DFA Remixes: Chapter Two (Various Artists)

The DFA (Tim Goldsworthy & James Murphy) return with the second installment of their highly acclaimed remix compendium; The DFA Remixes Chapter Two released on DFA/Astralwerks on October 3rd on CD/double vinyl.

Like the first chapter, it is comprised of the rest of the many remixes that have helped establish them as one of the most innovative and unique (and in demand) production teams in the world – The Death From Above are James Murphy, from The USA and Tim Goldsworthy, from England. They are based in Manhattan. They are independent, self-contained and good at getting it done. They have been labeled ‘The new Neptunes’ but there’s much more to it than that, and yet again here is the musical proof; Chapter Two brings us further examples of their craftsmanship as they take on the likes of Goldfrapp, N.E.R.D., Nine Inch Nails, Tiga, Unkle, Chromeo, Hot Chip & Junior Senior – many of these mixes available for the first time commercially. The vinyl issue of the album will also feature rare instrumental versions. These two chapters together provide the entire DFA remix compendium to date, coinciding with the 5th Anniversary of the DFA label this September.

Since their inception in the late ‘90s, amidst New York’s then stagnant club scene, the duo resolutely resisted and cherry picked their productions, mixes and collaborations helping retain their relevance, influence and dominance in the ever changing world of contemporary music. It is at their Plantain Studio compound that they have successfully collided punk and disco like decadent f*ck buddies resulting in a unique style, often imitated but NEVER bettered. The DFA sound is seeped in history, but progressive and never derivative.

DFA continues to go from strength to strength; the next year will see the return of LCD Soundsystem and Juan MacLean, a debut release from new British signings Prinzhorn Dance School, plenty of new surprises and more maverick production skills and remixes from Goldsworthy & Murphy. There is only one Death From Above, raining down sonic Carthage from skies alien to mainstream pandering and meandering. Where cause and effect are never punctuated by necessity or by radio edits and where tracks seemingly find their own destination even if that takes it (often) beyond the 10 minute mark.