This write up is surprisingly hard to compose. Then again, when I wrote up Steve Aoki’s mix of “Get Ready For This,” it took me three attempts – here, here, and here. Here’s the thing – 2 Unlimited was a landmark techno/europop duo created by two Belgian studio producers who brought in a rapper and singer to provide vocals for their track (maybe this is where the whole producer ft. topline vocalist got its start). 2 Unlimited were a commercial dance pop act that crossed over to every country of the world with their fun and energetic songs that were universally loved for being perfect at sports arenas and gyms as well as for dancing at a club. They were never seen as credible or underground as they were pop (like the Vengaboys a few years later), so as their songs are remixed for the current audience their DNA needs to be taken into account. Steve Aoki remixing “Get Ready For This” was a brilliant choice, as he is a dynamic and energetic personality who is all about throwing a big party (and popping champagne bottles and throwing sheet cakes while crowd surfing in an inflatable yacht). Joachim Garraud is a brilliant producer and arguably responsible for the majority of David Guetta’s success, but choosing him to remix “No Limit” is not quite right. It’s not a bad mix, it just doesn’t feel right coming from the guy who did that awesome Toolroom compilation who is a brilliant electronic producer along the lines of, say, Jean-Michel Jarre. Though if the artwork for his “Mothership Alarm” and “Everybody (with Perry Farrell)” singles are any indication, maybe he is trying to rebrand himself with the jovial cartoon vibe (a la Young Punx or Mr Aoki). When choosing a mix to play, I reached for the Zatox and Big Dawg remixes until I found in a search a recent cover version by the Bodybangers. Following up their cover of Technotronic’s “Pump Up the Jam,” the German duo added Godfrey Egbon (for the rap) to the mix with their vocalist Victoria Kern and created a modern electro mix which sounds just like the original, but modernized. You could easily play the Bodybangers cover and no one would realize that it wasn’t Ray & Anita singing. Since it’s Sunday Funday, here are some ideas. 2 Unlimited has a big greatest hits album on the way and there are bound to be more remixes, so why don’t they enlist producers who fit the party vibe – like the Smoker teams (Jump and Chain), Deorro, Crazibiza, Cube Guys, Fedde Le Grand, Bimbo Jones, Wideboys, and Tradelove. For the Bodybangers, keep doing what you are doing and have fun. While you are on a ’90s roll right now, think about exploring Lords of Acid, AB Logic, and for the gays- Tatjana.
Images Courtesy of Byte and Scream and Shout.
