New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ DFA Records) Since the release of 2009's The
Future Will Come, John 'Juan' Maclean has stayed quite busy remixing artists like Chairlift, Matthew Dear, The
Tough Alliance and forthcoming remixes for Yoko Ono and Stevie Nicks. He's also appeared on both the Holy Ghost! Static on the Wire! EP (shredding guitar solo!) and took front man duties on Shit Robot's 'Grim Receiver'. Juan Maclean is now gearing up for the November 7th release of Everybody Get Close on DFA Records. The digital only album features previously released outtakes and re-mastered tracks as well as remixes from some of his most talented colleagues.
Interspersed among the eleven songs are five that originally appeared on Find A Way, an EP only previously available at Juan Maclean live shows. "
Find A Way" opens the record with call-and-response vocals from Maclean and bandmate Nancy Whang atop an electronic pop base, followed by �Let�s Talk About Me� which bounds blissfully throughout. "Deviant Device" is laden with dubby percussion and echo-drenched synths reminiscent of Basic Channel. "X2" offers up wide hall of house and robotized vocals. Short and sweet track "The Robot" is filled with mechanical sounds and extraterrestrial noises. "
Feel So Good" from the DJ-Kicks compilation also features vocals from Whang and is built on a rolling loop and an indefatigable beat provided by late drummer Jerry Fuchs. Japanese bonus track �When I Am With You� leisurely moves along on a relaxing romantic groove. Album closer and title track "Everybody Get Close" has mechanical vocals and funky synth bleats that show faint traces of major influences like Zapp and S.O.S. band, respectively. Download the "Everybody Get Close" MP3 where it premiered on Pitchfork or HERE.
The three remixes included here differ wholly in character. The Holmes Price remix of �Human Disaster� radically alters the mood from that of the original, delivering a sound that immediately brings
Human League to mind - a constant reference on Juan�s album too. Jee Day�s reworking of the same song reinvents the original creaky piano ballad with disco and house undertones. Meanwhile, Cut Copy�s take on �Happy House� tones down the glee of the original with the inclusion of muscular, brawny vocals.
Juan Maclean and Nancy Whang have begun work on The Juan Maclean�s 3rd LP for DFA Records. In the meantime the digital compilation Everybody Get Close, serves as a handy compilation and welcome reminder of the music Juan Maclean has contributed to both the dance and indie community. It also can only hint at what might come next from the chameleon-like Juan Maclean.
