The 25 Best Remixes of 2012

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Complex Original

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There's an abundance of remixes that get produced every year, especially in the EDM scene. For many producers, they can be used as a calling card, something that can introduce the populace to your work. They can also be uninspired cash grabs, but we're not here to go on about that.

These days, there are so many different fans to cater to and so many DJs to provide music for that the game is wide open for a multitude of remixes of any track. Which are the best, though? Which producers took the source material and really ran with it? Some of these picks might surprise you, but when it comes to the art of reinterpreting a batch of sounds laid before you, as well as injecting your own ideas and aesthetic into the mix, these reworks were heads above the rest.

Run DMT - "Sugarcube (Rodeo Slingshot vs. The Albino Vixens ReRub)"

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2012 had it's share of dope dubstep, but with the movements of other genres, a lot of people kept up with the "dubstep is dead" comments. Say that to Bassnectar's rework of "Sugarcube," which exemplifies everything that people want from dirty dubstep. His take on Run DMT's track features that classic G-Funk-esque melody, tweaked to perfection over some nasty bass. And that's just the beginning of the tune - once it gets really going, and starts twisting everything out? Game over.

Skrillex & The Doors - "Breakn A Sweat (Zedd Remix)"

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It's crazy when you realize that the first new Doors track in 30 years was this collaboration with Skrillex for that RE: Generation documentary. The original sounds exactly like you'd expect a track with Skrillex and the Doors to sound like (for good or ill), and Zedd's remix takes it out of the dubstep realm into the electro house zone. He rides those melodies perfectly, but injects that grinding bass in there, turning this one into the eyes-shut freakout of the night. Something to truly break a sweat to.

Michael Jackson - "Speed Demon (Nero Remix)"

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When word of a 25th anniversary edition of Bad coming out, it made sense that a guy like Afrojack was in on remixing Michael's classics. When the tracklist got sent out, and we found out that Nero remixed "Speed Demon," our interest was definitely piqued. Nero's known to play within a number of BPMs, but this version sits in that weird 110BPM zone, where damn near anything goes. Their use of MJ's ad-libs and shouts are placed perfectly, and dance music fans who grew up on pop during the '80s will definitely be in tune to this one.

Benny Benassi - "Satisfaction (RL Grime Remix)"

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There have been a number of trap remixes out there of classic dance tracks, like Darude's "Sandstorm," among the plethora of other trap versions of old tracks, all exisiting at some varying degree of awesome/awful. RL Grime's "Satisfaction" remix leans toward the "awesome" side of that meter, for good reason. Much like his "Mercy" remix from 2012, he knows how to blend in just enough trap with what makes the original so captivating. Dude's on it, and this is probably the biggest release of his career.

Future Cut ft. Jenna G - "Obsession (Ulterior Motive Remix)"

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Bonafide throwback drum & bass sound. For those of you who remember Future Cut's original, first, thanks for sticking around for another decade. Hopefully you've enjoyed SOMETHING that's come out, be it via Metalheadz or some of the other imprints out there. For a special one-sided, limited edition release on Razor's Edge, Goldie managed to snag a killer rework of the mighty "Obsession" by Ulterior Motive, who aren't normally known for working within that 'Headz style. They knocked this one out of the park, with all of the spooky atmospherics and break-neck edits in tact.

Florence and The Machine - "Spectrum (Say My Name) (Calvin Harris Remix)"

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Not too many artists can truly consider 2012 to be "their year;" not too many artists are Calvin Harris. He's part of the crop of producers that are without a doubt spearheading the dance music push that's currently sweeping over America; his work with Rihanna and Ne-Yo has kept his name in that upper echelon of producers for the better part of the year. He worked with Florence Welch on "Say Nothing," but this remix truly captures how fit her voice is for dance music. Uplifting, piano-driven house magic.

Hardwell - "Spaceman (Headhunterz Remix)"

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Hardstyle's a tricky phenomenon. It's one of those sounds that has it's diehards, but outside of that core, you don't have a lot of people who readily admit to it as being their favorite sound. It can get repetitive at times, but definitely has a firm place at whatever big rave you're frequenting. Headhunterz might be familiar to trap fans, who heard Flosstradamus rework some of their stuff for their X series, but this one takes Hardwell's massive "Spaceman" and throws it into the blender. Holland's own added some lyrics to the track, and even kicks the BPMs up after the second breakdown, maintaining the intergalactic tone throughout.

