Saturday, April 12, 2008

I don't sleep--it's kinda hard when you cry; yeah, that's where you left me

I realize loads of bloggers already know about the song I'm posting today--I know D'luv, Mike, Adem, and Mobius all do and I'm sure there are others--and that I've mentioned it roughly fifty million times, two factors that you would think would negate the need to post it--but I'm posting it anyway. Stephanie McIntosh is best known for appearing on Australian TV show Neighbours, but a couple of years ago she launched a music career with the pop-rock single "Mistake," which I thought was a decent post-Kelly Clarkson song. She released a few other singles as well as an album, Tightrope, in Australia and I remember there being talk of her releasing music in the UK--which maybe even happened, but not successfully--but by far the best thing she's ever given us is a remix that forsakes the pop-rock stylings of that album and is instead pure unadulterated dance-pop of the best sort.

Mistake (Jewels & Stones Radio Edit)--the very definition of a dance-pop stormer. The guitars themselves have generally been taken out, but the glossy electronic sounds they've been replaced with somehow still manage to capture their essence, meaning that "Mistake" has lost none of its power or punch. In fact, if anything, Jewels & Stone have taken the song's power and energy up several notches, in addition to giving it a much-needed polish and tossing in some handclaps here and there. "Mistake" has been turned into a complete hands-up-in-the-air dance anthem, just the sort of cheesy upbeat (not lyrically, but musically) dance-pop the world can never get enough of. I love pop-rock, but if there was ever a case for tossing out all guitars in favor of nothing but dance and Europop, this remix is it.

Also, tradition obligates me to at this point mention the Reactor Mix of Kate DeAraugo's "Faded," which isn't quite as good as this remix but is still amazing and yet another example of female-sung Australian pop-rock being transformed into bright shiny dance-pop and being all the better for it.

I got this remix back when her MySpace (temporarily) posted it as a free download and now looking around I'm not sure where you buy the Jewels & Stone radio edit (beyond promo CDs); the deluxe edition of Stephanie McIntosh's album Tightrope does contain a Jewels & Stone mix of "Mistake" which Sanity says is the radio edit but Wikipedia says is a longer mix. Either way, that album can be bought here (physical). The longer remix can be purchased here digitally.

Next up: maybe those American singers.

10 comments:

DJ Barnsey said...

I love Mistake, whether it is the original version or this remake. Basically Tightrope was a really strong album, although maybe didn't need the cover of Wishing & Hoping. Am looking forward to hearing what she has planned for her second album which is apparently going to be released at some point this year. Fingers crossed anyway!

Also love the Reactor mix of Kate's song as well, although I'm not a big fan of the original or any of her other tracks either to be honest. Something about the remix just clicks with me and it makes me happy. :)

Poster Girl said...

Oh, this year? Really? I hope we get some new fantastic remixes with the new material ;)

I think the original "Mistake" is a lot better than the original "Faded"--I haven't even listened to "Faded" in a long time, but if I remember correctly it felt too plodding or lacked enough energy for me.

DJ Barnsey said...

Stephanie's record label seemed to get some really good remixes of the singles done - there was a really good one for So Do I Say Sorry First but can't remember who it was by, will have a look for it though!

Poster Girl said...

I remember there being a remix of it, but I've forgotten what it was too and I can't remember if I heard it or not...it was good, though?

DJ Barnsey said...

Managed to find 2 more remixes on an old disc! Both as good as the Jewels & Stone mix of Mistake! :)

Tightrope (Black Fras Remix)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/1049174624a42942/

So Do I Say Sorry First (Steve Mac Elektro Disco Mix)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/1049174803c10425/

Adem With An E said...

I'm surprised she's still going ahead with a second album, but excited nonetheless.

Poster Girl said...

I'm surprised too, Adem; I was under the impression that after the first single things hadn't gone so well for her, though when I looked it up on Wikipedia her record sounded better than it thought it was.

D'luv said...

I never tire of the Jewels and Stone mix of "Mistake!" A shame the tune flopped in the UK, though...

Yuяi said...

I like these mixes! Thanks for sharing, guys.

Poster Girl said...

Oh, gosh, did I not thank you for posting those mixes, David? I'm so sorry--I meant to! Thank you!!

I'm not near tired of yet either, D'luv.

Maybe her next album should be all remixes?