Kicking a Dead Pig

Album review

Mogwai get translated and abused in various ways in this collection of remixes. Whether it's industrial, dance, or something altogether left field, the 12 remixes on Kicking a Dead Pig and the bonus CD, Fear Satan Remixes, take Mogwai to various new places, for better or worse. Remixes faring best are from Hood, Max Tundra, Third Eye Foundation, and Kid Loco. Remixers seemingly out of their minds at the time or simply collecting paychecks are Klute, Arab Strap, µ-Ziq, and My Bloody Valentine. µ-Ziq is known to show inspired disregard for songs during his remixes, but he turns "Fear Satan" into a grating mess. Kevin Shields suggests that he's probably run out of ideas for good in his My Bloody Valentine-monikered reworking. He was always known for noise freakouts, but that was in a live setting. On CD, it just sounds sloppy. Still, the joy to be found makes the misfires somewhat bearable. Hood's contribution introduces interesting sonic shifts and gritty guitar dynamics. Max Tundra's interpretation sounds alternately like violins tuning-up and ticking electronics, as plucked guitars and organic industrial sounds blend quite nicely. Kid Loco's remix is perhaps the most accessible, as dub textures and chiming sound effects approach something that might be called touching. Too many of the remixers add dance beats, making one wonder why a disco ball wasn't included in the gatefold case; seeing as how many of these remixes were done in the dying days of drum'n'bass, one has to forgive the artists for jumping a rickety bandwagon. Kicking a Dead Pig + Fear Satan Remixes isn't nearly as challenging or rewarding as one would expect, and thus not worth many repeat listens.

© Tim DiGravina /TiVo