No Doubt About It: These M.I.A. Remixes Rule

There has been a ton of debate about M.I.A.'s latest album, /\/\ /\ Y /\. Some people really like it, lots more really hate it. I happen to think that the album got a bad rap (not least of all because most early reviews were coming only after hearing a terrible quality version of the album) - I think the album is actually a lot better than people have been giving it credit for being.

One thing is for sure, and that's that M.I.A.'s sound has taken a turn for the abrasive. Perhaps trying to inhabit the same sonic space as Sleigh Bells, songs like "Steppin' Up" on /\/\ /\ Y /\ are intentionally confrontational and sharp. 

M.I.A. - Steppin' Up (YSI) (filesavr)

The harsh mix on the original is a great set up for reworkers like Nacey, who takes M.I.A.'s verses from Steppin' Up and throws them on top of a jaunty little piano riff with a click track beat. It gives the song an entirely new feel, and makes it endlessly more repeatable. Where the original is challenging and perhaps re-defining, the remix is just damn catchy.

M.I.A. - Steppin' Up (Nacey Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Not all remixes of "Steppin' Up" go the complete soft route. Afghan Raiders take a shot at the track, making it a lot more electro, while smoothing out the edges. It's not quite the kicked-back low-key jam that the Nacey Remix, but it definitely puts the song in a new light. This remix is meant to be spun into mixes, and it shows nicely.

M.I.A. - Steppin' Up (Afghan Raiders Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)