OCR01242 - Donkey Kong Country 'Beneath the Surface'

[djpretzel]

What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

[The Womb]

Very nice I like it alot.
not much more to say then that
makes my playlist *hurray for getting the second post*

[Sefy]

Whoa, my first Review of an OC ReMix!! :D Ok, In the biginning this can be interesting by the sound effects, but this is a VERY LONG ReMix and it turned boring if you're searching for a good ReMix of this game. Anyway, I DON'T enjoy hearing this. Sorry, but I rate it 3/10

[Bren]

Nice, I really dig the concert approach to this one. It has a more real feel to it (for me thats always a plus). The variation is nice... love the piano and sax (and of course the guitar :wink: ) Hmm...is that some Frog's Theme and Mother Brain's theme I hear in there? Its Great! Soon to be another Vigilante classic.

Excellent :D

[RoboPanda]

Sorry, Sefy, but while this may not be your cup of tea, not every remix on this site has to be under 2 minutes and include nothing but an added bass drum track.

The mix of sounds brings me back to thinking of this as a Pat Metheny (very proficient jazz guitarist) style. It's that laid-back jazzish style but with a sense of just cruising along, which was something I felt while playing any of the underwater levels.

I've heard a DnB remix of this song (if anyone's heard the remix by DJ Freaky Flow, that's the one I'm talking about) and having heard both sides of the "energy" spectrum of this song, I'd say that Vigilante has done a great job.


Anyway, I DO enjoy hearing this. I congratulate you with a 9/10 for brightening my day :)

[KonohaNinja]

I definately enjoyed this remix. Aquatic Ambience is definately my favorite song from the Donkey Kong soundtrack and this remix made it even better. I love how its got the jazz style to it. The piano, saxaphone and guitar make it sound even better and complement the relaxing element of the original song. I give it a 9/10. Great job Vigilante!

O and Sefy..you may find this song "boring" but you must remeber that this song is supposed to be slow and relaxing. The original song was not a fast paced upbeat tune. It was a relaxing calm song....hence the name Aquatic Ambience and I think this a great remix of the original.

[ella guro]

I don't think a better mix could've be picked to spotlight the project. Vigilante does here what he does well, and the results are awesome. gud job fgt!1

[Navi]

porno groove from the ax master vigfag. excellent.

one of the best tracks from Relics of the Monkey, err...Kong in Koncert.

[RimFrost the Tourianist]

Aquatic Ambience made into a jazz song ? oh my..
Well at least this remixer can't be blamed for not being original ..i like the guitar in this one 8)

[Oddity]

The Frog theme part comes in a bit too strong in attack. It should have been fit more with the flow of the rest of the song. Same goes for Kraid in that it changes the mood extremely. The Zelda one was the nicest. ("What? There's Zelda in this?") I had a great time listening to how it went into the lower register to proceed with the melody again. ("What's this guy talking about??") Though I still categorize Ocarina of Time's Opening with Frog and Kraid in that they all don't really add anything at all, or blend in. ("Hey, he's right! There is a Zelda song in here!")

Other than that, it took two listens to understand everything, which is a plus. Shows good structure. I thought I had some more issues to address when I first heard it, but the second listen eliminated them. They were mainly about some random thing that I changed my mind on, and some of the "improvisation" or whatever in the middle. But any purist to the original thoughts can be ignored given that overall it actually sticks to the original well while providing decent arrangement which brings a fresh change of pace. Or something.

[bouncerboy15]

This mix is swell. :)!!

[SirRus]

This one is truly worthy of showcasing the KIC project, excellent work Vig, I heard it for the first time last night on VGF and I have yet to finish my torrent download to listen to them all again (at much higher quality) but this one was one of my favorites, if not THE favorite.

Frog's theme made me go huh? I heard the same progression as Zebesian midnight right after that too if I am not mistaken, so that whole ending passage kinda threw me for a loop, but not in a bad way. Kinda cool actually. O yeah, and I like your sax.

