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Trash Course Remix - arranged by CZ TunesReview by Mr P., 17/04/2011 -By and large, it's quite a solid remix, but lacking some creative touchesto really stick out. Oh yeah, I love the tune. But my liking stems basically from the original SID and not this remake. While being good enough to bring back some nostalgic feelings, it does little to enhance the original. The instruments could have been chosen better, especially the leads which sound fairly dull and feeble to me (I would even prefer those of the original). The drums are decent, however, and the beat pattern is slightly more varied, which is a good thing. The intro part is a great additon, too, and the outro rounds it all off nicely. You can also notice some added effects that give the tune a bit more depth. These are all on the positive side. The structure of the remix follows a traditional pattern without any surprise, but that's okay with me. Mixing is up to CZ standards, too. Quite strangely, the connective parts (bridges) somehow just sound better and more pronounced in the original. An even bigger problem is that the remix totally lacks any kind of climax! From 2:40, for example, you would expect things to rev up a little, but all you get is the repeat of the 1:20-1:50 passage… It's also disappointing to realize that the higher-pitched variation of the melody line (from 3:05 to 3:20 in the original SID) is totally left out, for who know why. Another possible solution to this flatness could have been the inclusion of lines from subtune 5 of the SID (0:47 to 1:30). That would have made a pretty nice and dynamic finish for sure. So, to sum up, it's a good remix but nothing special or brilliant. There is so much unfulfilled potential in this tune that I would love to see either CZ tunes or anyone else give it another try. For I believe this SID could be turned into a powerful hit by adding new instruments, tempo changes, melodic variations or other such ideas. But without them, unfortunately, it just goes along smoothly for that 3 and a half minutes, and although sounding quite fine, it never really kicks in. I can't help but feel that I've been left a bit unsatisfied, mainly because the remix doesn't show many signs of extra inspiration or vigour compared to the original. And that's exactly what Makke called too by the numbersin his shout. Anyway, I must thank CZ tunes for digging this one out, as it is the only remix of this great SID tune here. Yet, for the above mentioned reasons I can't give it any better than a Goodoverall rating. |
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AIDS Trouble - arranged by rambonesReview by Mr P., 03/04/2011 -Firstly, let me tell you that I regard it as a quality remix. Since I love the original SID, I was happy to find it here on RKO. The tempo is a 1:1 copy, and the instruments are chosen well to give the tune rich and polished sound, both resembling and enhancing the original. It's a pleasure to listen to right from the beginning. There are no mind-blowing new ideas, but it does the work pretty well, so why complain? The nostalgic feeling is right there with you throughout the tune, although some of the effects after 2:20 just don't suit the atmosphere and sound rather dissonant. Oh, and one thing I really miss from the remix is the powerful tempo change in the original SID (from 1:10 to 1:25) which is not re-created well enough here, although a new drumbeat pattern does come into play, adding some variety to the bassline. The ending is a bit hasty; it would have deserved a smoother fade-out or some kind of other finish. But even with these minor issues, it is an awesome piece of music and one of my personal favourites. Were it not for those out-of-place sound effects and the omission of that great 15-second up-tempo part of the original, I would surely have given this remix an 'outstanding' overall rating. It came close, nonetheless, and it's a real gem of the genre for sure. Well done! |
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The Impossible Mission Story - arranged by Talking Air CommandoReview by LaLa, 02/04/2011 This appearing on April Fools' Day on RKO, I was a bit skeptical, but it's actually a nice, grandiose ~15min epic featuring speech samples from Impossible Mission (and more). Just don't expect a level of Hans Zimmer or John Williams from it: neither the samples, nor the arrangement is up-to-par.But nice touch with the Mission: Impossiblereference towards the end. 😉 |
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Commando (Sound of SceneSat Edit) - arranged by FirestormReview by ulfepulf, 26/03/2011 This is great! The effort alone is worth the red face. You obviously know what you're doing, e. g. the winds/strings alternation, the placement of the string runs, and stuff such as the breakbeat begins halfway into thechorusaround 2:29. Most people would have run it from 2:24. Things like that's cool as hell! Btw: Eftos is having his period |
