Let's Get Together (I really want better remixes!)

Madonna
Get Together

Madonna's 3rd single off Confessions, Get Togther is an apt follow-up to Sorry. Reminiscent of Stardust's Music Sounds Better With You in production, the track is progressive electronic with a pumping bassline.

However, as with the recent Madonna remixes, the maxi-single is severely dismal. Stuart Price's production may be commanding on Confessions but his remixes of the three Madonna singles have been lacklustre so far compared to his stellar work for Goldfrapp, The Killers, Depeche Mode and Coldplay. The Danny Howells and Dick Trevor Kinky Fun Mix is really neither kinky nor orgamsic at all, relying on repetitive beats to produce a generic dancefloor snooze fest. Skip and then come the slightly more interesting mixes from revered remixers Tiefschwarz and James Holden. However, the two remixes are a complete departure from the original tune. Tiefschwarz manages to infuse more futurism into the song, giving it a slight Kraftwerk edge. James Holden's remix held great promise at the beginning but gets tiresome after a whole 8 minutes of repeated electronic blooping (read: irritating).The I Love New York remix by Stuart Price finally recovers some lost ground with a rather rocked-up version of the original.

And the original cover of the maxi-single is hideous if you do come to see it. I rather like the fake one shown here done by a fan. The Get Together video just premiered but it's just Madonna performing the song live superimposed against a futuristic animated background. It really isn't too bad considering the zero expectations I had.

If Warner Brothers (and Madonna) know what they are doing to the recent Madonna releases and promotional blitz, they'd have some inkling that they are doing everything wrong or not doing anything well at all. Such a wasted opprotunity for an excellent track. Lazy ass! (B-)

Aural/Visual: Nelly Furtado's Promiscuous + Maneater

Nelly Furtado
Promiscuous
Maneater

Following Nelly Furtado's dead-on-arrival sophomore album, Folklore, the once-acclaimed artist is ready to recover some lost ground. Enlisting the help of star-producer Timbaland as well as people ranging from Nellee Hooper to Rick Nowels and Chris Martin of Coldplay, Loose is about to unleash itself onto the charts.

If the first two singles are anything to go by, Furtado's foray into the rather pedestrian and crowded hip-hop scene is anything but brilliant. At the hands of Timbaland, first single Promiscuous is highly addictive and danceable with an unforgettable bassline. Furtado's transformation into a full-fledged hip-hop star is evident and convincing on video as well. Rather than appear as some scantily-clad bimbo in distress, Furtado shows Beyonce, Jennifer and Shakira that she too can shake that ass well. Lyrically, the song may be as simple as talking about a pair of salacious couple looking to bed each other, but the song will definitely be a dancefloor anthem of 2006 (much like Timbaland-helmed Missy Elliott tracks).

And to cash in on the success, her record company, Geffen, rush-releases Maneater to radio and retail. Lending his magic again, Timbaland and Furtado creates a track that brings 80's Prince to mind. Funky and equally catchy as Promiscuous, the singer sings of a scary woman who destroys men within sight.

There's nothing preachy or serious here, just a whole lotta fun. The impending album release on June 20 also features a Chris Martin track, All Good Things Come To An End, something worth watching for. (A+ for Promiscuous, A for Maneater)