Coldplay - Midnight (A fictional. re-imagination)

Something strange happened to me today as I dug through the internet, searching for something to catch my ear. After a general lack of success I took to Soundcloud's Discover feature The Upload, a tailored playlist of 20 "Newly posted tracks." While I turn there every once in a while, it often doesn't lead to much more than a handful of mixes and uninspired originals. And while that is largely true today, sitting in the 13th position was a remix of Coldplay's 2014 track "Midnight."

As it turns out this remix from Indian duo fictional. is the one and only production on their page. What's more, after searching Ayush & Sachin (the two names attached to the project) I experienced a strong feeling of déjà vu as the resulting search led me to Bengaluru-based metal band Orbitual. For some reason I feel like not only have I done this search before, but that I had also heard this re-imagination before too, which is indeed possible considering the timeline. And perhaps that's why I was drawn to it.

fictional.'s take on the Jon Hopkins co-produced "Midnight" has a faint, yet undeniable feeling of familiarity in it, however I cannot confidently say that it's because I was already familiar with the original. Of course it could just be Chris Martin's voice that rings the proverbial bell, but I can't shake the feeling there's something about the instrumental that I've heard before. Bigger and deeper than the original, fictional.'s re-imagining soars beautifully, countering the icy ambiance with a warm summer's night feel. Of course the flittering lead line still stands strong as the obvious midnight feel, and to say Ayush and Sachin have leaned into it would be an understatement. That said, it is the key to the mystifying nature of "Midnight." Stream below and look out for more of the mysterious duo, fictional.
UPDATE: Both Ayush and Sachin reached out last night, 1) confirming they have nothing to do with Orbitual, and 2) sharing their solo projects. Ayush is Zyther and Sachin is ZOANE.

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Extended List of Grammy Predictions

Just for fun I'm making an extended list of Grammy predictions/bets, to go with those I already did for the categories relevant to this blog (read here). In order to save time I'm only going to list the category and who I believe will win, and in some cases who I think should win. I will be skipping the categories I know nothing about or have no taste for. There's dozens of places to find the full list of nominees and eventual winners, and while nothing beats the official source I'm not a fan of their website and generally choose to use Wikipedia here. I'll be live tweeting here as I watch both the pre-ceremony telecast (streamed via www.grammy.com) and CBS broadcast late via PVR.

Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: Coldplay - Sky Full Of Stars (Fahjah Bootleg Cover ft. Mees Van Den Berg)

Today marks the first episode of Bump In The Hump of 2017, back in its regular time-slot, Wednesday at 6 PM EST, on Radio Humber. As mentioned during last week's episode, I had too much new material for the regularly allotted hour, even two hours wouldn't suffice. I opted to go to house heaven last week, and save the trance tunes for this week. With that in mind you'll be treated to 15 minutes of uptempo tracks to kick off this week's episode. As a teaser of what's to come tonight, it's my pleasure to show off another killer cover, in a long line of bootleg remixes, from friend of the show, Fahjah. This time he's taken his talents to Coldplay's "Sky Full Of Stars,"reworking the Avicii aided production to great avail.

Pick up your copy of the cover free, and tune in to hear it alongside an hour of the best new Canadian electronic music, including new Kaytranada and Lambo edits, the latest from Ekali, and Autoerotique's take on "Ocho Cinco." The music starts at at 6 PM EST and can be streamed live, here.

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Super Bowl Sunday: Best Remixes of Coldplay, Beyonce, Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga

In honour of Super Bowl Sunday's numerous pop performers, I've decided to compile a list of remixes that make their music that much more palatable. With Coldplay already utilizing Avicii's production its only a matter of time before the NFL enlists Avicii, Aoki or Kygo to leverage the youth demographic. 

First off, Lady Gaga will be singing the national anthem, and although I don't have any remixes of that, there have been a number of good Gaga remixes over the years. Perhaps my favourite is Jody Den Broeder's "Poker Face" remix (video below). Rainmain (the main producer, previously behind Krewella) delivered a remixes of her massive debut track "Just Dance." And of course, everyone remembers Skrillex's remix of "Alejandro." These should keep you dancing throughout the endless commercial breaks, regardless of whether your team is winning or not.

