8. Daft Punk - Harder Better Faster Stronger (The Neptunes Remix)

Daft Punk! Nep-tunes!

OK, let’s start this 8-track Neptunes countdown off with a joint that’s not even originally a Neptunes song but rather a remix of a futuristic and now quite infamous (thanks Yeez) composition from 2001’s Discovery by those 2 french house DJs in space suits: Bangalter and Homem-Christo better known on this side of the universe as Daft Punk.

This remix was birthed as part of the enjoyable but altogether hit-or-miss Daft Club compilation from 2003. But more importantly, you have 2, count ‘em, TWO super producer dynamic duos forming like Voltron to create this elaborate but ultimately polished, next sh!t musical vision. And with a stacked team like that, the finished product better deliver the goods. And deliver the goods it does (in a post-modern humidor set at 70% humidity).

Not a lot of changes were made by the ‘Tunes to differentiate this remix from the original. Basically, the tempo was sped up, vocals by Pharrell were inserted as an almost pseudo-hook/verse. I also hear some noises that sound similar to when a rope or plastic tube is whipped around in the air. And there are some pronounced synthy background harp-like vocals (that description sucks, but at least I understand what I mean). Also, I love the work at the beginning with the keys (move over, Alicia!). Plus the remix is extended at over 5 minutes long but never feels like it over stays its welcome. Actually, now that I’ve written all of that gibberish, there was a lot of skilled sound layering done here (I’m probably missing at least 3 other elements). Yet the spirit of the original is still hidden in there. And if Daft Punk’s Harder Better Faster Stronger can be looked at as an enjoying-a-coke-in-the-afternoon-under-the-sun kinda track, the Neptunes remix is easily on some prime-time clubbing, night rhythms type vibe.

Yes, this is a late night club track to the max. Like when you’re zoning out already after your 7th (or was it 9th?) shot of whatever the fcuk. And you’re chilling on the VIP-like leather couches, trying hard not to fall over on the person next to you (because, of course, you’d want to do it with grace and aplomb). With neon lights galore shining bright and sexy bodies grindin’ as one, everywhere the drunken eye can see. At least that’s what I envision when listening to this song for probably the hundredth time now.

The percussion isn’t so pronounced in this single as it usually is in a Neptunes track. More like sprinkled syncopated subtleties here and there (and I’ve just completed my alliteration quota for the day). I guess P and Chad focused more on capturing the electronic instrumentation of the original track rather then bog it down with any thunderous bass (although it still knocks, don’t get me wrong). And the synths? They’re present like they always are, keeping things tight and under control (but nicely hot under the collar).

So don’t get caught up in the Hatrix. Just play the sh!t out of this track as it never gets old or dated. And if you’ve never heard it before, it is my preferred version of the 3 HBFS tracks (which, in order from greatest to great IMO, includes the 2K3 Neps remix, the turn-of-the-millenium Daft original and the 2007 smash hit care of Mr. West). A timeless Daft Punk invention filtered through underwater Neptunian heat rocks? Mmmm…it DOES go well with the summer.

Daft Punk! Nep-tunes!

Daft Punk - Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 08 Womenswear Mix

My Last.fm Top Track for the week ending 11 Nov 2007