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Cauldron (Drumstep will chew your lips off mix) - arranged by InfamousReview by OJ Oscillation, 26/03/2011 another grime style here. hmmm, how does it feel?all in one the style is done well, but the synth lead line is set to double speed. perhaps using it at normal/half speed with dub fx would have done more impact otherwise there isnt much cauldron feeling (i think) left to the original (i remember the slow groove of this cool tune). somehow this rmx doesn't get to the core of the tune. so i consider this rmx as an experimental work. in the end: give it several tries to experience another point of view to this theme. |
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Cauldron II (The Witch Who Stepped in Dub) - arranged by HazelReview by OJ Oscillation, 26/03/2011 this is making megrime😊 i'm not very touched with the grime genre, but this one takes it definitely there. cool wobbling bassline, slow beats and a well defined recognition of cauldron theme in there. but there's one thing that bothers me: the mixdown. too harsh top loops and touched too much distortion in most instruments. (yeah, i know, this pushes up the energy of the tune, makes it more allert attention). but for me, a bit calmer selection of some channel tracks would have been more attractional for me, keeping it more interesting. after all this mix is a really good attempt. thank you for your vision/input of dubstep/grime mr. hazel. |
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The Last Ninja - Level1- guitar cover - arranged by PthomiReview by Grarfloup, 25/03/2011 The guitar play is really good imho (even if I don't play guitar), and very fast.Even if the production is demo-like, it is really a good work. With a good production it would simply be awesome😃 Long live to C64 metal! m/ |
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Sweet - arranged by Rune-Bertil'sReview by LaLa, 23/02/2011 This is brilliant. You've taken my favorite SID tune and managed to turn it inside-out - and strangely enough, it works!The intro sets up a fast pace, but the slow(er) sax lead compliments it nicely. This duality remains throughout the remix, giving the moody melody an uptempo swing backing. I think the instruments could use more polishing, but the ingenuity of this remix is in the arrangement. Well done, thanks for letting me hear this tune in a completely different context! |
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The Human Race (From Past to Present mix) - arranged by GibsReview by Pepino, 16/02/2011 OK Gibs, I understand your preference for this tune, but…You have a gift, this is obvious, and I can't understand that more than a half of the cover of this tune, sounds like another common tune, it is just OK. The whole thing changes when you introduce your guitar. Then you transform the tune into a crack one. I don't know to explain that, but your guitar gives an extra and definitive touch to almost every tune you perform. The real pity is that in this song, the guitar enters tooooo late. It is so good as always, but it is not miraculous, and it is not enough to make me forgot the first part. Other question is : Why have you post twice the same song with two names in Amiga and C64? . It could confuse somebody. By the way, I do not lose the hope to hear a target renegade cover from you. Hugs!!! |
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Asia Dreams - arranged by CZ TunesReview by LaLa, 14/02/2011 Take the aspirations of Reyn's ''Asian Legends'' and use a somewhat different mix of tunes based on a SID mix - you get the idea!Nicely done, but more refinement of the sonic soundscape would've elevated it further. For example, choose one: Koto's italo disco or traditional Asian instruments. The two somehow don't mix. Also, the transitions between some of the tunes are too abrupt (contrast with the smooth-flowing Reyn classic). But you know what, yes, it has its shortcomings, but the more I listen to it, the more I like it! |
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Mega Apocalypse - arranged by N-JOYReview by Marraldinho, 10/02/2011 Nice vocals over house style music. Seems to be lacking something though, the oomph that made the c64 original so good. It lacks a good bass line, and emphasis in certain parts of the song. Having said that, it sticks close enough to the original to remind of why I loved this tune so much. |
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Cauldron II (The Witch Who Stepped in Dub) - arranged by HazelReview by NecroPolo, 06/02/2011 Damn!You should have displayed some warning for this one 😊 One of the most powerful SID remixes to date, perfectly executed. When it comes to power and music, I really like to push the pedal to the metal. But man, this one is pushed into the damn tarmac through the chassis, with one slow move… |
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Green Beret (live at The Church) - arranged by Reyn OuwehandReview by Pepino, 28/01/2011 Ok, incredible. This shows that music is not hundred of instrument, neither sophisticated effects. Hearing this song prompts lots of unusual feelings, loneliness, relaxing, mistery…It is quite difficult to review it, because there is not a lot of examples to compare. It is unique. Don't ask me exactly why, but it is to start to hear it, and anybody realizes that it is out of the common. The best, and only a miracle could make it better. |
