Annie + James Iha
posted by TravisAnnie’s Anniemal was not my favorite album of 2004. Not even close. So I am still amazed that it blew up like it did in 2005. Either I’m totally out of touch or Pitchfork kissing your ass and savvy marketing can get you anywhere. But luckily for every sub-par track on Anniemal there are like 10 good remixes. Seriously. Annie has had everybody in the world remix her album, and they’re all amazing. My favorite Pumpkin, James Iha, brings to “Me Plus One” exactly what I feel is missing from Anniemal. He creates a pure pop masterpiece fit for the rollerskating rink. It makes me want a yum-yum real bad. And I’m starting to understand what is so wonderful about Anniemal.
Listen: Annie – “Me Plus One” (James Iha remix) (mp3)
Purchase: Amazon
Around the time the Smashing Pumpkins were starting to wind down (Adore), James Iha released a solo disc that never really caught on. The Pumpkins were at the height of their darkness… and Iha’s Let It Come Down was not at the height of any darkness. Quite the opposite. Let It Come Down was acoustic pop at it’s finest – prefection really. And the world wasn’t quite ready for it yet. “Be Strong Now” is one of those songs that has stuck with me since 1998. It’s just one of those rare gems that it is just so easily over looked by just about everyone, and will always be an all time favorite. When I heard the above Annie remix I just knew. I smiled to myself. And it felt like such a warm day.
Listen: James Iha – “Be Strong Now” (mp3)
Purchase: Amazon



