In February, Elite Force releases a landmark album of re-fixes, mashups & re-edits, ‘RE:VAMPED’, on his U&A Recordings imprint. There were a number of reworks that he couldn’t ‘get’ for the album, so he decided he would do a series of free downloads under the ‘PRE:VAMPED’ banner, prior to it’s release. Check em out.

ARTIST: Deadmau5

TRACK/ALBUM: For Lack of A Better Name (Mixed Album)

RATING: (3/5)

This album is a compilation of Deadmau5’s original productions spanning the past two years and serves more as a showcase for his diversity as a producer than his skills as a dj.  Short cross fades and minimal overlays that can easily be done in a number of software programs these days, is less than impressive.  Especially given the potential for layering and EQ work with the more minimal percussive tracks, like “BOT”, later in the sequence.  Based on the technical mixing skills usually highlighted in a “mixed” cd, this seems like a bit of a misnomer.

The album does includes some of his popular electro house tracks like “Ghosts N’ Stuff” (featuring the vocals of Pendulum’s Rob Swire) and “Hi Friend” to get things moving towards the beginning.  But seems to flounder in the middle with the more minimal techy tracks that fail to resolve the conflict between the rhythmic shuffle and the sudden halt created by the breakdown of sweeping synth chords and arpeggiated crescendos to nowhere.  While his new releases contain some interesting ideas, the execution is somewhat lacking in terms of integrating them into a cohesive whole.  “Soma”’s deep bass and techy groove is hijacked by a piano interlude that feels out of place. “The 16th Hour” starts as a dark driving progressive trance track that is starkly contrasted by the uplifting melodic breakdown. Concluding the cd is “Strobe” that begins with an orchestral, cinematic introduction and builds to a more dance floor friendly, melodic track in his signature style.  Leaning more towards trance than the electro house, fans of his earlier work will still be pleased with this one!

For Lack of A Better Name (the mixed album) traverses several areas of the electronic music realm from the booty shakin’ club hits to the more introspective soundscapes, demonstrating his range as a producer.  And perhaps a glimpse into where he may be heading… film score by Deadmau5?

With the success of his State of Trance Podcast and the chart-topping productions he cranked out this year it’s no surprise that Armin took the coveted #1 DJ in World spot yet again. If you’re in LA be sure to catch him this weekend at Monster Massive.

Here is the complete list for 2009:

1. Armin van Buuren (non-mover)
2. Tiesto (non-mover)
3. David Guetta (up 2)
4. Above & Beyond (non-mover)
5. Paul van Dyk (down 2)
6. Deadmau5 (up 5)
7. Ferry Corsten (down 1)
8. Markus Schulz (non-mover)
9. Gareth Emery (up 14)
10. Sander van Doorn (up 3)
(more…)

A new Deadmau5 album, “For Lack Of A Better Name”, releases Sept. 22 via Ultra Records.

Fall Tour Dates to support the album:
(more…)

It’s Grammy time again…

The winner in the category Best Dance Recording “Harder Better Faster Stronger” by Daft Punk from the album “Alive 2007″. Other nominees in the category: Hot Chip, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Sam Sparro, and Rihanna.

Also winning in the Best Electronic/Dance Album category is Daft Punk for “Alive 2007″ which also featured: Cyndi Lauper, Kylie Minogue, The Brazilian Girls, Moby, and Robyn.

In the Best Alternative Music Album and Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package categories Radiohead picked up the Grammy for “In Rainbows.”

In the category for Best Remixed Recording Justice won for their remix of “Electric Feel” by MGMT which also featured: Deadmau5, Stonebridge, Junkie XL, and Moto Blanco.

Congrats!

Deadmau5’s first artist album entitled “Random Album Title” is due out digitally September 2nd. A world tour will follow with Deadmau5 in the iconic mouse head performing using his laptop and manipulating visuals.

Track listing:
1. Sometimes Things Get, Whatever
2. Complications
3. Slip
4. Some Kind Of Blue
5. Brazil (2nd Edit)
6. Alone With You
7. I Remember
8. Faxing Berlin (Piano Acoustic Version)
9. Faxing Berlin
10. Not Exactly
11. Arguru
12. So There I Was

World tour dates:
9/1- Las Vegas, USA- Wet Republic
9/3 – Ann Arbor, USA – Necto
9/4 – St. Louis, USA – Home
9/5 – Chicago, USA – House of Blues
9/6 – Washington DC, USA – Ibiza Night Club:
9/7 – Toronto, CANADA – Virgin Festival
9/11 – Austin, USA – Sky
9/12 – Houston, USA – Bar Rio
9/13 – Dallas, USA – Lizard Lounge
9/16 – New York, USA – Cielo (DJ Set)
9/17 – Boston, USA – Underbar
9/18 – Newport Beach, USA – Tentation
9/19 – Mexicali, MEXICO – Parque Vincente Guerrero
9/20 – Denver, USA – Beta
9/22 – Orlando, USA – Firestone
9/23 – Columbus, USA – Boma
9/24 – Winnipeg, CANADA – Hifi
9/25 – Edmonton, CANADA – The Bank
9/26 – Seattle, USA – Decibel Festival Neumos
9/27 – San Francisco, USA – Ruby Skye
10/2 – London, UK – Matter
10/3 – Oxford, UK – Oxford Academy
10/4 – Bristol, UK – Carling Academy
10/10 – Manchester, UK – The Warehouse Project
10/11 – Sheffield, UK – The Plug
10/17 – Dublin, IRELAND – Tripod
10/18 – Newcastle, UK – Digital
10/23 – Brighton, UK – Digital
10/24 – Nottingham, UK – Boudoir Superstar
10/25 – Leeds, UK – Victoria Works Warehouse
10/30 – Sacramento, USA – The Park
10/31 – Los Angeles, USA – Shrine Auditorium: Hard
11/1 – Las Vegas, USA – Orleans Arena
11/7 – Curitiba, BRAZIL – Park Barigui
11/8 – Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA – Creamfields
11/14 – Rio De Janeiro, BRAZIL – Cream
11/15 – Belo Horizonte, BRAZIL – Creamfields
11/16 – Sao Paulo, BRAZIL – Xxxperience
11/19 – Boulder, USA – Fox
11/20 – Atlanta, USA – Opera
11/21 – Philadelphia, USA – Electric Factory
11/22 – Santo Domingo, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – The Cave
11/26 – New York, USA – Webster Hall
11/27 – Vancouver, CANADA – Celebrities
11/28 – Vancouver, CANADA – Celebrities
11/29 – Detroit, USA – Bleu
12/3 – Merida, MEXICO – Centro De Covenciones
12/4 – Anaheim, USA – House of Blues
12/5 – Phoenix, USA – Myst
12/6 – Mexico City, MEXICO – Vegas Night Club
12/26 – Toronto, CANADA – This Is London
12/27 – Miami, USA – Mansion

Get more info at DanceBlogga

Deadmau5.com

Deadmau5 Myspace