OCRA-0031 - Wild Arms: ARMed and DANGerous

[Level 99]

Preview it: http://youtube.com/watch?v=k7YtDfwM3T4
Download it: http://armed.ocremix.org/
Torrent: http://bt.ocremix.org/torrents/Wild_Arms_-_ARMed_and_DANGerous.torrent


http://level99.thestuffoflegends.net/OCR/WAcover.png

On December 20, 1996, a role-playing game called Wild Arms released in Japan. 15 years later, I am proud to announce the official OC ReMix album of ARMed and DANGerous.

I never had intentions of directing this project. It was just a fan request in the beginning. The thread was old and dead, and after several months later it was revived. Suddenly, the support was pouring in and I took on the responsibility. I wanted this project to be different than the others and make it memorable. I wanted each artist to represent the meaning of the game and my feelings of what it meant to me. Directed by someone who is not an OC ReMixer, I want to thank those who believed in me that I could do this.

Many years ago, I had a great circle of friends. We did everything together and depended on one another. As we got older, our lives started to change and many friendships ended in brokenness. I remained lost for a great amount of time hoping someday it would be the same again. Later I discovered Wild Arms because of the music and decided to buy it. I found myself and these old friends in Wild Arms. It was like replaying my past over with a soundtrack. The Western theme reminded me of my father, because of his admiration for Westerns. He passed away after I discovered the game, so it brought me some closure.

The project is about the music, the fans and everyone's dedicated hard work. Though the reason why I chose Wild Arms is because I wanted to dedicate this to my husband, Jordan Aguirre (bLiNd). It is the very meaning of my love. What I needed and wanted was always right in front of me, not what I had before him. In the middle of making this, I wanted to give up on the project because of what occurred in 2010, but Stevo Bortz (Level 99) did not let me give up. Wes McDonald (Emunator) also joined to ensure the release. I thank those two for being my co-directors, because it would have not released today. Also, special thanks to James Joyner (Jewbei), Aaron Wu (Global-Trance), and Wesley Cho (Bahamut). After MAGFest 9, I learned who my friends are and what my life deserves the most. I had been separated for a year and a half and just recently we had our reunion. I am truly blessed and grateful that for Christmas of 2011, I get to spend it with my husband and his family while celebrating the release of this album and our reconciliation, despite of our sacrifices and pain. I am still making an effort to leave the past behind me and accept the present and future. The music is the whole explanation of this strife.

I am grateful to those who succeeded in this specific sound. Wild ARMs is about love, emotion, tragedy, and adventure. Shine in all your glory.

- Jennifer Jade-Lee Aguirre (JaDE ARaN HaRuNo)

I want to say as Jade's husband how proud I am of her and all the work she did to organize, inspire, and keep this project alive and everyone working in spite of all the struggles she went through these past couple of years. She worked her butt off to get this done and deserves a lot of praise for what she did. I have seen many projects come and go on OCR, but this one is different than the rest for one reason - Jade INSPIRED people. She used something she adored and loved and was inspired by and somehow got all sorts of musicians to feel the same way, even if they never played the game before; myself included...

This project really stretched me as a musician, an artist, and a person. I took in a lot of music in the beginning and throughout the process learned I was probably capable of being a judge at OCR, as I was giving lots of feedback to people about their tracks and it was actually helping them! It's not a job I would probably want to take on as it is very time consuming and takes away from what I love to do most (make music), but I can say it was a good experience and I found it a joy to work with the artists. There are SO many talented people in this community and sometimes I think they are overlooked because of minor things like not knowing production as well as a professional or not knowing music theory enough to be considered "good enough" and they really just need a push in right direction.

This project is a prime example of talent already acknowledged and overlooked talent that just needed some tender love and care and some motherly nurturing. Jade did a wonderful job of getting to know each artist's music before approaching them so she knew where to direct them and their talents. It was truly awesome to see how great things fell in place once everyone was on the same page. I am proud to be a part of this project as an artist and a co-director because of the sheer QUALITY I hear in the final result.

The remixes I produced also stretched me as an artist and I can say I am very proud of the work I did for it. I am especially proud of "Fireflight" because it is the matured sound of bLiNd. But most of all, the "Ring and a Promise" tracks are what this project is about for me - my wife. I made that track for our 1 year wedding anniversary, so this project represents the love I have for my wife and we will look back on it as a shining moment in our marriage. Everyone give Jade your thanks, love, and support for making something this grand come to life...

