most of Dan's work, I couldn't fault it at all.
Nice clean, simple A+B mashup. It seems like these two songs work perfectly with each other; the chorus come in at the right time, and even the progression fits nicely. Good idea!
Cons:
At some parts it seems like the vocals are a little loud, drowning out the background music. If you wanted to fix it, it would be easy I'm sure, but if not, it's not a crucial fix. You have plenty of creative mashups, so the A+B format doesn't bother me like it might for other mixers.
Tips:
You obviously know how to mix, keep doing what you do.
This end-of-2009 track by Dan Mei actually mixes two opposites, and he took the vocals of metal crew Disturbed and mixed them with Pink's 'Sober'. Although I usually can't stand the poppy tracks by tomboy Pink, Dan manages to make this one very listenable by giving the track the "Oompf!" it needs. Plus I consider myself a fan of Disturbed - so you can't go wrong there. ;)
Cons:
Not many cons for this track, since it's a perfect match key-wise. The only thing is that it's mastered a tad too loud, which makes for some audible clipping. Apart from this minor point, I think it's very cool.
Tips:
I encourage you to do more of these metal/pop combos, since they make for great listening. The classical elements in this here mix go very well with these strong vocals. Maybe using some classical music in your upcoming mix would be an idea? Ah well, just thinking out loud. ;) Good job!
The vocals and tune fit like a glove. The structure is great - both parts build up together lovely.
Production-wise this is everything i'd expect from a Dan Mei tune. It sounds top notch, just like a commercial track.
Cons:
The inherent lameness of most Britney tracks always comes through, in my opinion. Sorry! I think she's best used only in novelty songs, but that's just me.
Did you decay the vox? I'd have liked them a little lighter and less gruff, but they match Britney's perfectly so if that's what you were after then you've nailed it.
Other than that, any cons i can find with this track are all taste - it *sounds* great.
Tips:
That would be a bit like Telly Savalas trying to give Mr.T tips on how to wear a mohawk.
For everyone except Dan Mei - check out his tunes for how to make a mashup sounds like a commercial tune.
Some songs just cry out for the mashup treatment - Editors' "Papillon" positively screams it from the rooftops. R.E.M.'s "The One I Love" is an absolute classic and fits in here just perfectly. The propulsive backing gives it a much more danceable feel and the stereo echo on the choruses is spot on.
Cons:
The deeply pitched down vocal sections towards the end really don't work for me but other than that it's pretty much perfect as is, in its short and sweet way.
Tips:
You've had an absolutely blinding year, producing one outstanding mashup after another. Have yourself a chilled festive period and keep these beauties coming in the New Year.
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