Song of the Day - It’s Only (DJ Koze Remix) by Matthew Herbert

There are very few tracks that I would call an instant classic immediately after hearing it, but immediately after hearing it for the first time in 2013 I knew this was something incredibly special. Matthew Herbert has made a career out of difficult work (most notably a project that was made entirely out of noise from the life and death of a pig), but in remixing 2001’s It’s Only, it is DJ Koze who strikes gold creating one of the most memorable dance records of the decade in my eyes.

DJ Koze normally shoots for a bit of a playful vibe with quirks and production subtlety that has become his trademark sound. Here though, the quirks are played serious with the sleepless distant vocals from Dani Scilliano drifting across a wall of bass that adds to the drama. It’s one part deep anthem and another part heart wrenchingly sad. Over all thought, it’s distinct and a true classic in the Pampa catalogue.