Danny Byrd - "Blaze The Fire (Rah!) (Stray Remix)"

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Interesting remix, here. If you were a fan of drum & bass/jungle, you might remember that "choppage" cult from the early 00s, when guys like Breakage, Equinox, and Fracture surged with their breakbeat-editing prowess. That scene died out, but the amen-heavy tracks surface up and totally blow you back to when the jungle scene was nothing but heavily-edited amens and a random, looped hip-hop sample (aka Ray Keith's back catalog). The other funny thing about this remix is the fact that Stray tends to go so amen-heavy on remixes, but his original product is much calmer. Maybe the "rah!" chant in this one did something to him, but he went Full Amen on this one, bringing Coleman's classic break to life. And if you're like "who's Coleman?", we've probably nerded out a bit too much for one day.

Hot Chip - "Night and Day (Dusky Remix)"

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Hot Chip's "Night and Day" rode a quirky electronic wave into people's hearts, and the one like Dusky took things WAY deeper. While maintaining the hypnotic, electronic vocals, but making a more solid beat for them to reside within.

Skrillex - "Bug Hunt (Noisia Remix)"

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Skrillex not only landed on the soundtrack for Wreck-It Ralph, he had a cameo in the actual movie. His track, "Bug Hunt," was featured on the soundtrack release in it's remixed form, with Noisia giving their best Daft Punk-style rendition. It's such a glitchy disco freakout, there's no way you won't be shouting "I'M GONNA WRECK IT" at random moments, even after the track's done. All hard drums and distorted funk, this is one to get the crowd moving when all-else fails.

The Naked & Famous - "Young Blood (Tiësto & Hardwell Remix)"

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There's no way that Tiesto and Hardwell would link up for a remix and it not be one of the most anthem things to drop this year. The original was already epic, but these two beasts aligned and created something to rock multiple Spring Break and summer parties from coast to coast. Undeniable.

Cerrone - "Misunderstanding (A-Trak & Codes Remix)"

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This year also feels like the year that A-Trak really started to firmly put his feet in the ground, letting people know what he's just as mean on the beats as he is on the decks. For this unabashed house monster, A-Trak linked up with the upcoming Codes for a funky, vocal-driven outing. One of those tracks where any females you're partying with will vibe the hardest to. Just one of those full-body bangers that's hard to resist.

Sub Focus ft. Alpines - "Tidal Wave (Flosstradamus Remix)"

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The US got hooked onto trap for the majority of 2012, but over the latter part of the summer, you could hear the UK starting to pick up on it. DJs like MistaJam started championing the sound on UK radio stations, and even went as far as restructuring his stable of Daily Dose DJs and has Flosstradamus dropping sick mixes bi-weekly to the UK dance music audience. For this remix of Sub Focus' latest single, Flosstradamus really "take it there," showcasing how melodic and beautiful trap can be. It's not just obvious samples and 808s - this music can be just as emotional as anything else out there.

Nero - "Won't You Be There (Baauer Remix)"

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While 2012 didn't give us much in the way of Baauer originals, he did let loose a number of remixes, and as the year got on, he got bigger profile ones almost monthly. The fall saw Baauer remix Nero's "Won't You Be There," taking their dubstep anthem directly into the trap. Baauer's really using the pallete given to him to his advantage, and he morphs that signature vocal like a champ.

Noisia - "Diplodocus (Kill The Noise Remix)"

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Remixing a classic is already difficult; add to that a tune as mighty as Noisia's "Diplodocus," and you can imagine how intensely the game had to be stepped up. Leave it to Kill the Noise to twist this one to a breakbeat-laced dubstep track that then morphs into the drum & bass that Kill the Noise was making before you even know about KTN. Huge remix.

DJ Fresh - "The Power (Andy C Remix)"

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Love the zaniness of situations like this. Around 1998/9, Andy C and DJ Fresh were parts of crews/labels that were pushing the forefront of the drum & bass sound, particularly the post-techstep/neurofunk vibe that helped birth what could be arguably seen as the last great peak of dnb's journey. Fast forward to 2012, Andy C's Ram Records is one of the most important dnb labels in history, and Fresh's risen as both a solo artists and label head, co-owning Breakbeat Kaos. For this remix of one of Fresh's string of successful 2012 singles, Andy C does what he does best: sets the dancefloor ablaze with his brand of pulsating drum & bass. It's rare that you even get a tune from Andy C these days, so to have him knock a remix out for Fresh like it's nothing? Makes us wonder what material he's sitting on...

