One of our favorite Aussie producers Envision brings us a true genre clash in the form of Ms. Britney Spears' "3" versus Simple Plan's yesteryear's hitsingle "Your Love Is A Lie". These two go amazingly well together - so well that this could be mistaken for an original track. Timing, keys and production are done very well on this one. Outstanding job.
Cons:
Well, there is *one* minor thing I'd like to mention here - and this has to do with the movie samples you used in the intro and in some other parts. They seem to be of a somewhat lower audio quality (bitrate wise) than the rest of the song, which is a bit of a pity. Other than that - no cons!
Tips:
It's a good idea to look for some higher bitrate movie samples - other than that I can't give you any tips. You're on the top of your class and you know it.
It's great to hear Sum41 in a mash for once. It's been a while since I've heard them, and 'In Too Deep' is certainly one of my favs (along with 'Fat Lip'). You managed to give their song a very laidback feel, which is a very nice change from the up tempo pop punk arrangements they're so well known for. Everything in this mix is exactly in key and mixed very well. So good job on that one!
Cons:
But... I do have two cons considering this tune - the first is about the time stretching of the Sum41 vocals. Normally this isn't that big of an issue, but the tempos of the instrumental and 'pella are so far apart, that time stretching artifacts are beginning to show. Also the vocals themselves sound a bit too damp or muffled right now for my taste...
Tips:
You could consider speeding up the whole track by a few bpms to let the vocals sound more natural. You could also polish them a bit with some equalizing in the high regions - that would do the trick to make them sound more crisp and on top.
Apart from these points, I can only say this is a very enjoyable mix! :)
This has certainly been a good year for mashup collaborations. This latest partnership teams up the mainstream sounds of Envision with the trance mashup meister Ben Double M (one of my favourite producers). The two approaches come together nicely to create a lovely pop-trance crossover. Marc Johnce has already worked wonders with the Fred Falke Mix of Grizzly Bear's "Two Weeks" in his Lily Allen mashup "Two Fair Weeks" but this works just as well.
Cons:
If I'm being ultra picky, the snippet of Kanye's vocals at 2:03 sounds out of place and cut off. the mix would flow more smoothly here without this unwanted intrusion.
Tips:
It's great to see mashup producers pairing up to produce tracks that might otherwise be out of their comfort zone. Nice new website by the way, Envision - though it's difficult to keep up with all your aliases.
Ministry Of Mashed Sound - Dj Submitted - Added 10/15/09
Only Fifteen Words
(Taylor Swift vs. Blake Lewis)
A very nice blend of Tayler Swift's Americana sound combined with the beats of the somewhat boy bandish 'Blake Lewis'. Although not all too familiar with either sources, I can still enjoy this here mix, since it's a clear case of it being more than the sum of it's parts. In other words: the mix is better than the seperate songs, so excellent job on that.
Cons:
The mastering could be a tad better - the bass does go over the line a lot, which results in a bit of distortion. Also you can disagree with the choice of sources here - if this isn't your thing: forget about it...
Tips:
You could improve your mastering a bit by lowering the bass and trying not to get it all too much over 0db. Apart from that, this is a very solid mix, which even features a bit of a genre clash. Good job!
Ministry Of Mashed Sound - Dj Submitted - Added 10/11/09
Touching You Could Be All
(Colby O'Donis vs. Get Cape,
Wear Cape, Fly)
I like this, the beat is unusual (maybe two beats?). It’s a lot more commercial than your previous stuff, and should appeal to a wider audience. The funny thing is if you leave the track looping it never ends as it loops perfectly ha (for a minute there I thought you had a ten minute song ha). Your work is really starting to come into its own, seems that sabbatical you took has worked wonders for you. This could easily be thought of as an original track, Colby O’Donis fits the track like a glove.
Cons:
The chorus is slightly busy (but that’s nit picking & a personal note), the only bad thing I can point out is the mix is badly mastered. If you solved this you could well have a bubble gum hit on your hands.
Tips:
You only need tips in the mastering department, my advice is to get a finishing based VST or better still some dedicated software. There is a whole range out there, if you need any names, drop me an email.
Ministry Of Mashed Sound - Dj Submitted - Added 09/18/09
I Saw Your Beauty Coming
(Akon vs. Pet Shop Boys)
Here's a very happy mashup by the Ministry of Mashed Sound. Although Akon's song has been mixed quite a lot lately, this is still a spot on combo and a good listen. All chords and keys of these two match amazingly well - so excellent job on that. The production and sound quality are outstanding on this one. Good job!
Cons:
Nope, none.
