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Sunday 22 December 2013

CLT's Best of 2013


So, here we are folks - the biggie, the culmination of all things good in 2013, and my word there was a BIG bag of good going on.

And what a year it was - from the legendary Jimmy Page showcasing my beloved Fissunix on the front page of his official website (and indeed, Fred was later chosen as the provider of the soundtrack to the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame's promo video clip), to Pom Deter getting in to a dust up with the NIN boys over THAT viral mashup, to me being followed on Twitter by Right Said Fred.

And it was a strange old year for me personally; living with a lovely Cola-fan from foreign climes for the first half of the year (waves to the west and shouts "yoo-hoo"), ghost-hunting in the footsteps of my beloved Ghost Adventures Crew (and thus failing to sleep properly ever since - Zak Bagans never had these issues), having a brand new PC named Mechatron built for me which has increased my processing power on my tracks (whilst oddly my tracks have become less powerful), inadvertently becoming a Meme for a week through my innocent enjoyment of a day on the beach at Weston-Super-Mare (Memetron was proto-Doge), and growing a big-assed beard that finally helps me to look my age instead of my normal Cliff Richard-esque stylings. This was my Anno Insaniam.

The world of Mashup went from stength to strength in 2013, with exciting producers new and old coming to the fore, improving upon their art and really upping their game. More and more legit tracks appeared, with even that bastion of bad karaoke, The X Factor, picking up on the trend, thanks to a magnificent promo track from Robin Skouteris. Being privileged enough to be a Moderator over at Mashstix, I've seen an exponential growth in the quality of production and variety of styles coming through, even though the dreaded 'mega'mix and blend (coffee??) continue to delude people in the masses.

...insert cryptic rant...

But I've seen the future and it's safe - one day a small brotherhood of the originators and innovators will rise to retake the name Bastardpop and return it to it's rightful place as the head of the table in the Mashup arena - it crumples... it bangs... we shall be avenged ;(

...end cryptic rant...

So, without much further ado and in no particular order (save alphabetically by producer) - here are the tracks that rocked my stereo this year. From cinematic scores, to lush acoustica, via big electro and dubstep, with a crunch of rock pomp, to straight out pop fun - there's something for everyone here. These are my friends and peers, and these are the Best of 2013.

Addictive TV

Remember the legendary scamp from many moons ago that once upon a time was possibly the most famous of all mashup producers out there, and in one way or another is responsible for what we all do now (he's our daddy!) - the man they called Go Home Productions? Well, he's still at it, and he's still nailing it, as one half of legendary and pioneering audio-visual heroes Addictive TV. We salute you Mr. Vidler sir (as we do indeed Mr. Daniels too)

Red Hot Wonder (Red Hot Chili Peppers vs. Stevie Wonder)



Amoraboy

Arnaud had a wonderful year again, displaying great production skills with a distinctly french flavour. This was for me, the pick of the bunch, that just oozes "smooooooooth"

Tennessee Fire (Johnny Hallyday vs. Adele)



Dan Mei

My mate Dan was on fire again in 2013. For me, the undisputed king of the multi-mash and the champ of hard rock mashups, Dan showed a more melancholic side this year that showed great versatility and understanding of how to create an emotionally moving piece (check Life!). But he still pulled out the big guns when required and singed our eyebrows off with some insanely intense rock anthems too (Manson vs. Dion?? Insane!!). Give these a listen to understand why I call him The Mei-stro.

Enjoy The Hall Of Fame (The Script vs. Morcheeba vs. Eminem ft. Rihanna)



Life (Eythor Ingi Gunnlaugsson vs. Within Temptation vs. Katy Perry vs. t.A.T.u)



Putting Holes Back To Life (Marilyn Manson vs. Celine Dion)



DeeM

Davbear took on a whole new sound this year; in addition to his incredible pop dance tracks, he gave us a more personal, emotional sound which at times verged on the epic. It's nigh on impossible not to be moved by his Nothing Compares To A Clown; it's damned-near impossible not to gasp at the majestic epic pop with a cinematic flourish of his Halo Around the Tombstone. And then he went and used DAT Zimmer track too.... will I ever manage to get that track out of my head (it's my singing in the shower track)??

Halo Around The Tomb (Tomb Raider vs. Justin Timberlake vs. Beyonce)



Nothing Compares To A Clown (Sinead O'Connor vs. Emeli Sande)



Slow Time (Hans Zimmer vs. Kylie Minogue)



DJ ATHOM

My mate Dim had another fantastic year with his trademark sound of downtempo, trip-hoppy mashups, but the one that stood out for me was this - the perfect example of why sometimes just a simple A+B can be the most wonderful of understated tracks. Bravo mon ami.

