- 02/04/10 -Download Radio Stix #33 <Here>
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- 320 kbps Broadcast HD Audio
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Promos/Stix Partners
Grab The 41 Track Double Cd Here! The legendary remixer S.I.R drops by Mashstix to give us his double CD compilation featuring a lot of tracks by Monrose. This is how you pull of great A + B mashes folks. This one is a keeper for vocalist fans (like myself)!
First off, apologies for this been a little late Flash, still a little hectic at this end. That said this is an amazing track and for me you have made Linkin Park listenable - I've never been a big fan of LP but the Justin Timberlake instrumental makes this very listenable indeed. I like the start of the tune, when it builds to the start of the LP vocals , throughout the track the vocal works really nicely too. The melodies aer made for each other and the instruemtnal break downs (eg 1:08 & 3:50) work really well too. Very nice track Flashard!
Cons:
If I was being really picky I'd say that the JT backing gets a tad repetitive after a while but the voclas cover it perfectly.
Tips:
I usually avoid Linkin Park mashes but if there are more like this one I could be converted!
This is one of those mashes that sounds like an original track, because the 2 parts fit together so well. It's not really my cup of tea, but it's nice in a pleasant sort of way. Perfect track matching and well put together.
Cons:
Coldplay? My attention started to drift about 3/4 of the way into this track. I began to fantasize about Chris Martin, not in a gay way, but in a prison rape way. I'd wait till lock-up and then dole out his punishment, shouting; "This is for every single since yellow Martin!", then I'd make him my bitch.
Tips:
Want to get that authentic Autotune sound on your vocals? save yourself some cash by hiring a throat cancer victim as a session singer.
Nice rock mash.
Vox and mental fit together very snug. I'll put my hands up and admit i don't follow QOTSA or Maroon5 (i know i know...) and this could have easily been an original tune to my ears.
I like the wee blog entry for the tune that detail the steps you went through to make it.
All round solid track :)
Cons:
Actually, none. As i say the sources aren't my cup of tea, but that's my problem not yours.
I checked out the original of both sources to refresh my memory of them - maybe the genres are a bit samey, but i think you're probably very aware of this and weren't aiming to make a huge clash.
For me personally, it's not very exciting, but that's a taste thing.
Tips:
None on a technical (or presentation) level.
Taste-wise, maybe mix it up a wee bit more, but as a straight-up rock mash, this is all fine and dandy to me dude.
The uber-cool Bloc Party meets the "no-one admits to owning a copy" stylings of Ace of Base. A great fit here produces a worthy genre clash with an instantly recognizable backing. The mash plays out nicely, with extra touches from Flashard, bringing in the original AoB vocals to add some cohesion. This one grew on me with a few listens. It should appeal to Ace of Base fans - if we can find any...
Cons:
On the technical front, this is one of those mixes in which the vox could have been louder, even though that might have exposed its shortcomings i.e. the tinny reverb you mentioned. Apart from that, the problems are all mine. I can't stand Ace of Base... bleeaagh.
Tips:
Um, none really. Skive off more...!
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 10/30/09 Dirty Love Sex Magic
(Gorillaz vs. Ciara ft. Justin Timberlake)
One of my favourite tracks of the week. You have made the JT & Ciara track totally new, and it may even appeal to people that wouldn’t have given the RnB original a chance. I bet it was nice to work with a modern & sequenced acapella (after your Motown blends). I would like to hear more of this from you, keep it up !
Cons:
There’s none really. Its great how you have progressed, you really should be thought of as one of the best new comers Mashstix has. The only thing I did pick up on is the vocals could have done with slightly better mastering to make them sit better in the mix (but that’s being really picky).
Tips:
None for you !
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 10/05/09 Walk In Silence (Enjoy The Dream)
(Depeche Mode vs. Empire Of The Sun)
What can I say about this??? I think it’s very well produced, not to mention a total professionally sounding mash. The combination of Empire Of The Sun and Depeche Mode is fantastic - not just harmonically, but the way the genre’s work together. From the moment I clicked play to listen this track, I could tell you had made an excellent mash. Let's just say you bring to life this track again...... I will play this in the club for sure, congratulations !!!! :)
Cons:
I have nothing to say except I think the vocals are a little bit low compared with the instrumental - but to me that’s not like a big deal.
Tips:
You should give me a tip lol : )
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 09/15/09 Lets Get Seventeen Forever
(Metro Station vs. Marvin Gaye)
This time flashard is back with his new mash and believe me when I say it’s really great. You've overhauled a classic bit of motown into a new sound. I enjoyed the mix, which is full of the feeling and the soul of Marvin Gaye as much as the power of the Metro Station mental.
Cons:
The vocals are slightly repetitive, but that’s all.
