Built up for a little over a month and released yesterday was The Magician’s first EP, entitled Memory. Known these days for his infamous Magic Tape Mix series, The Magician leaves us with this release as he takes a 2 month hiatus after making public his 24th Magic Tape - marking 2 straight years of original monthly mixes with mysteriously chosen track lists. Stephen has been on an absolute tear ever since disbanding from the duo (now solo act), Aeroplane. This EP marks a distinct step toward producer and not just DJ/performer in his career and, thus, I invite you inside to listen and engage in my remarks on “Memory” EP.
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As far as composition goes, there really isn’t a whole lot to analyze – especially when it comes to remix EPs. For the ‘Original Mix‘, the vocals and steel drum samples have kinda gotten a little repetitive and annoying for me, but who knows; maybe I just need a fresh set of ears.
Purchase: Peter & The Magician – Memory (Original Mix) [Beatport]
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The ‘Club Mix‘ on the other hands lends slightly more bounce to it. Very subtle changes – an increase in tempo, hi-hat, clapping and pop synth loops from the start, as well as more fading of the vocals really adds punch to the original and takes the edge and repetitive nature out of the vocals. I much more prefer this version over the original and recommend adding this in a set to get the crowd hoppin.
Purchase: Peter & The Magician – Memory (Club mix) [Beatport]
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That piano riff…I’ve been a long time supporter of Le Crayon and I’m incredibly proud of his work and the work he has put in to get the bit of recognition he deserves on this EP. Original, laid back and uptempo all pulled together into, what I believe, is the shining star of the ‘Memory ‘ EP. Le Crayon steals the show with his guitar, piano, diving bass and pounding kick drum samples. Powerful work from Lauren and I warn you of his musical talent now before he blows up within the next year.
Purchase: Peter & The Magician – Memory (Le Crayon remix)
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NSFW brings us a version with well-orchestrated build-ups and breakdowns. That said, this remix wasn’t really for me. Not to be selfish, it has excellent groove and boogie to it but what kind of a critic would I be if I liked em all equally? NSFW has a bit of a more tribal disco feel to it, quantized claps and more of a pure vocal sample (for some reason?). Definitely more electro-vibes to it, which is generally right up my alley…then again, I’ll just shut up and let you decide on this track.
Purchase: Peter & The Magician – Memory (NSFW remix)
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The slowest version of ‘Memory‘ is POiNDEXTER‘s interpretation, clocking in at 115 bmp. His unique bass line certainly adds more stank and funk to the mix; toward the end of this remix I feel like I’m drowning in jazzy, dream…memory. Outstanding and imaginative creativity with this remix. Very playful and pop-y and a great compliment to an otherwise dancey EP.
Purchase: Peter & The Magician – Memory (POiNDEXTER remix)
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PB&J <3′s The Magician
Tags: Aeroplane, indie dance, Magic Tape 24, nu disco, Peter & The Magician, Peter & The Magician - Memory (Club mix), Peter & The Magician - Memory (Le Crayon remix), Peter & The Magician - Memory (NSFW remix), Peter & The Magician - Memory (Original Mix), Peter & The Magician - Memory + Remixes, Peter & The Magician - Memory + Remixes [EP Review], Review
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