In Hear This, A.V. Club writers sing the praises of songs they know well—some inspired by a weekly theme and some not, but always songs worth hearing. This week, in anticipation of Coachella kickoff, we’re highlighting some of our favorite acts set to play the fest this year.
A lot’s been said—including a lot by me—about L.A. sister act Haim. The group’s Days Are Gone record was one of the best of 2013, and the band’s done an absolutely bewildering amount of promotion around the record, including a stop at this year’s Coachella festival.
One of the smartest things I think Haim’s done this year, in my opinion, is to release almost a dozen remixes for tracks from Days. The group has had everyone from Lindstrøm & Prins Thomas to Delorean take on its tracks, to various degrees of success. Just last week, legendary French producer Cerrone glossed up “If I Could Change Your Mind.” That track’s part of the “If I Could Change Your Mind” 10-inch out later this month, featuring three different album covers, one for each sister and for each remix on the record.
My personal favorite Haim remix is from the most “mainstream” remixer, though that doesn’t make it any less successful. Giorgio Moroder’s mix of “Forever” is trance inducing and even features a little touch of robot disco. While that’s not necessarily the best part of the track, Moroder manages to make a pop track even poppier just by lighting it up with a few synthesizers. It’s a neat testament to not only Moroder’s skills, but also to the Haim sisters’ songwriting, which stands up to even the clubbiest of beats.