Tips:
Perhaps an A+B+C mash could work better - but I have to say this production is amazing the way it is :)
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 08/31/09 Since Ur Sparks Been Gone
(Kelly Clarkson vs. Jordan Sparks
vs. Black Eyed Peas)
This is a well-crafted mash-up that once again demonstrates the exchangeability of modern mainstream pop. Just one of the vocals over B.E.P. would have worked already, but you've upped the ante by interweaving two charming (albeit generic) 'pellas by two pop starlets
over a currently ubiquitous beat. The vocal interplay works well for the most part, and the production is ace. I also appreciate your inclusion of production notes on your blog. Since the popularity of mash-ups tends to reflect their sources' chart positions, it's hard to imagine how this wouldn't succeed.
Cons:
Although the two vocals generally gel, there are some notes that sound a little weird to my ears, either in relation to each other or the instrumental. Also, the bridge seems a little too long and tedious and fails to erupt into a grand climax. I think it would have been possible
to trim at least 45 secs. off this. Yet none of these points are likely to bother most pop mash-up fans.
Tips:
Despite my tone, I don't really mind pop when merged with other genres in the kind of original combinations you've been known for in the past. This is a fine production, yet it all sounds a bit "Disney" to me when compared to your usual approach.
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 08/19/09 Happy Supernova
(Mr. Hudson vs. Snow Patrol)
This has great potential - the Snow Patrol instrumental brings a gentler, more touching feel to the Mr Hudson & Kanye vocal, and is a big improvement over Snow Patrol's dull original vocal.
Cons:
The track would work much better if it was restructured so all the changes in the vocal matched up with the changes in the instrumental. For instance, the first verse currently starts at 0:27 but would fit much better at 0:34. You might need to cut up the instrumental and loop a few sections to match the structure of the vocal but it would be worth the effort. From 2:30 onwards it's perfect though.
Tips:
Getting the key and tempo of two tracks matched up - which you've done perfectly here - is just part of the process. Reconstructing the component elements to create a finished track that flows perfectly can take a bit more work but will really lift your productions.
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 08/13/09 Bleeding Supernova
(Mr. Hudson vs. Leona Lewis)
A well produced mash with all elements right on the money. This was the first Mr Hudson track I heard and is still one of the best thus far. The part where the instrumetnal strips down at around 1:23 works brilliantly.
Cons:
The only real one I can think of is that this is an extremely well used acapella and a lot of people may not download because they are fed up with it!
Tips:
None mate - I usually like you tunes, keep it up.
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 08/04/09 What's The Matter With U, Kelsey?
(Marvin Gaye vs. Metro Station)
Don't know the instrumental you used, but wow, amazing I love it, the vocals work a treat over this Metro Station track. This whouid make a great day time radio track, get voting for this peeps as it's nice!
Cons:
Lets see, none what so ever.
Tips:
Keep doing what your doing. **Note By Paul Stix: Flashard, I'm really happy to see how you are progressing! You've come a long way and now you have all the basics down. I really love this track you've produced here, than again, I'm a sucker for Motown. All that's left for you is the mastering game, and I know Dan is around here somewhere. I think it's time you gave him a shout.
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 07/23/09 Bulletproof Part Of Me
(La Roux vs. Michael Jackson)
Actually a pretty nice combination. More than I expected from the 1000th MJ mash that has been released since...you know..this is definitely one the better ones.
Cons:
Well - as stated above, its the 1000th MJ tune and I don't know how many more people can take. Production wise - no cons :)
Tips:
For all bootleggers out there: get over it! hes dead! and stop making MJ mashes...
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 07/14/09 Fly Hot Star
(Oasis vs. Foo Fighters vs.
Red Hot Chili Peppers)
This one intrigued me. I do like Oasis, and you don’t see a lot of mash ups using them anymore. The vocal play between the Foo Fighters & Oasis is good, especially around the chorus. It’s just a shame about the .......
Cons:
Quality wise, it’s not the best and there are a few slight key issues. The bit I didn’t like the most was the use of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, for me it didn’t work at all. The vocals sound well out of place, as well as being out of harmony.
Tips:
You’ve got to do something about the quality. Compress the bad boy before you finish your final mix down.
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 06/07/09 Let There Be Pressure On
(Spandau Ballet vs. AC/DC)
A nice take on two classics by AC/DC & Spandau Ballett here. Its well made, with the vocals fitting the instrumental very well. You are another DJ quickly coming up the ranks.
Cons:
I would have liked some extra mastering work. The tracks are a little flat.
Tips:
You can get a lot of VST’s or even stand alone mastering products to really bring your track to life by injecting extra bass for instance. I use a VST because you can alter individual channels, tailor making the ideal mash.
No Image
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 05/22/09 Girls Just Want To Be Like A Virgin
(Madonna vs. Cyndi Lauper)
Good strong production sound. Nice pairing with good appeal. I like how in the chorus both ladies sing alternately. The arrangement keeps the tune moving & never gets boring.
Cons:
It's generally better to lower the mental than to raise the pella. Madonna sounds a bit like a chipmonk.
Tips:
It's a good a+b, but you could push a bit farther by supplementing the mental with added beats or synths. Some type of alteration of the music rather than the basic mental is needed.