Apparently one year of Bruno Mars isn't enough for the NFL, enlisting him once again for the halftime show. Luckily his particular brand of pop is easily remixed and improved upon. The first is more of a mashup but an enhancement nonetheless, DJ AJ's "Locked Out Of A Bottle" pitting the classic Police "Message In A Bottle" against Mars' "Locked Out Of Heaven." And of course there are those intoxicating "Uptown Funk" remixes from Riggi & Piros, as well as Charlie Darker (below):

Beyonce will also join Coldplay and Bruno Mars onstage for the halftime show, and it goes without saying that there are a plethora of Bey remixes to choose from. My personal favourite comes from Jack Beats and their remix of "Countdown." Right alongside the Jack Beats mix, comes the Jack U remix of "7/11." My final addition to the Bey remix collection is actually a Destiny's Child remix. Lazerpiff delivered a game changing bootleg of "Lose My Breath" over three years ago, but you can still pick it up free for yourself. Finally we have Coldplay, who have dozens of great remixes, that I've cut it down to an even half dozen. First is the Gabriel & Dresden remix of "Clocks." Mashup legend Party Ben combined Coldplay's "Talk" with Kraftwerk's "Computer Love" to create "Computer Talk." The Cryptonites also took on Coldplay, remixing "Violet Hill" to great success. Of course there is Kygo's remix of "Midnight" and Aylen's remix of "Fix You." There's also two great Canadian remixes from Moiez "A Sky Full Of Stars" and DeBoer "Viva La Vida." Gorge yourself on these tracks and remind yourself the world isn't just pop bullshit, while you get bombarded with endless consumerism and a barrage of pop culture.

2013 Grammy Awards

As promised I've come up with a few categories that are pertinent to EFYE that I feel comfortable enough with that I could talk a little about them as well as make picks for winners. Below will be links to videos; in bold, the chosen winner, and a brief explanation. Obviously these are my picks and opinions, by no means are these necessarily the thoughts of anyone else.

Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical

• In My Mind (Axwell Remix)
• Typical loopy vocal-ridden SHM style track, great for those who desire a simple, undemanding listening experience. Too standardized/cookie cutter/top 40 techNO for my liking.
• Lie Down In Darkness (Photek Remix)
• My pick for winner in this category. Amazingly haunting and deep soundscape created with the dissonant vocals, all while able to keep up a moving rhythm. Still have yet to find a situation where it might be inappropriate to have this song playing. This black-horse is emotive and expressive, great work from master Moby and intellect from Photek. He was nominated last year and I think this is his year.
• Midnight City (Eric Prydz Private Remix)
• Fun remix of an already excellent song from M83. Prydz converts this into a top of the line techno track, with all the bells and whistles generally associated with Prydz's productions. Because it stuck so closely to the already popular original, I had to reserve some respect.
• Promises (Skrillex & Nero Remix)
• One of the biggest songs in recent memory, from Nero with the original (and better version) appearing on their Welcome Reality album which got snubbed from the Best Dance/Electronica Album category. Great vocals, standard Skrillex additions, this remix leaves the original to be desired.
• The Veldt (Tommy Trash Remix)
• A show of respect towards Deadmau5 for being nominated, rightfully so for TT as he's had a big year. This track though, really? I really cannot justify this one as being picked. The only value is the name TT but from his remix/production standpoint, its far below standard. This and the first remix really exemplify the Name/Popularity/Business element of these award shows. Thus the most respect to those underdogs, namely the pick of Photek to win.

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical

Brief note about this category: Although I don't know about really any of these producers, save Diplo, I feel this one might be the closest to a cake walk of any categories tonight, although clearly I could be wrong. I think deservedly Diplo ought to win this one, his role in so many different genres and levels of popularity, including Top 40, should speak for themselves, not to mention the sheer quantity. Diplo FTW.

• Dan Auerbach
• The Black Keys, Dr, John, Hacienda
• Jeff Bhasker
• Fun
• Diplo
• Usher, Major Lazer, Snoop Lion, Marina & The Diamonds, Santigold, No Doubt, Wale, Justin Beiber, Alex Clare
• Markus Dravs
• Mumford & Sons, Coldplay
• Salaam Remi
• Anthony Hamilton, Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, Nicki Minaj, Miguel, Nas, Usher

Best Comedy Album

Again, I don't know and haven't heard all of these but I'm willing to suggest the ones I know as quality and take a guess at which one might come out on top.

