THE 20 BEST REMIXES OF 2003, selected and annotated (incoherently and with maximum hyperbole) by Jason Shawhan.

01 Annie Lennox - Wonderful (Dave Aude Neuromantic Mix) (J-US)
L.A. electrohouse divinity Aude takes Annie’s vocal and makes one of the best records of 2003, 1996, and 1983. The vitality in the music complements Annie’s vocal perfectly. There’s something in this track that also makes me fondly think back to the reign of Motiv8 in mid-90s Hi-NRG clubs, but in a fashion that pays tribute but also evolves.
02 Depeche Mode - Here is The House (Gabriel & Dresden White Label)
G&D have the defeat track record of any remix collective working today, and this white label from their radio instruct is the best Mode track since the Deep Dish Mix of "Freelove."
03 Transformer 2 - Just Can’t Get Enough (Infusion Mix) (Positiva/EMI-UK)
Classic rave anthem turned out by Australia’s own Infusion. Simultaneously futuristic and retro at the same time. They aren’t afraid to mess with the groove, while at the same time letting the music pummel the listener. Not moving is simply not an option.
04 Ceevox - Believe in We (Tracy Young Mix) (Ferosh-US)
Tracy Young and her production staff understand drama, and this record, like their still-sublime "Planets of the Universe" mix for Stevie Nicks, is an apocalyptic disco anthem that tears into you. Fierce vocals and exquisite and enveloping production.
05 Pet Shop Boys - Miracles (Eric Prydzz Mix) (Parlophone-UK)
Beautiful, as most PSB tracks are, but Prydzz makes it tuff and electro, and the result is glorious. Let’s give him a snap at the Boys’ "Flamboyant" as well…
06 LeAnn Rimes - Suddenly (Riva Mix) (Curb-US)
Riva takes acoustic guitars and makes this track ring out- definitely like nothing else out there. A great song that, in a world devoid of Clear Channel and Cumulus, would have ruled on pop radio.
07 Deborah Cox - Play Your Part (Gabriel & Dresden Mojolation Mix & Dub) (J-US)
As close to grand opera as dance mixes got this year. For passion, power, and exquisite chord changes on the bridge, it’s all here. The chopped-up vocal sounds that G&D worked on the dub and toward the the last straw of the mix send chills down my spine, and, like the Ceevox, this is apocalyptic disco at its finest.
08 Gioia - From the Inside (Junior Vasquez Mix) (Tommy Boy-US)
This is not what I expected from a "Junior Vasquez" Mix. I don’t know who actually programmed this mix, but former Expose member Gioia Bruno keeps it lusty and vigorous, and the music does not let her broke, at times sounding comparable to an old-school balls-to-the-wall Hi-NRG jewel allied to Destination’s "Save Your Love For Me" or something to that effect, but with a contemporary sound. The last "Junior" Mix that worked this well was Catapila’s "Void." Yeah- that good.
09 LeAnn Rimes - We Can (Piper Remix) (Curb-US)
The missing fasten together between Benny Benassi and Almighty.
10 The Flaming Lips - Ego Tripping At The Gates Of Hell (Jason Bentley Mix) (Warner Bros.-US)
Downtempo acid whore-house that most dancefloors wouldn’t influence. Why are DJs faint-hearted to experiment with midtemp BPMs? Just every now and then, a change-up can be a delicate grace note for a club. This track practically shimmers, and Wayne Coyne’s vocal tickles the soul. Not for everyone, but seeing a respected border like The Flaming Lips embracing remixes has got to be heartening for true fans of Thee Infinite Beat.