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Samurai Warrior (Usagi Y Mix) - arranged by MajkolReview by craigg, 27/03/2003 Neil Brennan's catchy, oriental-tinged tunes have produced a wealth of excellent C64 remixes and Majkol's treatment of Samurai Warrior is no exception. From beginning to end, it mirrors the inherent energy of the original, overlaying several simple melodies to great effect. The drums, while following the same basic pattern as the original, have a number of important additions, which help to carry the track through its four-minute length.While this mix wins few points for innovation, it's practically flawless in every other respect and, as such, comes highly recommended. |
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Target Renegade - arranged by PetersReview by Tas, 27/03/2003 A curious tune that spells disaster right from the ofset. A strangely mellow backing to a fast paced lead (barely audiable) which isn't such a bad thing as it sounds terrible. The background and the lead sounds very much seperate which doesn't help matters. i can only guess that he's simply pasted on the lead over a simple backing as they don't come together at all. Also another downside is a lack of variation (especially concerning the backing, it's just the same old loop being replayed over and over again).nono, it's droll! |
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Hawkeye - arranged by IceXuickReview by Tas, 27/03/2003 A bright and chearful tune here from IceXuick. Now why does this kinda remind me of the TOP GUN theme?!?! i've no idea, but it does.Tho the tune doesn't blow you away, there's something strangely apealing about it, there's no fancy gimicks or anything, it's just a damn fine piece of music and an enjoyable listen at that! Thumbs up! |
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Human Race - arranged by Markus SchneiderReview by craigg, 27/03/2003 Schneider's take on Hubbard's classic composition proves that even a fairly unremarkable remix can work wonders if the original source material is good enough. Despite not really straying from the original, the instrumentation is well chosen, and the addition of occasional, haunting female vocals adds some much-needed atmosphere to the mix, helping to move it into the? chillout zone'. Because of the dreamlike state induced, the repetitious nature of the track isn't a problem, although the lack of bass and over-emphasised mid-range sounds sometimes make the mix feel a little flat. Nevertheless, this is generally a good effort, and a perfect track to relax to. |
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Aztec Challenge - arranged by IceXuickReview by craigg, 27/03/2003 Despite sometimes sounding like an Amiga MOD, and some bum notes sitting within the bassline, IceXuick provides a different spin to Aztec Challenge. The frantic nature of the instrumentation and arrangement bring to mind the original's feel. To my mind, this is more appropriate, if perhaps less accomplished, than the orchestral Aztec Challenge arrangements that many remixers seem to favour. The result is a track has plenty of energy and atmosphere, although I could have done without the metallic voice constantly repeating 'Aztec Challenge' over and over again. In conclusion, a decent effort, if flawed, but something that Paul Norman fans will most likely enjoy. |
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Aztec Challenge - arranged by IceXuickReview by Tas, 27/03/2003 We are normally used to hearing Aztec Challenge done orchestrally, however this time around it's more upbeat. The concept isn't a bad one either as it does seem to work rather well. The overall feel to this tune is 80's Electro even down to the metal micky styled vocal which repeatedly informs the listener thats it's Aztec Challenge. A nice addition, but massively over used.Though this remix is a good effort, it doesn't really pull you in, and sometimes the instruments just seem to not quite pull this together like they could. The score at times feels empty and thin which i think is part of the problem. it's a good effort tho, and a nice attempt in bringing a new flavour to Aztec Challenge. |
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Shadow Skimmer - arranged by Markus SchneiderReview by DHS, 26/03/2003 This orchestral cover is absolutely amazing.Huge, menacing, powerful. The orchestration itself is impressive, Markus made this like a real pro. The best c64 orchestrated cover since today. |
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KikStart 2 - arranged by IceXuickReview by craigg, 26/03/2003 Due to the twee nature of the original, I never thought I'd see a quality KikStart 2 mix grace R:K:O. IceXuick has managed the seemingly impossible by creating a chart-worthy dance track, based on the title screen music of the classic budget game.It takes a while to get going, but once the relentless rhythm is introduced, its momentum effortlessly carries the rest of the track. While this commercial sounding entity may be too repetitive for some, club aficionados will most likely lap it up, and the track bodes well for future IceXuick mixes and 'Sout' takes alike. |
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The Last Ninja 3 Intro - arranged by IceXuickReview by craigg, 26/03/2003 This is almost a one-to-one cover of the original Ouwehand piece, and includes some SID-like chord pulses to good effect. Elsewhere, IceXuick has wisely decided to move away from the orchestral sound-set used by Ouwehand and several others since, instead concentrating on powerful synth sounds. This has resulted in a rich, emotive and powerful mix that is worthy of the original composition, although anyone looking for an original and innovative take on this track would do well to look elsewhere. |
