Bjork - Earth Intruders Remixes

Bjork, "Earth Intruders (Spank Rock Remix)" (YSI link)

Bjork, "Earth Intruders (Lexx remix)" (YSI link)

We are almost upon the Days of Awe, so it seemed like a good time to look at a track that elicited awe when people first heard about the collaboration (Bjork and Timbaland) and a woman who elicits it all the time. "Earth Intruders" was the first single to drop from the new album, Volta, one of three tracks that Timbaland produced. I actually liked the original album version. It seemed like the biggest complaint was that it didn't live up to expectations and what people heard in their head when they imagined a Bjork/Timbaland jawn. That's not fair, but it happens. I do agree that the original seems too heavy or plodding or something, particularly the drums. Timbaland's skittering sound is gone and it means that this is not gonna be blowing up any dancefloors.

Perhaps for that reason, we got a Club Remixes EP for this single, as three remixers had a go at it. The XXXchange Spank Rock remix is good, taking the original from a heavyweight to nimble, flexible welterweight. This is not what you'd expect from the Spank Rock music man, not a booty/Bmore track. It's got a huge fuzz bass, squiggling synths and handclaps, it turns the track from militaristic sounding to something warm and happy. I really feel like this is the sound that people were hoping for with this track (minus Timbo's futuristic sound) I can't say this one is gonna kill in the clubs, as the vocals are intact and I just feel there' not enough room on the song for things to take off. The last minute or so, when the vocals start getting chopped up and , leaves you wanting so much more. The Lexx remix is a mystery, as this seems to be the only remix ever done under this name, couldn't find who's behind it. Anyway, this one doesn't do it for me. Lexx slows the whole thing down, giving it a more ponderous feel. While it gives the vocals more space, I don't know who think the clubs were clamoring for that. That is, until about the four minute mark, when the beat picks up and a nice, swirling house track materializes. Overall, a decent release, I just don't think it really lives up to its billing as a club remix release. Buy the new album here, check out my review for thoughts on that one.