[Debotron-6K]

After hearing McVaffe and bLiNd's mixes of this track, I didn't think it was possible for a better version to be created. How wrong I was.

I have no criticisms to give here. This is a beautiful, excellent composition and Vigilante should be very proud. I love it and I have a new favorite OC ReMix. YaY!!!!

[tyler_lucero]

The source material lends itself well to a jazz version, and Vig has pulled it off extreamly well. If this is any indication of the quality of the rest of the project, I'm on the edge of my seat! A highlight for me has to be the intro of the guitar at around 3'05 (although I'm not quite sure what that "hissing" noise is in the background...) Anyway, I also thought the snipit of the Zelda Theme was interesting, and made me smile. :) Great work, I can't wait to hear more...

[Coppatop85]

This song is amazing. Vigilante delivers again, he is definatly my favorite Remixer. This song is right up there with Zebesian Midnight. I heard the Kraid spliff in there, but whereabouts (time wise) is the zelda cut? I didn't hear that.

[Smoke]

Great stuff. Gotta love the little cameos of other tracks in this as well.

I'm puttin' this on my iPod Mini.

[Wanderer]

This has instantly become one of my favorite all time remixes after just a few listens. The use of the cameos is subtle and not overpowering, and I had to go back and search for them. I just love this piece so much. Best jazz mix I've ever heard, that's for sure.

[Hawke Edge]

Awesome.

[Bob Bobiam]

LOVE this mix, definately one of my fav's, man. Really delivers the feel of underwater, from the jazzy sax to the mello guitar. Rock on all the way.

And I loved that CT Frog treat XD As well as the Metroid one. Thought that the Zelda one was form FF6 there for a minute. Sounded kinda like a tune from FF6. Heh.

[Sefy]

O and Sefy..you may find this song "boring" but you must remeber that this song is supposed to be slow and relaxing. The original song was not a fast paced upbeat tune. It was a relaxing calm song....hence the name Aquatic Ambience and I think this a great remix of the original.
I know it, but I mean that I hear better ''slow and relaxing'' ReMixes, and even not in this game. For example, my favourite ''slow and relaxing'' OC ReMix is Christmas Nights - Merry Little Christmas. I hope you understand that I just saying my modest opinion.

[k u n g f u c h i c k e n]

Vig, you are freakin crazy man. This is WOW. The most killer parts of this remix comes from the last 2:00, the guitar harmonics are just flawless, and the only complaint I had struggle to find was the abrupt start, but this is a matter of opinion. Nice work, I think it's your best yet man. This sounds professional, and the original composers would be proud.

[JaisenLaviero]

The zelda thing in there is from the Title Theme from Ocarina. At least that's what I heard.

[Brim]

This song is so well made, it sounds so realistic, and it is one of those relaxing songs I have always wanted but never had one until now.

[Coppatop85]

was there a Mega Man riff in there as well?

[mta614]

i think those added cameo pieces at the end were a very nice touch.. it reminded me of how just random stuff falls in the ocean and you find it lying at the bottom.. a bit of frog's theme, a little of zelda...

[Chris McGee]

I've been a fan of this song ever since I first heard it in it's earliest WIP incarnations, and I must say... Vig has truly outdone himself. This song just plain fucking rocks.

[PancakeHero]

beautiful... :cry:

[Boromir of Gondor]

Totally without question, this is one of the most amazing reviews I've ever heard. In fact, I just registered, just so I could say that.

Beautiful work.

[Baldrash]

...Whoa.

...Just whoa.

Hell yeah. Now this is absolutely amazing. It takes a special kind of ReMix to get me to post a review, and this easily gets put into that group.

Bloody amazing jazz take on the classic DKC track. I thought bLiNd and McVaffe had already perfected this song with their ReMixes, and now they're playing second fiddle to this. This is going into the rotation, immediately after I play it a couple dozen times on loop...

