On June 24 Shawn McDonald will release Roots Remixed, an EP with remixes of six songs from his March releases, Roots.
Roots is a truly fantastic album, creative and fresh, both lyrically and musically. The songs are funky, cool, different. I’m not sure that any of them needed remixing. They’re already great just like they are.
The remixed tunes aren’t necessarily acoustic or stripped down versions of the originals. They’re just different interpretations of the same song. The remix of “Shadowlands,” for example, has a different, almost haunting sound to it. It’s nice, but the original is bluesy and funky and much better.

It is interesting to see what McDonald did with a second chance at the songs and they’re all great. But overall, the original album stands above the remix EP. Plus, the original the album includes six more songs, which are all fantastic, especially “Clarity,” which isn’t on the EP. Tust me, you’ll want the entire album.
Then again, you can never have enough of a good thing. If you’re into seeing how an artist can give a different spin on his own material, check them both out. But if you can only pick one, get the original album.
Roots is in stores now. Roots Remixed will be released via digital outlets beginning June 24. Visit Shawn McDonald online.