Remix albums these days can be daunting prospects. There seems to be a habit of laziness on the part of the person(s) doing the mixing. Especially prevalent on EP's where B-sides have the same song remixed in exactly the same way 7 times and have names like, "The Funky Dog walking in Custard Mix." Thankfully, this release has a genuine artistic merit and also, not a tacky remix song title in sight, phew!

For anyone not familiar with Televise, drummer Simon Scott was the man tapping the sticks in Slowdive and is now Televise's frontman. Slowdive's influence is more than apparent these days and that is highlighted wonderfully by the contributors on this release.

Using atmospheric guitar lines and perfect pop melodies, Televise are an uplifting angst edged wall of sound and are ready to be remixed and re-invented by some very high profile names and the results are simply stunning…

"Underwater," one of my favourite Televise tracks, gets a refreshing makeover treatment from the duo Isan. This is one of the most successful remixes on the album with Isan endeavoring to make a superb song even better. A fat, rolling glitchy beat slaps away, the analogue bass throbs smoothly, the guitar slides (like the original version) a pensive drawl and yes, that familiar Isan Ambiance floats on the surface and adds buoyancy. A down-tempo delight and remix masterpiece.

Ulrich Schnauss admits to being hugely influenced by Slowdive and therefore is a great choice of remixer for this album. "Radiation Sound" gets deconstructed by Schnauss and is drowned in beautiful tidal waves of ambient shoegaze noise. A dreamy soundscape, the soundtrack for drifting contemplation. Another highlight and another take on Televise.

Praveen give "Never Alone" a fragile Folktronica twist. Despite the electronic aspects of the mix, organic acoustic melodies give the song a natural Autumnal feel. Country lanes, vast fields and hedge lined lanes pass are invoked as you are tempted to stare in wonder and sadness.  Slow acoustic guitars are plucked gently, melancholic vocals and what sounds like an old fashioned organ breathes airily and leaves you in a state of blissful contemplation.

This is a great collection of remixes, which also includes wonderful pieces by Yellow6, Port-Royal and Library Tapes among many others. This is truly a rare beacon that shines brightly in the often dull world of remix albums.

8/10

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Nicky