Halo Diamonds (Beyonce vs. Rihanna)



DJ Rick Lee

Aside from providing the lulz this year amongst the boys and our little online community (mainly at my expense, for my love of makeup and red high heels), Uncle Rick took it upon himself to investigate the claims from various parties (including The Law!) that a certain #THICKE had plagiarised a certain Motown legend on his runaway smash of the Summer. Uncle Rick needs to have his own crime-solving TV drama show, a la Ironside or Columbo... he gets the bad guy in the end...

Give Up The Blurred Lines (Robin Thicke vs. Marvin Gaye)



DJ Schmolli

2013 was undoubtedly the year of the Schmollster (much like every year is!). I'm fast coming to the conclusion that Thomas has an army of clones pumping these hits out one after the other - it's the only way I can explain how he manages to release so much, apparently never sleeping and even finding time to fit in DJ-ing at packed clubs around the world. He's so versatile too - hence I believe he has a department of Schmollis for each genre of track he wants made. Even more bizarre, he somehow manages to mash new tracks before the originals are released - he's the Necromancer of Mash.

It would be nigh on impossible to narrow down his best tracks, so instead, here's a small selection that were absolute killers.

Look out in 2014, for Schmolli going legit, making a million, and forgetting us all - his friends - whilst he lives in a castle made from Unicorn's Tears.

This Is How We Push And Shove One More Night (No Doubt vs. Montell Jordan vs. Maroon 5)



Mary, Proud Mary (Run DMC vs. Creedence Clearwater Revival)



Never Hold Back Hooligans In Heaven From Goin' In (Major Look vs. The Cure vs. Don Diablo ft. Example vs. Birdy Nam Nam vs. Wax)



Tommy's Royal Christmas (The Who vs. Lorde)



DJ Tripp

Another legend on the scene (the King of Bootie a few years back), Tripp is now turning out unbelievable remixes, that surpass anything out there from the highly paid professionals, and in many ways, actually improve upon the originals. Fantastic skills and I'd love to see him be picked up by some big labels next year off the back of these.

Duran Duran - Rio (DJ Tripp's Nite Drive version)



The Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter (DJ Tripp remix)



DJ Y Alias JY

Jive was my go-to guy in 2013 for consistently high, beautifully produced and varied tracks. In fact, over the course of the last few years, I don't recall ever hearing a single track from him that I didn't love.

And that he could take the viral hit from the start of the year and make it listenable (without having to do silly dances all over Dude Tube) just shows how good he is.

The Harlem Voodoo People Shake (Baauer vs. The Prodigy)



Need Wines + Chocolates Tonight (Theophilus London vs. INXS)



So Good To Solsbury Hill (Peter Gabriel vs. Chris Malinschak)



DRA'Man

Alexandre was on fire again (pun to follow, intended), this year branching out his sound from the incredible soul and funk tracks we all know and love him for, in to pretty much any genre he turned his hand to.

Simple, yet great eclectic choices in the instrumentals used ensured his place in the list this year, along with his superb excellent as always production skills.

Fire Again (Steely Dan vs. Chase + Status)



Whole Lotta Boots (Billy Strange vs. Led Zeppelin)



Starry Holydays (Michael Polnareff vs. Ellie Goulding)



Dunproofin'

Another hero of the oldskool (you don't know Dunproofin', you don't know mashup/bootleg/bastardpop period) who's doing new things at present - this incredible cover of a classic could easily be given a bona fide release - John Lewis advert makers, take note.

Talk Talk - Life's What You Make It (Dunproofin' cover version)



Dylan Vasey

Ah, the enigmatic and mysterious Mr. Vasey - just who is he? We may never know. However I like to think he's actually the head of a major record label, or indeed even one of the pop music superstars themselves. We know this much - Carly Rae Jepsen may or may not have seen his face.

Anyway, Dylan caught my eye and ear with two tracks this year, both quite different in style, but both HUGE singalong tracks - brilliant stuff.

Imagine Being Next To Me (John Lennon vs. Emeli Sande)



Your Thriftshop Body (Macklemore + Ryan Lewis vs. Rihanna vs. Christina Aguilera)



Eddie Pedalo

Pedalo Power. Rave Nutter. GYBO legend. Spirit of '03. Crumple Banger. ;(

Momma Said You've Got A Brand New Combine Harvester (LL Cool J vs. The Wurzels)



Elocnep

The man with the unspellable name and the choice of Bootie for all things bangin' had another huge year with a barrage of big beats and electro goodness (as well as some more tender, beautiful remix moments via his I'm From Finland persona), The pick of the bunch for me was this gentle little ode to all things sadomasochism.

Shut The Fuck Up, I've Got A Crush On Your Genitals (I.Y.F.F.E. + ClarK vs. Korn vs. Nero vs. Jon La Joie)



Fissunix

Mon frère d'un autre pays and sometime collaborator needs no introduction here. It's no secret how much I love Fred and everything he comes up with. This year he just went from strength to strength with a raft of cinematic mashups, blistering rock tracks and just all round genius. What I like to call "Widescreen Mashup".

