Run-D.M.C.: It’s Tricky 2003 (feat. Jacknife Lee)

In doing some reading on the Editors – I’m interviewing bassist Russell Leetch today in advance of the group’s Feb. 12 show in Tempe – I discovered the group’s producer, Garrett “Jacknife” Lee, remixed Run-D.M.C.’s track It’s Tricky, from the seminal Raising Hell album.

I don’t mean to disparage the art of the remix or Garrett Lee. But … but … does Run-D.M.C. really need to be overhauled for the club set? Can’t we leave perfection alone? And, yes, Raising Hell (and Tougher Than Leather, for that matter) is damn-near perfection in my mind. I don’t want to dance to Run-D.M.C.; I want to bob my head and wave my arm to them. Remix Bloc Party. Remix Interpol. Just leave Run-D.M.C. alone. And, yes, I hate the designated hitter, too.

If nothing else, the remix appears to feature a verse that’s not on the album cut. “They say I’m overrated, musicians really hate it” is the first line in the first verse, as opposed the original, “I met this little girlie, her hair was kinda curly.”

  • Run-D.M.C. | It’s Tricky 2003 (feat. Jacknife Lee)

But while I’m at it, let me just show my disgust with Urban Outfitters, that oh-so mecca of hip that has co-opted Run-D.M.C.’s image so the cool kids can feel down. Words do not describe how annoyed this makes me. What’s worse is the product description on the men’s T-shirt:

“Trust us, you be illin if you don’t cop this cotton tee with vintage Run DMC graphic at the front.”

*Waif-ish employee flips swoopy bangs.*: Get it? You Be Illin’ is the name of a Run-D.M.C. song! Oh, man. That is so clever.

Please, hipsters, stick to your skinny jeans.

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