OCR00889 - Chrono Trigger 'Spekkio the Brave'

[Ginnsu]

Chrono Trigger 'Spekkio the Brave'

I'm 3/4's Scottish, so I'd be a rebel to my culture not to like this. Quite honestly, I'm a horrible rebel, so I think I'll just go along and say that this is one of the most amazing pieces of work I have ever heard. The bagpipes are especially spectacular. Now, while I do say that bagpipes are a very interesting sounding instrumet, I do not suggest putting this song on the CD or MP3 Playlist that wakes you up in the morning. Being awaken by bagpipes is not the most enjoyable occasion you could ever have. I speak from experience. And back to the mix, the trumpet (edit: oops, tuba) is also amazingly well done. Keeping in mind that this was created electronically, I have to say, Spekkio did quite the job here. Fantabulous work Spekkosaurus. Don't question it, this does deserve a made up word.

[DJ Crono]

I love Celtic music man, and this is GREAT! I love the intro and the whole song. You keep it very dignified and flowing. Something out of Braveheart, you know. The snares at 2:20 were a great touch, very diplomatic. Then you brought in the tuba, quite fascinating. I like that you stray ever so slightly from the original theme and then come back. I always do that :D Good job bro. I hopr to post a CT remix one day. Later~
~DJ Crono~ Jovette Rivera

[ziwtra]

For all of you who've been clamoring for an end to the Chrono Trigger remixes: Here is a slap in the face. To say that a game has been "finished" or "remixed" or even "over-remixed" is to insult the capacity for remixers to be innovative, creative. Who else heard bagpipes and a brass ensemble when listening to Spekkio's theme? And who could have pulled it off as beautifully as Spekkosaurus did? If you can claim to have thought of it, to have attempted it, and succeeded at it, then by all means go ahead and complain about Chrono Trigger being done for. I cannot make such claims.

Less of the negative! How about that Tuba? And isn't that snare riff just perfect? In terms of execution, this remix is one of the best. Whether you like Celtic or not, you'll have respect to the work that went into this one. (And for a little more commentary: likewise, all you techno-trance-haters, there are plenty of remixes for you to appreciate in terms of pulling off techno spectacularly, much to your dismay.)

[Magus]

I am listening to this remix on my headphones for the third time now while I am typing up this review. I have to say that I really enjoy this remix. The bagpipes, the snares, the tuba, they're all great and flow perfectly with each other. Hats off to Spekkosaurus.

I am a fan of all types of music, whether Celtic or techno, as long as it sounds good to my ears. I can appreciate the amount of talent that an artist puts into his/her work because I tried to make many memixes myself but I can't seem to make things work.. I'm lacking in the creativity department. Saying that, I've come to respect all the remixers and musicians as a whole.

[Shhteve]

I thought this mix was interesting, quite a fun change of pace for OCR. I'd like to see more Celtic music :P

[Kamikaze Noodle]

Here's Joe :D He likes remixed game music. He logs onto remix.overclocked.org to listen to some of his favorite Chrono music. He clicks on Spekkio the Brave by Spekkosaurus, expecting some overly repetitive 7 minute trance song. When the bagpipes blast through his headphones 2 things hit him: 1. A remix can be taken about as far as you're mind can stretch it. 2. Spekkios theme sounds dang good through a bagpipe.

[Dev]

Wow...didn't know what to expect downloading this song, but after hearing it several times, I must say that I truly enjoyed this. Those bagpipes are the perfect fit for Spekkio's theme. The snare drum was perfect, also. Overall, this mix was fucking brilliant, and deserves your attention.

10/10

[Viewtiful Fig]

Usually you'll find an upbeat techno remix, or a slow, calming, serene mix of a CT song. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but this stands out in the crowd of CC and CT songs in OC Remix's database. I abosultely love this song, and I usually don't listen to Celtic/Scottish music. This is amazing. Perfect for Spekkio.

10/10.