As with Schmolli, it would be impossible for me to narrow down my favourite tracks of the year from Fred, so I'll just list the ones which completely blew me away.

And I'll make no apologies here for including some of the collaborations I had the privilege of being asked to contribute to - making these with Fred was some of the most fun I've ever had when being creative (even if it did near kill me trying to find some of the samples out).

Roll on 2014, I can't wait to see what Lord Fissu has in store for us next!

Youth Gone Old (Skidrow vs. Brother Dege (aka Dege Legg))



The Laws Must Give It Away (John Mayall vs. Red Hot Chili Peppers (The Empire Fantastic remix))



Sky Of Steel (Hans Zimmer vs. Adele)



Holocene For A Night (Florence + The Machine vs. Bon Iver)



Honky Tonk Sledgehammer (Peter Gabriel vs. Bill Dogget)



Mercy Sky (Peter Gabriel vs. God Is An Astronaut)



Kara Wants To Know What Love Is (feat. Colatron) (Foreigner vs. Nalepa vs. Kara vs. Kraddy)



Walking On A Season (feat. Romain Franti + Colatron) (Empire Of The Sun vs. Vivaldi (Romain Franti arrangement))




Shining Talk (feat. Colatron) (Peter Gabriel vs. God Is An Astronaut vs. The Ghost Orchid vs. Pink Floyd)



Frail Limb Purity

Ty is a genius. Simple as. The Mozart of Mash. It's almost embarrasing how easy he finds it coming up with unique, fresh and original mashes such as these (DAT glitch!!). And whilst I shouldn't have faves.. the Mirror's Edge/Lovato track may be one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard, mashup or not.

Untitled (Justin Timberlake vs. The Bloody Beetroots + Wolf Saga)



Untitled (Demi Lovato vs. Solar Fields)



G3RSt

Sadly for us (though extremely happily for him), the G Man is a busy guy these days with his wonderful family and so we don't get too many pearls out of the Netherlands nowadays. But when G does grab time for a track or two, my word does he remind us of why we all fell in love with his 'crazy choice of source material' tracks all those years ago.

Completely unrestricted by genre, this is mashing for the love of the mash, pure and simple.

California Rave Gurls (Katy Perry vs. Dune)



Moves Like Twenty Five Ruffnecks (Maroon 5 vs. Freestylers vs. Edwin Starr)



Elastic Bitch (Elastica vs. The Prodigy (Noisia remix))



GenErik

Erik's had a top quality year that just keeps getting better and better.

From mashing arguably the best track from the most anticipated album of the year, to producing a soundscape of such beauty it left me speechless, via an otherworldly and if I'm honest, downright creepy beauty of a remix, GenErik showed how to think outside of the box and produce things that I would have been proud to call my own.

Georgio Is Missing (Daft Punk vs. Everything But The Girl)



Dolly Parton - Jolene (GenErik's Folktron remix)



Múkki Hunch (Sigur Ròs v Xploding Plastix)



Groovefunkel

The man I like to call The Baron.

It's no surprise to find out that Groovefunkel is a good friend of Rhythm Scholar (see later) and judging by the quality of the remixes he's put out this year, the two are clearly influenced by each other, and running some friendly oneupmanship which is good news for us music lovers.

This grandoise space epic of a remix took me to the edge of the Galaxy and back, on a wave of comfort and beauty. Stunning.

Elton John - Rocket Man (Groovefunkel New Fuse remix)



kill_mR_DJ

My mate P - without a doubt, the breakout star of 2013 and one to watch in 2014.

Everything he touched was brilliant, from balls-out indie anthems to dark, emotional landscapes that punch you in the gut and leave you crying.

And all the more remarkable, knowing that he does this oldskool style, by ear - not a sign of the Masher's Dirty Little Secret known as MIK. Just superb.

Time For Our Little Talks (Of Monster And Men vs. Imagine Dragons)



Every Love You Let Go (Passenger vs. Peer Kusiv vs. Ed Alleyne-Johnson)



Gone With The Wind (Eminem vs. Bob Dylan)



After The Storm (Elias Vafiades vs. Jim Morrison)



LeeDM101

Another great year from Lee - one of an imaginary brotherhood of mashers that in my head I like to call "The Beautiful People".

Who else could have me fall in love with a house track (haven't touched that stuff in over 13 years now), and reduce me to a lump of weeping goo by layering my beloved Ellie Goulding over my beloved Apparat in what may be the most emotionally affecting mashup of the year?

Solace In The Devil's Elbow (Solace vs. Nick Warren)



Goodbye In The Water (Ellie Goulding vs. Apparat)



Lizzart

The funniest guy (and most artistically talented) on Facebook - Lizzy knocked it out the park this year, with a couple of tracks, notably his Wave 3 mash, which gave Britney the balls she wished she had.

