Remix Albums: RMXXOLOGY/ Verve Remixed 4

Remix albums seem to be a dime a dozen these days, as once storied labels try to update their sound to capture new fans. This month we have two remix albums hitting store shelves: a mainstay and innovator of the movement, and a relative newcomer to the game.

Delicious Vinyl RMXXOLOGY

Aaron LaCrate & Debonair Samir - Young MC "Know How Theme"
[audio:http://www.thecouchsessions.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/know_how-feat_young_mc.mp3]

Classic Hip-Hop marquee Delicious Vinyl is dropping its first remix album, entitled RMXXOLOGY this month. The label, which is home to such acts as the Pharcyde and Tone Loc have recruited artists such as Aaron LaCrate, Peaches, Hot Chip, and Eminem to remix tracks from label veterans like Young MC to other acts such as the Brand New Heavies.

As with many remix albums, some songs are hit or miss, but all in all, it's a venerable first effort for an old school hip-hop label. And the album is a steal for only $6.99 at Amazon.

Verve Remixed 4

Marlena Shaw - California Soul (Diplo/Mad Decent Remix)
[audio:http://www.thecouchsessions.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/04-california-soul-diplo_mad-decent-remix.mp3]

Verve, the venerable jazz label that some say started the label remix genre is out with their fourth installment, easily titled Verve Remixed 4. Many are calling this the best album of the series. Verve recruited the usual suspects like Diplo, as well as 9th Wonder, Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, Truth and Soul, and Kenny Dope.

Unlike the first three releases in the series, it seems like Verve is going for more recognizable tunes this time around, like Marlena Shaw's "California Soul," Santana's "Evil Ways," and the always ubiquitous "Everybody Loves The Sunshine," by Roy Ayers.

Verve Remixed 4 dropped last week. If you're a fan of the series, it's definitely worth the pickup.