While I could not stand the original version of this song, I think I could get used to the improved version.
Edit:
Thanks to the wonderful Misa Akane for finding this for me, sorry for forgetting this.
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Zemfira
For my Russian readers, the name Zemfira is a most likely a name with which they are quite familiar with. For those who are not so lucky, I shall have to rectify this.
Zemfira and her band have been together since 1998 where their talent was immediately noticed and their popularity quickly grew. After being picked up by a label out of Moscow who pushed to have their music and videos played everywhere possible, the band soon saw found a loyal following right from the start. For those who have listened to them, it is not hard to see why.
Most bands, when you listen to them, it is often not hard to pick out just when they made their music. Since no one makes music in a vacuum, influences of the times seep into the music. But every so often you can come across a group who stands out as being more than a decade. Instead they take what they like no matter when or where it may have come from, fusing together styles and eras. Zemfira not only does this, but is a master of it. Zemfira's main musical passion is rock and has been since her brother introduced it to her. While other styles abound within her music, her rock influences are always there in some way or another. Now this isn't the modern rock sound that is far too often forgettable. But ranges from easily discernible influences such as The Beatles and Black Sabbath amongst many others to more localized rock bands to whatever interests her at the moment. Each song is different yet there is a feel that is distinctly Zemfira to each one.
I encountered her music by chance, I had never heard of her but the potential for a new discovery is always worth the listen. I have a love of music in various languages as it is, so her singing in her native Russian only enhanced the sound for me. The variety and musical talent of her and her band is what hooked me. I was able to track down a copy of her album Spasibo (Thank You) from 2007. This album is still one of my favorites. It ranges from energetic and fun to emotional and moving and just about everywhere else. There seems to be little Zemfira cannot invoke.
But I could wax on eternal and you would still have little knowledge of Zemfira's sound. So I have tracked down a few songs via youtube. All songs are from the album Spasibo as I am best able to chose from those that I have (and because attempting to track down videos whose text is either in Romanized Russian or, even harder, in Cyrillic type is difficult if you don't know you are looking for).
First is V Metro. This was the first song I heard by Zemfira and I immediately loved the feel. The influences are across the board here so it would just be best to listen.
I wanted to include an embedded copy of Voskresen'e, but the only version I could find that wasn't a low quality live version has disallowed embedding. So you will have to follow the link to hear it, which I advice you do, unless you don't want to hear what brings to mind a Russian, female fronted version of late era Beatles.
And finally, a proper video. This is the original music video for the song My Razbivaemsya. It can be described, simply, as beautiful. Piano and strings get me every time.
Zemfira and her band have been together since 1998 where their talent was immediately noticed and their popularity quickly grew. After being picked up by a label out of Moscow who pushed to have their music and videos played everywhere possible, the band soon saw found a loyal following right from the start. For those who have listened to them, it is not hard to see why.
Most bands, when you listen to them, it is often not hard to pick out just when they made their music. Since no one makes music in a vacuum, influences of the times seep into the music. But every so often you can come across a group who stands out as being more than a decade. Instead they take what they like no matter when or where it may have come from, fusing together styles and eras. Zemfira not only does this, but is a master of it. Zemfira's main musical passion is rock and has been since her brother introduced it to her. While other styles abound within her music, her rock influences are always there in some way or another. Now this isn't the modern rock sound that is far too often forgettable. But ranges from easily discernible influences such as The Beatles and Black Sabbath amongst many others to more localized rock bands to whatever interests her at the moment. Each song is different yet there is a feel that is distinctly Zemfira to each one.
I encountered her music by chance, I had never heard of her but the potential for a new discovery is always worth the listen. I have a love of music in various languages as it is, so her singing in her native Russian only enhanced the sound for me. The variety and musical talent of her and her band is what hooked me. I was able to track down a copy of her album Spasibo (Thank You) from 2007. This album is still one of my favorites. It ranges from energetic and fun to emotional and moving and just about everywhere else. There seems to be little Zemfira cannot invoke.
But I could wax on eternal and you would still have little knowledge of Zemfira's sound. So I have tracked down a few songs via youtube. All songs are from the album Spasibo as I am best able to chose from those that I have (and because attempting to track down videos whose text is either in Romanized Russian or, even harder, in Cyrillic type is difficult if you don't know you are looking for).
