DFA Remixes: Chapter One (Various Artists)

The DFA (Tim Goldsworthy & James Murphy) return with the first installment of their remix compendium; The DFA Remixes: Chapter One to be released on DFA/Astralwerks April 4th on CD/Double vinyl.

It is comprised of some of the many remixes that helped establish them as one of the most innovative and unique (and in demand) production teams in the world. Yes, it has been well documented that Janet Jackson and Britney and a whole bunch of others called, but the duo have 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.

Death From Above (DFA) 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 here is the musical proof; In Chapter One; you can witness the DFA sound with fine aplomb, with their highly sought after interpolations of Le Tigre, Blues Explosion, The Chemical Brothers, Soulwax, Radio 4, Fischerspooner, Gorillaz, Metro Area and their recent remix of US label mates Hot Chip many of which are out of print or unavailable at all on vinyl or CD. This will be followed by Chapter Two later this summer (set to include their take on the likes of Goldfrapp, Nine Inch Nails & N.E.R.D. amongst others). Just don't call them cool or they will laugh in your face at the ridiculousness of it all.

2005 was a breakout year for the DFA which saw their label of the same name step out of the shadow of their production efforts and come into its own, with the release of massively acclaimed debut albums from LCD Soundsystem, Delia Gonzalez & Gavin Russom and The Juan Maclean, alongside the third Black Dice full length Broken Ear Record, their second label compilation, and their now deleted and much loved low-price DFA Holiday mix.

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. Often imitated but never bettered, the DFA sound is seeped in history, but progressive and never derivative. There is only one Death From Above