- Jordan Aguirre (bLiNd)

[SuperiorX]

YAY! Congrats everybody! I'm downloading now and can't wait to listen! While I didn't actually contribute to the project, I've been following it since 2009 and have been eagerly awaiting this release. Wild Arms is one of my all time favorite games and is my all time favorite VG soundtrack, so I just want to thank Jade and everyone that contributed to this album and made it possible! Thanks!

[Bahamut]

Congrats go to Jade, Jordan, and all of the mixers/artists involved in getting this album out there - it really has been a long & arduous journey, and an excellent final product in the end. I think this may be my new favorite album on OCR but time will tell. Perhaps I'll post again in a few months and give more thoughts, but for now I think people will find it hard to disagree that this is a large high quality album :) .

[StreetFlare]

I keep trying to download the album with uTorrent, but it keeps glitching on me. I wanna hear it, darn it! I'll keep trying, I guess -_-''

[Flexstyle]

Yeah, seems to be pretty badly seeded right now. No idea why, since I've usually had great luck with previous OCR torrents. (Client: Tixati 1.61, if anyone's curious.)

Thankfully, I have many friends on the project staff who hooked me up ahead of time. :-D

[Melbu Frahma]

I keep trying to download the album with uTorrent, but it keeps glitching on me. I wanna hear it, darn it! I'll keep trying, I guess -_-''

The .zip folder glitched on me, as well. And when I went for the individual tracks, everything after Effrontery Escape links to a download of Effrontery Escape, lol.

Oh well. I'll content myself with the disc and a half of music before 2-05 that is working, and wait for the rest to be fixed. In the meantime, congratulations to everyone who worked so hard on this project to see it to its fruition!

[Flexstyle]

Actually, since I do have a .zip of all the MP3 files already, I could host that somewhere real quick and at least give everyone access to the music. Is that kosher?

[Emunator]

Don't do that Mike, I don't think the version I gave you ended up being final by any stretch. Larry did a whole new encode because I suck :tomatoface:

[Abadoss]

It's because the awesomeness of the album can't be contained by no wimpy .zip. :P

[Mirby]

I thoroughly enjoy this album.

Review shall be posted sometime in the future.

[Kinslayer]

Just wanted to say kudos to all of the fantastic artists that contributed to this album, it is by far my favorite remix album on the site. I've been following this project since it's resurgence back in 2009, and even though I've been on extended hiatus due to some terrible personal choices back in the middle of 2010, have managed to keep tabs on this album since then. I'm glad to see it finally come to fruition, and although my original plan of coremixing a track with one of the remixers who now has several tracks on the album. I am glad that I at least gave him the inspiration to persevere on the track that would have been ours and continued on to create excellent remixes not only for this album but for others as well.

Great Job OverClocked ReMix!

[Level 99]

The .zip folder glitched on me, as well. And when I went for the individual tracks, everything after Effrontery Escape links to a download of Effrontery Escape, lol.

Oh well. I'll content myself with the disc and a half of music before 2-05 that is working, and wait for the rest to be fixed. In the meantime, congratulations to everyone who worked so hard on this project to see it to its fruition!

The individual MP3 issue is entirely my fault, I'm emailing a site code fix to Dave this morning. SUPER sorry about the inconvenience.

What Mirror are you all downloading from that has a borked ZIP? I just downloaded from Mirror 1 and it worked just fine for me.

[Devastus]

I'm downloading the torrent version now.

From what I can hear it's sounding really nice, another project I'm proud to be a part of. Although this did came on a bad time for me, and made me cause some grey hairs to the directors (atleast I reckon I did), I think I should start replying to things more often :-P

Anyway, congratulations to Jade and the co-directors for going through with this, and everybody involved for getting such a large project into fruition, and with such quality too! (Although I could've done a better job with my contribution)

[Melbu Frahma]

The individual MP3 issue is entirely my fault, I'm emailing a site code fix to Dave this morning. SUPER sorry about the inconvenience.

What Mirror are you all downloading from that has a borked ZIP? I just downloaded from Mirror 1 and it worked just fine for me.

Think it was Mirror 3. Could just be a bad individual d/l though - I just d/led from 2 and it worked just fine. (Sorry, should've checked the other mirrors before I declared it glitched. :tomatoface: :-P) So it could've easily been an interrupted d/l that I didn't catch or something.