First is V Metro. This was the first song I heard by Zemfira and I immediately loved the feel. The influences are across the board here so it would just be best to listen.
I wanted to include an embedded copy of Voskresen'e, but the only version I could find that wasn't a low quality live version has disallowed embedding. So you will have to follow the link to hear it, which I advice you do, unless you don't want to hear what brings to mind a Russian, female fronted version of late era Beatles.
And finally, a proper video. This is the original music video for the song My Razbivaemsya. It can be described, simply, as beautiful. Piano and strings get me every time.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Molly Zenobia - Porcelain & Mermaids
Molly Zenobia is a genius. I stumbled upon her music by chance and got lost both in her music and her voice. While her albums have a cohesive feel to them, the individual songs are anything but identical. They each have a sound, an emotion and often a story of their own. When listening to her music it is easy to just forget what you are doing and get lost in the beauty of it all. Some tracks can hardly be made through without tears at the lyrics, Molly Zenobia's voice and her piano work. Other times you find yourself feeling a fire welling up within you that is driven by the chords of the music. Picking a single song to display by this amazing artist was impossible so I have included two from her album Wind Chains.
First we have Porcelain, this is one of my favorites and no matter how many times I listen to it I can hardly control the emotions it brings forth. There is an overwhelming sense of sadness in this song, yet it won't leave you depressed. It brings forth images of a fragile person who can hardly deal herself. Someone who wants an escape, yet at the same time wants nothing more than to have someone there with her as she flees, to have someone who knows her fear and wants her to stay despite everything.
Next is Mermaids. This song invokes the very kind of imagery as the name suggests. There are no lyrics, just Molly Zenobia's haunting voice sounding both powerful and distant. This one is much harder to describe without actually hearing it as it is entirely about the images it spurs in the listeners mind. It has a feel of being alone, lost in some watery world with only the occasional creature floating past to keep you company.
First we have Porcelain, this is one of my favorites and no matter how many times I listen to it I can hardly control the emotions it brings forth. There is an overwhelming sense of sadness in this song, yet it won't leave you depressed. It brings forth images of a fragile person who can hardly deal herself. Someone who wants an escape, yet at the same time wants nothing more than to have someone there with her as she flees, to have someone who knows her fear and wants her to stay despite everything.
Next is Mermaids. This song invokes the very kind of imagery as the name suggests. There are no lyrics, just Molly Zenobia's haunting voice sounding both powerful and distant. This one is much harder to describe without actually hearing it as it is entirely about the images it spurs in the listeners mind. It has a feel of being alone, lost in some watery world with only the occasional creature floating past to keep you company.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Liquefaction - Emerge
A few years ago I stumbled upon the group Liquefaction. Formed and produced entirely by the immensely talented Kindel, her project quickly became a personal favorite of mine. Unfortunately it does not seem as if Liquefaction still exists, but I can have my hopes. She had stated that one of her biggest influences had been Pink Floyd and it is quite easy to tell in her music.
Information has always been scarce about this project which I find to be a shame as there is real talent here. On the album this came from (also entitled Emerge), she did a wonderful cover of Blue Oyster Cult's Don't Fear The Reaper. I was not able to find a video of the song, but perhaps I can have one made. But until then, enjoy Emerge:
Information has always been scarce about this project which I find to be a shame as there is real talent here. On the album this came from (also entitled Emerge), she did a wonderful cover of Blue Oyster Cult's Don't Fear The Reaper. I was not able to find a video of the song, but perhaps I can have one made. But until then, enjoy Emerge:
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Project Pitchfork - Timekiller
Timekiller has been one of my favorite songs for years. It was released on Project Pitchfork's 2001 album Daimonion. The lyrics for this song have often been stuck in my head for longer then should be healthy, yet I tend not to mind in the least. For those who are curious as to the source of the band's name, they got it by picking two words out of a dictionary at random.
The video fits the song perfectly. With Peter Spilles playing the part of a writer who, through obsession, begins to lose his mind. There have been many times that I have been able to relate to his character. Unknown amounts of time passing as I feel just driven to write. Realizing how much time has slipped by only when that damn day star alerts me to the fact that I should have attempted sleep hours ago.