[Mesano]

I found this particular remix to be outstanding. The background supports the original melody with a "real" feeling aura. This is the best remix I have listened to so far, though all of the other ones I have listened to are very good, this one just stands out in my mind.

[Fudd]

This has instantly become one of my favorite all time remixes after just a few listens. The use of the cameos is subtle and not overpowering, and I had to go back and search for them. I just love this piece so much. Best jazz mix I've ever heard, that's for sure.

I agree with what Wanderer has to say about the cameos. They'll make an experienced listener grin and it doesn't take away from the song at all. They even flow right into each other. From what I could hear was: Frog, Metroid, and Narshe.

[Lacour]

he did a good job on the whale echoes and electric guitar i can only say 10/10. perfect job on it.

[Kaede_X]

Jesus bloody christ this song is good.
The guitar, the laid back sax, the ambience, everything works perfectly together.

Vigilante never disappoints.

[Putzy]

A great remix of Aquatic Ambiance. It's hard to say much more than quality work from a qualiy mixer.

[Moo2u]

Now, this piece is just how I like my yellow...mellow!

Very laided back piece that I enjoyed quite alot. Found it amuzing how you melded Frog's theme and Orcaria of time in there. Nice jorb.

[Fudd]

Also, the whispering of Biblical verse in the end is a nice polish. I think it really magnifies the title a lot more. I've often wondered what runs through the minds of heroes as their time comes. Well, clearly, their brave thoughts are Beneath the Surface

Psalm 23:1-3 (Frog)
23:4 (Samus)
23:6 (Terra, perhaps? Locke? Anyone who's recognized in Narshe... Oh, that's from Zelda, you say?... Could've sworn it was Narshe. It sounds like the drawn-out sighs. Well, if that's not the case, then Link fits the greave here.)

[Coppatop85]

I heard a little section from Mega Man 3 in there at 3:29,
I hear frogs theme at 5:26
I hear metroid at 5:40

Where is the Zelda/Narshe theme? And what biblical verse is it? I can hear whispering, but I can't make out any words.

[Fudd]

Psalm 23


A psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.


I find the first two references quite fitting...

Frog: Green pastures, quiet waters.. A nature scene, as well as the restoration of soul.

Samus: All alone, against the Metroids...

I suppose the last verse can fit for either Terra or Link.

[nodspaw51]

Combining one of my favorite songs of the game and one of my favorite genres of music...this piece is certainly worthy of ocr status...a beautiful remix that puts you into the deepest emotions of the remixer...i feel a mood herethat matches complete relaxation...

[Vig]

Thanks for all the feedback; it is always appreciated. I guess i'll fill you in on some of the details.

i think an unbalanced portion of the comments have been about the ending, so i'll clear that up and maybe people will focus on the non-vox non-chrono trigger aspects of the mix.

The vocals are me whispering that "i'm about to die" psalm you hear in movies. It's not there to endorse any particular religion, only because i thought the whispering sounded really cool with the stereo delay and stuff. an earlier version of htis mix was called "eulogy at sea" and that explains the morbid themes. other vocal clips featured are from the movies "gladiator" and "teenage mutant ninja turtles."

as for the guitar that plays behind the vocals in the end...what can i say. i was improvising. i didnt plan it like that; they just came out, and i thought it sounded alright. they are (obviously) frog's theme, kraid, and intro from Ocarina of Time.

someone cited something from megaman 3 or something during the guitar solo. i listened again, didnt hear anything, so if it's in there, it was unintentional. SRRY.

Sax is live, played by me. guitars are pirated gigasamplez, OK?!?!

[root02]

Excellent Remix, actually reminds me of some of Lex de Azevedo's music (unintentionally, I'm sure), but very good nonetheless. It has quickly become one of my all-time favorites, especially since Aquatic Ambience was also my favorite piece from DKC. McVaffe's remix kept the overall feel of the original, but you put a lot more emotion into it with the live saxophone. Wonderful.

