The Lovers' Album of the Week

Madvillain Four Tet Remixes EP

Four Tet (aka Kieran Hebden) has taken on an interesting challenge remixing one of last years most highly anticipated hip-hop releases, Madvillain's Madvillainy. As a result of the teaming MF Doom and Madlib, Madvillainy is an album full of tales inspired by classic movie serial villains and set to relaxed rhymes backed by a steady but always unpredictable beat. For Madvillain Remixes EP, Four Tet takes some of the strongest tracks from Madvillainy and puts his own spin on it that for the most part improves on the original. The weakest entry is the opening track, "Meat Grinder," which replaces the laid-back Hawaiian influence found on the original with a schizo beatnik beat (I'm not sure how many folks out there are familiar with the truly awful movie called Manos: Hands of Fate, but I swear those jazz sounds come from that soundtrack!). It's not that this doesn't work, it's just that from track two on Four Tet produces material that rivals that of the legendary Madlib. "Money Folder" is highlighted by a driving beat that could easily be my favorite hip-hop tune of the year. With "Great Day," Four Tet brings an emotional element to the song where lines such as "Looks like it's gonna be a great day today. To get some fresh air like a stray on a straightaway. Hey you, got a light? Nah, a Bud Light..." actually come off sounding philosophical. MF Doom even joins Four Tet on "Rhinestone Cowboy" which on the remix sounds like a massive super hit from Beck. The bonus track, "Shadows of Tomorrow," removes all samples and vocals (originally featuring Lord Quas) for a free all improvised instrumental jam fest. Like most remixes, though, it doesn't replace the original source and if you haven't heard Madvillain's Madvillainy then make sure you pick up a copy. You just might want to also grab a copy of the Four Tet Remixes for a nice companion piece.