Tips:
Nah, I can't give you any tips - you know what you're doing, MoMS! :)
Ministry Of Mashed Sound - Dj Submitted - Added 09/13/09
He Don't Know, So Let Him Go
(Son Of Dork vs. Colby O'Donis)
The fella's tracks are getting better and better, I think his recent break has done him good! This, again, sounds like an original track, and as you mentioned Envision, not everyone will have heard of Son of Dork but don't let that stop you downloading this fantastic tune. The production is extremely tight and everything is spot on. I think many ex-Busted fans would love this mash if they heard it.
Cons:
Not one mate - I love this tune as it's laid back 'mental and pella work really well together.
Tips:
Again, not one. I really enjoying your recent tunes. Nice work.
Ministry Of Mashed Sound - Dj Submitted - Added 09/06/09
I Wanna Open Your Eyes
(All American Rejects vs. Snow Patrol)
Amazing tune Envision, one of the best I've heard this year! The sources work perfectly well together and the whole sounds like an original track. The chord progression work fantastically throughout the whole production.
You're back matey and you're rocking!!
Cons:
I couldn't hear a single one!
Tips:
Don't stay away so long next time.
Ministry Of Mashed Sound - Dj Submitted - Added 09/02/09
No Fairytale Ending In 1979
(Smashing Pumpkins vs. Nicole
Scherzinger)
Once Again Ministry of Mashed Sound gives us a new and interesting track, which has his name all over it. This time the sources are (Smashing Pumpkins vs. Nicole Scherzinger) and believe me when I say, I have never heard this kind of mash before. I have no doubt that you are a creative masher, because the idea itself is great but ....
Cons:
I think the audio quality of your mash is poor. The mental is extremely over compressed, which makes the sound really weird when combined with the acapella.
Tips:
Work more on the quality of your productions - take your time. You could be a great masher, all you need is to put more time on your work. **Note By Paul Stix: This is a very beautiful mash. I just wish you threw it at one more ear before you released it.
There are some times when Reviewers like me and all of Team Stix have the pleasure to review a great track, we just say congratulations, mate you made a great track here. Unfortunately there are also times when you don’t know if you are going to review or reject a track, this is one of those times. The tracks duration and harmony work well, I do think this track would rock the dance floor BUT.....
Cons:
The track has really poor audio quality. I don't know if your instrumental was used with low bitrate or all the mix down is really poor, All I know is that sometimes I couldn't hear the pella and other times I heard it to loud. Your main chorus is not in tempo. The high and mid-high frequencies of the mash are excessively loud and I think you have some saturation in the audio quality too. Looks like your work was made only with the intention to release it without taking care of the quality of the work itself, so like I said, this track could be a winner but unfortunately without taking care of the small details your masterpiece will be a simple and poor track like this. Better luck next time.
Tips:
I don't know man, You are experienced at masking mashups, perhaps the best piece of advice I can give you is to make tracks with quality, take your time to do a real mix down of your track. Also, do real mastering, like I said in the cons, your track seems to be made without any care of quality so next time take care. Remember you have a name as an established masher so you have to keep that image by making good tracks.
Ministry Of Mashed Sound -
Dj Submitted - Added 06/13/09 If You're Not The One I Gave
My Love To
(Daniel Bedingfield vs. Edward Chun)
What a nice track. After hearing you’re last track, I though you may have taken a huge step backwards, but this will get you back were you belong. After the intial verse, everything fits very well indeed. Nice track MMS.
Cons:
The stretching in places can be heard. I know how hard it is to use this pella, so well done.
Tips:
Keep up the good work.
Ministry Of Mashed Sound -
Dj Submitted - Added 06/04/09 I Gotta Killin Feeling
(30 Seconds To Mars vs. Black
Eyed Peas)
The pairing is splendid. Well-spotted indeed. I like the tempo,& energy.The vocals bring a lot to the mix table.
Cons:
The vocal sound sits apart & above the mental in the mix in much of the track. It sounds rather more bootleggy than is necessary.
Tips:
Perhaps some effect on the vocals like some mild phasing would bring the words & music closer in the mix. Some slight compression in the sections of the cut from 2:30 to 3:30 & the last minute would be useful.
Ministry Of Mashed Sound -
Dj Submitted - Added 05/15/09 I Decided, I Won't Speak
(No Doubt vs. Solange)
This is the first jazz-related mashup I have listen to. There are some really great moments in here. I especially like the grovvy verses. Interesting mashup indeed! By the way this mashup is part of the very nice “Sounds Of A New World” genre smash compilation….
Cons:
There are some slight key clashings during the chorus, but they don’t distract to much I think
Tips:
This tip is not directed to MMS as such, but to mashup producers in general: it would be very interesting to hear some more jazz inspired mashups in the future! A Katie Melua mashup…any one????