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CityBomber - PsytroniKateZoid remix - arranged by K8-bitReview by NecroPolo, 21/01/2011 I totally hate to feel some prejudices but having positive ears for both the original SID and Kate Z's stlye I knew that I will love this one even before starting the download 😊No disappointment, indeed! Nice touch of class on a nice SID. Power. Elegance. Cleverly used SID sounds. Variation. Inspiration. Positive vibes. Something that can really, really make your day. |
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To Be Alone (Hip Hop Remix) - arranged by Steven Diemer (A-Man)Review by Siebold, 13/01/2011 Bad! Very BAD! So BAD! Nothing really very special on this, just sounds really bad! The most worst song I've heard on SLAY!!! |
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Barbarian (Anvil of Death) - arranged by Asterion (Rafal Kazimierski)Review by Marraldinho, 10/01/2011 I'd say this was the best version of the Barbarian theme I've heard, possibly what Richard Joseph had in mind originally, his own take on the theme from Conan The Barbarian. The orchestration is well done and sticks pretty much note for note to the original, the horns give it a very epic feel. My only bugbear would be that some of the other instruments like the harp used are a little drowned out in the mix, which is unfortunate. I still thought it was outstanding though. |
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Tusker (Gurning 64 mix) - arranged by K8-bitReview by Marraldinho, 08/01/2011 A really good use of the original SID and modern digital effects to give the music from 'The Desert' level a real meaty and rocking sound. I love the drums you have put on this, proper tubthumping, and the guitars and synth parts are done cleverly and not overused. It's nice to hear that you've chosen to do this in a more traditional way rather than an over effected contemporary dance version. I cannot hear this piece being arranged another way now, well done, it really is brilliant, and I hope to hear more of your work. |
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Cybernoid II (80's-Style-Edit) - arranged by C64toBit64Review by stell, 05/01/2011 What the hell happened to the melody? This is no remix It's just some very bad synth tune called Cybernoid II. |
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Forbidden Forest (Piano) - arranged by soundsosoundReview by Marraldinho, 03/01/2011 Forbidden Forest was one of the first games I had on the C64, the game was basic but very playable and one of if not the first to include gory effects. However it was the soundtrack that gave it is true atmosphere and here soundsosound have have given it true gravity by rearranging it excellently for the piano. It brought back strong memories of being terrified and terrorised by spiders, dragons and those damn skeletons! Its nice to hear classic classic c64 tunes remixed without them becoming over technical and synthesized. Well done. |
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Target Renegade (August 1999 remix) - arranged by FerraraReview by K8-bit, 29/12/2010 Really like this! 😊Didnt read the info until afterwards, but thought it had a very modsound, but charming nonetheless. Sort of Giorgio Morodor vibe too. A fave c64 tune of mine, rendered lovely here. Would love if you were to breathe new life into instruments tho! |
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Jack The Nipper (Nippy Little Bugger) - arranged by vurtXReview by NecroPolo, 27/11/2010 It's not in that my head broke off while listening to this one. It's not in that it's one of my fav SIDs ever. It's not that this is a totally fitting crazy, bogged-minded jamming, chaotic rendition.Maybe it will be too wild to swallow for some but hey - this remix ooooooozes FUN and having that throughout the creation. That's the thing that moves us from point A to point B, right? Now this goes to point M and also some points in between and after. ///… Could you recommend some good neck specialist…? /// |
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Rampage - arranged by LManReview by Yahtzee, 24/11/2010 I've went thru a lot of familiar tunes on this site, and I think this one is my favourite. I seriously want to smash a building and eat its contents when I hear this piece. Masterful interpretation of the original with the main intent to get your adrenaline pumping. |
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Sanxion (2.0) retro 2120 - arranged by EftosReview by Windshield_CB, 02/11/2010 I really need to go back and re-read these shouts the next time I'm about to feel guilty for panning aloungeremix for being dull. This track does what few remixers actually manage to do, and that is create more than a sound, but rather an actual feeling. Hubbard's already-creepy original is up under a microscope, where its wobbly, disoriented and disorienting ethos is in high focus. Much, much more interesting than the umpteenth Chris Hülsbeck song with floaty Yanni synths set to Europop beatremix, in much the same way that Suspiria is more redeeming than a dreadful Lifetime Original. It's not perfect (the soundscape is a bit mid-rangey), it's not pleasant (as the average reaction can attest to), but it's Better For You. |
