Alligator
Tegan & Sara
This is a single that could only exist in the digital age. Containing a total of 17 mixes, the packaging and repackaging of “Alligator” easily sets a record for sheer volume of mixes, while managing to contain not an ounce of crap. Ranging from short, poppy ‘80s mixes to full-on eight-minute peak-hour club mixes, the possibility for reinterpretation seems endless — due in no small way to the track’s simplicity in its album version. Originally based on simple percussion and minimal piano plunking with bare vocals insisting uncomplicated lyrics, “Alligator” plays like the raw elements provided to remix producers, and was begging to be played with. Highlights include a stellar New Wave synth mix by Passion Pit, a bright and twinkling mix by Four Tet, a progressive house mix by Morgan Page, an ambient-over-electro mix by Kevin St. Croix, and a gorgeous after-hours mix by Bill Hamel. Who knew a mere two-and-a-half minute song could be pushed in so many directions?