Another guy to keep an eye out for in 2014, Lizzart is going to be huge.

Wave 3 (Xilent vs. Britney Spears)



Blob It Out (Beyonce vs. John Guscott)



Lloyd

The Man they (I?) call Boss over at 'Stix - Lloyd is well known for producing excellent full length mixes of the boys and girls we moderate over on the boards (keep 'em peeled for his Mashstix 2013 mix out on the 23rd Dec).

But when he dusts off his production hat, he can mix it up with the best of them. As shown here - is it even possible to make a mash with On A Ragga Tip that isn't good? Well, by all rights, using sonic abomination Cotton Eyed Joe should prove it is possible, but my god - he's produced one of the biggest smile inducing, crumpleybanging tracks of the year! ;(

On A Cotton Tip (The Fiddle remix) (SL2 vs. Rednex)



MichMash

Michel continued to show this year why he's the king of the funk rock and soul mashup, with this selection of earworms. Absolutely perfect pairings, coupled with superb production (seriously - check the quality of the Hendrix track) - do yourselves a favour if you like guitar music and grab the whole download pack from his site here

I Feel So Free (James Taylor Quartet vs. Muzikk ft. John Rock)



Gonna Give You My Love (Led Zeppelin vs. Lil' Wayne)



Experience Behind The Door (Lee Fields + The Expressions vs. Jimi Hendrix)



Mighty Mike

More evidence that for me, France is kicking out the best mashups at the moment; my mate Mike was on top form as always this year, especially with his fantastic usage of C2C and Stromae.

Big sounds and big smiles from me. Pun intended - just sheer Fun.

Iron Jerk (Woodkid vs. Caesars)



Papa Fuya (C2C vs. The Temptations)



Some Happy Nights (C2C vs. Fun)



Phil Retrospector

The man I call Maestro, and as you all know by now, the man who inspired me to become what I am today (along with a few choice others, who know who they are).

Phil shows no signs of letting up on the emotional, heart-breaking, thought-provoking epic sweeps of lush music he's so well known for. It's no coincidence he inspired at least 2 tracks out of me this year.

I'll forever be in your debt mate. <3

Time Out From Teardrops (Massive Attack vs. Goldfrapp)



LingeRev (The Cranberries vs. Mercury Rev)



Jim Morricone (The Doors vs. Ennio Morricone)



Pom Deter

Aberdeen's finest, and possibly most insane DJ - the guy who broke the Interweb, and given half a chance, probably would have broken the jaws of NIN too, whilst picking up his second gold plated helicopter.

Deservedly one of the biggest tracks of the year, we all sat in secret envy of him as we watched the fun unfold, courting that elusive millionth play for ourselves.

Possibly the most important track of the year.

Call Me A Hole (Carly Rae Jepsen vs. Nine Inch Nails)



Rems 79'

Rémi is yet another fantastic producer from France (what DO they put in the water out there!) that has come up with some real beauties this year, notably this one which was pure Colatron in style and thus won my heart over in a fraction of a second. Bravo mon ami!

Shadow Of The Gravity (Linkin Park vs. Steven Price)



Rhythm Scholar

The mighty RS once again whipped out the best remixes of the year, but this one in particular had us all falling over ourselves with platitudes - from start to finish, just a beautiful psychadelic ride through nostalgia, with a hint of Easy Star All*Stars thrown in for good measure.

May I say as well, behind the scenes, RS is one of the most generous, giving guys out there - so a huge thank you from me for all you did this year. Hero.

The Beatles - Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (Rhythm Scholar remix)



RRodd

He may destroy me weekly on Angry Birds Friends, but Rod's had another brilliant year, and it's a pleasure to have watched him progress from his first post on 'Stix to where he is now, producing absolute gems like these.

His jazzy funk take on Bob Marley is easily one of the best things I've ever heard and I was of course, humbled and honoured by his tribute, the deeply personal and haunting Chasing Cars (Red Ashes). Well done my mate and keep it up in 2014!

Gettin' Up Into Darkness (Marcus Miller vs. Bob Marley + The Wailers)



Chasing Cars (Red Ashes) (Deadmau5 (Astrio remix) vs. Snow Patrol vs. Usher vs. Benni Benassi ft. Gary Go)



DJ Rudec

Rui's another guy who's completely blown me away this year with his innovative and imaginative mashing - the Adele reggae track just encapsulated the summer for me (it's a perfect slab of singalong fun for driving around the hot sticky city to), and of course, his many jazz tracks made for family, are off the charts - Grapevine Equinox is as close to perfection as one can get when defining what a mashup should be.

Keep an eye out for his remixes and full mixes too - brilliant.

