If the Grim Reaper had to sing, he would probably sing about death. Cage, the New York-bred rapper and indie-rocker may not meet the reaper’s demise in song but gives him a run for his money in a fashion reminiscent of Charlie Daniels’ Johnny in “The Devil Went To Georgia.” In such a case, the Reaper should have been at BB King in New York City this past Friday for the “Depart From Me Round 2″ tour. With Shinobi Ninja and Tame One setting the stage, Cage’s appearance was met by fans who were eager for his story-driven lyrical journeys. Backed by DJ Chauncey, he spewed over beats in the familiar form that garnered acclaim in the New York underground and independent hip-hop scene. With a cult status following, the audience responded to every single jagged and jilted word in his lyrics.
Without a doubt, Phoenix has had a great year. With “Lisztomania” and “1901,” Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix certainly rose to the surface to a nice welcome. The group continues to work, updating fans along the way via an online diary – where they open-up their tracks for fans to make and contribute remixes. If you missed Phoenix at Central Park, you’ve missed them for the remainder of the year in the U.S. as they continue their tour in France, their origin.
A Phoenix association to Animal Collective doesn’t come as a surprise. It is typically the camaraderie between artists that unleashes works of astonishment, as in this case. “Love Like a Sunset” is a pleasant track and the remix is refreshing. Animal Collective (from Baltimore, Maryland) accentuates the very essence of musical surprises – as there are many ways to appreciate a song from connotations of how it is heard, delivered, and in form (whether by a mix, at a show, etc.). Animal Collective creates transgressive music – transforming music from the essence of words and melody to a play on associations and sounds. They explore on an openness with their music, while putting down walls and letting the sound of their music radiate.
Phoenix is set to release a digital remix album titled Wolfgang Amadeus, on October 20th. The album will feature mixes from YACHT, Passion Pit, Friendly Fires, Alex Metric, Chairlift, Animal Collective’s “Love Like a Sunset” and others. Check out the track below and click through for kind words from Deakin of Animal Collective about the remix.
Phoenix – “Love Like a Sunset” (Animal Collective Remix) from Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (Remix Collection)