Sometimes the writing seems to just sap the sanity out, yet I don't mind. As this slightly crazed state seems to increase my ability to create. Getting caught up and lost in the words, yet never losing their meaning. Whatever sanity I might lose goes right into each paragraph.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The Divine Madness
The Divine Madness is a band I don't believe has the capacity to make a bad song. I came across them when they released their first album, Secrets, which was actually a two disk album. Now, far to often when a two disk album is released, the second disk is filler (or a remix album). However that was not the case with Secrets, both disks are full albums that feel distinct, yet connected. The first being Paradiso, the second being Inferno.
Their names for the disks of Secrets were selected perfectly. Paradiso has a much more melodic sound with a kind of hidden hope. The lyrics have an almost fallen feel to them. As if sang by someone who has dreamed of the world only to discover that reality often has other things in store. This hidden hope can be overlooked as simply sad lyrics, but that is not always the case. It is a hope that is simply tempered, yet is often shinning just behind the surface. It very much has the feel of an innocent awakening to the world. The song Haunted (one of my personal favorites) beautifully demonstrates this sense of hidden hope. Many I have shown this track to seem to think it is a depressing track, but if you really listen, you will find it to be anything but. There is no certain future, so we must never forget to cherish what we have now. To not put off for later when that later is never guaranteed.
If Inferno was from the standpoint of an innocent beginning to see the realities of the world, then Inferno is about that same indidvual years later after coming to terms with the world. Instead of wondering if all she knows is all there will be in life, she discovers passion in another. The emotion is from a much more developed view point. The naivety is replaced with a self certainty as well as getting lost in the rapture existence and love can offer.
In 2008 they released their second album Neverworld. This album, while still excellent, does not have the same flowing feel as Secrets. It is much more a 'traditional' album compared to their previous release which felt much more like an individual artistic venture. This is not to say Neverworld comes up lacking, far from it. Instead it shows a more diversified sound to it. When the album was being made, Victoria Maze stated that she wanted it to show the other members various talents as she felt that they were not as readily displayed in the first album. In a way, she is right. She is very much the center of attention in Secrets with the rest of the band working in such tight unison that the individual skills are overshadowed by the skill of the whole. While this is certainly a strength, it also can limit the musical direction. But with Neverworld, the individual strengths of every member is seen throughout the album while still showing a cohesive unity that is far too rare today.
The Divine Madness was founded by Victoria Maze who is also the singer and songwriter for the group. Spok handles the bands mixing and programming, Julian Primeaux is on guitar, Taylor Guarisco on bass, Will Henderson on keyboards, and finally Danny Devillier on drums.
But as always, words can only describe music so well. To truly appreciate it, one must hear it. To start off with I have The Divine Madness' first video for the song Closer off of the Paradiso disk of Secrets. The band's slogan is "Alice left Wonderland and started a band", and this video follows that theme perfectly.
---More below the fold---
Their names for the disks of Secrets were selected perfectly. Paradiso has a much more melodic sound with a kind of hidden hope. The lyrics have an almost fallen feel to them. As if sang by someone who has dreamed of the world only to discover that reality often has other things in store. This hidden hope can be overlooked as simply sad lyrics, but that is not always the case. It is a hope that is simply tempered, yet is often shinning just behind the surface. It very much has the feel of an innocent awakening to the world. The song Haunted (one of my personal favorites) beautifully demonstrates this sense of hidden hope. Many I have shown this track to seem to think it is a depressing track, but if you really listen, you will find it to be anything but. There is no certain future, so we must never forget to cherish what we have now. To not put off for later when that later is never guaranteed.
If Inferno was from the standpoint of an innocent beginning to see the realities of the world, then Inferno is about that same indidvual years later after coming to terms with the world. Instead of wondering if all she knows is all there will be in life, she discovers passion in another. The emotion is from a much more developed view point. The naivety is replaced with a self certainty as well as getting lost in the rapture existence and love can offer.