Las Plantas In The Deep (Sessiones Reggae Instrumental vs. Adele)



Grapevine Equinox (John Coltrane + Ivan Renta vs. Marvin Gaye)



What Is Romance (Lady Gaga vs. Haddaway)



Sherlock Poirot

And the award for Best Newcomer of the Year 2013 goes to.... the same guy who won Best Producer Name 2013.

Sherlock has exploded on to the scene lately, with a unique eye for the most seemingly bizarre yet flawlessly executed of ideas. As I said at the time, he reminds me of a G3RSt type figure, which is big praise in my eyes.

A perfectionist, he'll work and work to get the final track flawless, and is ever gracious in accepting feedback and assistance - his own feedback over on 'Stix is always well thought out and helpful in it's own right. Mark my words though - if he carries on at this pace, he'll be the man to beat in 2014.

Excellent addition to the Mashup family and proud to have him onboard Team Stix. Well done mate.

In The View Carre (Linkin Park vs. Trombone Shorty)



When I'm Hurt (Anna Kendrick vs. Johnny Cash)



Sjoersje

It's a welcome addition from Stefan this year - the king of the 80s mashup branched out a little this year and when he did, boy did he prove he can handle just about any style.

This one particularly caught my ear, again as a great example of a simple A+B where the result of how the addition of two tracks together are far better than either original on their own. Perfect pop mash.

Moves Like An Owl (Owl City vs. Maroon 5)



Spareelbowskin

My mate SES - for me, the MVP of 2013 and having gotten to know him, I can tell you he's a musical genius - true musical genius, as well as being a gent to boot.

Everything SES touched this year was pure gold. The precision with which he makes mashup, as well as adding his own musical flourishes to tracks is astounding - his vision and thought-process for each track is nothing short of brilliant, and on more than one occasion, I've literally been gob-smacked with the beauty of what he's produced. It's no coincidence I hope to be having an album out with him next year.

And in addition to all that, he went and produced the track of the year for sh1ts and giggles without even trying - Blurred Bartman captured everything a mashup should be, from the spirit of '02 and Boomselection/GYBO through to commenting on the inanity of today's disposable pop. Just brilliant.

Towers Down Under (Bon Iver vs. Men At Work)



Fixing Perth (Bon Iver vs. Coldplay)



One Worry About Love (Ivy vs. Bob Marley)



L.A. Spirit (Munk vs. Nirvana vs. SpareElbowSkin)



Blurred Bartman (Robin Thicke vs. Bart Simpson)



Psycho Killer On The News (George Fenton vs. Talking Heads)



The Early Mourning

The ELP-esque supergroup of mash, the combination of Frail Limb Purity and Ricky Cervantes is an inspired one and everything the boys do is just magical.

Dark, brooding electronic audioporn. I could have gone with any of the tracks but for me, this one just about edged it. Here's hoping the boys collaborate more often in 2014 though (hint hint).

Until The End (Rihanna vs. Kill The Noise vs. Dillon Francis)



The Reborn Identity

Output-wise, it was a quiet year from Gav on the music front, but knowing the reasons why, I can forgive him and wish him all the happiness he deserves ;)

But even with just a couple of tracks out in 2013, Gav still managed to remind us why he's simply one of the best and he continues to inspire and drive me on to melancholic beauty in each and every track I make (I only make this stuff in the vain hope that one day I can out-beauty, the King of Beauty!).

He may be distant from the Mashup landscape, but he's never forgotten.

The Sun Shines On Absent Friends (A-Ha vs. The Divine Comedy)



Orbiting Mars (Bruno Mars vs. The Lights Galaxia)




And so there you go folks - if you're still here, you must really love your mashup! But thank you for reading.

I should of course give honourable mention to those guys I wanted to include in the list here but sadly couldn't, as I couldn't locate individual flash players for the tracks (damn you Stephanie Yamaguchi). But if you have the time, please seek out

Madmix Mustang - Get Up! Stand Up! Wake Up! (Avicci vs. Bob Marley)
The cleverest use of an over-mashed track from MMM - this was easily the best of the bunch and in fact, the only one I could stand to listen to. MMM turned something so banal in to something anthemic and a dancefloor killer.

GaraGara - Run.Walk.Cruise (Kool G Rap + DJ Polo vs. Dire Straits vs. Smokey Robinson)
A briliant mash that had a common theme, and a wonderful juxtaposition of 3 genres in one convenient package. Chris played a blinder and the structure/arrangement was spot on

Voicedude - Black Or White Prison (Michael Jackson vs. Johnny Cash)
One of the catchiest tracks of the year, with that classic "wow" factor of surprise when the Cash vocal comes in, The 'Dude played a blinder and it deserves to be a Bootie classic.

And of course 2013 saw the return of my hero and all-time great - the magical Flying White Dots with his new album, Barracuda. A monument of AOR genius, please do yourselves a favour and grab it from here

So, that was the year that was. Thank you one and all for your continued support - I might have a few things lined up for you in 2014 to keep you all happy, but in the meantime, everybody have a wonderful Christmas and a top notch New Year!

