A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence.
~ Leopold Stokowski
No other quote sums up The XX’s critically-acclaimed (and deservedly so) debut album. If you don’t have, get it right now. Sometimes, the notes you don’t play are just as important and XX is a great reminder of that.
Here’s an equally great subtle edit from Them Jeans and a genetically modified ambient version of ‘Basic Space’ by Mount Kimbie.
The XX – Shelter (Them Jeans Drum Edit)
The XX – Basic Space (Mount Kimbie remix)
The videos for ‘Crystallised’ and ‘Basic Space’ are below if you need further convincing. They are, of course playing Electric Picnic.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
Only discovered this band last week and I agree totally with the minimalist sexiness. But for that very reason I hate that remix of “Shelter”. That cheap drum machine cuts through the atmosphere and forces some nightclub swagger it doesn’t need. Wish I was going to EP even more now but would love to see these guys at an intimate venue too
I should perhaps point out that this is more an edit for dancefloors than a remix really so in that regard it works really well while keeping the original structure
Both remixes are excellent particularly the ‘Shelter’ remix, I think it emphasises the sparse arrangement of the original.
I really hope the live show is better than some reports.
‘Shelter’ remix for me too. Love this band.
Sorry to disappoint, but the live show is painfully awkward, even if you know and enjoy the album.
So I hear.
I believe Phil said they had
as much charisma as a wet lettuce – four bored looking teenagers standing in a row pushing buttons and playing guitars with the barest of movement.
So I hear.
I believe Phil said they had
as much charisma as a wet lettuce – four bored looking teenagers standing in a row pushing buttons and playing guitars with the barest of movement.
So I hear.
I believe Phil said they had
as much charisma as a wet lettuce – four bored looking teenagers standing in a row pushing buttons and playing guitars with the barest of movement.
So I hear.
I believe Phil said they had
as much charisma as a wet lettuce – four bored looking teenagers standing in a row pushing buttons and playing guitars with the barest of movement.
Damn, i hate when that happens, which it does all too often these days.
At least i got a good album out of it.
this album is a tasty one.
cheers for the heads up Nialler!
14 euro for a ticket for the dublin date ,still tickets left. loved the album so im goin to the show ,even if it dissapoints ,cant argue with 14 euro pricetag 🙂