Minus the Bear

Minus the Bear are here to make you dance. Not only did they release the incredibly infectious Menos el Oso to the world in 2005, but they just had to have it remixed to ensure that the dance party never stops. Fans won’t be complaining, though, because the remix not only makes the songs even more danceable, but also adds new life to an already amazing album.

Minus the Bear, which includes ex-members of bands such as Botch, Kill Sadie and Sharks Keep Moving, are best known for their brand of danceable guitar-driven indie rock. They are also known for their often hilarious song titles that were the staple of their first few albums. They strayed away from the amusing song titles for Menos el Oso though, so that people would focus more on their music, and not their sense of humor.

“We hoped people would talk about our music, but everyone focused on our fucking song titles,” said drummer Erin Tate.

It is hard not to focus on them though, especially with song titles such as “Thanks for the Killer Game of Crisco Twister,” and “Get Me Naked 2: Electric Boogaloo.”

The band — comprised of guitarist Dave Knudson, bassist Cory Murchy, vocalist Jake Snider, drummer Erin Tate and Alex Rose on synthesizers – has always wanted to have one of their records remixed, and according to Tate, Menos el Oso was the record that, “seemed to make the most sense to remix.”

Interpretaciones del Oso, released on Februrary 20, features a different musician remixing each one of Oso’s already catchy tracks.

“It’s something that we have always wanted to do; we are all huge fans of electronic music and hip-hop,” said Tate. “The idea of having someone take a song that you did and having them put their own spin or twist on it has also appealed to us.”

The decision of who got to remix each of the tracks was up to the band, but a few of their choices fell through because of financial and scheduling difficulties.

“We kind of picked. A few of our friends who are musicians volunteered, so we were really happy to have them do it,” said Tate. “They were all people who we really respect what they do, and we enjoy personally what they do.”

Since the release of Interpretaciones, the idea of remixing their old albums has resurfaced, but for those of you hoping to rock out to some remixed versions of Highly Refined Pirates, keep hoping, because it ‘s not going to be happening any time soon.

“We have kind of talked about remixing our older records, but those are in the past,” said Tate.

This does not mean that their future records will not be remixed, though. Their new record, Planet of Ice, scheduled for an August 21 release, may have a chance to be remade just as Oso was. The idea that their songs could be remixed in the future has not changed the normal songwriting routine for the band, though.

“The writing process is different for each record. Oso was about what people were going through in their personal lives,” said Tate. “We don’t really write songs with the idea that they will be remixed in mind. That is just an added bonus.”

Don’t miss Minus The Bear with Chin Up Chin Up and Honorary Title at the Highdive this Sunday, May 13. Doors are open at 8 p.m. for the 9 p.m. show, and tickets are $14 in advance.

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