[Citizen Kabuki]

Wondrous stuff right here. The Celtic-type theme was an excellent and refreshing choice. I find myself humming along with the tune incessantly, and everything is orchestrated very well. The tuba and drums are a fun touch :) In short, I enjoy it!

[Talah_rama]

::sobs:: I can't believe it.... THIS IS BEAUTIFUL! I was in the middle of it, then it got kinda loud... Then I turned up my speakers and sobbed, it's beautiful.

[OC3Boi]

I can't remember who spekkio is :(

But I recognize the theme as CT. Just not the where in CT. :oops: Anyways, good stuff comes in all genres :-P

Oh wait, I'm supposed to say something about the song. Hmmm... Horry shinto beans! :-P Honestly it was a really great remix. Had me dancing around in my chair at work. I got looks from my coworkers. Great stuff!

[Blak_Omen]

This is a truly maginificent remix in both sound quality and arrangement. I don't think anybody could have thought of putting Spekkio's Theme into a Scottish style - anyone but Spekkiosaurus, of course. If Spekkio was Scottish and started his own little band thing, this is what it would sound like. (Though maybe not as good on the SNES, no?)

Like the rest of the reviews I agree the bagpipe sounds so authentic I can hardly believe that they are not real at times. (Or are they real?) The tuba helps in the lower registers and nicely contrasts with the high piercing bagpipes and the snare rolls are perfectly executed.

Though I have no idea how this became a Christmas remix, I know how it became one of my favourite remixes.

Good work, Spekkiosaurus.

[Blak_Omen]

And, uh, Spekkio is that God of War guy. Who you have to run around three times to learn something, and Spekkio changes form as you level up.

Or something, I aint played Chrono Trigger for years.

[Seith]

We used this song as our entrance music for Snodaze 2003 at our college, it was that excellent. You can read about it here: http://www.bobgetsresults.com/~shane/

I'm only posting this site once, hoping for it to be re-visited on it's own merits, so anyone who sees this here can be certain they won't see it in another post.

[Bass Clef Man]

Wow... this is amazing. I've listened to it a million times, and just realized I haven't put in a reply! :) I love the bagpipes - they work really well! Who'd a thunk - Spekkio is Scottish! :)!! And the tuba was perfect. I like how you changed the tempo aound the time it came in.

Overall: Beutiful, Innovative, and... Celtic! 10/10, with style.

[reelmojo]

Are the bagpipes real? My Lord it sounds that way! I simply cannot listen to this song without having the speakers up loud. The quality is simply breathtaking. At :46 when it gets loud, its so powerful. This is easily a song I could play for someone who doesn't listen to game music and they would appreciate it. The use of samples (if they aren't the real thing) is flawless. A lot of people could write notes and slap a sample on it, add reverb and submit... but it takes real skill to make it sould like the real thing like this, and then even more skill to make that sound this incredible.

5 out of 5 Nice Work Guys!
:nicework: :nicework: :nicework: :nicework: :nicework:
Oh, and I'm Irish, so I'm required to call you a Scottish bastard... you Scottish bastard.

[Akuen]

I must say.. first when I heard this, it was just some noise for my ears...
the same sacond time. and the third, and so on.
I got mad at my big bro and started Spekkio the Brave... he doesn't like bag pipes that much and our rooms are very close. only a wall is seperating them. I turned the volume up to full power, just for irretating my bro. I laid on my bed and listened carefuly... from that moment I LOVED that remix.

I'll give it 4 out of 5 possible smileys with sunglasses... XP
8) 8) 8) 8)

[Mongoosedog]

Spekkosaurus...you got lucky. You're lucky Spekkio's theme goes so good with bagpipes...Damm lucky...had that not gone as well as it did...well... :twisted:

[FM]

Jesus, that Tuba has to be real, it sounds too damn good!
This is a fantastic arrangment with top tier sounds.