Oh, and I could have sworn that was a live guitar, as well... gotta love samples.. :P

[root@your.box]# logoff

[afterglow]

I registered for the sole reason of reviewing this ReMix.

I found the ReMix on the OCReMix main site under the Kong in Concert section. I was generally impressed with all the ReMixes until "Beneath the Surface" came on, and I was completely blown away.

"Beneath the Surface" is probably my favourite ReMix todate. Not only that, but it's reached my top three favorite songs of all time. That's including all music I listen to (and I listen to a lot of music, so that's saying something).

It's jazzy, it's calm and it's just frigging beautiful. It's one of those songs you can put on loop and listen to without ever getting bored. There are so many underlying melodies and themes and sounds, you catch something new every time you listen; riffs from other songs, underlying sound effects, whispery vocals.

"Beneath the Surface" has such depth and a encompasing atmosphere that it's almost impossible not to like it. You can't help but be swept away by the music and be brought into serenity for six minutes and twenty seconds. A song that can do that is simply amazing, and "Beneath the Surface" does it for the full 6:20.

Just wanted to mention, as a sax player myself, that your sax playing is incredible. It has that sweeping jazzy feel to it, a beautiful tone (which is perfectly suited for the song) and fits the song perfectly. Also, the piano (I'm not sure if it's synth or not) is a beautiful touch, and again, it has this whole sweeping feel to it, like waves, it just flows over you, cascading up and down. Amazing.

In the end, I'll just say that this is probably my favourite ReMix to date. It's fantastic, overwhelming and breath-taking.

- afterglow

[SirRus]

Just wanted to mention, as a sax player myself, that your sax playing is incredible. It has that sweeping jazzy feel to it, a beautiful tone (which is perfectly suited for the song) and fits the song perfectly.

Ummm, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Vig was being facetious, and the nature of the instrumentation is actually the other way around (meaning live GUITAR playing and sequenced sax)? You know, if it turns out Vig really does play the sax that well, I don't know what I would do. That's why on my comment o so many pages ago I said "I love your sax" in reference to Vig's "pirated gigasample."

In the end, I'll just say that this is probably my favourite ReMix to date. It's fantastic, overwhelming and breath-taking.

I saw nothing wrong about this comment.

[Darangen]

I like it.

I think it was longer than it should've been, and it seemed to take forever to finish, but it was still very good.

[PancakeHero]

The guitar reminds me of Pink Floyd....that is good in my book. I think i already posted about this mix, but i cant get enough of it. It's simply that friggin good.

[Lacour]

i swear i hear some CT theme in here, not a lot but just a little near the end. right at 5:27 it starts up.

[Annoxus]

Just amazing... excellent work breathing new life into this mix. Well done.

[Your Good Twin]

This is a fantastic remix. I love the real (or at least entirely realistic sounding) instruments and it is a wonderful, soothing play with what I think most can agree is the best song from the original soundtrack.

But I just wanted to say I don't like the other tunes in there. I know Vig has posted to say that he didn't mean it (though honestly, how can you not notice?), but to me, that is all the more reason to perhaps remove it/change it. I mean, hey, far be it for me to be so audacious to say he should change his own genius creation, but he didn't so much mean for it in the first place. And I have to say, for me, it does takes me out. I was chillin', groovin' to it when I distinctly hear some Frog's theme and BAM I'm sucked out of it, thinking about Chrono Trigger. And I'm the type of person who will only think about that everytime I get to the end now.

So all in all, I think this absolutely brilliant mix could be made all the better by changing these small things, if it was not too hard. And of course, I would still love it even if it stays the same.

[SirRus]

I mean, hey, far be it for me to be so audacious to say he should change his own genius creation, but he didn't so much mean for it in the first place.

Did he really not mean to put the CT Frog theme in there? Seems to me like that was one of the "allusion" themes Vig purposely molded into the song, I think there was controversy over some other theme that he didn't realize he was playing, but I could be wrong.