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Thrust (Magnificent Worlds) - arranged by FeekZoidReview by craigg, 26/03/2003 While not being a direct cover of Thrust, Feekzoid's Magnificent Worlds manages to eek out the power of Hubbard's C64 original and intensify it. Clever use of muted SID sounds are melded with powerful drums and industrial sounds that slowly build and encapsulate the listener. A break at the mid-point finds Thrust giving way to an alternate reality version of Arcade Classics, performed with pseudo-orchestral charm rather than the breakneck guitars of the original. Thrust's crunchy goodness then makes a brief and welcome return to complete the remix in fine style.Although there have been wilder remixes in the past, Feekzoid's lack of adherence to the original tune is a breath of fresh air, and he successfully manages the difficult task of combining two very different styles. While there are a few technical niggles here and there, it would be churlish to overly criticise a remix that proves to be inventive, interesting, listenable, and still remain at least partly true to the original. Recommended. |
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Delta (Concert version) - arranged by Noviello PippoReview by craigg, 26/03/2003 This remix clearly has a case of too many ideas fighting for space within a limited amount of time. The start of the track introduces the familiar Delta melody, as played on piano. While nothing spectacular, this is pleasant and fairly engaging, but things start to go awry around the halfway point. A few cymbal clashes introduce a clapping crowd that sounds fake and out of place. Twenty seconds later and the sedate, clapping crowd begins cheering wildly as the entire remix is wrenched uncomfortably into pseudo-techno mode, complete with cliché drum patterns and dance sounds.It's difficult to succeed when creating a remix that tries to marry two such diverse styles. This remix ends up feeling half-finished, and sits neither in one place nor the other. As a curiosity, it also lacks the ingenious oddness of a Dead Guys remix, and, as such, I'd have much preferred to have heard an extended version of the first minute… without the clapping. |
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Ocean Loader Four - arranged by YoshiReview by craigg, 26/03/2003 It's always odd to see how poorly many of the classic C64 tunes fare when remixed. This tune is no exception, with several mediocre renditions for every success. Unfortunately, this version tends towards the former category.It starts well enough, with a suitably squelchy bassline, and crunchy drums reminiscent of Ambra Red's rhythmic style. Regrettably, the lead sounds rather weak in comparison; consequently the drums tend to end up overpowering the rest of the mix. There's also a distinct lack of innovation in evidence here--these days people tend to want more than straight covers of C64 tunes with new voices. It's not all bad news though. The notes are accurate, and the use of SID sounds works fairly well. However, for me, this is no longer enough to excite. |
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Shadow Skimmer - arranged by Markus SchneiderReview by Tas, 26/03/2003 Glyn has possibly meat his match here, as Markus Schneider produces an earth shattering orchestral remix of Shadow Skimmer. The remix is also possibly the first truely authentic orchestral score available at RKO, from the instruments to the composition itself.Everything about this remix says, Quality!. Even if you do not like orchestral music, you'll apreciate this remix never the less. In One word: AWESOME! |
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The Last Ninja 3 Intro - arranged by IceXuickReview by putzi, 26/03/2003 A very close remix of the original, and with it's more powerfull synths and bassy base I like it more than Markus Schneider's orchestral approach of the same SID, which is a bit thin sounding compared to this one. The original SID samples are quite fitting here, especially the SIDed fade out of the end of the mix. A Last-Ninja-fan-pleasing-remix! |
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Thrust (Magnificent Worlds) - arranged by FeekZoidReview by Mayhem, 26/03/2003 Not many people got to hear Feekzoid's original take on the Thrust tune. This newer remix actually manages to improve on it. If the tune solely concentrated on Thrust, it may have been even better (if that's hard to believe). A raw, pounding guitar laden riff/dance version of the main theme hits your ears… before giving way to a more melodic cover of Arcade Classics and some very ethereal vocals. And then returning to the main theme and finishing off on a dynamic note. Having listened to this countless times already, it doesn't get boring and still demands attention. |
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Hunters Moon (Annikas Mix) - arranged by ifadeo offlineReview by putzi, 26/03/2003 This is a remix that has to grow on you, and will therefore not wear off as other tracks. It feels like electro beats, some sweetness from OMD's work in the early 90s (choir-sounds) and something from The Cure (rhythm and the way the sounds are beingbend) to me. It does not sound like Matt Last Ninja 2Gray anymore and that is absolutely OK. |
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Human Race - arranged by Markus SchneiderReview by putzi, 26/03/2003 This remix is a ride into dreamland. I love that short appearance of the female voice again and again (German Captain Future-title-track-alike), and there are someside-soundsin the background you can discover if you listen closely. The sum of sounds and rhythm makes it addictive. The only negative to me is the slightly too present midrange sometimes. |
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Zamzara (Spice Mix) - arranged by Gustav TaxénReview by eliot, 25/03/2003 At the first I was aware of are the annoying loud snares . They really hurt this tune and makes me votegoodinstead of very good. I hope next time Gustav will avoid such. Maybe we get a new mastered version? |
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Thanatos (In Love Mix) - arranged by DJ RETROGradeReview by eliot, 25/03/2003 DJ Regrograde appears with his first remix - and due the name I thought I will get some hardcore tune but my assumption was wrong It is very close to the original, besides the drums. Maybe a supporting bass-line would give the tune more brightness, but overall it's nice. |
