Pitchfork Forkcast: New Music: The Shins / Bright Eyes: "Turn on Me (Clint Mansell Remix)" [Stream] / "Coat Check Dream Song" (live) [MP3]

New Music: The Shins / Bright Eyes: "Turn on Me (Clint Mansell Remix)" [Stream] / "Coat Check Dream Song" (live) [MP3]

Um, speaking of sub-Saharan Africa: Former Pop Will Eat Itself singer/guitarist Clint Mansell has done a languid little remix of the Shins' "Turn on Me" for the forthcoming Causes 1 benefit compilation, which seeks to aid victims of the Darfur conflict. As previously reported, 100% of the proceeds from sales of the comp will go to one of three non-profits: Doctors Without Borders, Human Rights Watch, and Oxfam America. The remix mostly drowns any trace of James Mercer's vocals beneath dripping synths, fluttery woodwinds, and droning guitar loops, bolstered by low kick drums and thick, repetitive bass. Marching-band snares stand out atop the mix, joined by ethereal da-da-do vocals. Eventually, the trebly guitar riff that a while back reminded us vaguely of the Crystals re-emerges, and Mercer's voice floats to the surface to repeat a single, echoing phrase: "The worst part is over." With an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 dead in Darfur, you'd have to hope that's true; good causes aside, Mansell's given the track a pleasant-enough makeover that downplays the Shins' sinuous melodies in favor of headphones-ready textures.