OCR01267 - Final Fantasy IX 'Hunter's Community Chest'

[djpretzel]

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

[Israfel]

Mark my words, provided he stays in the community, Shnabubula will eventually be considered one of the greats. This guy is the real deal, folks; a true talent, in my opinion.

An absolutely marvelous mix- fantastic work.

[hhallahh]

Wow, this is... not enjoyable?

*reads judges' thread*

Oh, I get it... this remix is too good for me to realize its greatness. I shall try harder in the future.

(It may indeed be true that the remixer is highly talented, of course. But he could put his skills to better use in that case..)

[Wanderer]

I haven't heard the original, but if it is actually prevalent in this remix, this is quite the feat. Not something I'd walk around listening to, but something I can sit here and admire on a technical level. Thanks for posting this.

[Vig]

there's all kinds of good stuff going on in this remix. excellent texture, incredible tension that dissolves into beautiful resolutions.

While the sound quality is rough around the edges, there's a hell of a lot a composer could learn from this remix.

very excellent.

and hey, if you're like hallah and you're only looking for instant gratification and cheap entertainment, there's always your collection of top 40 CD's. so stop complaining.

[Lyrai]

I throuougly enjoy this mix. Very nice to listen to every so often as something to mellow out to, in my opinion.

[Claado Shou]

Very nice. Reminds of The Library in Halo, honestly, what with its fluctuating texture. Enjoyable as hell.

[ella guro]

I first heard this mix when someone on the panel sent it to me, and like Shnabubula's other work, I really enjoyed it. It's definitely very quirky and from a technical standpoint, pretty lo-fi. Still, this man definitely knows what he's doing. And even if a lot of people don't "get" it, he's going to be one of my favorites if he keeps submitting.

[Navi]

I love this.

[A-RoN]

:o This is the most abstract piece of electronica I've ever heard. It reminds me so much of Earthbound it's not even funny. 8) It experiments with a whole bunch of filter settings that I've yet to perfect for my mixing. Nice stuff. I enjoyed the section of 1:58 to 2:35 alot. Most of the other stuff was pretty wierd, but I like how this was composed. Not a fav, but definately something I'd look back on once in a while. 3:18 to 3:22 was annoying. :cry:

By the way, what's the title of the original?

[Wicked]

Hmm...this song makes me think of something but I can't pin it down. I agree with some of the judges that the production quality should have been brought up even if it was intentionally done this way. I think I'd enjoy it more if it just sounded clearer for me. Not that I don't now. It just bugs me a little.

Either way, it looks like Shnabubula is 3/3 on OC Remix and has a place in my heart. He could make the song equivalent of Gigli and still get my nod because he showed Secret of Evermore love. I don't see that happening, however. Great work and whatever pill you're taking with your milk and cookies before bed, don't you ever stop taking them.

[*Drasiir]

It sounds like a masturbation session in Fruity Loops.

[The Orichalcon]

It sounds like a masturbation session in Fruity Loops.

Looks like he made quite a mess and didn't bother cleaning up.

I don't care for this. It sounds alright in terms of arrangement, but it has annoying effects all over it that are unnecessary.

[PancakeHero]

maybe if i was tripping...sorry...i cant get into this mix.

[Xelebes]

Wow... hust wow. It's like free jazz mixed with turntablistic randomness. Interesting, I'll say. Not something that would be good while taking LSD - well, maybe. It really is an odd piece.

Hm. Not my favourite but it does a niche there.

[Debotron-6K]

This is most excellent. Incredibly original and impressive. Very spacy. Could have used a stronger bassline perhaps, but that's my only gripe. The talent displayed in this mix is undeniable- I love it!

and thanks to Dan B and Vig for your well-written reviews and votes to pass this.

[EvilZereno]

Uh... yea... sorry but i guess i dont see the "greatness" in this piece... Its not really easy listening to me... i kinda had to struggle through it
Sorry

[Txai]

Exotic.

[betavirus]

Probably one of the most catchy mix I've heard in a long time. Great, great mix. If you haven't tried it, you should. The little shin-dig at 2:00 is worth the download anyways. But it's catchy all over the place. Try it!

