Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" has hauntingly beautiful and truthful lyrics. The indie track's vocals speak of a relationship that not only has gone wrong but the tendency that the other half becomes so distant that they are next to nothing anymore - merely a memory that no longer exists. It is the perfect anthem for that stage of clarity and near acceptance that someone who was there, well...just isn't. The lyrics provide comfort for those who are okay with an end but acknowledge the cowardice of the other and brings that unique mixture of realization and disappointment. Not to mention Kimbra's backing vocals are perfect and may bring you to your feet, over exaggeratedly mouthing along with the words or perhaps belting them out.
AnnaLove, DJ and producer based in Austin, Texas came out with a remix that holds a different sound but still manages to translate similarly. She captured the emotions and brings them out in more intense colors through familiar sounds. By using trap drums, high-pitched synths found in hip-hop tracks slightly reminiscent to Lex Luger's signature tag, and a sound effect that reminds me of Flux Pavillion's remix of Jamiroquai's "Blue Skies", the track transforms into a clearly rap-influenced piece.
It's well-crafted and has an interesting sound. No wonder I fell in love with it the moment I heard it; not only does it keep the powerful lyrics intact but also has this newly established hood evocation that I'm more then often getting down to. Enjoy.
Here's the original and the official music video.
