In anticipation of his Clarity remix compilation due out Feb 12, Zedd teased Tiesto‘s rendition of the powerful production today. Last year his concept album by the same name became a defining release in the young producer’s career. “Spectrum” — the first single off the album — reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Songs chart and a remix EP featuring reworks from artists like A-Trak & Clockwork, Arty, and Armin Van Buuren to name a few. Zedd is ready to give “Clarity” the same treatment with another extended play via Interscope Records.
It’s inevitable that countdowns will always spark controversy, that’s just the nature of the beast. Some tracks will be snubbed, some overlooked, and some ranked higher than you may have expected. We’ve already gone over our ranking criteria at length but despite our own self-imposed guidelines, 2012 proved to be more difficult to rank than years past. With the EDM explosion officially in full swing throughout the year, the sheer number of releases was mind numbing, and — consequently — nearly impossible to rank. There has been no greater challenge for the editors at Dancing Astronaut than creating the list of the Biggest Tracks of 2012.
So here we are, standing on the brink, about to list the Top 10 Tracks of 2012. We’ve already covered 50-41, 40-31, 30-21, and 20-11. So without further ado, here are Dancing Astronaut’s picks, 10-1.
If you thought Zedd’s “Spectrum” was a storybook type of love song, think again. With Shreddie Mercury’s electrifying touch, it’s anything but. Released officially this week on Interscope Records, Shreddie’s version won the Spectrum Remix Contest earlier this year. The track begins unassumingly, prepping us with Matthew Koma’s familiar crooning. Before long, it progresses into a melange of hard-hitting sounds, not least of which is a heavy, grinding bass line that ceases only for a moment, a brief respite from the relentless low end. This is typical Shreddie Mercury, and if you like what you hear, hop over to Beatport and pick up the remix!
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“Spectrum” is certainly in the running for most remixed song of the year. As of now there are seven remixes of varying styles as well as an acoustic version — enough choices to suit anyone’s taste. Although we posted many of them yesterday, the package isn’t complete without the Congorock remix and acoustic version. These two tracks have nothing in common — except that they were birthed from the same song — but each bring something important to the table. The acoustic version is stripped down to nothing but a tinkling piano — played by Zedd — and Matthew Koma’s spectacular vocals. It’s not of the dance music persuasion but it does illuminate Zedd’s versatility and unparalleled talent. Congorock’s version on the other hand is full of synths, melodies, and layered elements. The acoustic version is unfortunately not yet available for purchase.
We’ve been previewing various versions of Zedd’s “Spectrum” for weeks now, with each subsequent offering somehow managing to bring something new and interesting to the admittedly stunning track. Well, the full Spectrum EP drops today on Beatport, so we thought we’d remind you to head over there and pick up the remix(es) you like best. Whether it’s the trance-infused versions from Armin or Arty, or the harder-hitting offerings from Deniz Koyu or Gregori Klosman and Tristan Garner, there’s a mix of this track for everyone.
Day by day we’ve been hearing of the big names that have remixed Zedd and Matthew Koma’s “Spectrum.” First, it was Armin van Buuren to debut his take on his A State Of Trance radio show. Then it was Arty and Deniz Koyu who would join the mix. Now we have a previews of A-Trak and Gregori Klosman’s remixes to add to the list of contributors. Zedd’s Spectrum EP doesn’t end at the big name remixes; it also includes a brand new collaboration with Nicky Romero dubbed “Human” — which you’ve heard already if you downloaded our Axis podcast mixed by Nicky himself. Jump below the break to preview the EP ahead of its July 31st release date.
Florence + The Machine consistently deliver emotion provoking tracks that have proved suitable for dance music remixes- most notably for Mark Knight’s rendition of “You’ve Got The Love.” One Calvin Harris has handled another task from Florence + The Machine, bringing his top-tier production abilities to a euphoric remix of “Spectrum.” After floating around sets and mixes, Calvin’s spin of “Spectrum” has finally been released on iTunes via Spectrum Remixes EP.
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If one thing’s for sure about Armin van Buuren, he’s very keen on sticking to his trance roots. It is a very rare opportunity that we get to see such an impressive offering from the trance king. Debuted on the lastest episode of A State of Trance 568, Armin brings us his rework of Zedd’s recent single “Spectrum.” Armin takes the original song’s elements and combines them with his uplifting, melodic trance sound; leaving the vocals intact while transforming the heavy electro into pure, trance bliss. For those of you competing in BeatPort’s “Spectrum” remix contest; we wish you luck, this one is going to be hard to top.
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There aren’t many rising stars that have a musical resume quite like Zedd’s. The 22 year old German native has remixed the likes of Swedish House Mafia, and had chart topping original productions like “Shave It,” “Stars Come Out,” and most recently, the monster electro house track, “Shotgun.” He’s currently on tour with Lady Gaga, who – in case you’ve been living under a rock for the past decade – is the biggest pop star in the world.
On his latest offering of “Spectrum,” Zedd teams up with Matthew Koma, who you may know as the vocalist on Alesso’s “Years.” The heavy chord play in the lead coincides with Koma’s voice flawlessly; and after the drop, we’re treated to some classic Zedd-like, electro house. With a release like this, we’re really excited to see what this young producer has in store for his upcoming album.
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Florence + The Machine & Calvin Harris might just be a match made in heaven. Fans of Calvin Harris’ tracks “I’m Not Alone” and “Feel So Close” are going to absolutely love this. Florence Welch’s stunning vocals provide the perfect complement to Calvin’s feel good sound. After already achieving success with his mix of the Scissor Sisters’ “Only The Horses,” it could be a big summer for Calvin. “Spectrum” is released July 8th on Universal Island Records.
