New Music: The Mules: "We're Good People" (CSS Remix) [Stream]
The Mules are Cansei De Ser Sexy's antithesis. Oxford-educated and fresh-faced, right down to their press photo, in which the band's v-neck sweaters and badges all but scream "bookish" (one member even works for the Royal Opera). Of course, for their remix, CSS sweat a different picture-- pit/beer stains, zero musical training, and terminally not-so-fresh-feeling-- so this remix sounds a bit like a teen comedy, where the crazy/unpredictable girl gets the uptight guy to loosen up.
The original is starchy and tight, all Talking Heads pop, sharp corners, and empty space. CSS strip away the drums and itchy guitar and toss on bassy synth and a thwacking dance beat. It's hard to tell which version's better: the original has a controlled build-up and more variation, and the mini-orchestra three-quarters through is a surprising touch. The remix, though, eschews all that for pure dancefloor fun. Manic!