"Hip-hop remix" isn't the first thing that springs to my mind when listening to the music of Sufjan Stevens.  That's what separates me from New York City duo the Metermaids, who decided to mash Stevens' critically acclaimed Illnoise album with beats and acapellas from their own debut, Nightlife. The result is slightly disorienting, but a totally new way to listen to both albums. The folk of Stevens has a little bit more bite with a beat behind it, and the Metermaids' work on mixing the very different source material reveals a deft hand with regard to production. The best part, however, is that Nightlife in Illnoise can be yours for the very low price of...nothing. Click here for a free download of the whole EP. 

In addition to the free music, the Metermaids are also hosting a remix contest giving fans the chance to do their own mash-up of the Metermaids song "Nightlife." Contestants will be able to access the vocals, bass, and drums from the original track and use a handy (and free) Remix Wizard widget to rethink the song. The winning entry will receive a free copy of Reason 4 by Propellerhead Software, the track offered as a free download on iTunes, and a featured spot on the Metermaids' MySpace. To enter the contest, go to MixMatchMusic and search for Metermaids or check out the band's MySpace page.