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 05/20/09 Boys Are Back In Sugar
(Flo-Rida vs. Thin Lizzy)
It's a cool idea, and works pretty well. The structure is spot on, and the fact that the Flo Rida track is already a bit of a mashup adds another element.
Cons:
The sound quality is a little bit shaky, particularly the the Thin Lizzy vocal (probably a result of slowing it down). The centred Thin Lizzy vocals in the da-boo-dee sections seem a bit loud too, though the panned parts are fine.
Tips:
If you can get hold of a better program for stretching vocals and/or higher quality source material it will help boost the sound of your productions.
No Image
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 05/14/09 With Or Without Heaven
(Dj Sammy vs. U2)
A pleasing and dreamy sounding combination. Laid back and fluffy coated with niceness. Both source materials used are of an above-decent quality, but...
Cons:
I found the 'metal tube'-like echo on DJ Sammy's voice a bit too shrill and intrusive. Maybe use a softer more appealing echo effect (maybe even a sustained but subtle reverb effect to lift the floatyness of her voice) as the current echo one kills some of the nice ambience you've generated by the song. (especially round the 02:50 mark). I think she could do with being amplified in places a little to lift her voice over U2's guitars as well. Keywise it sounded ok, maybe a tiny bit flat sounding in a couple of places, but on the whole, very acceptable.
Tips:
None really. Compositionally you have a pleasing ear, and with these minor tweaks suggested - I feel this would be a lovely mix indeed.
No Image
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 05/02/09 War Of The Spaceman
(Babylon Zoo vs. Jeff Wayne)
The 'mental took me right back, some nice cut up work on the vocals and the inserts from 'War of the Worlds' add a different dimension. I wouldn't call this tune a 'mash up', more of a remix of the original.
Cons:
A nice enough track, I feel as a remix it would sit nicely in a 'space' themed compilation.
Tips:
I've been following a lot of your stuff and am enjoy it - keep it up mate.
No Image
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 04/05/09 Tell Me It's Not The Hardest Part
(Starsailor vs. Coldplay)
Really good idea. The two track sources are almost made for each other, but ........
Cons:
The DIY pella is unusable and takes away everything that makes this track a good idea. I tried to find the acapella of the Coldplay track for you, but it's just not out there. I think your fighting a lost cause - sorry.
Tips:
DIY pellas are OK for demo purposes, if you know that you are likely to get your hands on an official/studio quality one.
No Image
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 03/19/09 Shut Up And Let My Milkshake Go
(The Ting Tings vs. Kelis
vs. Black Eyed Peas)
The Ting Tings track is a great one to mix music into, and you have tried to create something cool that may have taken a while. Those that like to dance will definately be playing this one when they get people on the dancefloor.
Cons:
You need to get songs that are in key with the mental. I don't wanna put down a mash that seems like it would have taken a while to make, but unfortunately you have both chosen songs that have been over-mashed and you haven't been able to get them on key with the instrumental. Attempt a tweak on this and it may become better, but I think if you spend some time practicing for next time you should be able to create a winner.
Tips:
Find pellas in the same key as the mental. Try to avoid over-mashed tracks. Spend some time practicing and creating some B-sides before your next release, so that you can become known as a gr8 masher.
No Image
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 03/09/09 99 Problems In The Summertime
(Jay-Z vs. Dj Jazzy Jeff)
I'm not into hip hop genre. To me things get too repetitive after awhile. This mash drags on and on too long.
Tips:
Shorten the mash down a couple of minutes. Try to boost the production with some eq in the lower range and to make the mix more up front add some vst compressor or limiter.
No Image
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 03/05/09 Hot You Waiting For
(Katy Perry vs. Gwen Stefani)
It's a very nice combo, and the flow and tempo of Akon's voice really fits the Eminem track. The mastering is good too.
Cons:
Akon's vocals are out of key - I think they need to be pitched down to really make this mashup work.
Tips:
Try to get the pitch right on the vocals and it's always a good idea to let someone else (gf/bf/mother/brother/...) listen to your track before 'setting it free'. You might be surprised how much a fresh set of ears can help.
No Image
Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 02/19/09 Spinning Mary Say (All I Need)
(Sugar Ray vs. One Republic)
A beautiful blend of complementary songs with a good sound, excellent climax and, at times, an almost ethereal quality to it. Also, cool use of that Brian Eno cover as a backing track! All in all, it's a very good match and resulting mash.
Cons:
Almost six minutes is a bit long for an A+B pop mix. I can see why you included the Sugar Ray verse, but the first two minutes have one wondering if this is really a mash-up before One Republic finally fully enters the picture. Perhaps you were going for 'epic', but with the repeating chord progression it might be overkill.
Tips:
You seem to have an ear for melancholic melodies à la Phil Retro Spector. It's refreshing to hear something other than merely a rap over a dance beat, so keep up the good work! But remember that most listeners tend to have short attention spans and lose patience with anything over, say, three and a half minutes. Less is often more! Oh, and get some cover art sorted.
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Dj Flashard -
Dj Submitted - Added 02/15/09 Lets Just Dance
(David Bowie vs. Lady Gaga)
