The electronic synth duo of Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid returns to the music scene with La Roux: Gold Edition. This collection of B-sides, live performances, and remixes is a standby for their new album, currently in production. Here's my track-by-track overview of the hold-over release:
In for the Kill (Remix feat. Kanye West) - An awesome collaboration between La Roux and Mr. West that takes hip-hop to a whole new level. Nice beats and addition of effects create this vintage sounding piece.
Finally My Saviour - A B-side consisting of electronic synth goodness. If you are familiar with the group, it sounds like a sonic fusion of In for the Kill and Growing Pains. A seamless addition to their debut album.
Under My Thumb - Rolling Stones cover. Elly places an electronic vibe over her voice as she sings through the track effortlessly and beautifully. This was originally found on the Sidetracked UK-exclusive compilation, but as a DJ edit that was used to fade the tracks together as one mix. Good to have this track in it's original format!
I'm Not Your Toy (Jack Beats Remix) - A repetitive remix of I'm not Your Toy. The electronic beats get tiresome after awhile, but this release needed a good remix and Jack Beats was the best offering out of the three on the UK exclusive 3-track I'm Not Your Toy EP.
In for the Kill (Skream's Let's Get Ravey Remix) - Already owned from the In for the Kill Remixes EP. It sounds like a singular toned backtrack, but fits perfectly with the vocals in such a way that it cannot be explained. The last minute is filled with beats. I replaced it with Finally (feat. La Roux) off of Skream's Outside the Box album. Very tribal-sounding with the drums, but very tranquill and a lovely remix of Finally My Saviour.
Quicksand (Boy 8-Bit Remix) - A reggae remix of Quicksand with pounding bass best heard through high-performance headphones or speakers.
Bulletproof (Zinc Remix) - Very repetitive dubstep remix. Previously released on the Bulletproof Remix EP. I replaced it with Bulletproof (Live at Shepherds Bush) found on The Gold EP.
Tigerlily (Demo Version) - The original, much more raw version of Tigerlily. Very nice addition to this release.
Bulletproof (Intimate Session at Abbey Road) - An acoustic version of Bulletproof with piano in the background and live vocals. I love this track and the raw talent that is put forth in Elly's vocals.
In for the Kill (Vevo Lounge Version) - Not my favorite performance. Elly's voice grates on my nerves here, but it's still nice to hear another acoustic session.
I also suggest adding this to the original album in your digital library for the true Gold Edition experience. This is La Roux and they are here to stay in my music library for years to come.
In for the Kill (Remix feat. Kanye West) - An awesome collaboration between La Roux and Mr. West that takes hip-hop to a whole new level. Nice beats and addition of effects create this vintage sounding piece.
Finally My Saviour - A B-side consisting of electronic synth goodness. If you are familiar with the group, it sounds like a sonic fusion of In for the Kill and Growing Pains. A seamless addition to their debut album.
Under My Thumb - Rolling Stones cover. Elly places an electronic vibe over her voice as she sings through the track effortlessly and beautifully. This was originally found on the Sidetracked UK-exclusive compilation, but as a DJ edit that was used to fade the tracks together as one mix. Good to have this track in it's original format!
I'm Not Your Toy (Jack Beats Remix) - A repetitive remix of I'm not Your Toy. The electronic beats get tiresome after awhile, but this release needed a good remix and Jack Beats was the best offering out of the three on the UK exclusive 3-track I'm Not Your Toy EP.
In for the Kill (Skream's Let's Get Ravey Remix) - Already owned from the In for the Kill Remixes EP. It sounds like a singular toned backtrack, but fits perfectly with the vocals in such a way that it cannot be explained. The last minute is filled with beats. I replaced it with Finally (feat. La Roux) off of Skream's Outside the Box album. Very tribal-sounding with the drums, but very tranquill and a lovely remix of Finally My Saviour.
Quicksand (Boy 8-Bit Remix) - A reggae remix of Quicksand with pounding bass best heard through high-performance headphones or speakers.
Bulletproof (Zinc Remix) - Very repetitive dubstep remix. Previously released on the Bulletproof Remix EP. I replaced it with Bulletproof (Live at Shepherds Bush) found on The Gold EP.
Tigerlily (Demo Version) - The original, much more raw version of Tigerlily. Very nice addition to this release.
Bulletproof (Intimate Session at Abbey Road) - An acoustic version of Bulletproof with piano in the background and live vocals. I love this track and the raw talent that is put forth in Elly's vocals.
In for the Kill (Vevo Lounge Version) - Not my favorite performance. Elly's voice grates on my nerves here, but it's still nice to hear another acoustic session.
I also suggest adding this to the original album in your digital library for the true Gold Edition experience. This is La Roux and they are here to stay in my music library for years to come.