In 2008 they released their second album Neverworld. This album, while still excellent, does not have the same flowing feel as Secrets. It is much more a 'traditional' album compared to their previous release which felt much more like an individual artistic venture. This is not to say Neverworld comes up lacking, far from it. Instead it shows a more diversified sound to it. When the album was being made, Victoria Maze stated that she wanted it to show the other members various talents as she felt that they were not as readily displayed in the first album. In a way, she is right. She is very much the center of attention in Secrets with the rest of the band working in such tight unison that the individual skills are overshadowed by the skill of the whole. While this is certainly a strength, it also can limit the musical direction. But with Neverworld, the individual strengths of every member is seen throughout the album while still showing a cohesive unity that is far too rare today.
The Divine Madness was founded by Victoria Maze who is also the singer and songwriter for the group. Spok handles the bands mixing and programming, Julian Primeaux is on guitar, Taylor Guarisco on bass, Will Henderson on keyboards, and finally Danny Devillier on drums.
But as always, words can only describe music so well. To truly appreciate it, one must hear it. To start off with I have The Divine Madness' first video for the song Closer off of the Paradiso disk of Secrets. The band's slogan is "Alice left Wonderland and started a band", and this video follows that theme perfectly.
---More below the fold---
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Game Music Remixes 2
I had stated in my earlier post Game Music Remixes that I hoped to be able to continue sharing some of my favorite remixes from various games. Since I am a self-admitted music whore it was not hard for me to follow through and find more great music to force upon my readers.
I hope for those of you who were previously unfamiliar with this art and took the time to read my previous post as well as listen to the remixes I posted that you have gained a sense of the talent of these musicians. Perhaps some of you even went looking for remixes of some of your own favorite games, both new and old. As I stated in my previous post, OCRemix is the largest and greatest site for remixers, both those learning and the professional. This time around I have used videos instead of DivShare as the load times on the tracks was horrendous. I have also gone back and replaced the DivShare players from the original post with videos as well so if they did not work for you before, the new videos should.
To start off with I would like to share something a bit different. The source material is from the underwater levels of the original Super Mario Bros. When I first heard this version, done by Brentalfloss, I was left with both a smile and just a bit emotional. It is a blues rendition with wonderfully fitting lyrics. He even put together a video to go along with it. If you wish to download the track as well as some more information, here is a link to the OCRemix page. So please enjoy The 2-2 Blues:
Next I would like to offer a beautiful and powerful orchestral track set to the various themes from the SNES classic Secret of Mana. This game, and its sequel Seiken Densetsu 3 (which was sadly never released in the states, although there is a great English ROM crack available) are considered the best Action-RPGs on the SNES console, and for good reason. This piece, entitled The Things We Didn't Know by Vampire Hunter Dan lives up to the greatness of the source material and weaves together something that is simply stunning.
While I know I did a remix from Super Metroid for the first of the remixes on my previous article, I soon after came across this remix done by Big Giant Circles that immediately grabbed me. It is a remix of the tracks Opening ~ Destruction of the Space Colony and Theme of Samus Aran - Galactic Warrior entitled The Bounty Of A Brain and is an energetic Electro and Industiral piece that just makes me want to put in the old cartilage and kick some Space Pirate ass.
I hope for those of you who were previously unfamiliar with this art and took the time to read my previous post as well as listen to the remixes I posted that you have gained a sense of the talent of these musicians. Perhaps some of you even went looking for remixes of some of your own favorite games, both new and old. As I stated in my previous post, OCRemix is the largest and greatest site for remixers, both those learning and the professional. This time around I have used videos instead of DivShare as the load times on the tracks was horrendous. I have also gone back and replaced the DivShare players from the original post with videos as well so if they did not work for you before, the new videos should.
To start off with I would like to share something a bit different. The source material is from the underwater levels of the original Super Mario Bros. When I first heard this version, done by Brentalfloss, I was left with both a smile and just a bit emotional. It is a blues rendition with wonderfully fitting lyrics. He even put together a video to go along with it. If you wish to download the track as well as some more information, here is a link to the OCRemix page. So please enjoy The 2-2 Blues:
Next I would like to offer a beautiful and powerful orchestral track set to the various themes from the SNES classic Secret of Mana. This game, and its sequel Seiken Densetsu 3 (which was sadly never released in the states, although there is a great English ROM crack available) are considered the best Action-RPGs on the SNES console, and for good reason. This piece, entitled The Things We Didn't Know by Vampire Hunter Dan lives up to the greatness of the source material and weaves together something that is simply stunning.
