Mash-ups can either fall terribly flat or rise above the original tracks. Sometimes the song won't be changed enough, or the best elements of a song will be lost in the fray. Sometimes those five minutes of production marry the two artists together so well that it begs for future collaborations. However, the work it takes to break apart a song for its unique pieces and carefully place it back together can be monstrous. I've wondered how one would even begin such a process, much how one would look at an engine and try to understand its parts.
Aussie technologist Cameron Adams wants to help you understand that process. Using a 7-minute mash-up of songs from Daft Punk's discography, Adams used the latest in web design and development to create the Anatomy of a Mashup: Definitive Daft Punk. Once you click that link you'll be transported to a relatively blank slate, where through colors and simple graphs, Adams explains how each of 23 parts fits into the track. It's mesmerizing to watch and incredibly easy to follow. Per Adams' explanation, he would probably make the video into smell- and taste-o-vision if he could! For now, enjoy the pretty colors.
(via HB)