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Pitfall 2 - Lost Caverns - arranged by BaRReview by eliot, 25/03/2003 I'm not a fan of Midi-Instruments, especially when they sound tinny. It's a 1:1 cover, very little own inspiration - I guess due the choice of instruments, it shall link toIndiana Jones- but it's far away from John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra. And again: MP3-tags are intend to fill with useful information and not to left blank. |
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The Last Ninja 3 Intro - arranged by IceXuickReview by eliot, 25/03/2003 Hmm.. it's not really a remix, it's too close to the original due lack of own inspiration. It's nice to listen but not kicking. And yes, MP3-tags are intend to fill with usefull information and not to be left blank. |
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Ocean Loader Four - arranged by YoshiReview by eliot, 25/03/2003 Do you like to kill my ears with your drums? Seems so. Instruments and drum-line are out of shape… is it a dance remix or something different? The drum-line make me guess it's dance-style, while the lead instruments make me guess it's trancy. I also miss variations… The spirit of the original was completely lost. |
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Cybernoid 2 (Dancing baby mix) - arranged by Noviello PippoReview by eliot, 25/03/2003 Does it make any sense to upload a song when you have problems with your soundcard? No, it does not, Jan was too kind to accept the upload… ten years ago it was cool to have drums on the right channel and the lead on the left - So anyone avoid the download. (Next time enter infos to the mp3-tags, empty tags are annoying!) |
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KikStart 2 - arranged by IceXuickReview by Tas, 25/03/2003 Probably the most comercial sounding dance track ever to grace RKO. New Arranger IceXcuik has hit the nail on the head with a awesome dance remix of Kick Start 2. Although in the sense of the word the tune tends to be a tad on the repetative side it gradually grows creating a full sounding dance remix. The addition of a VocalKick Itis a great addition. The track is very much in the vein of Sashin the way it builds and with the obvious way it brings in the beats and breaks. A polished and stunningly visualised dance track! A superb piece of work by IceXcuik! |
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Zamzara (Spice Mix) - arranged by Gustav TaxénReview by hbasm, 25/03/2003 That's great! Great instruments and melodies. Very talented mix. I just wish 2 things were different: The snaredrums are too strong. They hurt me ears. And the first minute of the song isn't grabbing me, perhaps again, because of the beat that hurts my ears. I use earphones and even filtering away the treble doesn't solve it.That's a shame cause the rest is lovely. Gotta love that bass and lively melody, the wah-filters are pretty intelligent. The tonal relationship between melody and bass seems greatly improved from the original composition. |
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Comic Bakery (Retro Magic) - arranged by HazelReview by hbasm, 25/03/2003 It definitely has potential. There are some great ideas here. The main problem here is the order in which the elements are introduced. The breakbeat comes almost immediately, very loud and dry. I'd suggest a slower buildup into a fuller sound. Where's the climax? It's not obvious.The piece has some cool tidbits, but listening to it from beginning to end, is not so pleasing. Some instruments are badly tuned. Aside from that it does sound kind of fresh, because of the mixture between SID sounds and other instruments - and a kewl beat. |
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Slaine (Industriemädchen Mix) - arranged by ifadeoReview by Tas, 22/03/2003 This tune kinda sits between David Whittaker and Jarre, neither being one or the other. As with most tunes from ifadeo the composition is good, but let down by some weak instruments, tho the production is much better on this remix than many of his other attempts. Another problem as i see it is the distinct lack of variation and mood resulting in a nice but repetative remix.Don't get me wrong i like the direction ifadeo is heading, but my advice would be slow down, take your time, release less and work more on the job in hand. make your vision a reality. Quality is better than quantity. |
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Comic Bakery (Retro Magic) - arranged by HazelReview by Tas, 22/03/2003 New arranger on the blockHazel, has produced an alternative mix of Comic Bakery that can be best described as experimental. The remix is heavilly reliant on drum patterns which unfortunately are on the repetative side which can also be said for the remix itself. The remix isn't bad and doesn't do much wrong, yet it also doesn't infuse itself on you to the point of being over interesting. All said and done, it's a good work out for the new comer and there are limited signs of promise. |
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Birthday (The Stones join Erasure) - arranged by PutziReview by eliot, 22/03/2003 This tune is not done byMartin Schneideralone, the HVSC lists it in the Jens Blidonsub-directory It's always nice to listen remixes from composers outside the main-stream. Sascha did a very good work to keep the flair. Racoondid not find all bugs in the audio, because there are some crackles within the first 40 seconds. Besides this few crackles, the tune is good balanced with nice instruments, I only miss a brighter stereo-panorama. A good example of happy-music. |
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Technocop - arranged by golReview by eliot, 22/03/2003 Mathias has a faible for Ben Daglish Anyways, he did a nice remix and cover the spirit of the original. The song has no flaws I can think of - but I miss the special touch/artistic improvement to give it a very good. |
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