While I know I did a remix from Super Metroid for the first of the remixes on my previous article, I soon after came across this remix done by Big Giant Circles that immediately grabbed me. It is a remix of the tracks Opening ~ Destruction of the Space Colony and Theme of Samus Aran - Galactic Warrior entitled The Bounty Of A Brain and is an energetic Electro and Industiral piece that just makes me want to put in the old cartilage and kick some Space Pirate ass.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Xploding Plastix
Putting in a new album by the music project Xploding Plastix is always a bit of a mystery. Until you have listened to that particular album you never know exactly what you are going to get. The only thing you can be sure of is that it will be amazing.
Out of Norway, Exploding Plastix is a due comprised of Jens Petter Nilsen and Hallvard Wennersberg Hagen. They have quickly become one of my favorite discoveries. While I feel cheated for not being aware of this project for so long, I quickly made up for this by seeking out as much of their music as I could. With a discography composed of three LPs, five EPs, and their 2000 7" that started it all, there is plenty to hear. Their last release was their 2010 EP Devious Dan. However they are currently working on a new release that is expected to be out in December of this year.
Wikipedia describes them as "Electrofunk/Big beat music with elements of jazz". But even this broad label is woefully inadequate. And unless you just want to stick with the essentially meaningless label of 'Experimental' then you are better off just listening to them. But, as I stated in the beginning, this too does not adequately describe them as the sound varies immensely from album to album and even within a single album. This is not to say that listening to an album of theirs has a disjointed feeling as despite the variation within, the songs flow from one to the next wonderfully. This is so prevalent that to gain the full effect of their music, one must listen to an album from start to finish. This is quite easy with any Xploding Plastix album as it is so easy to get lost in an album that when the final song comes to its conclusion you hardly realize how much time has passed. In fact there have been many times where I've listened to a single album over and over (something I rarely do as I prefer variation if I can help it, which is something quite plentiful here) or even sit down and listen to all the albums I own, moving forward through their discography and wondering at the musical development in something that was so amazing from the very get go.
But as I said, one must hear Xploding Platix to truly appreciate their sound, so below to fold I have included videos from various points in their music career to show off their undeniable talent.
Out of Norway, Exploding Plastix is a due comprised of Jens Petter Nilsen and Hallvard Wennersberg Hagen. They have quickly become one of my favorite discoveries. While I feel cheated for not being aware of this project for so long, I quickly made up for this by seeking out as much of their music as I could. With a discography composed of three LPs, five EPs, and their 2000 7" that started it all, there is plenty to hear. Their last release was their 2010 EP Devious Dan. However they are currently working on a new release that is expected to be out in December of this year.
Wikipedia describes them as "Electrofunk/Big beat music with elements of jazz". But even this broad label is woefully inadequate. And unless you just want to stick with the essentially meaningless label of 'Experimental' then you are better off just listening to them. But, as I stated in the beginning, this too does not adequately describe them as the sound varies immensely from album to album and even within a single album. This is not to say that listening to an album of theirs has a disjointed feeling as despite the variation within, the songs flow from one to the next wonderfully. This is so prevalent that to gain the full effect of their music, one must listen to an album from start to finish. This is quite easy with any Xploding Plastix album as it is so easy to get lost in an album that when the final song comes to its conclusion you hardly realize how much time has passed. In fact there have been many times where I've listened to a single album over and over (something I rarely do as I prefer variation if I can help it, which is something quite plentiful here) or even sit down and listen to all the albums I own, moving forward through their discography and wondering at the musical development in something that was so amazing from the very get go.
But as I said, one must hear Xploding Platix to truly appreciate their sound, so below to fold I have included videos from various points in their music career to show off their undeniable talent.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Girl & The Robot - The Beauty of Decay
I am always looking for new music (as I am a self admitted music whore) and a while back I came across information about a new group by the name of The Girl & The Robot. What made me especially interested to hear this new project was upon finding out that it involved the singer and musician who goes by the name of "Plastique". For those who are not familiar with that name, she is part of the excellent group Welle:Erdball. What, that doesn't help things? Shame on you, Welle:Erdball is an amazing synth group who was also one of the pioneers of Bitpop. With The Girl & The Robot, Plastique teams up with instrumentalist Deadbeat (of Second Unit, which I shall have to look into after seeing his impressive musical talent).
