September, 2005

Publication title: HX Magazine, vol. -, Iss. -, pg. –
Place: Unknown
Writer: Gregg Shapiro

Re-Work It

Sarah McLachlan’s catalogue proves fertile ground for a new remix album.

Bloom is just the right name for Sarah McLachlan’s second remix disc. Ten songs have been remixed-and replanted, if you will-allowing them to blossom in unexpected directions. The best offerings, “World On Fire” (remixed by Junkie XL), “Train Wreck” (remixed by Sly & Robbie) and “Answer” (remixed by Talvin Singh) not only inspire listeners to dance but also let them hear an old track in a new way. McLachlan pulled herself away from entertaining a house full of people at the beach to answer a few questions.

An entire remix album almost guarantees an artist some attention from the gay community. Are you prepared to assume your role as a dance diva?
Hey, that sounds good to me! [Laughs.] Absolutely, I’m game.

The songs on “Bloom” date all the way back to “Vox”, which is from your 1989 album, “Touch”. How does it feel to hear that Sarah McLachlan oldie reimagined for the 21st century?
I was quite hesitant to have “Vox” redone because it was so old. I don’t feel a lot of emotional attachment to it anymore. As it turns out, I like it. I still cringe a bit at the vocal, quite frankly. But it’s interesting.

Did emotional attachment play a part in allowing songs to be remixed?
To a certain degree, I had to let go of that. We picked songs that would lend themselves to being remixed [and] to particular producers and remixers. Honestly, I deferred to [producer] George Maniatis, who spearheaded the entire project. He knows this kind of music and chose the pairings. Like “Answer” with Talvin Singh – that’s my favourite one. It’s so trippy and weird.

Six of the “Bloom” songs are from 2003’s “Afterglow”. Why?
To a certain degree, it was picking songs that would also stay current. Every album I make, I always wish that I could write a fast songs that people could dance to. [Laughs.] They can barely sway to most songs, in the end. Part of the reason that I enjoy doing these [remix] records is that I finally get to be a part of creating something that people can dance to.

Finally, is there any chance we might bump into you at a club, perhaps dancing to one of your own songs?
You know what? If it was my song, I’d probably go get a drink. It’s one of those embarrassing moments. So often I’ll go into a clothing store and I’ll hear one of my songs and I’ll just leave because it’s a bit weird.

That’s true humility.
Or something!