James Teej – Space Oddity | minimaland music

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James Teej – Space Oddity

Posted on 09 Janeiro 2010 by hugo

The My Favorite Robot imprint follow up the awesome Vandermeer single ‘Positive Light’ with another bold release, this time in the form of James Teej’s cover of the Bowie classic ‘Space Oddity’ backed with a stunning set of remixes….
Taking on a cover version of a record such as David Bowie’s seminal ‘Space Oddity’ is not a task for the faint hearted, yet that is exactly what the much lauded James Teej has done with this latest single for the Canadian based My Favorite Robot label. Where many ‘dance music’ covers have failed in the past, with their leaning towards easy commercialism, this version of the much loved classic excels in every way, bringing a new vibe to a legendary composition and showing Teej’s talents as a first rate producer and a damn good vocalist to boot.
Teej has spent the last few years building an enviable reputation with a string of superb singles for the likes of Connect Four, No.19 Music and of course My Favorite Robot Records. He has also remixed for artist such as Trentmoeller and Solee and is signed for an album release on Matt Edwards excellent Rekids imprint.
The ‘Space Oddity’ single launches off with Teej’s original version, a warm, melodic and downright soulful recording that takes the ‘oh so’ familiar lyrics and gently morphs their intonation into a laidback and engaging vocal track. The backing track’s 4/4 rhythm is gently augmented by subtle rolling percussion whilst the rich organ parts give depth and character to this instantly likeable cover.
The remix package comes in four parts, the first of which is a dub from fellow Rekids artist Toby Tobias who turns in an epic ten and a half minute slow house workout build round a stunning bass heavy groove. Snippets of the vocal swirl round the mix before being joined by a simple acidic top line and Detroit inspired sythn stabs, this is perfect piece of late night tackle that is bound to be a big hit for the new year and beyond.
Next up we have label bosses My Favorite Robot who take a stripped back approach, delivering a deep and hypnotic version that lends itself perfectly to the cosmic slanted vocal. This mix draws you in from the opening bar and keeps you the hooked to the final fade.
Montreal based producer Maher Daniel steps up next and gives us an insight into why his music has been picked up by labels such as Get Physical, Bedrock and Souvenir. His remix turns up the dancefloor intensity a notch and provides a heads down house cut that is pure class.
Closing the package Toby Tobias returns with his fourteen and a half minute ‘Plane Love remix’, a monumental piece of dubby house that builds its way towards an intense and masterful climax; a wonderful conclusion in a great package.
The Robots and their merry band of musical minstrels are taking the good ship MFR into new and unchartered seas and the results are damn impressive. Roll on 2010….