Excuses, excuses

A few days ago, I finally felt like posting something. Blogger, however, didn't feel like loading, and I got demotivated once more. I'll post it the next time I feel like it.

While we're waiting, why not check out an mp3? (Not hosted here, of course... you'll have to find it on another website. Fortunately, the first three words of the next paragraph contain a link.)

Go Home Productions, the nom de compagnie of one Mark Vidler, has long been my favorite up-masher. Even after the whole craze (which apparently officially ended when Jay-Z and Linkin Park played together), Vidler continues to turn out top-notch work (check out "Girls Jump," credited to Xtina Van Halen... it fits perfectly!). He even apparently has a record deal with EMI (in related news, the new Blondie hits package includes his "Rapture Riders," "Rapture" with the backing of the Doors' "Riders on the Storm").

The track I am singling out is "Triple Rhythm Stick," listed as a demo for his debut album. The vocals are from "Triple Trouble" by the Beastie Boys, a song that was alright enough but unfortunately had Chic's "Good Times" as its base. No one who knows anything about rap music could hear that song without thinking of "Rapper's Delight" (though the Beasties went for the relatively untapped intro).

So along comes Vidler with an a capella track, and he makes the brilliant decision of pulling out Ian Dury's "Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick" for the new creation. I must admit, as many times as I've heard that song, I'd never thought of using it as a loop, but it makes perfect sense. The original track is already sort of a rap (Dury speaks all the lyrics). Maybe it's just been a while.

Anyway, Vidler is apparently waiting for a greenlight from EMI (legal, I suppose), but if he gets the chance to smooth it out, I think "Triple Rhythm Stick" could be the best Beastie single in a while. The whole idea of using a recognizable song reminds me of Paul's Boutique (which could probably never be done today, what with all the clearances and lawsuits.

If you don't agree with me, maybe you should do your own remix. Here, I'll get you started: the Beastie Boys have a capella tracks on their website.

(Damn, I want one of those Sony portable turntables.)