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Supremacy - arranged by moog (Sebastian Bachliñski)Review by LaLa, 31/12/2011 I'm sure I am being very tough on you with my vote, Sebastian, but unfortunately for you, Supremacy is one of those tunes about which I have a very precise ''remix'' in my head whenever I listen to the original SID. Yours comes tantalizingly close to that in some aspects, but other times it veers away too much.Let's start with the intro which is a single-instrument solo in the original. You have used a clarinet (?) for that, which I am not too crazy about, but you also added very nice piano riffs to it, which I found a pleasant surprise and it works wonderfully. Then when the melody repeats, you added an orchestral arrangement - me likey! Then the transition has a rather weak drum in it. Needs more power, more oomph! More orchestral instrumentation follows - me likey! Then it turns into a sort of modern game soundtrack (orchestral with heavy drums), although yet again the arrangement could've used more power, more charisma. First bridge - quiet. I like it, although I think it should be more subtle, more quiet. Then a nice crescendo that doesn't have quite enough build-up. Weak or non-existent drums again in the transition. I find the second bridge a bit weak, and the rest sounds curiously unfulfilling to me. So, I guess two of my biggest complaints here would be that a) your remix does not have enough dynamic range between the subtle and powerful parts, and b) your instrumentation is lacking some oomph. There is one really, really amazing thing about your remix, though: I can play it in parallel with the original SID and two are in lock-step throughout the ENTIRE piece! Cheers for that! =) Sorry for tearing apart your remix in a play-by-play, but I am very passionate about this tune. I can hardly listen to it without conducting my virtual orchestra inside my head. =) |
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Monty on the Run (Monty Gets Orchestrated 2011) - arranged by Peter ClarkeReview by Musoman, 10/12/2011 I've heard many renditions of this particular C64 anthem and in my opinion, Chris Abbot has held theMontyremix crown for a long time. This little beauty, however, resets the bar. The original is here in full, nothing left out, nothing missed, nothing misinterpreted. The orchestral instruments weave together brilliantly even if the samples are not as authentic as some I've heard. In the first half of this remix, we get a little closer to The Devil's Gallopwhich Rob Hubbard admits to being influenced by in his original. I love the way the brass crescendos parp parpin from the background and the melodramatic feel the strings give in the early bars. In the second half, we go back to an 80's underground club with the driving bass and Fender Rhodes licks, but no Hammondthat I can hear. The whole feel of the break has a bit of a Supertrampthing about it and now the end guitar riffs remind me even more of Dire Straits, (from RH's home town). Brilliantly arranged and executed and would have been three reds but for the flat mix. Perhaps the arranger will warm it up and resubmit it. Overall, an excellent remix |
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Out Run (mileage may vary) - arranged by CanvasReview by japster, 09/12/2011 Catchy, funky and still faithful to the original, with some subtle and great changes!Haven't stopped playing this since downloading it - I actually (gasp!) prefer it to the arcade and C64 originals, and loving the mix of arcade and C64 sounds… 😊 Well done mate! |
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Tusker (Into the Heart of Darkness ft. Anna Black) - arranged by K8-bitReview by NecroPolo, 26/11/2011 Generally, folks take a SID and do something with it and that is a SID remix as a funny definition says. In the case of KateZ, it changes astake a SID and do something DIFFERENT with it. Adding elements of movie score-style complexity and a heavy dose of sound design, listening to her tracks give you a different experience. If you're open for that or not - you decide. Being an explorer has nothing to do with popularity. It is about breaking the barrier. It's something that has been always here in the C64 scene. This track oozes that message so this attitude is true to the spirit that keeps everyone coming back. Back to the remix itself, it reminds me a little of old (not necessarily fairy) tales released on phono, telling a story pretty well without using the eyes, stimulatiing the imagination. I miss those times. Thanks for the time travel! I really appreciate the way this 'tale' is presented. |
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The Alibi Cover - arranged by Darkman007Review by Ryrynz, 21/10/2011 Masterful how apt that word is to this arrangement. My brother does guitar recordings and from the other room he said how good the guitar work was. It's engaging, it's clear and crisp and wonderfully arranged.You can tell love has been put into this track. This is as good as they get. Amazing. |
