iPhone 4S, a popular phone with a Marimba ringtone. Photo courtesy of Apple

Hive Five: Our daily listicle of musical musings

Yesterday, we brought you five Zooey iPhone commerical parodies. Today, we’re focused on the most ubiquitous aspect of the device: the Marimba ringtone. The two-second sequence of notes has quickly become part of the pop lexicon – which also means that it’s ripe for sampling. Here are five songs and remixes from enterprising, Soundcloud-based recording artists that utilize the iPhone’s inescapable ringtone to catchy effect.

1. Lazerdisk Party Sex, “Tigerblood”

Slowing down the Marimba doesn’t make it any less identifiable, and the looped beginning of Lazerdisk Party Sex’s Charlie Sheen tribute — which also features samples from the actor’s unhinged interviews — captures the zeitgeist of Spring 2011 perfectly.

2. Slimjoe le Gourou, “iPhone Marimba Ringtone Lil’ Jon Remix”

Two of the most distinctive sounds in contemporary culture are the Marimba ringtone and Lil’ Jon’s “Hey!” Slimjoe le Gourou is a genius for bringing them together.

3. Nicki Idol, “Marimba-ba-ba!!”

The Marimba-based song isn’t exclusively the province of aspiring hip-hop beatmakers and dubstep-nfluenced DJs. Nicki Idol’s take on the form uses guitars to memorable effect.

4. Guy Burnham, “iPhone Ringtone Remix LOL”

Built on the Marimba, and full of sound effects ranging from a crashing gong to the unforgettable Wookie roar of Chewbacca, Guy Burnham’s take on the ringtone remix doesn’t take itself seriously (the LOL should be your first clue), but it’s still catchy.

5. Mew Roberto, “Marimba Ringtone Remix”

Perhaps the most complex Marimba remix, Mew Roberto’s contribution to the artform zigs and zags in unexpected directions before fizzling out in a fit of what appears to be boredom. Which is appropriate, too, probably.