Much love
Andy CLT
x.






Monday 9 December 2013

Merry Christmas, Mr. Florence


The snow is(n't) crisp and deep outside, the smell of spiced fruits linger on the breeze, sleighbells can be heard from on high. It's nearly the end of the year again and I'm feeling partiularly non-festive.

Have yourselves a very, melancholy Christmas dearest Cola-fans. Much love from here at the Mash Cave.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Florence

Ryuichi Sakamoto - Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (piano + string version)
Ryuichi Sakamoto - Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (original version - sample)
Florence + the Machine - You've Got The Love

Monday 25 November 2013

Take All The Time You Need


I've sold my soul - this is the 3rd (2nd to be heard outside of private circles) Adele mashup I've made this year. What has become of lil' Andy and his self-imposed standards....

Take All The Time You Need

Adele - Take It All
Pretty Lights - The Time Has Come
Chase & Status (feat. Delilah) - Time



Next: I feel a video coming on....

Saturday 16 November 2013

Buskerlised

This is what happens when I take a week off work and get bored of daytime TV. 10 minutes later, you get this.

If The xx were to hook up with their mates Kasabian and set up outside of a WH Smiths... you get...

Buskerlised

Kasabian - Thick As Thieves
The xx - Crystalised



Hopefully more on the way Cola-fans, though I'll be honest, I've reached saturation point for source files and can't see the wood for the trees. Still, a couple of bottles of vino may help....


Friday 1 November 2013

28 Royals Later


I'm sat here in the Mash Cave as I type, visualising myself walking around an abandoned, run down Birmingham in ruins in my Jimmy Jams, avoiding the locals trying to bite me as I look for a bunch of like minded hip and trendy people. No, not the script of some low budget horror movie, but an every day real-life occurrence for me.

But moving on.... if I did seasonal mashups, I'd make something like this....

28 Royals Later

Lorde - Royals
John Murphy - The Beginning
John Murphy - In the House- In a Heartbeat



Happy Halloween you ghoulishly wonderful Cola-fans!

Monday 21 October 2013

theMASHUP.org present Rock 'n' Mash


OK guys and gals - today sees the release of a HOT new compilation album from my good buddies over at theMASHUP.org, bringing you 2 full discs of rock-tastic mashie action from the biggest names in Mash today. And some dude named Colatron.

Featuring DOVSEC, DJ Morgoth, Jimmy Klox, Toastbusters, DJ Schmolli, Fabulous Beatmashers, DJs From Mars, Rino Santaniello, Rosario Marafini, Rems79', Chocomang, Luke DB, DeeM, Dan Mei, Max Fail, Mashup Germany, GenErik, DJ Rudec, Kellys Sevlac, Fissunix, Colatron, Colorblind, LeeDM101, Mario Santiago, DJ Useo and Smith & Smart!

And because they're the guys that keep on giving, there is a special bonus track from the legendary Loo & Placido!

Check it out and download from

theMASHUP.org Download Page

And in the meantime, here's my little contribution - grab it from the link above or grab from the Cola-SC page as always (download to be enabled from the 1st Nov 2013)

Right Here Is Who You Are

Druid - Right Here (Manhatten Bootleg)
The Who - Who Are You



It's a rock'n'bass doozy!

And don't forget to show your support to all my friends and peers by visiting the website and giving it a big thumbs up.

Cheers!
CLT


Tuesday 15 October 2013

Fissunix & CLT - Shining Talk


Samhain is upon us people, and what better way to warm up to Halloween, than with a good old fashioned ghost story..?

Time once again to hook up with my hero and my friend, the greatest masher in the World right now, the legendary Fissunix and take you on a journey to the other side, via the gift of Electronic Voice Phenomena.

Shining Talk

Peter Gabriel - Come Talk To Me
God Is An Astronaut - Shining Through

Track 32 - Of Unknown Origin
Track 33 - Raudive 2
+both samples from The Ghost Orchid: An Introduction to EVP (1999)
+Amy M - Personal recording sample
+Pink Floyd - Speak To Me
+Whispers & other FX samples



Make sure you sleep with the lights on tonight Cola-fans... and don't leave the radio set to white static...

Find more Fissutron delights here! www.fissutron.com

Monday 30 September 2013

Gold Dust Panda


So tonight, I had the pleasure of seeing musical legends Fleetwood Mac, play at the LG Arena and what a show it was - I've been fortunate to see many many big name acts along the way, but this was something else, if only to see the human drama that is Fleetwood Mac continue to play out in a coy, knowing fashion...

