Big Single alert. Sun keeps her brilliance up with the tearjerker "Gone." This batch of remixes opens up with a John Poppo ballad mix- a simple, beautiful piano and Sun's addictive vocals. Listening to this opening mix, I'm thinking it's the saddest song in the universe and anticipating how a song to cry with can morph into a energetic floorshaker. What a difference a beat makes! And on that level, there is a veritable superstar group of remixers on hand to make this one bump.
Tony Moran slams this one in the hoop with tough, driving energy coupled with Sun's dejected vocals. The mix is a little dark and also has that lively circuit synth sound. The breakdown is beautiful and dramatic, featuring Sun's vocals, big timpani drums, and washing synths which all come together when the beat kicks. It's not hard to notice a distinct Offer Nissim style in the dramatic synth stabs, which is nice. His dub mix features vocal tricks and a strong, evolving, building feel. Even though it's a dub, the vocals get dropped, so it's a vocal-ish dub and my favorite kind. Very solid.
Jason Nevins brings a guitar-tinged jam harkening back to 80s new wave, keeping some jangly guitar riffs, power chords, and orchestral strings in the mix. He keeps a solid, groovy beat and has a quick, emotional breakdown, which is tasty. The indie dance sound combines really well with this song. In no time, you'll be dancing with tears in your eyes. It's not over yet as Ralphi Rosario rolls in like an 18-wheeler with an irresistible groove and menacing percussion washed in swirling synths. His vocal mix brings Sun's vocals upfront with no apologies, and his dub revels in his dark, high-energy, driving sound. Everything chugs along until about the 5 minute mark where the beat drops and refires. He's truly kept the vocals to a minimum, making it a fun tool for those creative types.
Steve Mac takes his remix in a sinister direction with a wall of synths sounding like a swarm of bees. His backing arpeggio throughout the verses sounds like distant cousin of the riff in "French Kiss," which is cool. His use of the Cher-esque vocoder trick... I'm not so sure about. Finally, Moto Blanco rounds things out with another tasty, feel-good house mix. This is a great package from Sun and I think stronger than "Ends of The Earth." The Asian goddess who calls herself Sun continues her ascent.