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Great Giana Sisters - arranged by Dr FutureReview by Windshield_CB, 02/11/2010 Very well-executed from a techincal standpoint, but the end result sounds like elevator music. Slick, well-done elevator music, but elevator music nonetheless.First and foremost, the original tune relies on its bouncy rhythm to counter what is a rather simple, repetitive melody. Stripped of its bouncy, upbeat nature, as it is in this remix, it plods and goes on for far too long. In addition, a few gratutious special effects(for instance, the stop the record / tape got eateneffect at 2:04) make this tune too distracting for background music. To reiterate, and hopefully re-emphasize, this tune is technically masterful, with a very well-balanced stereo soundscape, and even the cheesy drum machine sounds good. It could easily pass for something done by a top-40 producer. It's just a shame when so much effort goes into something that just doesn't quite work in the end. |
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Last Ninja 2 Back To The Central Park - arranged by JPHReview by LaLa, 18/10/2010 This is a great idea ruined by mediocre instrument choices and so-so mixing. The guitar riffs are absolutely awesome - but pretty much everything else sounds cheap. No effects, no use of stereo space, no nothing. Too bad, because the arrangement is very promising, closely following the original. But overall, this needed more time in the cooker. |
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Green Beret (live at The Church) - arranged by Reyn OuwehandReview by NecroPolo, 04/10/2010 This track is still as mind-blowing as it was when I first heard that and this is the most inspiring SID remix I've ever heard. Even more surely it is based on the best idea to date. |
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Sweet (feat Gibs) - arranged by MordiReview by NecroPolo, 04/10/2010 Nice work Maestros😊It is a real clash of two personalities, in the good mean. In many aspects, it shows the best of you both: the sensitivity of Mordi and the raw power of Gibs, with a huge respect for the original track. Mordi, this must be one of your most balanced tracks. And Gibs, you have put much more feelings into that than anything I've heard from you. That's what it makes so great for me. It's a fresh breeze of air in the mass of mechanical mixes. That's what outsandingis for. Great sounds all the way but the guitar solo works a little independently from the rest of the sound texture and slightly too much in-your-face in the mix. Some more ironing that into the mix would make it a little sweeterand compressor is slightly over the top here and there - but that's my only rants, just some odd lines of a perfect painting. |
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Sweet (feat Gibs) - arranged by MordiReview by LaLa, 02/10/2010 Wow, wow, wow!Be impressed by my triple-wow, because this being my all-time favorite SID, I am especially picky about remixes that attempt to re-interpret it. At first I found the intro a bit too slow, but it's growing on me. The silk-soft lead instrument and the overall softness of the entire production is impressive. It would be hard to top the expressive Yamaha CS-80 lead that Marcel Donne put into his remix, but you've done a great job here, Mordi. When the guitar lead kicks in, it really tickles my heart, makes my legs tremble, tears form in my eyes, and gives me goosebumps - just like it does when I listen to the original SID. Which means that this remix manages to evoke the same emotions in me, and that's no small feat. Also kudos for the beautiful coda you've added to the end, it's such attention to the detail in the arrangement that makes this remix truly outstanding. Thank you, Mordi, for this remix! I'll carry it in my heart forever. |
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Ocean Loader 1 (Trancey Blitz Mix) - arranged by dr.blitzenReview by LMan, 28/09/2010 The overall arrangement, which closely follows the original's, does not go along well with the dancefloor beat, making it sound out-of-place. Re-arraning and omitting parts of it might be a good idea. In fact the bass track is barely audible, and the beat kind of lacks the boom and punch. This remix could be improved a lot merely by proper mixing and mastering. |
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Forbidden Forest (Piano) - arranged by soundsosoundReview by LaLa, 24/09/2010 This requires a much better sounding piano, because the arrangement is terrific and your playing technique is spotless! What a fantastic mood it creates, perfectly mirroring the original game's dark tones! I am really astonished how good this is, and I appreciate all your work that went into creating it. |
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