Anyhow, to celebrate being lucky enough to see some classic tunes sung live by their creators, here's a little something I whipped up this afternoon ahead of the main event. It's not the most ground-breaking Cola-track you'll ever hear - hell, it's probably out of key - but it makes me happy in it's own little post-rave mysticism manner....

Gold Dust Panda

Gold Panda - Marriage
Fleetwood Mac - Gold Dust Woman
Adele - Rumours (sample)



More tunes on the way good Cola-fans; plenty of stuff already made, just pending their relative album releases. Keep 'em peeled! **flounces off in a Stevie Nicks stylee**


Sunday 25 August 2013

Videooah Games


Well it's that time of year again when I get to throw something together with the Mozart of Mash, the awesomesauce Frail Limb Purity and this time, it's my beloved Lana Del Rey.

FLP conceptualised the whole thing and I just hung around smoking and looking cool to give an overall melantronica vibe, the result of which is THIS!

Videooah Games

Ooah - Whilst You're Away I Wait, To Crumble In Your Arms
Lana Del Rey - VIdeo Games



Many more collabs still to come this year, and a whole bunch of amazingness to boot. I'm back in the game people!

Sunday 18 August 2013

Holes In My Disposition



Holes in my shoes, holes in my pockets, holes in my walls, holes in my psyche, holes in my brain, and most certainly holes in my heart.... it appears something is missing.

Holes In My Disposition

Mercury Rev - Holes
The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition



**Reaching for the Polyfilla**

Sunday 28 July 2013

The Good and a Comfortable Life (Video)

4 months in the life of CLT. All good things...

The Good and a Comfortable Life

Jean-Pierre Taieb - Some Love
Ray Charles - The Good Life
Utah Jazz - Comfort Zone



Next: a million and one projects with my friends and peers.




Sunday 21 July 2013

The D Team



Sorry guys and gals - I've been scratching around for inspiration lately. I've a few tracks in the pipeline but I'm not certain about them yet.

Fortunately, I stumbled across a pella of Ed Sheeran when browsing the web the other night (studio pella my arse!) and though I'm not a fan of his faux acoustic emotional musings, I don't mind a bit of A Team. So I just had to whip this out before anyone else found it ;)

Dedicated to me old matey, Peterof Grey, who turned me on to Marcus D a while back. Hope you enjoy sir!

The D Team

Marcus D - Nocturne of Love
Ed Sheeran - The A Team



Right - next, possibly a video. Dare I make it? Let's go get drunk and get the bravery upon me....



Sunday 23 June 2013

The Bad Daydream


So I've been kinda devoid of inspiration as of late - all these different source files I have and nothing inspiring or moving me. So it's kinda ironic this falling in to place yesterday, given the type of day I had...

The Bad Daydream

Tycho - The Daydream
Daniel Powter - Bad Day



Keep on smiling Cola-fans

Friday 7 June 2013

B.I.M.A. - Bon Iver Mashup Album


So, here we are boys and girls. Today sees the release of the latest collaborative album I've taken part in. Now I've been involved in a lot of compilations, and of course, the legendary Mashed In Plastic; but this is different. This is... beauty incarnate.

If you knew how long this one took to put together to, you'd appreciate it even more **knowing wink**

So.... 11 tracks, the sublime Bon Iver mashed up. Featuring tracks from Men At Work, Lana Del Rey, Kimbra, INXS, Cake, Moderat (of course!), Sia, Gustavo Santoalalla, Florence & The Machine, Coldplay and Icona Pop.

One track from me (I fail), and many tracks from my good friends ToTom, SpareElbowSkin, and of course, the incomparable Fissunix. This is easily one of the finest projects I've ever had the pleasure of being involved in.

So - my track

Une Bonne Erreur

Bon Iver - Wash
Moderat - A New Error



And the album itself - preview/grab from here

B.I.M.A. - Bon Iver Mashup Album


http://www.b-i-m-a.net/

A HUGE thanks to the guys for asking me to be a part of this. We done gone made something pretty! Love you all.

And a HUGE thank you to Bon Iver themselves, for being so brill and for providing the soundtrack to the last 8 months of my life. You give me peace in a world of confusion.

Next... we go uber-Melancola


Wednesday 29 May 2013

B.I.M.A. - Bon Iver Mashup Album (Teaser Video)

Coming June 7th....



Produced in conjunction with my good friends Fissunix, ToTom and SpareElbowSkin.

Feat. Feat. Men At Work, Lana Del Rey, Kimbra, INXS, Cake, Moderat, Sia, Gustavo Santaolalla, Florence & The Machine, Coldplay, Icona Pop.... and Bon Iver.

Be sure to check back here for the download link and be prepared to get back to nature.

Sunday 12 May 2013

Your Head In My Hands


Sometimes in life you just have to show your appreciation for someone special through the gift of mash... love you Amybear...