After locating a copy of The Girl & The Robot's debut album The Beauty of Decay, I was anything but disappointed. From the very first song, Whole, I was hooked. Now it is not often that I find an album that I am willing to recommend after a single listen. Usually it takes at least two before I believe it is even proper to comment on an album. But even as I was listening to it for the first time I found myself raving about it, and the album wasn't even finished yet! The songs are catchy without resorting to any cliche tactics but through honestly great music, wonderful lyrics and beautiful vocals. This album has quickly become one of my most played and most enjoyed.
They have a sound that is very much their own, it can be described as an almost minimalistic Electro-Pop with hints of New Wave and Synth thrown in for good measure. But these are only crude attempts at pigeon holing their sound for descriptions sake, they truly deserve a listen before one can appreciate their sound. When describing them to others, the best way I have been able to do so was as "dreamy-energetic". Certain songs are more on the dreamy side then the energetic, but even these make one want to at move with the music. In fact I find myself unable to sit still at any point in this album, even if it is just to sway to the softer moments. Throughout this album they invoke an retro sound, but one that also sounds modern. This trait gives The Girl & The Robot the kind of sound that would make them sound at equally at home alongside 80's New Wave as well as modern Electro.
One thing all the songs on this album has in common besides being amazing music is that they are all emotionally aware. The music, the vocals, they lyrics, all of it fits perfectly with the intended emotion without coming across as haughty or overbearing. You are truly able to feel what these artists wished to convey with their music.
In the formation of The Girl & The Robot it seems that Plastique and Deadbeat have found the perfect match for one another. With Deadbeat's instrumental prowess and Plastique's absolutely gorgeous voice, they have weaved an album that could easily become the modern gold-standard for their genres.
This album was released in March of 2010, so this review is a bit late. This is partially because I was a bit late in acquiring a copy (probably around December of 2010) as well as the fact that I have only recently started to write reviews over various sources of media. But my love for this album compelled me to write a review none the less.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Game Music Remixes
When I was younger I would spend hours in front of my television with a small rectangular controller (that was thankfully quite resistant to throwing) in hand and escape from the horrors of reality into the world of games. Even with the joys of having to blow on the cartridge and finding just that perfect way to insert a game so that it would play 'this time', I often look back on what is now an ancient piece of nostalgia that is the NES as some of the few positive memories of childhood (or the least trauma inducing at any rate). So many of those 8-bit songs would get stuck in my head and despite my parents thinking they were some of the most annoying sounds on Earth, I had always thought they had potential for greatness.
Over the years I have indulged myself in various forms of gaming, be it on the original consoles or on emulators to relive the games of my youth or titles I had never had a chance to get my hands on. It has always been an escape for me, a separate world to explore and become a part of that isn't constrained by the problems of the real world. Throughout this entire time, the music has always been a major draw for me. The music of a game can make or break a scene. It can transform and eerie landscape into a truly alien and desolate world. A well placed piece can induce your panic as you run against a timer or fight a particularly difficult opponent. It can even bring up the strongest emotions as a character in a story we have grown to love dies or is betrayed.
With so many who have grown up with these games filled with now iconic characters and gripping stories it is not surprising that a loyal fan base has developed around the music of this art form (I do not care what some haughty critics think, games can be and are an art form). Many of these followers have taken the next step, they have gone back and created updated tracks and remixes of the very songs that have become a part of so many's fond memories.
These remixes range from simple updates of songs that were limited by early processors to a full re-imagining of the score. Be it in a pulsing electro, a sweeping orchestral, a thrashing metal track, a smooth jazz piece or anything else the musician can imagine. A whole sub-culture of dedicated remixers and artists have grown around their mutual love for the songs of games both old and new. By far the most prominent of these is OCRemix. Here you can find hundreds if not thousands of remixed songs, full albums dedicated to a game or theme, the original chip sounds from even the oldest of games, workshops on how to remix or improve your skills, forums and everything else a well established community of like minded people could hope to find.
Some of the tracks I have found by such remixers have blown me away. They were familiar and faithful to the original soul of the piece while also breaking new ground and pushing it in ways I could never have imagined. Do not think these are mere tinkerers or social pariahs as many of these are serious musicians who share a passion for the music that has been so much a part of their lives.
