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Dido - Sand in My Shoes Audio CD

A fair review of the Dido "Sand in My Shoes" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Dido reviews here, or go back to the Dido tabs.

Dido Band: Dido
Title: Sand in My Shoes
Rating:
Release Date: 2004-10-12
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Radio Edit 2: Dab Hands Re Touch Mix 3: Dab Hands Balearic Injection Mix 4: Beginerz Vocal Mix 5: Steve Lawler's We Love Ibiza Mix

Warm and Inviting
As other reviewers have already stated, it truly captures the essence of summer, with sunny sparkling electronic pianos and a jazzy drumbeat. This is the most uplifting and optimistic song of Dido's career. The instrumental and vocal balance here is near perfection, as Dido sings her lyrics with speed and intensity: it's as if too many thoughts are running through her head, and she can't possibly get them all out at once. There's a feeling of loss in this song, but it's full of hope. After Dido has spent several weeks with someone special, she desperately wants to see them again.

Album Version: Opening with soft chord echoes, faint sounds of waves, a gentle siren and beautifully played guitar arpeggios, the tone for the song is set within the first twenty seconds. As the chorus begins, the lazy-day bass and catchy drumbeat join in, adding attitude to Dido's persistent vocals. During the bridge, the bass is greatly amplified and a tropically flavored hand drum loop adds a new twist. This is perfect for a drive on the beach! It makes you think of the smell of sunscreen and tan skin. 5/5

Dab Hands Baleria Injection Mix: Catchy clapping and a very infectious bassline open this remix. While it's very repetitive, I enjoyed this version for several reasons. One, the new acoustic guitar loops are filled with a latin flavor, and two, the beat is stronger, making this a perfect gentle dance number. The syncopated piano is simply gorgeous and I also loved Dido's subtly warped and edited vocals. 5/5

Beginerz Vocal Mix: This is much more of a dance mix than the previous version. The beat is stronger, and the original vocals are manipulated even more. Taking instrumental elements from the bridge portion of the original album version, the bassline slides all over the place, as the latin percussion effortlessly keeps the intensity high. The real treat is the middle portion of the song, where the chord changes begin to take place, and more synth sounds are added. 5/5

Steve Lawler We Love Ibiza Mix: This remix takes a bit longer to get started, and is the longest of the remixes on the single. Another mix tinged with club-worthy percussion, wind sweeps, and an aggressive bass synthesizer, it also includes the gentle electronic echo heard in the album version. This mix moves from relaxing (especially the second verse, where the beat completely disappears and the original acoustic guitars and chord progressions softly take over), to danceable and exciting. Effectively combining elements of the original version with new and intense sounds, this remix is put together very well. 6/5

Rollo & Mark Bates Remix: This mix is very electronic with layers and layers of percussion effects and morphed sounds. It has its own charm and futuristic quality. The strong echoing effects here make me think of outer space. Dido's vocals are edited and pieced together carefully to create even more drama and obsession. Despite the repetition here, I absolutely love this remix and it is my personal favorite. The middle portion of this mix has some fabulous chord progressions and creates this great feeling of falling. I can't help but think of someone running with a purpose when I hear this, and there are sounds which make you feel as though you're underwater. This mix has so many different elements of sound in it, I can't elaborate on them all! 6/5

Rarely does a remix single have mixes that flow together so well. In this case, every version of the song has new and exciting sounds and effects, while still blending together seamlessly. More often than not, I find myself becoming bored with a song after hearing so many different versions of it. With 'Sand In My Shoes', I just wanted to hear it more and more with every remix.

I highly recommend Dido's second album 'Life For Rent', which includes 'Sand In My Shoes' and many other songs of love and hope. Don't forget about her groundbreaking debut either, titled 'No Angel'.

.


Best summer song...
Dido's sweet voice just reminds you of the sun. This song is perfect for the summer.


You can see a complete list of all Dido discography, or go back to the Dido tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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