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Last Ninja II-Central Park (Space Infaders Remix) - arranged by Space InfadersReview by LaLa, 20/10/2011 The positives:- Doesn't mess much with the original arrangement while at the same time it adds its own unique touches. Nicely done! - The powerful guitars really drive this tune. Great, great stuff. The negatives: - The relatively thin synthesizer (SID?) lead sounds. They make the remix sound thinner than it should be. Make them fatter (like the deep pad in the intro), and/or switch them to rhythm guitars. - Too many wrong notes in the bridge section between 3:22-4:08, they just really bother my ears. - It may be just my headphones, but the mix sounds a bit overcompressed to me. Overall, the stylistic choice may not be anything new or creative as far as long-time RKO listeners like me are concerned, but it's executed pretty well. |
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The Alibi Cover - arranged by Darkman007Review by LaLa, 18/10/2011 After having listened to this tune, uh, about a million times the past few days, I came to appreciate it even more. It gets every nuance right: the key changes, the minor blends, the quick trills, you name it. Every single instrument and every single note is absolutely essential in this remix to make this piece work as well as it does. Absolutely masterfully arranged and mixed, I'm still in awe! |
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Thundercats (Nervous Gattuso Edit) - arranged by N-JOYReview by Arcade4ever, 16/10/2011 Absolutely the best version and remix of Thundercats so far (Reviewed 2011)Played it some years ago in a club, very danceable and many persons asked me about this tune 😊 |
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Green Beret (live at The Church) - arranged by Reyn OuwehandReview by Arcade4ever, 16/10/2011 One of the best C64 Remixes I've ever noticed. The instruments are great, the song could be a ballade from Metallica, the technical quality is awesome and the tune is unforgettable. The sound gives a feeling about the tension before the battle ofgreen beret, more as the original tune could ever do. One of my everlasting favourite C64 remix 😊 |
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Ocean Loader 3 (21st Century SID Remix) - arranged by Peter ClarkeReview by CookieMonster64, 06/10/2011 Like those before me, (LaLa and Iconoclast), I didn't get this the first or second time through. There's a lot going on in this remix and you don't hear it all at once. Now, I can't stop listening to see if there's more in there I still haven't heard. I wasn't old enough to have heard the original playing on a C64 and discovered it about 5 years ago. Love the original and Love this! |
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Ocean Loader 3 (Cinematic remix) - arranged by Peter ClarkeReview by CookieMonster64, 06/10/2011 Listening to this version after Peters other Ocean Loader remix really brings out the contrast between the two. This remix oozes emotion and feeling in the arrangement. I love the different tempos and the highs and lows. LaLa said itA Masterful Arrangementand 3 straight reds from me. |
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Ocean Loader 3 (21st Century SID Remix) - arranged by Peter ClarkeReview by LaLa, 02/10/2011 It's always a pleasure to hear remixes done by the authors of the original SIDs, and this one is no exception.I'll be honest, I was a little apprehensive when listening to this remix the first time, but once I've read Peter's comments on this remix it suddenly made sense to me: the monophonic instruments, the arpeggios, the analogue warmth - all of it. Oh, and I absolutely love the drums on this one! Well done, sir, and thank you for this gem! |
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Ocean Loader 3 (Cinematic remix) - arranged by Peter ClarkeReview by LaLa, 02/10/2011 This has always been my most favorite Ocean loader 😊 and hearing it in an orchestral interpretation by the original author himself is really special.The arrangement is masterful, the slowed down tempo really fits the grand orchestra sounds. Just wonderful, wonderful stuff. Thank you! |
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Last Ninja 2 The Office Loader - arranged by TNTReview by K8-bit, 26/09/2011 I like this a lot, mainly because I loved the original tune (and all the nostalgia associated with it!) but also because this arrangement reminds me ofNetrunnerby Tim Wright (Cold Storage) which was one of the notable original music pieces in Wipeout 2097Thank you😊 |