Noisia - "Stigma (Neosignal Remix)"

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Remixes of Noisia tracks are kind of tricky. Those guys are so damn good at what they do, it's almost impossible to figure out how to remix their tracks without sounding inferior to it. Phace and Misanthrop somehow found a way to twist the deadly "Stigma." The best part is they totally abandoned doing a drum & bass version, and come with their own take on a dubstep banger. The bassline fit like a glove at the slower BPM, but it also makes things a bit more intense. Pure headnodder's delight, with a hypnotic breakdown right before they pull the rug out from under you.

Birdy Nam Nam - "Goin' In (Skrillex "Goin' Hard" Mix)"

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Many associate Skrillex with everything that typifies the in-your-face dubstep that Americans fiend for, but when he dips into other genres, you can almost smell the level of appreciation he has for music in general. He flipped two remixes on this Birdy Nam Nam release, and the "Goin' Hard" mix found him getting his drum & bass on. He keeps it as hard-hitting as his other tracks, but the funky dnb vibe worked well for Skrillex.

M83 - "Midnight City (Eric Prydz Private Remix)"

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Remix so good, it's up for a Grammy. Eric Prydz is no stranger to captivating music, and his "Midnight City" remix is one of those undeniable anthems that is hard to forget. As the story goes, this was an unofficial remix of the M83 track that Eric made for his livesets that received such praise that it got an official release. Don't be surprised if this one snags that Grammy.

Example - "Say Nothing (Foamo Remix)"

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Example made sure that his The Evolution of Man album wasn't full of the sounds he's already known for, and the album's first single, "Say Nothing," played the same way, with a varied pallete of producers taking their stab at the track. Foamo stepped up with a proper electro banger, riding an infectious groove for all it's worth. Hopefully 2013 will find Foamo getting more recognition, with this track being the point where some nimble listeners (ahem) knew he was destined for greatness.

Major Lazer - "Original Don (Flosstradamus Remix)"

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2012 was the year that Flosstradamus really made that impact, and this particular remix helped turn trap into more than just a southern rap sound. By the summer of 2012, trap was a full-fledged movement in the EDM scene, and many were still rocking to this Major Lazer remix. Complete with the Trap-A-Holics "damn son, where'd you find this?!" samples, as well as some mean 808 drums, we were in store for an expert ride into how the world of dance music and trap could coexist and make little EDM babies. Probably one of the most important tracks in this movement, trust.

Buraka Son Sistema - "Bababa (Caspa Remix)"

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Caspa's Dub Police imprint had such a stellar year, it's almost easy to forget that he has produced some bangers. Buraka Son Sistema reached out to him for a flip of "BaBaBa," and this one immediately set the dubstep rooms ablaze. It's not the typical brostep sound that many want played at their favorite frat houses, but the island flair and that infectious vocal were paired up nicely with his heavy riddim. Instand rewind, if you know what's good for you.

Flosstradamus - "Rollup (Baauer Remix)"

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Aside from Flosstradamus and UZ, no name in the trap scene was bigger than Baauer's. Baauer's remix of Flosstradamus' "Rollup" doesn't just knock, it knocks perfectly. His attention to the quality of sound is almost unparalleled in his genre, and this is just a perfect example. The bass is chunky, and sits both in your face and chest and the same damn time. No way you can sit down when this one drops.

The Prodigy - "Smack My Bitch Up (Noisia Remix)"

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Celebrating the 15th anniversary of The Fat of the Land's release, Noisia was invited (among the likes of Major Lazer, Baauer, Alvin Risk, Zeds Dead, and more) to remix tracks from the album, and having Noisia put their spin on "Smack My Bitch Up" feels like a no-brainer. In a shocking turn of events, these guys delivered a dubstep version of this track as tough as the (spoiler alert) drunk chick in the "Smack My Bitch Up" video. It's wild how they can seemingly include everything that makes the original what is was, but churn out something so much more insane.

Krome & Time - "The License (Doctor P Remix)"

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This one snuck out very early in 2012 and caused all kinds of commotion. A number of classics from the early jungle era got the remix treatment, and while they were all solid in their own regard, Doctor P was the one who truly took it to the next level, twisting a '94 jungle staple into a main room dubstep/electro track? The purists moaned, but the bass music enthusiasts knew what time it was. Huge tune.

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