Search - Hybrid :: Remix & Additional Production

A hodge-podge, sadly enough

Ian Vance | pagosa springs CO. | 07/17/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"In the musical genre of "electronica" (MTV's catchword of '97), 90% of the commercial product is a derivative variation of a particular theme inherent to its own sub-category. That said, when a truly original and risk-taking band appears on the scene, it's a beautiful experience, like taking that first breath of clean air after 5 hours in a smoke-filled dungeon blaring the same bass-line and high-hat ad nauseam. Incorporating strings, interesting samples, deft scratching and a gifted ear for breakbeat, Hybrid is that breath of fresh air, that drink of cool water, that refreshing *Complex Musicality* that can both soothe and stimulate a brain numbed by the boring aesthetic of prog. and the rampant cheese that trance has become. Hybrid is class.Hybrid have been in the "slow-burn" phase for quite a while now, though touring with Moby in 2000 has certainly upped the name-recognition level. Busy producing the follow-up to the brilliant -Wide Angle-, truman and co. have put forth this odds n' sods collection to ride the wave of success.There are two problems:1) not enough remixes. Hybrid has a vast catalogue of remixes for popular and underground artists, and this comp collects _maybe_ half of what they've done in the past couple years. I would have much preferred slacker's "Psychout" or bt's "Godspeed" or Radiohead's "Everything in its Right Place" to substandard fare like Filter. And "Acelerator" is _much_ better with Morrisette's vocal...maybe they had a copyright snafu or something...2) energy lag. I'll have to agree with the consensus that Hybrid live far out shadows this compilation in terms of programming, mixing, and overall energy stimulation. Several misfires break up the continuity of the disc and make it more a "flip to that good one" affair.Those good ones?The remix of Bt's "Never Gonna Come Back Down" is a classic Hybrid take and an enormous improvement on a rather mediocre song. Cutting most of the jabber-lyric and adding a soft-pulsing piano to the climax makes this the standout on the disc."Papua New Guinea" is updated to the breakbeat sound perfectly. Gorgeous, simply gorgeous."Bad Girl" also improves on the original.The rest ranges from middling-good ("Accelerator", "Vernan's Wonderland") to almost-boring ("Bodyrock"). Still, I'd say 'Remix and Additional Production' is a worthy entry into the library of any electronic music fan who still appreciates a strong melody and even (*gasp*) vocals to balance out the bootyshake bottom."

How to win friends, influence people, and drop mad breaks.

ceebertz | 03/29/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Let me first espouse that I love Hybrid, and have dutifully bought everything of theirs I could find during the past year. In a genre of paint-by-numbers remixes and jaded DJs, their unique brand of viscous, meaty breaks is obvious from the first loop....That said, the track selection on this CD could have been better. Hybrid is capable of such diverse remixing work, it's a shame that everything on here is strictly your garden-variety progressive breakbeat. Perhaps this was intentional, or perhaps certain tracks weren't in the running due to copyright issues. Hybrid's remix of Alanis Morissette's "Your House", for example, might have replaced DJ Rap's "Bad Girl", as well as Morissette's "So Pure" lyrics laid over "Accelerator" - a staple in their live sets - instead of the vocal-less version that opens the album. And that's saying nothing of their take on "Walhalla", or "Phuture 2000", or "Space Manoeuvres", or... get the idea? Although there are a couple of highly forgettable moments (I won't name names, but the ersatz anthem "could you take my picture / 'cause I won't remember" sums it up nicely), the ear-soothing prettiness far outweighs the bad, and it's altogether mixed with the precision one might expect from Sasha & Digweed's "Northern Exposure" series. If you're already a Hybrid fan, you'll adore this disc, and if you're not, it might just make a believer out of you."

Remixing up a storm...

cv2004 | San Diego, CA | 03/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hybrid is quite possibly be one of the most talented (though still quite underrated) trance/electronica groups around, and this CD further proves that point. Their first album, 'Wide Angle', was a phenomenal debut. Combining rich orchestral strings with killer breakbeats in a unique film layout (the score to a spy movie never made), it was met with critical acclaim in the UK and is now making waves in the US. Now, 'Remix & Additional Production' sees Mike Truman and the rest of the Hybrid crew headed for success once more.Here, Hybrid takes a variety of tracks and adds a unique twist. They illuminate the crux of each track while adding their own elements, and as such you may find delightful transformations evident in tracks you've heard of. The list is varied, with classics ('Cafe Del Mar') alongside stranger choices ('Take a Picture'). The soul that is missing from most electronic music is here- the strings in 'Glorious' are simply beautiful, and the haunting piano in 'Never Gonna Come Back Down' adds even more texture to the song. The tracks flow like water into each other, and the long hours of work put into each track is clear.'Remix & Additional Production' is an incredible remix CD, and is well worth buying, as is 'Wide Angle' if you don't already own it. Hybrid is exceptional high class breakbeat- Mike Truman and co. do it with style, and they do it -well-."