[Strife.]

Honestly, I thought it was merely ok. It had no variation in tempo, and was a bit boring to me. Yes, I see talent in the piece, but it could be applied much more effectively.

[teoryn]

Well, this song must be good because I just listened to it for 3 hours or so and never noticed that I just kept hearing the same song repeat.

[ILLiterate]

Now everyones saying this is a weird song and thats perfect for me(i really wanted to see something COMPLETELY wacked for OCR). This isnt as werid as i thought I was going to be, but its jammin, lots of things you wouldnt expect but they all combine to make something soild.
8/10-Nice little experament

[A-RoN]

I still don't know what the original song is...it sounds so bloody familiar but I have no idea what it is. :evil: :evil: Seriously, I want to know where it's from!!! :evil: :evil:

The more I listen to it, the more I get into it. I don't know why, but I just love it! It's like a Protricity, AE, and po! R & B, electronica, and jazz collaboration, but it's on dope, weed, and crack. It's interesting, but things keep it from staying in my toplist.

[Blak_Omen]

JUSTICE!

Fantastic. I'm always intrigued in how other people tackle remixing melodies which I've done before, seeing other interpretations of work - and this just goes to show you how dang varied music can be. This couldn't be further from me and MC's classical-ish interpretation of Hunter's Chance. Seriously. This thing is electronic music's answer to like, sliced cheese or stop signs. I absolutely LOVE the drum work throughout...it's fantastic throughout...and the little part at 3:40 is awesome.

Though I can understand a large group of people hating this song, I am impressed at the technical virtuosity of it.

Hats off!

[chokst~1.bat]

I love this.
Ditto.

The way everything sort of creeps up and jumps out at you is executed very interestingly; one of my favorite styles. I agree with Debotron-6K about the lack of bass, the song feels a little empty in places; but as he said, that's a very minor setback.

Lots of great stuff to me beyond the 2 minute mark especially. Around 3-4 minutes it's goes full out crazy; so cool. Brings me back some great memories of everything from works of Transient to Aphex Twin, not to mention capturing that great classic computer game feel in many places. I'm really glad that this song made it past the panel and towards the direction of my eardrums. Neat stuff.

[RimFrost the Tourianist]

Great flipoff space weirdness from Shnabubula :o

[Dr. Wily]

I just couldn't really get into this.. it is interesting experimentally but I can see what Malcos meant by his comments in the judges thread. Reminds me of a bad dream.. it's bad because I really love the original theme too and it just doesn't do it justice. Anachronism on the other hand I really enjoyed but can't say the same for this.

[pixlz]

spoon. loved it. very different.

[A-RoN]

Hunter's Chance...I remember that track and I see the resemblance now. Thanks, Blak Omen. :)

[Less Ashamed Of Self]

I don't know the piece but Shabablubahabwhateveryournameis... Nice, freaking mint.
It's a very very technical piece, instantly a favourite of mine, gorgeous, catchy, and fun.

I look forward to memorizing it as I did other thick IDM greats like Aphex Twin's 54 Cymru Beats or Squarepusher's Boneville Occident.
10/10, possibley my all-time favourite though I need to hear it a lot more.

[Crono3of3time]

I loved how the music started to play with the ears at about 5/6th of the way in... meh, it sounds so complicated, yet relaxing too...

[Chronodin]

I discovered this remix a bit late, but wow.

I haven't heard anything like this before, and I'm EXTREMELY impressed. I absolutely love the rhythms and syncopations, and the way the rhythm of the melody is delayed, twisted around and just generally messed with. This is one of my favorite video game tunes, too, so that could be part of it!

What's also very interested is that I hear a lot of video game remixes where I'm wanting to hear the main tune and never quite get it and I feel unsatisfied. This remix, as odd as it is, doesn't do that. Between all the textures, the fluctuations, the fading in and out of sounds and the special effects and the modern rhythms, the melody is still there! I still feel satisfied after hearing this.