Anyway, let's just cross our fingers for the revamped Zebesian Midnight and leave our fanboy fantasies at that.

[Cyan_Ide]

Great job!! It made me want to sleep.....but in a REALLY GOOD way--insanely relaxing.

[Vig]

thanks again, folks.

just forgot to mention something:

the abrupt beginning is there kind of on purpose. what happened was when i mixeddown the song there was that noise you hear at the beginning, which was NOT anywhere in the waveform. i think it's leftover delay from the sax at the end. sonar was acting odd with the sax in general. anyway, i thought it sounded really cool so i decided to keep it.

oh, and as for the CT, Metroid, Zelda in the ending:

They are there. I like them there; i think they provide interesting countermeoldy for the focus of the piece at that point, the vocals and sax. I didnt premeditate them being there, but that doesnt mean i'm changing it. I'm not. i like it. they stay. deal.


thx.

[Less Ashamed Of Self]

I was catching up on the last month of new OCR when the playlist reached this song. I had to come post. Engaging, dramatic, beautiful, emotional, and the highest salute possible to the original.

Gorgeous.

11/10

[jordex]

'very soothing and beautiful, usually i prefere mcvaffes version over anything but i actually like this one better

[Txai]

Yes! The Ambient Gemini is good. The Blue Vision also. But Beneath the Surface is calmest and enjoyable. Great saxophone and nice guitar.

[Zipp]

Sigh... such a beautiful piece of work this one is. An instant classic. This is one of those that when you show it to people they don't grimace and say, "oh, it's one of those synthesized video game songs."

No, this takes the original and keeps true to it, while adding wonderful spins on the track.

Really makes one wonder where McVaffe went. He used to do work like this.

Zipp

[beastsm]

I love this track... I took a trip by myself to Australia and New Zealand last fall for about 2 months and this song became an anthem for my experience. I spent a lot of time on my own hiking, reading, and relaxing and this song always served as a great accompaniment to my moments of introspection. I am very thankful to the artist that covered this classic Donkey Kong Country theme, there are so many layers to the song that each listen is different for me.

[Bummerdude]

Here are my following reasons for NOT downloading this remix:







Did everyone get all that? :wink:

[Cerd_Fen]

Very good ambience type music, smooth sounding, got that nice jazzy feel.

My only question is, though... is anyone else reminded of that one Carpenters song (I can't remember the title) when the sax comes in at 1:07?

[Radiowar]

Very nice...especially right around the bossa nova part.

Allusions to Zelda and Metroid were pulled off very well, but damn that Frog's Theme part was awkward. Kinda ruined the vibe for me. Could've at least stretched it out a bit. I dunno.

[Yamato2299]

I love this song. It's the song I play when I need to relax and so far it hasn't failed me yet.

[BlueMage]

Good sexing music.

I kid you not.

[KogeJoe]

Let me be honest with you. It really peeves me whenever I hear a re-mix is not in the original key of the source. It's the first thing I catch. Next is accuracy. How closely is this person following the main melody? The chords? The base?

So at first I was like, "...oh no... here we go...," but then the sexxy saxx starts playing and it gets my attention. The accoustic guitar could be delayed electric, but I'm liking it either way... by the time it gets to that bossa-nova part, I just about cream my pants!!! LORD! THIS is what I call a DECENT remix. And then the guitar solo after that. AWH haw haw. (Picture Homer Simpson savoring his chocolate...)

Only thing I go "huh?" about is the random insertion of Chrono Trigger's Frog Theme. Uh... WHY??? I mean, it's on key and everything... but why? So random.

Other than that, WHOAH. Dude. This is professional work. I'm surprised I could download this for FREE and you don't have RIAA breathing down our necks.

I say again, m8, good show.

[Blake]

Let me be honest with you. It really peeves me whenever I hear a re-mix is not in the original key of the source. It's the first thing I catch.

What's so wrong with this? It's just a key.

Btw, great ReMix.