• Blow Your Pants Off - Jimmy Fallon
• I'd wager this is really funny, I really like the two Jimmys on late night probably Fallon is a more pure comedian, but it's tough to say. Worth checking out for sure.
• Cho Dependent - Margaret Cho
• Sticking with both not knowing but also the Late Night shows I saw Margaret on Craig Ferguson and was pleasantly surprised, she was quite funny and very quick on her feet, so to speak, I'd be interested to check this one out.
• In God We Rust - Lewis Black
• Lewis Black could make this his third Grammy if he wins, though I don't believe he will. Although his satirical black comedy rants that take him through the gambit of emotions and levels of sanity may have proven to be funny in the past, I think its about time he slowed down.
• Kathy Griffin: Seaman 1st Class - Kathy Griffin
• Not really my style of humour, never truly found her funny. Far too over the top and one of the most annoying voices to ever hear, aside from Chad Kroeger of course (the most offensive, physically revolting voice known to the human race).
• Jim Gaffigan: Mr. Universe - Jim Gaffigan
• So funny! Just an amazing achievement. I totally love the stories and seemless segues. Jim's understanding of logic is so entirely appealing, much like that of George on Seinfeld. His voices, faces and physical performance are spot on throughout. Not worth missing.
• Rize Of The Fenix - Tenacious D
• Another one I haven't heard although I'd certainly be interested in is this third studio album from Tenacious D. My only concern with this is that these types of albums are very much so hit or miss. Without having heard this I cannot put anyone above Jim Gaffigan.

Best Dance/Electronica Album

• Wonderland - Steve Aoki
• Good effort for his first studio album, although one would have expected him to have done at least one prior. That being said it still underwhelms with only three, four at most, good tracks on the album. Again one would expect more from the veteran presence that is Steve Aoki founder of Dim Mak Records.
• Don't Think - The Chemical Brothers
• This live album/concert DVD features a lot of the amazing past of Chemical Brothers, a group around even before Steve Aoki. The tracks featured beat Aoki, Deadmau5 and Kaskade hands down. The only question is will the results favour new content over foundational older content, rerecorded? My thoughts are no, although in this category I think the past will have the most weight in terms of precedent.
• > Album Title Goes Here < - Deadmau5
• Enough with the non-title titles already. I'm really getting sick of this guy and his productions. Perhaps he's deserving of a nomination but there's no way a win could be validated or justified. Honestly cannot say that I like any of the tracks on this album, although I'm withholding judgment for Channel 42, specifically Nom De Strip's forthcoming remix.
• Fire & Ice - Kaskade
• I'm really at odds here with the nominations in this category. I can understand that Kaskade, Deadmau5 and Aoki are deserving on a mere name basis, but from a musical standpoint I'm thoroughly disappointed with the albums; even with The Chemical Brothers its essentially a show of respect to their foundational nature. Again on this album I can't say that I'm a fan of any of the tracks.
• Bangarang - Skrillex
• Of the seven tracks I like five and really like four. This is an amazing achievement, and truly cements Skrillex as one of the most important actors in the electronic dance music scene. His work with The Doors is an unparalleled achievement that has allowed for multiple great remixes and ecstasy worldwide. Not only does he mix the dubstep and electro perfectly he also worked Summit with Ellie Goulding into a masterpiece. Kudos to you Sonny, on another great year.

Best Dance Recording

• Levels - Avicii
• Clearly an important track but I cannot in good conscience say this one is deserving of an award of this prestige. I cannot get past the Top 40 atmosphere this track is soaked in.
• Let's Go - Calvin Harris feat Ne-Yo
• Makes me physically ill to think that this would get nominated and to see Calvin Harris nominated for two Grammys. Regardless I don't really see this one winning, but if you really want to listen to it the link is above.
• Bangarang - Skrillex
• I'm picking Skrillex to take home a few tonight, not necessarily because he is the best at everything but because this is his year, with the album and the track. I certainly have more respect for Sonny than I do for Adam Wiles and Tim Bergling combined. Despite Bangarang being on the outside of my favs for the album I cannot see anyone else taking it from him.
• Don't Worry Child - SHM feat John Martin
• I know many people hold this song in high esteem, and I do see the value in the lyrics but honestly how can these guys possibly be popular. It really says something about the vast majority of music consumers and their braindead listening habits. SHM is terrible, has been terrible and will forever be surrounded in a shroud of true defecation.
• I Can't Live Without You - Al Walser
• Who is Al Walser? That's right I'd never heard of him till now. Listening to the track, I experience distorted vocals, in the style of hip-hip/rap/r&b decent production skills but it sounds like I'm listening to a Much Dance CD from 2006 or 2007. It's got a bit of a rock guitar feel but I really don't see much value in this track, certainly compared to Skrilly.

As for the other big titular categories I'd take Frank Ocean for a big night winning both Best New Artist and Channel Orange taking Album Of The Year, Ed Sheeran's A-Team to take Song Of The Year, with Gotye rounding out the Record Of The Year Category with Somebody That I Used To Know.

Anyway I hope you've enjoyed my little Grammy preview and opinion piece please feel free to let me know how bad a job I did and how unbelievably wrong I am, as Pat Benatar said "Hit Me With Your Best Shot"

Oggie Out