[Level 99]

Think it was Mirror 3. Could just be a bad individual d/l though - I just d/led from 2 and it worked just fine. (Sorry, should've checked the other mirrors before I declared it glitched. :tomatoface: :-P) So it could've easily been an interrupted d/l that I didn't catch or something.

Okay, yeah. Mirror 3 for all of them seems to be down or having issues, its being looked into.

Besides that, the main music page links have now all been fixed (obv besides mirror 3)

[JaDE ARaN HaRuNo]

I am glad that I at least gave him the inspiration to persevere on the track that would have been ours and continued on to create excellent remixes not only for this album but for others as well.

That's the key and secret to projects. It's a team working effort. Thanks for your help and appreciate your sweet words!

[JaDE ARaN HaRuNo]

I'm the Project Director and I STILL don't have the file yet. Had several problems with it yesterday. Was quite disappointed this happened on the first day of release. =P Going to try again this morning and hope to have a Wild Arms party with my husband.

[redshojin]

I just finished listening through the whole thing.

ORGASMIC!

Now excuse me, I have to go change my underwear.

[Radiowar]

was listening to this on the way home today. great album for a long drive :]

[jett]

53 tracks and not a single Alone in The World remix? Or Lone Bird In The Shire?

WAT

[Late Mistakes]

Thanks, I have been waiting for this album since announced. Since I am a huge Wild Arms fan, so thanks again to everyone who contributed to this album and made it happen.

I am listening through the album now, been leaving it alone to torrent for a while, one question, I look at the site and the last song (A ring and a promise club mix) is arranged by bLiNd but the file itself also credits Ashleigh Coryell, as they did work together on the non club, should they both be credited on the mix?

[HitoriJaNai]

I really must say, this shouldn't have surprised me in the least, but... every single track on this album is amazing and awesome and epic in its own right. No joke. I work as a sign holder, and listen to music to keep me all happy and interested. I let this entire album play through my shift... and there was not a single track I wanted to skip. 8O

To Jade, bLiNd, and everyone on the project... fantastic job. I have no words... this is way too awesome...

[JaDE ARaN HaRuNo]

53 tracks and not a single Alone in The World remix? Or Lone Bird In The Shire?

WAT

Migratory Bird of the Wilderness (Rudy's Theme) IS Lone Bird in the Shire. It's on Disc 3, track 15 by Ergosonic.

No Alone in the World remix made me depressed and sad that it couldn't be covered. 4 different people claimed it and never got done because of several different reasons. Sorry to disappoint a few people regarding that, but the project had to get released on the 15th anniversary. That was much more important to everyone, especially to me.

[GTAHater836]

I give this album a Platinum medal. This and Serious Monkey Business are my 2 favorite O-Clocked albums. As with most albums, the tracks get better the second time I hear them.

Only complaint (and it's not that big of a complaint!) is that A Sorrowful Separation, Battle Motherfried, and Knight Quarters weren't released as bonus tracks.

[wenmandarin]

I've been on an "OCR download spree" lately, and I'm usually very picky about which songs I decide to keep.
However, I must admit to liking every single song on disc 4 of the Wild Arms - ARMed and DANGerous album. There were a few here and there on the other discs (mostly clustered around discs 1 and 2) that I enjoyed such as "Up an' at 'Em", "Sharp Edge of Love", and "Within Despair Lies Hope".
But, with a couple of exceptions, the entirety of disc 4 were definite keepers. This was a great album, but I have to give big props to the guys who composed disc 4. Those pieces, in my opinion, turned an excellent album into an extraordinary album. Nice work!

[Ragnarock]

I just had to invent a new word for this album.
Uberific:(n.) Of similar definition as terrific, but with a high concentration of uberness associated with it.
Synonyms: Epic, Awesome, Indescribably Great.
Seriously, though, this album rocks. Kudos to all involved!

[sergio]

No Alone in the World remix made me depressed and sad that it couldn't be covered. 4 different people claimed it and never got done because of several different reasons. Sorry to disappoint a few people regarding that, but the project had to get released on the 15th anniversary. That was much more important to everyone, especially to me.

This could become a good thing, like the absence of Concrete Man on the Mega Man 9 Album. Alone in the World EP, anyone?

[DarknessTear]

Congratulations to Jade and everyone who worked on this. I can finally unbookmark the WIP thread. I was checking that like once or twice a week ever since it was announced.