I hope to, over time, begin to post some of my personal favorites or new discoveries. For now I would like to introduce you to a few I believe any lover of music, even those not familiar with the original pieces, will enjoy.
First, a remix of the Maridia 1 region of Super Metroid, entitled Kindred. It was done as a collaboration between remixers Pixietricks and Zircon. A slower piece that is perfectly fitting for the source material with added lyrics quite suited for the mysterious Samus Aran. For those interested, it can be found here (track #28 of a two disk album created as a get well gift for an ailing remixer and friend, the whole album is well worth the free download).
Next is a track from the legendary PC open world adventure Deus Ex. Entitled Siren Synapse, it was done as a collaboration between the remixer Big Giant Circles and Alexander Brandon, the composer for the score to the original game. It is a fusion of the music for many of the areas of the game giving a sense of wandering through a futuristic metropolis. More information as well as a download may be found here.
Finally, here is a track from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past entitled Dark World Ballad. Done by Cliff Hooper & Effinjerk, they have come together to create a simple but absolutely beautiful acoustic guitar and piano jazz piece. While the theme is certainly recognizable, it has been taken in an entirely new direction and it works wonderfully. I have a weak spot for jazz as it is so I could not help but include this. The download and further information may be found here.
Over the years I have indulged myself in various forms of gaming, be it on the original consoles or on emulators to relive the games of my youth or titles I had never had a chance to get my hands on. It has always been an escape for me, a separate world to explore and become a part of that isn't constrained by the problems of the real world. Throughout this entire time, the music has always been a major draw for me. The music of a game can make or break a scene. It can transform and eerie landscape into a truly alien and desolate world. A well placed piece can induce your panic as you run against a timer or fight a particularly difficult opponent. It can even bring up the strongest emotions as a character in a story we have grown to love dies or is betrayed.
With so many who have grown up with these games filled with now iconic characters and gripping stories it is not surprising that a loyal fan base has developed around the music of this art form (I do not care what some haughty critics think, games can be and are an art form). Many of these followers have taken the next step, they have gone back and created updated tracks and remixes of the very songs that have become a part of so many's fond memories.
These remixes range from simple updates of songs that were limited by early processors to a full re-imagining of the score. Be it in a pulsing electro, a sweeping orchestral, a thrashing metal track, a smooth jazz piece or anything else the musician can imagine. A whole sub-culture of dedicated remixers and artists have grown around their mutual love for the songs of games both old and new. By far the most prominent of these is OCRemix. Here you can find hundreds if not thousands of remixed songs, full albums dedicated to a game or theme, the original chip sounds from even the oldest of games, workshops on how to remix or improve your skills, forums and everything else a well established community of like minded people could hope to find.
Some of the tracks I have found by such remixers have blown me away. They were familiar and faithful to the original soul of the piece while also breaking new ground and pushing it in ways I could never have imagined. Do not think these are mere tinkerers or social pariahs as many of these are serious musicians who share a passion for the music that has been so much a part of their lives.
I hope to, over time, begin to post some of my personal favorites or new discoveries. For now I would like to introduce you to a few I believe any lover of music, even those not familiar with the original pieces, will enjoy.
First, a remix of the Maridia 1 region of Super Metroid, entitled Kindred. It was done as a collaboration between remixers Pixietricks and Zircon. A slower piece that is perfectly fitting for the source material with added lyrics quite suited for the mysterious Samus Aran. For those interested, it can be found here (track #28 of a two disk album created as a get well gift for an ailing remixer and friend, the whole album is well worth the free download).
Next is a track from the legendary PC open world adventure Deus Ex. Entitled Siren Synapse, it was done as a collaboration between the remixer Big Giant Circles and Alexander Brandon, the composer for the score to the original game. It is a fusion of the music for many of the areas of the game giving a sense of wandering through a futuristic metropolis. More information as well as a download may be found here.
Finally, here is a track from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past entitled Dark World Ballad. Done by Cliff Hooper & Effinjerk, they have come together to create a simple but absolutely beautiful acoustic guitar and piano jazz piece. While the theme is certainly recognizable, it has been taken in an entirely new direction and it works wonderfully. I have a weak spot for jazz as it is so I could not help but include this. The download and further information may be found here.
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