[Djinn]

This is my favorite OC ReMix. Is has been since I first started coming to this site. I could listen to it for hours. Beautiful.

[HoboKa]

I've had this song in my playlist for what...over a year now and it hasn't grown old yet. 10/10 and three thumbs up!! Don't ask what the 3rd one is.

Let me be honest with you. It really peeves me whenever I hear a re-mix is not in the original key of the source. It's the first thing I catch. Next is accuracy. How closely is this person following the main melody? The chords? The base?

So at first I was like, "...oh no... here we go...," but then the sexxy saxx starts playing and it gets my attention. The accoustic guitar could be delayed electric, but I'm liking it either way... by the time it gets to that bossa-nova part, I just about cream my pants!!! LORD! THIS is what I call a DECENT remix. And then the guitar solo after that. AWH haw haw. (Picture Homer Simpson savoring his chocolate...)

Only thing I go "huh?" about is the random insertion of Chrono Trigger's Frog Theme. Uh... WHY??? I mean, it's on key and everything... but why? So random.

Other than that, WHOAH. Dude. This is professional work. I'm surprised I could download this for FREE and you don't have RIAA breathing down our necks.

I say again, m8, good show.

Heh, I'm surprised that they don't charge us for listenning to K.Rool Intentions either, which is another song which is as sexy as this 1 ;-)

[Arwen]

I've been going through a hard time of things lately. I won't go into details, but for whatever reason, I have latched onto this song to help get me through. There is something so beautifully soothing about it, so deep and understanding and hopeful, that I cannot get it out of my head. And that's a good thing--it has given me some peace. Thank you truly for it.

[Oscillated Future]

Great blend of instrumentation. A truly wonderful ReMix!

10/10

[Neo_Vegeta]

This song is amazing. Vigilante delivers again, he is definatly my favorite Remixer. This song is right up there with Zebesian Midnight. I heard the Kraid spliff in there, but whereabouts (time wise) is the zelda cut? I didn't hear that.

Dude, he used the warp whistle song from the original Zelda. It's found at 5:55, and repeats--somewhat broken up--all the way to the end. I think he borrowed the repetition from the OOT intro.

I totally agree that it has the same caliber as Zebesian Midnight. He's really outdone himself, even if the cameos at the end are a bit out of place. Just a little bit, though.

Funny Story: when I heard Frog's Theme, it took me by surprise and I started trying to figure out what game it was from (without cheating!!), so at first I thought of one of the newer Final Fantasies. But after 5 minutes I STILL couldn't figure it out, so I started beating my head on my desk (not really, lol) out of sheer frustration. Then I gave in a little bit and started to cheat by frantically searching my PC for the JUST the TITLE of the song has that little jingle in it. (I didn't want to listen to it. That takes all the fun out!) But then by some sheer stroke of luck (or through divine intervention) Frog's Theme started playing in Media Player about 5 seconds after I started looking. I didn't know whether to laugh or start crying. So I did both. Oh wait.... Was that out loud? Crap. . .

But I digress. They're at the END, so I can't complain too much. And besides, Vig is known for experimenting, after all. But anyway!

Here's a little trivia for everyone! Nintendo used the same sound for the warp whistle in SMB3.


---------------------------
You like me because I'm a scoundrel. You need more scoundrels in your life.

[MechaFone]

This is one of those songs that I like to turn on when it's raining and listen to the storm outside. Hell, it's a song that I like to play whenever. It's my favorite live-instrumentation version of this song. Breathtaking.

