These remixes by Kevin Shields are in the approximate order they were released, which doesn’t necessarily correspond to the date they were created. ​ His  remixes have various labels: ‘remixed by Kevin Shields,’ ‘remixed by My Bloody Valentine,’ ‘Kevin Shields Mix,’ ‘My Bloody Valentine Mix,’ or ‘MBV mix,’ but they all mean the same thing: Shields did the remix, and his one rule seems to be that he will only work with what he is given. He won't create any new parts by playing them with a guitar or keyboard or any other instrument. He has in at least a few instances found some parts that were recorded, but discarded by the artist by turning the fader down. He allows himself to use anything he finds, and put it through any kind of processor, sometimes so as to make it unrecognizable. Additionally, it seems he sets a deadline by which time he will have to stop. These limitation seem logical. Imagine what might happen if he allowed himself to write new parts, along with unlimited time. Where would it all end? 

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Even if you’ve never heard of a particular band, most all of these remixes have something of interest. Often I've found the original mix particularly safe and/or boring. Shields manages to transforms it into something compelling, despite the limitations he puts on himself.

 

Whenever possible I try and buy the remix on vinyl; some of the best are available as 12-inch records with only the remix taking up a whole side. If nothing else do yourself a favor and get his original remix of 'If They Move, Kill 'Em' on vinyl. The first iteration which was a  promotional item - before adding the MBV Arkestra moniker. It's yours for the taking at £5 plus shipping if you're in the UK.