Your Head In My Hands

Benjamin Francis Leftwich - Atlas Hands
Vindahl feat. Coco - Head Over Heels



Wednesday 17 April 2013

Remember Me Across The Stars


Always one to keep my tiny finger on the pulse, here's one kicking off the new collection - Imago (google it, it's my fave new word) - featuring the hot off the press (is it even out yet?) OST for new movie Oblivion from the mighty M83. And my arch-nemesis Adele. Yep, after numerous years, I've finally bitten the bullet, sold my musical soul, and mashed the one I cannot stand.

But hopefully in this form, I gave her a little 'real' emotion ;)

Remember Me Across The Stars

M83 - Starwaves
Adele - Don't You Remember



What next - something with Tony Stark on vocals and a giant Mech off the coast of Japan on drums?? Maybe....

Sunday 7 April 2013

Love Did Tear Us Apart (the video)



So, you make one of your personal all-time fave tracks and Soundcloud won't let you post it (meh). You post it on Official FM, but then they change to new Official FM and you never get around to creating a new account. So what do you do to make sure folk can hear it...

...simple. Make a quick n' easy vid for Youtube! Using the emotionally epic video for the fantastic I Am Kloot's "Proof" track, featuring Christopher Eccleston (Dr. Who FTW) - flip it backwards, time-stretch it, find you've got some powerful syncronicity going on between visuals and audio, whip in the Cola-vid logo and a quick piece of beautiful poetry from Ian Curtis himself, and Robert's your father's brother.

I won't be stopped....

Love Did Tear Us Apart

Nerina Pallot - Love Did Tear Us Apart
Joy Division - Love Did Tear Us Apart

Next: more cheery musings from the Mash Cave!

Thursday 21 March 2013

Go Home



Dim the lights, pump the dry ice on stage, and loosen the black tie... I present to thee.... Dubléstep!

One for the ravers...

Go Home


Moby - Go
Moby - Go (John Matrix remix)
Michael Bublé - Home
Moby - Go (Morphable dubstep remix)




Go home Andybear... you are quite clearly drunk

Saturday 16 March 2013

The Good Love and a Comfortable Life


A little liquid melancholy to see us in to the weekend... being CLT is a good life indeed...

The Good Love and a Comfortable Life

Jean-Pierre Taieb - Some Love
Ray Charles - The Good Life
Utah Jazz - Comfort Zone



Next... it's time for something a little darker...

Thursday 28 February 2013

One Way To Finish (the video)

I am blessed to know some Über-talented people on this scene, and one such guy is scene legend BorisB - one of the greatest video mashers of our day.

So when Boris makes you a video.. you go ape-shit crazy, dance around the room a little and then smoke a deck of cigs to recover....

One Way To Finish


Jean-Pierre Taieb vs. Florence & The Machine vs. Four Tet



Colatron - One Way To Finish (mashup) from BorisB High Def on Vimeo.

I'm a happy bunny...

Wednesday 27 February 2013

Step To The Light



Mechatron broadcasting... Mechatron broadcasting...

Step Towards The Light

Moderat - Les Grandes Marches
Ellie Goulding - Lights
samples from The Day I Died [2002]



Mechatron test complete. We have a Mash environment scenario. Remain connected...

Monday 14 January 2013

Running Up That Silent Hill


Not for the first time in my career, I find myself back and trapped in the fog filled ghost town which is Silent Hill. Only this time, I've brought my good friend and protector, the mighty Fissunix. Pyramid Head doesn't stand a chance...

Running Up That Silent Hill

Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill
Eminem - Not Afraid
Akira Yamaoka - Lost Carol
movie dialogue from Silent Hill (2006)

The Video (created by Fissunix)



The Audio (created by Fissunix w/CLT)



Coming soon...Fissutron recreate the Wizard of Oz via the gift of Pink Floyd

Sunday 13 January 2013

Set Sail For Atlantis


Inspired by the one true future Mrs. Smart, I have a dream of an island where everyone can be free. To dance the days and nights away in the Sun,. To be happy and content with no malice in life. To be whatever you want to be. That island shall be named as Mashlantis...

...and this shall be it's anthem.

Set Sail For Atlantis

Dark Statique - Last Days of Atlantis (Original Mix)
AWOLNATION - Sail
Richard Burton reads "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"



Grab your swimwear and I'll see you in Dreams...

Tuesday 1 January 2013

National Avenue


You didn't think I'd leave it more than a day from the last post, to kick off the New Year did you??

The first of hopefully many from me in 2013, this time in collaboration with my awesome buddy, the mighty Hifi Banjo Strings, here's a weepie example of Girl Power for the 21st Century from two of the biggest vocals out there....

National Avenue

Lana Del Rey - National Anthem
Duffy - Warwick Avenue
Hifi Banjo Strings - additional instrumentation and remixing



Much more to come Cola-fans, keep 'em peeled! Here's to a great year for everyone. Prost!