Definitely one of my favorite mixes. Bravo!

[Less Ashamed Of Self]

I look forward to memorizing it as I did other thick IDM greats like Aphex Twin's 54 Cymru Beats or Squarepusher's Boneville Occident.

Still memorizing it. :D What a gem. I want to choreograph something to it.

[Lord_Syruss_Khalai]

...Mother of God...

It's like...a smooth tasty milkshake...full of hidden razor blades and needles. In a good way.

It's so differant...and cool. I love how it's just familiar, and yet it's sharpness challanges your senses...or...your ears...hopefully oyu know what I mean.

This is a great tune, yet very unique, and very much not for everyone. If you love the avent-garde, probably strongly love in this case, it's a great song, otherwise it may just come out as electronica puree.

I loved it, after the first time...even I had to aquire the taste. But it's so delicious.

Hard-core 9/10

~Lord Syruss Khalai

[Harmony]

Man I swear the time signatures in this song are instruments unto themselves. I'm in awe of the skill with which they were stiched together. To pull off a piece like this requires a great deal of foresight, creativty and heaps of control over your musical visions for the final product. This one has earned it's spot as one of my favorite remixes out there. Amazing work Samuel.

[Bummerdude]

I can really agree that this one is greatly remixed, but if I think it´s great, I think I need some time for this one. Different remixes ARE great, but this one didn´t quite got somewhere I think. Nice groovy beats and synths, some hi-hats, it´s good, but I´ll need some time.

[SakakiAzu]

Its beat is pretty good, sounds like it's just... everywhere.

8.5/10

[DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff]

Shnabubula's music owns me. Everytime I hear a Shna tune my head just rattles around on my neck uncontrollably. If only I could bear his children... er, nevermind.

Song's kickin', by the way.

[Keiseth]

Little known fact; Shnabubula's music is outlawed in three countries as an excessively addictive substance. Okay, not quite, but the latter half stands. One can't help but praise a remix that takes something like Hunter's Chance and makes it so... so... funky? I don't have a word readied for this, so I'll just say "The sound of awesome colliding."

[LongeBane]

This was certainly interesting. Liked it too. Though, I could totally imagine 2:49 be the start of a new dynamic with a very fast beat and transition into climax. That would've been nicer I think.

[DrumUltimA]

wow, i just read the judges decision thread for this one--how can this not be instantly accepted? I think this is one of shnabubula's best works, and one of the best works on the site. I feel like Shnabubula's compositions teeter on the line between genius and insanity :D

I guess then again, it really took me a few good listens in the car to realize how incredible this is...

but seriously this is ridiculous

[spineshark]

well, it was nearly rejected on the basis of sound quality. it's true, the samples are really crummy, and the arrangement would work with better ones. but it wouldn't be as charming.

on a purely logical basis, this song reminds me more than any of his other remixes of his original work (because it originally was, apparently) so i'd think i'd like it the most (i love his non-remix stuff more than any of his remixes)...but i got sorta bored of it.

[watkinzez]

While I never commented, I've loved this song ever since I downloaded it on release, left it in a folder, burnt it to CD with my latest songs, and found it through study listening. What's this? This is awesome.

I think it's safe to say that Sam is my favourite remixer, and this piece is up there as his very best. Several listenings are in order, but once the song is engrained in your mind, putting Hunter's Community Chest on is bliss.

[anosou]

Probably the best thing that has ever happened to me.
I'm so glad someone understands the progressive avant-gard style of music! :D

I don't know the piece but Shabablubahabwhateveryournameis... Nice, freaking mint.
It's a very very technical piece, instantly a favourite of mine, gorgeous, catchy, and fun.

I look forward to memorizing it as I did other thick IDM greats like Aphex Twin's 54 Cymru Beats or Squarepusher's Boneville Occident.
10/10, possibley my all-time favourite though I need to hear it a lot more.

And yeah. Word.

[Geneson]

I remember first hearing this and thinking it was something I could appreciate musically, but not something I would be listening to years later. Well, I'm still bumping it to this day, and I practically rock out to all the crazy rhythms and tempo changes. This piece practically changed my whole perspective on music, and that is no hyperbole my friend.