[NeoSparda]

Oh my god... this is soooooooooooooo great!
I hate bagpipes, personally...
But this song does them justice!

Unbelievable chords and chilling power and sound of the bagpipes in the beginning section!

Absolutely amazing remix!

:D :D :D :D :D

[Tacitus]

Brilliant! I'm a bagpipes fan myself, and now not only do I have some great Scottish music to listen to, but I can also bug my friends with it! Two thumbs up for an creative new take on a classic theme, and an excellent job handling an unorthodox instrument.

[HumpteeFree]

Didn't know I liked bagpipes until now. It's really great creative stuff. It's also empowering ; everytime I hear this I get in the mood for chopping some english heads.

[jeffrey6283]

Honestly, I started to bust out laughing when I heard this the first time.

Don't get me wrong. This is REALLY good, but I always thought of Spekkio as a really goofy character. So, hearing something that sounded like it was out of Braveheart, just struck me as funny. If I ever learn how to play the bagpipes, then this will be one of those things I'll play all the time.

This is definitely a favorite in my book.

[skeez]

It's been a while since a song has sent such a strong chill down my spine. 0:43 I feel is one of the best parts in the song, just because of that feeling. Given, spekkio wasn't exactly the most serious character in the game, but you have done an outstanding job with your music making him seem "heroic"

[Puffman]

Huzzah! This easily beats out any other remix I have heard thus far (and I've heard the majority). Dunno why I waited so long to listen to the CT remixes, though I must admit I've never played the Chrono Cross/Trigger games before. However, this gem passes on my list, remix or not, and I enjoy listening to it immensely! I am a lurking fan of bagpipes, and this touches every single orgasmic nerve in my body. Great work. :D

[K-ness]

I've been a regular of OCRemix for a few years now, but only recently did I decide to register for the forums. In doing so, I felt it fitting that my first post be my thoughts on quite possibly my favorite song ever remixed here.

The first song by Spekkosaurus I downloaded was "Sound Stone in C Major" which I found on Morpheus. The song in turn led me here, as it had the web address with the song. Since then, I've been picking up my favorite game songs remixed as well as some new songs that I've never heard of but decided to try.

A bit skeptical when the song appeared on the main page, I was almost certain I wouldn't like this version as I think bagpipes are dreadful. Still, "Delightful Spekkio" is my favorite song from Chrono Trigger, and thus, I had to download the remix.

Wearing headphones, I turned the volume to a reasonable setting and started to play the song. Not 30 seconds in, I had tears in my eyes. A great deal of emotion came from this song. An jovial tune turned into an epic, with so much strength and power.

I will say, this is not for everyone. And it certainly will not affect many in the way it has me. But I know that had I not have taken that chance to download something that didn't seem too appealing to me, I never would have heard this song and I never would have experienced the greatness of Spekkosaurus. I just want to say thank you, Spekkosaurus. This truly is one of the best pieces I have ever heard from here.

[jordex]

is it just me or is it funny how the artist and song name are similar?

[Aamean]

I lack the capacity to describe the exquisite quality of this remix in words.

Download it, now.

[ghaleon]

The name of the song fits really well I'd say, and this turned into a great song for me after the initial shock of the bagpipes. I think this song could give a Mongolian Scottish pride...it just exudes a feeling of nobility or something.

[Hyperion5182]

I thought of the character in this song along a far different line when i first played the game but after taking 10 minutes to truly listen and hear this piece i couldnt agree more with some of the stuff said here

Well Done.

[Linearity]

Great mix. "Delightful Spekkio" has a warm little melody that I like, but you took it somewhere just slightly higher than it was before. I'm glad you took out the tack piano (or whatever it actually is supposed to be) comping that was there before. Rundown:

I love the sound of these pipes backed by the horns. The pad is nice too at around 2:05; unexpected what with the pipes, but nice. The military snare seems a bit random, but there's nothing wrong with it that I can hear. I don't know if I'm diggin the chimes. Okay, around 3:50 getting repetitive, but I know that's the genre, and I've heard worse. It ends just in time.
Edit: I forgot the damn tuba, which also rocks.