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Newcomer (Symphonic Rework) - arranged by VincenzoReview by NecroPolo, 13/09/2011 If you never played the game, the original SID may not ring the bell that much but having the old memories and countless hours spent inThe Islandback in the time, this remix stimulates the right nerve. Well executed orchestral work reflects the feel of the game. Vincenzo's XXI. Century skills and ears enhanced and refined the old intro tune into an awesome movie-style monumental entrée. The game itself is one of the longest C64 RPGs ever created, in two levels: one for the gameplay and one for the development curve that is around 20 years (!) in the making http://www. newcomer. hu/ This remix is a wonderful tribute. Standing ovation from me! |
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Basics of Love (feat. Makke) - arranged by moog (Sebastian Bachliñski)Review by Kite, 02/09/2011 When i listen to this song the feel of funky-jazz, nostalgia and late nights programming on the C64 always rush to my head. Sebastian vocals mix perfectly well with the mood and really makes this song stand out.Perfect C64 remix! |
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Parallax (Train to Parallax mix) - arranged by Aki KivelaReview by guru512, 13/08/2011 I bet I have listened to this remix a hundred times already. There are no wrong notes in the melody as somebody suggested, certainly none that would hurt my delicate ears.This remix creates a very nice brooding atmosphere. I really like the arpeggios (or whatever that is called) in the 2nd and 3rd voice melody. At 2:44 the main melody starts with a nice flute. The whole composition is so good it nearly brings tears to my eyes. I especially like the way he uses the bassline and drums to make this song so powerful, when he weaves parts without bassline and drums and then at 4:39 the bass and drums kick in again. Very powerful and well done! |
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Monty on the Run (Monty Gets Orchestrated 2011) - arranged by Peter ClarkeReview by LaLa, 08/08/2011 I really like C64 Orchestra's version of Monty from their albumRUN 10, so I was looking forward to listen to this one. I was not disappointed at all. I was not disappointed despite the fact that this is not a pureorchestral version. Luckily, all the additional drums and synths that appear in this version really work to its advantage. Its style cannot really be summed up, so let's just say it's eclectic. If you're looking for pop-orchestral a la Rondo Veneziano - it's in here. If you're looking for a Hammond-organ-heavy 70s prog rock - it's in here in the middle section. My only complaint here is the somewhat flat mixing. It needs a bit more oomph, a bit fuller sound. Okay, I do have another complaint, too: sometimes the tempo changes are a bit abrupt. And the instruments (like guitars) sound too synthetic. Well, that was 3 complaints, but whatever… All in all, quite a trip, quite an effort, quite a remix! |
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Green Beret (The Simple Mix) - arranged by MordiReview by K8-bit, 02/08/2011 Understated, laid back, sweet, lush.Four words to start with describing this piece that I'm so glad Mordi decided to release after tantalising in the forum😊 Now I have a special soft spot for this original piece from Martin Galway, but that doesent mean I automatically love every arrangement, there arent many out there that I can confess to really liking. This, by approaching the piece from a different angle - smoother, slower, less frenetic than the original - it appeals for different reasons. Mordi's decision to stick with the wibbles/noteplex's in the tune is a good one, it anchors the piece to the original in a warm nostalgic way I appreciate. The melody is intact, with an added underlying harmony that reminds me a bit of the dual-melodies in the Wizball highscore. Added arpeggios give it an ethereal lift that think adds a lot too. A relaxing nostalgic listening pleasure, thank you Mordi😊 |
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The Last Ninja Legends - arranged by Mr.E.Review by K8-bit, 02/08/2011 For the most part I really like this, it tugs at the nostalgia strings in a couple of ways. Obviously its covering some of the most famous C64 soundtracks ever, but also the instrumentation and arrangement has a very Amiga-ish approach.Normally, I have very little time for UNZ type remixes, but this one appealed. Its a bit long in places, also not enough variety in the instrumentation in the long to sustain proper interest. Some progression instrumentwise, or some filtering on the *very* amiga like chords would have given it more depth I felt. However, as an arrangement based on its nostalgic value, its melding of the themes, and the technical accuracy of the very distinct melodies - excellent. 😊 |
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Monty on the Run (Monty Gets Orchestrated 2011) - arranged by Peter ClarkeReview by Poppykuk, 31/07/2011 AM new to site but have always loved this tune - takes me straight back to the 80's! Have listeren to other Monty's this is the best remix out there! |
