This rather unusual and unique album of remixes evolves from Q-Burns' 'Invisible Airline' LP, which was released in late 2001 on the US Astralwerks label.
Michael Donaldson (aka Q-Burns) is an established remixer/producer, and has played or remixed for everyone who has contributed to 'Re-Routed'.
Here, he has cleverly traded his talents as a remixer, thus creating an album without the need for a remix budget.
The album features the sultry vocals of Lisa Shaw, from Naked Music NYC, interpreted through a wide range of styles by artists from around the world. Rivera Rotation, from Berlin's Lounge Records, offers a beautiful introduction to the album, with a remix of 'This Time'.
It's a gorgeous sun-washed bliss of subtle keyboards, with Latin percussion and guitar that perfectly complement Lisa's warm, melodic vocal.
This outstanding track could hardly be more uplifting, and is perfect for Ibizan sunsets and chilled cocktails by the sea. Grumptronix (aka Florida's DJ Grumpy) also turns his hand to the same track, with an electro interpretation that uses a vocoded vocal.
San Francisco's Lovesky (Sunburn Records) goes deeper with his 'Confuse Me With Fear' remix of 'Innocent', layering strings over tribal beats. King Britt (Ovum USA) offers a different version of this track, with a spacious house mix that gives the vocals a floating effect.
More unusual, and originating from Q-Burn's travels in Scandinavia, is Atakama's mix of 'Drifting Off'. Atakama are managed by a guy named Anders who booked Q-Burn to DJ in Bergen, Norway.
Although they only met for twelve hours, Anders made quite an impression, and an alliance was formed. The Atakama remix sets live keyboards over lazy, hip-hop influenced beats, spacey electronics and sampling. The sound is quite like nothing else. Moving on to Sweden, Lisa Shaw's vocals are brought to the forefront of Hakan Lidbo's mix of 'Shame', then underscored with a deep, pulsing bassline. The result is a beautiful, bittersweet lament. Shifting styles and countries again, Dr. Olive of Basoline Records, France, turns out a funky, breakbeat version of 'Imprisoned Glitch'.
The album wouldn't be complete without a couple of electro interpretations. Moscow's Tetris throw skittering electronic beats over the rich textures of 'Hey! Star City'. Odd, quirky electronics feature on Funky Transport's (20/20 Vision) mix of 'Differently', mingling with Lisa's vocal over a bed of laid-back house beats. Nottingham's Neon Heights round off the album with a shadowy, but rather excellent mix of the same track.
'Re-Routed' is an engaging and entertaining album, with something for almost everyone. Enjoy.
