You say you want revolution

Photo by Daniel Au It's fitting that a song called "C.Y.O.A." and whose chorus implores, "Choose your own adventure!" would invite so many remixes. As listeners, we get to pick our own favorite versions, not to mention seeing just how many directions one song can take. My favorite is Flosstradamus' take on the track, which will appear as a bonus on the "C.Y.O.A." single due April 15th. Flosstradamus' reinvention not only stamps their unique flavor on the song, but also handily improves on it. They coax out its dancibility and commit to big, gaudy beats, whereas the original seemed content to straddle the line between rock and electronic. The original also doesn't especially work as a protest song, even with Lo's distorted Karen O-ish croaks of "No more wars" and her ambiguous references to revolution. The remix craftily downplays the art-punk attempt in favor of kinetics and rhythm. Flosstradamus do keep Lo's attitude in the mix, but they surround it with layers of giddy energy. HEARTSREVOLUTION aren't exactly self-serious anyway, what with the promo shots in ski masks and a hook that randomly erupts into "Foxes and bunnies, fire and snow!" so the remix's libertine interpretation makes for a better fit. In Flosstradamus' hands, the revolution in question isn't so much political coup as skinny-jeaned asses spinning 360 degrees on a dancefloor. It's bodies shaking every which way, following whatever spastic lead the groove delivers. It's hands in the air under swaths of neon and legs pulsing over the soundsystem throb. Of all the adventures to choose from, this remix is the closest to sounding revolutionary. It's the one most likely to inspire me to my feet, ready to rally and ready for action. * MP3: "C.Y.O.A." (Flosstradamus Remix) - HEARTSREVOLUTION from "C.Y.O.A." EP [Preorder it] * MySpace: HEARTSREVOLUTION