Hip hop has a potential soul mate in Ratatat. Aside from manufacturing some of the nastiest beats in the business, Ratatat has created, Remixes Volume 1, a clinic on transforming solid hip hop tracks into something much much juicier. Crisp little melodies are layered on top of the main vocal track adding depth, color, and reinforcing the rhymes. At the same time, the vocal centerpiece of each track remains uncorrupted and untouched. Ratatat attacks with a mindset of an eastern philosopher, moving effortlessly through the sea of tracks like a razor, barely disturbing the surrounding water. This is an artist who remixes with a tremendous respect for the original track and a deep security in his own artistic identity. As a result, the final product is a set of tight tracks with strategically placed beats that serve mainly to preserve and enhance the vocal prowess of the original artist.
Bottom line: As much as I can respect the originals, I’ve been listening to Ratatat’s versions with the compulsiveness of a crack whore.