[a_d]

instrumental/jazz version of this song. I'm surprised that one Vigilante pulled it off one-handedly. The instruments all sound real. Good job

[Opterion]

Another day, another jazz piece to sanctify. Very mellow, calm feel to it. Articulations are very dynamic and fit with the style. Solo bits from the instruments were each unique and well performed, especially the saxophone one :P

[Spade_03]

Well I literally made this account to post here. I saw a coment by Sefy that was kinda disturbing and I just had to say that this is by far my favorite song as of now. I had this song for a while but that last coment showed how some people like to speak they're mind with no general direction. In that case I'll do the same :-o

Anyway I wanted to make a mix of music that can match this song and so far I havent been able to find anything as soothing and beautifull as this. I often play this song as I sleep its incredible. The under-sea ambient relaxes me and the slow jazz makes great dinner music? I don't know how to discribe it but you made a masterpiece that I may enjoy for a long time to come, thank you :)

[haxor]

At 5:18 a voice whispers part of Psalms 23(The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters...). I've been curious why Vigilante decided to put it in there.

[Sir_Downunder]

This song is very mellow and relaxing, perfect for when you want to sit back, kick up your feet and just chill out.

[Emunator]

I don't even feel qualified to be commenting on this piece... it is the definitive Aquatic Ambiance mix and I don't think anything has done this well at reimagining the theme since. Even the parts that others pointed out as being problematic (the ending) didn't bother me and I kind of enjoyed gradually becoming aware of all the different cameos at the end as I expanded my video game music horizons.

This is my second most-played song, I'm just totally in awe at what's been created here. One of the best remixes out there! :-o

[DCAlexis]

AWESOME remix. One of my favourites. The cameos are a very nice original touch.

Does anyone have a guitar tab for the jazz solo that kicks in around 3:04? I'm working on right now, but it gets a little fast at the end and hard to pick out all the notes and slides.

[halc]

i love this one so much, it's just too good.

[OA]

Pretty nice stuff, good soundscape, and though i got jarred out of the feeling with the frog cameo near the end, overall it was lush and interesting. Nice performances and everything clicked.

[a_d]

Some people have commented on a video of this I uploaded to YouTube and pointed out some neat easter eggs:

5:19 Psalm 23 (Bible)
5:27 Frog's Theme (Chrono Trigger)
5:40 Kraid's Lair (Super Metroid)
5:55 Title Theme (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time)

[Altermentality]

Hehe. I know this song is pretty old, but I've been listening to it for years. Now that I'm a member, I'd just like to say how much I appreciate it.

Funnily enough, I hadn't played Chrono Trigger when I first heard this mix. It was only later, after I had finally been introduced and it became one of my favorite games of all time, that I saw someone mention the Frog cameo in this song. I had gotten so used to hearing this piece as it is, and recognizing it as its own beautiful work, that even after hearing the original Frog's Theme I failed to put them together until it was pointed out to me.

The cameos are a creative touch. I was reading this thread and someone else mentioned the feeling of lost things lying at the bottom of the ocean. That's a great analogy. To me this song is also somewhat like sinking into an ocean of nostalgia. Your memories from different periods in your life are coming gently and inobtrusively back to greet you- I've been playing DKC since I was old enough to comprehend anything, and Zelda came in when I was around 13, and Chrono Trigger a few years after that. For me, it's almost like moving from the past- where things seemed to move a lot slower and I had all the time in the world, which is why the piece is a DKC theme- and rushing towards these later themes in the future where everything seems to move a lot faster, which is why they are only snippets.

[Nintendude794]

Hehe. I know this song is pretty old, but I've been listening to it for years. Now that I'm a member, I'd just like to say how much I appreciate it.

Funnily enough, I hadn't played Chrono Trigger when I first heard this mix. It was only later, after I had finally been introduced and it became one of my favorite games of all time, that I saw someone mention the Frog cameo in this song. I had gotten so used to hearing this piece as it is, and recognizing it as its own beautiful work, that even after hearing the original Frog's Theme I failed to put them together until it was pointed out to me.

