Xiu Xiu are no strangers to controversy or bold statements. ‘I Luv Abortion’ is typically Xiu Xiu in its brashness, tackling a difficult subject with brutal honesty. It’s definitely not what you’d call single material…so it probably shouldn’t surprise the seasoned Xiu Xiu listener that they’re releasing it as such. Available on cassette, 7 inch and digital – and released by Bad Paintings - it features a remix of ‘I Luv Abortion’ by Greg Saunier of Deerhoof and a Kid 606 remix of ‘Joey’s Song’; both originally tracks from Xiu Xiu’s remarkable latest album Always.
Saunier makes no attempts to censor the simple yet shocking lyrics; instead Stewart’s words are brought to the forefront of a relentless wave of reverberating fuzz. The brutal rawness gives the strangely touching understanding of the necessity of such an act, even more effect. But it’s the b-side re-working of ‘Joey’s Song’ that really shines; transformed into an ecstatically dark New Order-esque anthem that breaks halfway through, creating a truly Xiu Xiu atmosphere of total joy in the face of suffering. Xiu Xiu often draw upon the darker side of humanity to create something beautiful, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the contrast of this shimmering, jubilant masterpiece with the echoing howling and fierce honesty of the first track.
Listen to both remixes here;
Words by Mel Reeve