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Back in 2003, two Frenchmen named Gaspard Auge and Xavier se Rosnay exploded onto the electronica scene with a remix of a song called “Never Be Alone.” The duo, who are now known around the world as Justice, have since released an award-winning album, simply titled as a symbol of a cross – “+” – alternately called “Cross.” However, Justice’s discography goes much deeper if one is willing to dig. Over the years the band has remixed a slew of songs – including some of their own material – had many of their songs remixed by other artists and released a live album/documentary about their U.S. tour. For many fans, Justice’s one studio album is not nearly enough to satiate their appetite. Here are a few songs that should not be missing from any Justice catalog.
1. Soulwax – “NY Excuse (Justice Remix)”
Soulwax are another well respected techno duo, and Justice completely revitalizes this song with their interpretation. This is one of Justice’s strongest, most painfully in-your-face songs, and for that reason it is at the top of the list. The vocals are mostly samples taken from the original song of a couple arguing loudly. This sounds like it would make for a horrible song, but the message is poignant if one pays attention, and the beat is relentlessly awesome.
2. MGMT – “Electric Feel (Justice Remix)”
This remix is a pretty popular one, so you may have already heard it, which just speaks to its quality. MGMT were one of this past year’s biggest bands, as no one could resist the electro-rock masterwork of those curly-haired dudes. The strengths of MGMT’s version are amplified and “Justice-ified” to create a unique musical experience. The instrumental work is classic Justice and the vocals are classic MGMT; a perfect combination.
3. Justice – “D.A.N.C.E. (MSTRKRFT Remix)”
Justice’s ode to Michael Jackson, which features a youth chorus, is one of the most remarkable tracks on “+”. It gets boring after a few too many listens, though. Luckily, they released an EP full of different versions of the song. One version has Mos Def rapping over it, one is a recording of the rehearsal with the chorus and there are also a couple live versions. The best remix of the song on the EP is done by MSTRKRFT. Sharing a similar musical style with Justice, this electro-duo added a more synth-laden instrumental groundwork and turned up the danceability.
4. Kanye West feat. Lupe Fiasco – “Electric Touch (Steve1der & Mighty Mi Remix)”
This song is a gem from a Kanye West remix tape. It is a mash-up of Kanye’s “Touch the Sky” and the Justice remix of “Electric Feel” by MGMT. The song embodies something bigger than Kanye, MGMT or Justice, and stands alone as a great composition. The combination of electronica and hip-hop is always an interesting one, and here it is done to perfection. It is especially fascenating because West is a big fan of Justice, despite his display at the 2006 at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
5. Justice – “Final”
This is the last track on their live CD, “A Cross the Universe,” and is essentially just an intensely fast version of Metallica’s “Master of Puppets,” mashed with their song “The Party.” While an incredibly short song, just hearing the crowd erupt when the heavy guitar riff starts blaring makes the track. The CD-DVD combo album also includes the hour-long documentary on their U.S. tour. It is one of the most absurd viewing experiences ever and proves that the true rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle still exists. For any Justice fan, “A Cross the Universe” is essential.