[McVaffe]

I will say that this is the first I'm listening to most of the songs on this project and so many of them are fantastic. Really great work from everyone especially Jade, who I'm sure was going nuts trying to get together such a huge project. I'm proud that this was the first project I was able to get a remix into, and listening to all these is making me want to dust off my old copy of the game and play it again. Great stuff guys!!

[Late Mistakes]

This could become a good thing, like the absence of Concrete Man on the Mega Man 9 Album. Alone in the World EP, anyone?

Or something called DLC? Donwloadable mini-albums to make up for the missed tracks on a full album, these would include the WIPs or others that didn't get finished on time but then were finally done by the DLC deadline.

[Mockingbird]

Slowly making my way through this on random in between holiday stuff. Inner Light (Ka Dingel) is UNREALLY AWESOME. 8-O 5/5 stars, shoots to the top of my list of things I need to listen to on a daily basis.

Mazedude's track is appropriately :evil: and I loved it, too.

[Cash and Change]

Brilliant album, one of OverClocked Remix's finest! The incredible amount of work, dedication, and love that went into this project really shines through. Kudos to Jade, bLiNd, Emunator, and everyone else involved!

My favorites at this point:

'I Now Pronounce You Incorrectly' by Binster
'Fireflight' by bLiNd
'Succumb to the Wilderness' by Level 99

[bLiNd]

I want to give a big thanks to everyone who worked on this project. I finally did listen to everything all the way through and I can say I am very proud of all of the music that was done. Most of all I am proud of my wife who inspired the work to be done. One of the greatest things about this project was the fact that most people who worked on it didn't really know the game or music but once Jade told them how much she appreciated their work as an artist and remixer, their ears were open to a great soundtrack. She basically told them in her own words "I believe in you" and that was it. The remixes started regardless of fandom or nostalgia and everyone did their best.

This project is great because of all the hard work, of course, and all the team players that were involved but I really believe its success should be credited to a woman who took the time to get to know each artist individually, whether that be their own discography, remixes, or their personality, and pushed them to further heights thru music.

Well done everyone. Well done Jade, my beautiful wife...

[Damashii!!]

This album has intensified my four-on-the-floor cravings/addiction. :nicework:


high quality work + incredible arrangements * blood, sweat and tears / dedication = this album. I'll probably come back to edit this with a much more in depth review after I listen a bit more, but this was a very good album, and I felt the need to replay several songs over and over because they were just way too good for one listen-through. I love it when music doesn't just sound crafty and polished (with the technical, production aspect) but it also sounds full of emotion and passion; you can definitely hear some of the personal experiences seeping through a lot of these songs.

Congratulations to the Aguirres and everyone that helped make this possible; the hard work put into this was/is highly evident.


EDIT: hooooooly.... FFmusic DJ is back with a vengeance. no mercy on his track at all =/

[konar]

It's a crime there aren't more replies for this!

I'm totally enthralled with this album, and I'm finding more songs I love on it every day.

"Round the Cape of Good Hope" really perfectly captures the feeling of the game to me, the combination of sad and uplifting tinges. (though it was my favorite original track as well)

But really amazing job all around!

[underthesun]

Never played wild arms much, and slowly going through random songs on the album.

Succumb to the wilderness is super great. And I can't stop listening to east meets western.

If only you can upvote albums.

[redshojin]

And I can't stop listening to east meets western.

The biggest grin on my face, and the best ego boost ever.

[SuperiorX]

Now that the album has been out a few weeks, I've had the chance to listen through it a few times. So I just wanted to say thank you and congratulations to Jade and all the mixers that contributed to the project! It exceeded my (incredibly high and hype-driven) expectations in every possible way! Honestly I have to admit I was a little skeptical that a project of such a large scope could be of equally high quality, but I was wrong. Every song on here sounds beautifully arranged, well-produced, and very enjoyable. I won't even try to name some of my favorites, there are so many. I really like how this remix project feels like a natural extension of the original soundtrack. It sounds like Wild Arms and reminds me of Wild Arms, yet is completely original in it's own right. It somehow strikes the perfect balance between recognizable, nostalgic melodies and original, interpretative re-arrangement. I can't describe it, but it just feels right.