Congratulations: you made a good song better.

[Jabberbox]

I love bagpipes, and now I found a remix with them!
it sounds wonderful

[Steffan Andrews]

Thanks a lot for all the wonderful comments everyone, it's a great inspiration to me to have feedback.

[frashpikass]

So beautiful...

[DJ Pili]

This sounds beautiful! I feel like being in Scotland whenever I hear it. Then I picture in my mind a bagpiper, kilt and all, playing the bagpipe while walking through grassy plains.

[Bummerdude]

I bet everyone in Scotland hurrayed when they heard this remix. Screw Braveheart, this is the real deal.

This is practially the only remix with bagpipes, and that´s so great, because you can´t just mimic a bagpipe, but I do wonder if Spekko managed to play this himself, because he did make "Trial in Concert" all by himself (still cannot believe it), so why not this one.

Anyhow, beautiful. Maybe there aren´t many that has a year to the wonderful tunes of the bagpipes, but I do love them. Besides, it sounded like a marsch or a celtic wedding, but with the melody of Spekkio it just sounded so darn funny.

Love this piece. All of you hencemen to the celts better download it or regret it, because this is remixing history for real. Spekkiosaurus, you sure have done it again, gonna be a real hard one to try to beat this one in supremeness.

[Jabberbox]

...I think this song could give a Mongolian Scottish pride...
heh, I dont want to offend, but at first, they were real similar (DONT CHOP MY HEAD OFF! or yell at me, or anything)

[mrnerdhair]

I'm actually from Scotland. I'm an American now, but I was born in the land of milk and honey (or tea and oatcakes) and grew up there. I tell you, it's dang hard to tell if this was done on real bagpipes or not! Spekkio, you warm my heart, and take me back to a land that was simpler and sweeter :wink:

Thanks, man, this is now my personal theme song...

--Reid

[football_punk64]

ok I am A bagpiper and i thought this song was awsome does anyone know were I can get the sheet music so I can play it.

[Geoffrey Taucer]

Celtic music sucks




Holy damnit christmas, this mix is awesome.

EDIT:
does anyone know were I can get the sheet music so I can play it
Your best bet would be to contact Spekkosaurus directly via e-mail, AIM, PM, etc.

[maestermatt]

i actually hated bagpipes. but now i LOVE them since listening to this song.

[Chickenwarlord]

I gotta get my school's bagpipe group to play this. It's pretty sweet.

[Aninymouse]

I'm adding this to the list of OC ReMixes that've made me lol. Now, granted, this song has seen some years by now, but I think it truely was Skekkosaurus who was brave, posting a bagpipe salute to ORC. For that, I applaud him.

I mean, after all, it's a solid song. The drums and tuba are mixed way too low, though.

I'm considering putting this song on my alarm clock.

[DragonFireKai]

Excellent song, I think this qualifies as a Salute Pibroch, but I'm not that up on my bagpipes. I'm 1/4 Scottish, and that's the largest percentage of me that any on ethnicity takes up, so I kind of gravitate to it. Very well done.

[Shenlon]

Speaking of being brave... I figured it was a very brave and bold move to put a bagpipe remix on the site. There wouldn't happen to be any other brave souls who do those kinds of things, are there...? :)

Since I downloaded all the mixes from BitTorrent, I was just listening to all of them back to back, so at first listen all I glanced at was the "Chrono Trigger" part of the title. Then I heard the pipes come in, and I thought, "Which song could this be remixing...?" Then I recognized the Spekkio theme... I'll be honest, I just started laughing out loud, because that was the LAST song I figured would be redone with bagpipes.

Very cool stuff. :)

[Barium]

This remix made my day, and of course prompted my registering to this site (I was going to delay registering until I had made enough of my first remix to post in the WIP forums, but my hard drive doesn't want that.) I can't believe someone made a remix with the pipes. This is wonderful.

