This mix doesn’t differ very drastically from the original, but RAC tones it down by adding a catchy upbeat guitar and bass. It’s interesting to hear layers manipulated and moved to different parts of the song. You’ll notice the elements of the initial 5 seconds were moved from the background of the first verse of the original. I’ve been a fan of RAC (Remix Artist Collective) for a few years, and have vivid memories of riding my bike around campus jamming to their remix of “Carrie” by SPEAK and “Boy” by Ra Ra Riot. Coincidentally these are two of the first bands I’ve seen live. Luckily I went to a college (Hook ’em Horns) in a city that prides itself on being the “Music Capital of the World”. It turned me onto music in the best possible way. I suddenly had access to countless concerts, from $5 backyard shows, to huge music fests like Austin City Limits; I was in music heaven. My eyes were opened to the wonderful world of live music- music in its natural state.
After listening to this song a few times, it was stuck. Not the whole song though.. just one line: “I wanna get better!” I even found myself singing it aloud as I was waiting for the elevator at the end of the work day. It was somewhat uncontrollable, and only after the words left my mouth did I realize my actions. Catchy! But it also made me think.. What makes us better? How long can we stay stagnant before realizing it’s time for change? I grew up with a childhood of constant change. We moved around a lot, so I had to get used to being uprooted. Now that i’m independent, and in a stable environment, it’s on me to motivate myself to change, to get better, and evolve as a human being. Learning about other cultures is valuable to me, and it’s one way I’m getting better at living in this crazily diverse world. What motivates you to get better?
Bleachers is made up of the lead guitarist from Fun., and you’ll recognize those prevalent happy beats. “I Wanna Get Better” should be perfect for summer road trips, you singing loudly with your best friends…or not. In which case you can blast this through your headphones and drown out your fellow passengers. RAC does a great job of turning any track into a danceable jam you’re bouncing on your heels along to.