Deadmau5 Feat Billy Newton-Davis – All You Ever Want (Remixes) [EP]

Play Records

May 22, 2009, 12:20 PM

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Bit of an unusual review this, but because a lot of the tracks on this CD are credited to different producers (though all originally by Deadmau5), I will be taking you through the record track by track because they vary greatly and should be considered independently rather than compared to one another; as is the nature of a remix.

1. Original
The opening track on this eight track promo CD from Canadian progressive house/techno producer Deadmau5, is pretty much business as usual for the increasingly popular artist. Since his appearance at ‘Radio 1’s Big Weekend’ in Swindon (May 2009) and more importantly, the success of the single ‘I Remember’, great opportunities and exposure have come in leaps and bounds for Joel Zimmerman. Rather typically techno in every sense, ‘All You Ever Want’ combines pounding bass-heavy club friendly rhythms with the electrifying fuzz of synth and is sure to be a big hit in the clubs of Ibiza this summer. This however, is my issue with the track – it just seems a bit too Ibiza and predictable, in that it conforms to stereotypes and ticks all of the expected boxes of a track of this genre.

2. Deadmau5 All My Dreams Mix
This slightly subdued mix, again by Deadmau5, of the original benefits from a more sparse texture that allows room for only the most essential layers, therefore resulting in a very neat, well considered and arguably minimalist remix. The introduction of new sounds and arpeggios at the halfway mark naturally adds to the track in the typical crescendo way that electronic music seems to, but this unfortunately like the original, does not prevent the remix from becoming repetitive.

3. Deadmau5 Dreams Mix
Again, by Deadmau5 himself (this man earns his money!), the Dreams (or should that be ‘Dream5’?) is to this point, the most interesting listen of the tracks so far in. Adopting a varied structure, recruiting a steady bass groove and utilising differing synth patches and effects has resulted in a track that just seems to flow a lot more naturally than even the original, which is rarely the case. Similar to the previous mix though, the track again climaxes at the end but perhaps not as intensely; fitting to the nature of this particular mix.

4. Deadmau5 Radio Edit
This is the version of ‘All You Ever Want’ that we are the most likely to hear on the likes of Kiss and daytime BBC Radio 1; composed with the low-attention span and mind numbingly limited musical interest of the stations listeners in mind, it is but a shortened version of the original with no noticeable changes. Featuring a stereotypical silence-to-crescendo section that I thought were left behind in the 90’s, this mix will no doubt go down well with many listeners, although unfortunately I imagine the majority will simply forget that it’s on.

5. Jackson Q Mix
The first of the mixes by guest producers (this is where it gets interesting). Jackson Q steps in and adds his own touch to All You Ever Want. Reliant upon the ever trusty basic bass-snare 4/4 beat, Jackson Q utilises this simple skeleton to build upon the stripped down track in order to rebuild it. Until the vocal comes in at the marathon four minute mark, this track is almost unrecognisable- something that I look for in a remix; as there is no credit earned in simply altering somebody else’s hard work. Although without great variation, this mix seems less tedious than those of Deadmau5, perhaps because of the lack of a repetitive trance synth. This however, does not matter, because at almost nine minutes long, the only people who will be enjoying this are those who are off their faces in a club, and generally these sort of people don’t consider musical textures.

6. J Tease Remix
It is interesting to find that the majority of the guest producers have opted to take a more minimalist approach in remixing ‘All You Ever Want’, so perhaps Deadmau5 can learn something from this hint, although according to the press release, the tracks were all “designed for the sunset beach parties to the early morning after shows”.

Liverpool’s very own JT gives Mickey Mau5 a master class in minimalization and the importance of space within music upon turning the original trancey track into a definite pool-side chiller. Not too much to report here really except for an electro finale but who cares, it’s a bit of a tune to enjoy the sunshine with!

7. Nino Anthony Remix
Immediately pounding and incredibly bass heavy with generic hi-hat off-beats that we rightly associate with pikeys in Nova’s. Nino Anthony’s mix initially does nothing to defend the stereotype of dance music, especially techno. The use of Billy Newton-Davis’ vocal part fits in perfectly with this version in particular, but for me it is not in a positive context. Although the more lively and active remix, this just sounds too generic and unexciting for me to cut it in the constantly evolving world of electronic music.

8. Arjuna Schiks Remix
From the off, it becomes rapidly apparent this this is to be one of the better remixes of All You Ever Want. In the traditional sense of keeping the best ‘til last, Netherlands’ electro / house specialist Arjuna Schiks adds a European feel which enhances the track tenfold. The fresh usage of poly rhythms, what sound like reverse hand claps (typically European at the moment), stuttering beats, heavy synths, modulated melodies and complicated layering combined make for a very interesting listen that puts a modern and current spin on an outdated sounding original.

In all, I can’t see the Deadmau5’ radio edit being hailed as a modern Ibiza classic, but although this almost certainly wasn’t originally the plan, this release has showcased Arjuna Schiks as a promising producer with the ability to mutate a forgettable track into a house hit.

If he can make All You Ever Want sound this good, just imagine what else he can do....

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