The cameos are a creative touch. I was reading this thread and someone else mentioned the feeling of lost things lying at the bottom of the ocean. That's a great analogy. To me this song is also somewhat like sinking into an ocean of nostalgia. Your memories from different periods in your life are coming gently and inobtrusively back to greet you- I've been playing DKC since I was old enough to comprehend anything, and Zelda came in when I was around 13, and Chrono Trigger a few years after that. For me, it's almost like moving from the past- where things seemed to move a lot slower and I had all the time in the world, which is why the piece is a DKC theme- and rushing towards these later themes in the future where everything seems to move a lot faster, which is why they are only snippets.
I caught that the whisper was the 23rd Psalm (I've been raised a Christian; I'm a LOST geek, remember Mr. Eko? Anyway...) I knew there was something hauntingly familiar about those guitar phrases in the fifth minute. Now I know where from for certain.

Donkey Kong Country was my first video game. Aquatic Ambience has pretty much always been my favorite theme from the soundtrack. So it's fair to call this mix my absolute favorite OCremix of all time, especially in how many times I've listened to it as compared to every other excellent remix in my collection.

Beneath The Surface, lost things lie at the soul of the sea. This song is soaring through a storm of solace; recalling all the depressing disappointment of your life, but failing to summon tears, you only close your eyes and wince as if pinched by years past. Regret hides behind fear of the unknown; life is a love and hate relationship with the universe. Beneath The Surface, the scars are deeper; bad memories more fervent than the good. But the good is still there, and everywhere, so you never lose sight of all importance. Refreshed by this piece, you hold on to hope and survive to thrive.

This song obliterates oxymorons and clears conundrums, it simplifies death and destruction with love and life by embodying them in a soothing sweet sorrow. I also leave it on loop as I struggle to fall asleep.

Released from prison after life behind bars, an old man in a movie (I will not mention the movie for this could be seen as a spoiler) narrates: "I saw an automobile once when I was a kid, but... now, they're everywhere! The world went and got itself in a big, damn hurry..." Yes we have.
(here's the scene, check it out) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KmUZ4nQ-6k)

"This is your life and it is ending one minute at a time." -Fight Club.
Better make the most of it.

"Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, old time is still a'flying. And this same flower that smiles today, tomorrow will be dying."

[-Dan]

Simply my favorite relax mix. So sweet.
Congratulations and thank you Vigilante!

[sergio]

From first hearing this, I identified 5.07-5.09 as a piece of the Chrono Trigger main theme (in addition to the other three obvious references). Haven't seen anyone else mention this, though... am I reading too much into it?

I have some vague recollection that Vigilante had a habit of inadvertently 'improvising' pre-existing phrases of music, so perhaps that could explain it.

[MechaFone]

Holy crap amazing. Not looking for hidden messages here, I just enjoy this incredible remix whenever I'm looking to space out or relax.

[Crulex]

Oh, nice! I'm really digging the jazzy Latin beat that gets stronger over the course of the mix. This is simply amazing! Man, this is a sexy ReMix, especially in the last two minutes. Damn.

[Ectogemia]

That descending string line near the whispery part, simple as it is, wrenches me every time I hear it. I love it.

What a fantastic mix.

Except the Frog cameo. Wind Scene (or whatever the 600 AD overworld theme is) would have been perfect.

[Tuned Logic]

One of the best mixes on this site, bar none.

[Pyro Paper Planes]

You know, I never even noticed the cameos until people pointed them out in this thread. I DID notice the similarity to Kraid's theme, and just thought it was a coincidence.

By far my favourite mix on an OverClocked ReMix album, if not one of my favourite pieces from this site. One question: Are the drums real? That deep snare is one of the best snare hits I've ever heard. The ride cymbals work well too. What type of reverb did you use for them?

[Marmiduke]

The Donkey Kong Country soundtrack has a dark, atmospheric vibe that I don't think anyone has nailed nearly as well as Vigilante with this mix. Simply put, this is a stunning rendition of an incredible melody.
It's pretty hard to mess up such rich material, but its even harder to surpass it.
The intro makes me sway, the body makes me a kid again and the outro makes my heart ache. A beautiful piece of music that isn't betrayed by its ambition or its performances. Everything comes together effortlessly and in its own time, resulting in a sexy, soulful masterpiece. Much love for this one.