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Last Ninja 2 - The Mansion (ingame) - arranged by Puffy64Review by DjCzyszy, 24/06/2011 I think this is a very well composed and arranged metal interpretation of one of my favourite C64 tunes, but unfortunately muddy mastering, overcompressed lo-fi drum sounds and horrible sound quality don't satisfy my ears. |
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Shadowfire (first attempt) - arranged by CanvasReview by bitmage, 18/06/2011 An energetic version of Shadowfire - speedy and excellently flowing. Thanks for the very nicely played main melody. Even more plus is the fantastic part like the refrain at 1:22 - 1:50 The downside part is the bass-line in the most important riff, played at 0:40-0:53. The bass - which is of high importance here - is not at all pronounced. Don't take me wrong - it's still very good, but my rating would have beenExcellentif that riff would be better. All in all I feel very at home with this tune. Thanks so much for it. Christian |
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Last Ninja 2 (Central Park Guitar Remix) - arranged by Richard BraithwaiteReview by K8-bit, 17/06/2011 I would sum up a review of this track that I only hear recently from a random play on slayradio thusly:This is how I imagine Matt Gray wanted the original piece to sound. Fantastic. Also an example of where the use of the real C64 sound (by which I mean SID sounds) works to create a truly nostalgic fusion of retro and timeless instrumentation. |
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Tusker (Into the Heart of Darkness ft. Anna Black) - arranged by K8-bitReview by ethan_thorn, 30/05/2011 I don't know what to say other then very bloody awesome i love this track if this is not in your list of best C64 remixes then it should. |
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Tusker (Into the Heart of Darkness ft. Anna Black) - arranged by K8-bitReview by putzi, 30/05/2011 Technical: mixage is brilliant, EQ is especially rockish, overall soundscape is tight but not drowned at all: perfect.Artistry: this is one of the few remixes where you get both the original bits and more stuff added by the remixer. I recognise Matt Gray's bassy synth sound and at the same time it is Kate's rock-sound like in the earlier City Bomber-remix. A rare blend of artistry and nostalgia. Anna's narration supports the adventure-idea of the whole track which lets you forget that it is 8 minutes long! Nostalgia: yes, it is a remix of an original SID by Matt Gray. And more! Some SID-bits at 2:19 which then fade into the rock-sound: very cool, I love this part. |
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Double Density Commercial (In-Da-80s-Mix) - arranged by AmokReview by putzi, 30/05/2011 technical: some too strongly seperated channels or compressor too strong (when the base-drum kicks in from 0:58 to 1:14). Bass far too loud (I recommend Lagerfeldt's R-Type-remix as technical reference on a perfect mix), while synth-line drowned by the bass. The synths are very sweet sounding and well chosen.Artistry: true to the original. Nostalgia: close to what I imagine when listening to the original SID-tune, so perfect nostalgia here. |
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Speedball - arranged by Tyranoid vs Michael StrongstreamReview by Ratty, 18/05/2011 I think this track is getting alot of bad press here for whatever reason.I play this track sometimes in clubs in England and people love it - simple as that. It's also part of my workout set. Yeah it's somewhat cliche'd but they do it well and obey the rules of the genre. And while the granular ratings of it's Technical Merit, Artistry and Nostalgia don't add up to top marks, on the whole this tune ROCKS and I love it! |
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Thanatos (dragon's dream mix) - arranged by Martin DoddReview by NecroPolo, 13/05/2011 As Hubbard often admitted, he loved to enter Jarre-land quite often to get inspiration from the synth wizard and adopting the pioneering spirit he created wonderful SIDs. Because of that, Hubbard's tunes in Jarre-isque soundscapes feel to be extremely natural and smooth. Add musical finesse, attention of details andone step beyond the originalway of thinking that expands the great base further and spice with classic warm Oxygene synth sounds = you get one of the nicest remixes this year. For a subjective note, this is my most fav Thanatos remix to date. |
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Firelord - Symphonic - arranged by Glyn R BrownReview by Ryrynz, 06/05/2011 While the samples are outdated now the overall flow of this is perfect. Personally I feel that this tune should be regarded as a masterpiece, it really does need a proper orchestral version done live to do it justice! |
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