I didn't expect to enjoy this tune as I'm not a Fallout Bout fan BUT I found this tune had a beautiful dark edge to it and I found it extremely listenable. A well produced mash, all levels sound fine, no glitches etc. I think I could be a FB convert from this.
Cons:
None spring forth immediately!
Tips:
Keep up the use of more left field sources and you're on a winning path mate.
Ministry Of Mashed Sound -
Dj Submitted - Added 05/07/09 Where'd You Crash And Burn
(Savage Garden vs. Fort Minor)
Sounds like a really good track that is from the top ten. Not particularly the kind of tune I go for first with the "ballady" feel but the vocals really raise this boot to new heights. The chorus works best. Nice bit with the vocals being paired too. Nice overall work on the sound. It could easily be too harsh with the beats but that never happens. I would definitely tell people to play this track.
Cons:
It makes me feel melancholy. Lol. I'll get you for that! I found the percussion acceptable but it was a bit crisp to tell the truth. Bass,however was good.
Tips:
Your mixing is totally happening yet final mix production skills are still growing. Nearly there by the sound of this one. Go for a more label-type finished sound.
Ministry Of Mashed Sound -
Dj Submitted - Added 04/22/09 Spacemen Think Of You Too
(The Killers vs. Katy Perry)
This is a really good blend. The two tracks fit together really well, and the production is spot on for the most part. I like the fact you've included some of Katy Perry's vocals in there too.
Cons:
The vocals in the second Killers verse come in a couple of beats too early. It's not a big problem here, but it would work better if this section was moved back a little.
Tips:
I generally prefer more of a genre clash than this, but your upcoming compilation should satisfy on that count.
Ministry Of Mashed Sound -
Dj Submitted - Added 04/12/09 This Disco Sucks Without You
(Kelly Clarkson vs. Solange)
A well spotted pairing of two complementary pop tunes, impeccably produced!
Cons:
FFS! Most contemporary pop is the same anyway, which is why it's not that hard to mash - different voices, same hackneyed chord progressions. If you weren't currently compiling a genre-clash compilation (full disclosure: which I'm contributing to), I'd go on a rant right about now.
Tips:
Nothing, production-wise. You know the rest...
Ministry Of Mashed Sound -
Dj Submitted - Added 03/23/09 Doctor, I Knocked 'em Out!
(Lily Allen vs. Gemini ft. Bizzy Bone)
I like Lily Allen vocals, her style can often bring something totally different to a track. Your mash is one of the better ones I've heard. If I didn't know any better I would have said it was one song. You are getting better and better as a producer, I'm really looking forward to your work on your forthcoming 'bleep' the genre album.
Cons:
If I had to pick something, the start of the first chorus (vocals) comes in a little early for the backing - 2 bars. But this is really the only slight error in the tune, other than that its great.
Tips:
Theres really not a lot to direct you on, you are producing great tunes at the moment. I don't have to remind you, but perhaps someone reading this has never thought of it. Just because your backing track is one song (for you A+B Djs) - there is nothing to stop you 'cutting' up the instrumental or whatever your using to fit the chosen vocals. It can also totally change the feeling of the original track.
Ministry Of Mashed Sound -
Dj Submitted - Added 03/21/09 I Will Come To Graduation
(Hanson vs. Vitamin C)
You've set yourself quite the challenge mixing the Pet Shop Boys waltz with a 4/4 pop track. You've done it really well though, cutting up the vocal nicely and reassambling it into a more conventional slide of pop, which works really well.
Cons:
Most of your edits work really well but there are a few points where Neil Tennant's vocals are cut off. I would have probably added an acapella sample of "I just wannabe, wannabe numb" to the end of the track too - the current ending doesn't feel quite clean enough.
Tips:
There's a lot of skill at work here, and the end result is probably the best mashup of yours I've heard so far. With a little more practice and attention to detail, you could be a force to be reckoned with.
Ministry Of Mashed Sound -
Dj Submitted - Added 02/22/09 The Riverbed Only We Know
(Keane vs. Morcheeba
ft. Thomas Dybdahl)
I must admit when I first started listening I thought 'another Pet Shop Boys mash', but I liked it. The use of the original tracks chorus vocals is a nice touch.
Cons:
It's mellow (very) and because of this your mash will not get the votes it deserves. It also feels like there is something missing to really make it stand out (or maybe it just sounds like that to me because I was expecting a faster tempo - I didn't know either source track).
Tips:
Bin the Pet Shop Boys. there are a host of other artists out there you could have used for this track. It does work - but I hate them with a passion !! ; )
Ministry Of Mashed Sound -
Dj Submitted - Added 02/16/09 Frozen In Fear
(T-Pain ft. Chris Brown vs. Lily Allen)