[GameboyKnight]

I could swear the first few seconds were very boring and then it became a strange mess. I was about to turn it off, but then my mother called me to feed the dogs. So, while feeding the dogs, I listened to this conundrum, that actually made me come back and start it again.

The feel is so abstract you can't really see where it's going. The Hunter's Chance melody rings in every now and then, adding in some familiarity, then everything is back into chaos. It's an organized chaos, but I was surprised in this one really. I think my favorite part has to be the key change it gives it a synth-jazz-funk feel and this lasts for quite a while until it delves back into another key change into the melody.

Like natto, this song really does have an acquired taste, but it is phenomenal, nonetheless.

[evktalo]

It's taken me a lot of time to appreciate this on (including hearing the original in-game), and it's still not my favourites. I think the sound quality issue discussed extensively in the judging thread really brings this down for me. Well, I'll keep listening, perhaps it will start to shine for me too.

--Eino

[ella guro]

BEST BEGINNING OF A MIX EVER.

The beginning is maybe one of the most genius things I've ever heard in a piece of music. I'm being completely serious.

Ok, you may say "what the hell are you talking about?" But bear with me for a second. I just wanna talk about the guts it takes to do what Mr. Ascher-Weiss has done in the first 20 seconds or so in this mix. You're trying to figure out how to do a cool an intro to a song, to really get people eased into what's coming up. Usually if you have lo-fi samples you try to conceal their ugliness as much as possible with reverb or other fx and having more stuff going on in the arrangement to hide some of the ugliness. There are certain standards of sound quality on OCR, and you know that people can be really ouchy about that. And at the very least you usually want to establish some kind of stable rhythmic backing so that it at least sounds like you have some skill and know what you're doing.

This mix says a big "fuck you" to both of those and does the exact opposite. It isolates the two worst quality samples right at the beginning and makes them really rhythmically complex and unstable. And it's genius. It's genius because it's the best possible attention-grabbing thing that you could do, and it's also something that you would think no one in their right mind would ever do. I mean, why would you ever intentionally try to make stuff sound bad? But Sam does it here, and it works so well because he's patient. He knows what's coming and you don't, and he knows that you don't know so he exploits that as much as possible. It's tension and release, like what Vigilante said. He wants to draw people in before they get any kind of payoff. All this tension and release makes you feel like you've really gone somewhere and experienced something real and true. It may not have been the easiest experience to undertake, but you feel like you've really gone through something, and it makes you uneasy. But, as you realize later, it's a very moving sort of uneasiness.

I talked to Sam about this mix recently and he told me the intro was kind of accidental. He said there was something really complicated going on in the beginning that he got so frustrated with, so he decided to take out everything except the drums and the bass. Happy accidents can be lead to genius ideas, and the beginning of this mix is a prime example.

Also there is no way this would sound better with better samples. There's so much filtering and stuff going on, I don't even know what it would sound like. A lot different, that's for sure, and probably less good.

Anyway...after a ton of listens this is undoubtedly one of my favorite mixes on the site. Not everyone's gonna like it, but for weird people like me, I need to hear stuff like this. It's like heroin, if heroin made me a better person after doing it. Forget about Sam's talent for a second, I wish people would take some more risks and push themselves as far as Sam has here. Cause that's what being an artist is about. Damn, that's what being a human is all about.

[OA]

I won't call it genius, but it's interesting to listen to for sure, and though the energy level is pretty static, mostly due to the encoding and samples, it never gets old. :-)

No one makes mixes like Sam. <3

[evktalo]

For the longest time I thought the intentionally muddy sound quality stood in the way of a great arrangement. It's still a bit like digging through the mud for goodies, but the warbly soundscape does give the track a peculiar feel of its own. This track forces you to listen to it closely. It sounds broken and muffled.. and weirdly old and nostalgic. I get a mental image of adventuring through partially undersea ruins. While being viewed from the side, in eight bits.

--Eino