Obligatory description of experience with bagpipes: I'm not actually Scottish. But I did play the pipes for seven years, and this brings all those memories flooding right back. The soloist playing first, the band starting their drones a bar before they come in, the (military, usually) brass accompaniment, everything was done incredibly. The soloist's drones were even out of tune (which any self respecting soloist would never allow, mind you!) The bridge did go out of the range of the Great Highland Bagpipe, which is the type you'd almost always see played in bands in the UK and the US, but that's not a big deal. The GHB only has a range of nine notes, you don't get much wiggle room. Oh, that reminds me, the grace notes, oh, the grace notes were wonderful. There are a few complicated movements the soloist could've done when soloing, and some the band might have done as well, but if you haven't learned the pipes (which, of course, is only an assumption, feel free to correct me) it'd be tough to know about them, so no worries there; the finger movements that were done were amazing enough!

For the person who wanted the notes, I don't have software to put this on sheet music, but I took a quick 20-30 minutes to write 'em out on a wordpad document (that means you're stuck with figuring out the timing, shouldn't be too tough though, eh?) The low G and low A are simply 'g' and 'a' and the high G and high A are '(hg)' and '(ha)'. The notes that are out of the GHB's range are written as '(oor)'. I also left out almost all the grace notes and embellishments, it's up to the player to toss 'em in (most players like doing that anyway.) I only left in a few in the "March Bridge" section because they're necessary for the runs. They're in brackets. I apologize if something's not right here, I didn't spend too much time on it, so I might have overlooked something. Just repeat these sections as necessary. For the March - it's still the same note arrangement even when it gets faster.

Intro = {c b a c e d c f (hg) (ha) e d c f (hg) (ha) e d c d c a b}

Slow Air = {a (ha) e c f e d c d e a b / a (ha) e c f e d c b a // a (ha) e c f e d c d e a b / a (ha) e c f e d c d b c a }

Bridge = {c b c d c b (fast - c d) c d e f (ha) f (ha) (oor) (oor) (oor) (oor) (hg?) (ha) f a b c d e d c b a}

March = {a (ha) e c f e d c d e a b / a (ha) e c f e d b c b a b c a}

March Bridge = {a [b] c a [b] c e (ha) c b a b c d [e] f (ha) f (ha) (oor) (oor) (oor) (oor) (hg?) (ha) f a b c d e d c b a}

Finally - thank you Spekkosaurus, this remix is absolutely wonderful.

[Lucentas]

I love bagpipes, so this was a Thanksgiving feast for my partly-Scottish ears. It does get a bit repetitive, but who cares, it's bagpipes! Evokes strong highlands imagery and just makes me want to take a trip there even more than I already do. As if the accents and the plaid weren't awesome enough.

[Catharsis]

I think I just listened to this for the first time, and I love it! So creative!

[tweek]

Bagpipes. Sweetness. Very unique. And yes, as you said in your writeup, the track is very repetitive :). The piercing sound of the pipes could have been toned down a little bit, but it's not terrible. The sounds/samples used, while dated by todays standards, aren't bad at all for the time (7 years ago!). The tuba was a nice addition. Gave it almost a polka feel that I liked. Wasn't a huge fan of the exposed snare and concert bass drum, but it wasn't a deal breaker. The Bagpipe drone was very well done. Not bad at all!

[OA]

A great theme and variation, all i'd really do is tone down some of the frequencies and it'd be good. It is very repetitive, but damn it, it's Spekkio. I don't know the nuances of a bagpipe enough to tell if it's live of sequenced pipes, but if they are sequenced, then super well done. If it's live, even better. :-)

Very good stuff.

[Pineconeboy]

This remix came on my Winamp at the exact moment I was opening an e-mail saying that my paper had been accepted for a conference. Basically, that's a big deal. It was the perfect soundtrack to make me feel heroic. :D