So yeah, thank you everyone for such an amazing tribute to an amazing game and soundtrack. If anyone hasn't downloaded this yet, YOU NEED TO GET ON IT! :-)

[JaDE ARaN HaRuNo]

Thanks everyone to the great replies so far. I am filled with awe. I haven't heard one negative thing yet so far, which shocks me because there is always someone out there you can't satisfy. You are all right. This whole album is filled with dedication and love. I'm happy everyone has felt it throughout the album. It was the whole point. :-)

Also I cannot release unofficial material so no, you will not see the tracks that didn't make it to the album. Sorry! :( It just doesn't work that way. A lot of them are not finished and unpolished. Artists don't want to release such material. It's a private matter and the album has 58 tracks already, stop complaining about more and/or bonus tracks! Didn't feel it was necessary. I topped OCR's project album track count too so be happy and not disappointed because there is nothing in this album not to like!

Just want to mention as well...USUALLY the last disc on an album is always the best, especially in video game soundtracks. I agree Disc 4 is the best, but that's also because most of those tracks were ending themes. Emunator did a fantastic job putting the playlist together. Everything blends great.

[JaDE ARaN HaRuNo]

Just get excited for my next project! :nicework:

[SuperiorX]

Just get excited for my next project! :nicework:

Whaaaaa? Is it a Wild Arms 2 remix project? Cause WA2 has an awesome rockin soundtrack as well. Now that I'm actually decent at remixing, I'd love to participate in something like that.

[JaDE ARaN HaRuNo]

I also admire WA2 OST, but nope, not that one!

[SuperiorX]

I also admire WA2 OST, but nope, not that one!

Is it a secret? :) at least your sig makes it seem so

[Theophany]

Slowly making my way through this on random in between holiday stuff. Inner Light (Ka Dingel) is UNREALLY AWESOME. 8-O 5/5 stars, shoots to the top of my list of things I need to listen to on a daily basis.

Mazedude's track is appropriately :evil: and I loved it, too.

Thanks!! I appreciate you taking the time to comment...

[SuperiorX]

So I didn't realize there was an album review thread, so I'd been posting my comments in the announcement thread lol. So here was my brief review!

Now that the album has been out a few weeks, I've had the chance to listen through it a few times. So I just wanted to say thank you and congratulations to Jade and all the mixers that contributed to the project! It exceeded my (incredibly high and hype-driven) expectations in every possible way! Honestly I have to admit I was a little skeptical that a project of such a large scope could be of equally high quality, but I was wrong. Every song on here sounds beautifully arranged, well-produced, and very enjoyable. I won't even try to name some of my favorites, there are so many. I really like how this remix project feels like a natural extension of the original soundtrack. It sounds like Wild Arms and reminds me of Wild Arms, yet is completely original in it's own right. It somehow strikes the perfect balance between recognizable, nostalgic melodies and original, interpretative re-arrangement. I can't describe it, but it just feels right.

Again, great job everyone! This is amazing!

[Velocifero]

Just wanted to say I love this album. That's all. Guy in my sig says it all.

[Yami]

I haven't had time to listen to the whole album just a few tracks, but they are stuck in my head which says a lot about the remixes. There are only two themes of the original OST which stuck, first the Opening Into the wilderness and there's another track which doesn't seem to be on the OST called Extreme Decisions, I ripped it from the PSF package. BTW does anybody else know this track. Too bad this didn't get remixed (at least so far)

[Dj Mokram]

Attn OCR Staff: legalsounds.com is selling the album!
http://www.legalsounds.com/download-mp3/wild-arms_--armed-and-dangerous/album_567378

I think it's the same site that tried to sell Lucid Dreaming a while back.

[Level 99]

Attn OCR Staff: legalsounds.com is selling the album!
http://www.legalsounds.com/download-mp3/wild-arms_--armed-and-dangerous/album_567378

I think it's the same site that tried to sell Lucid Dreaming a while back.

I posted this in staffchat for them to look at. They're also apparently selling Badass (http://www.legalsounds.com/download-mp3/badass--boss-themes/album_553889) and MegaMan9 (http://www.legalsounds.com/download-mp3/mega-man-9--back-in-blue/album_511164)

[Archangel]

Uh, this is the first time that's happened to me. I feel kind of violated.

And they even had the audacity to list me as THE Archangel. Some nerve.

Also, I've finally got the time to listen to the entire album. Extremely enjoyable. I love it when there's so much genre variation in an album, so thanks a lot to everyone who contributed their music! I've never played Wild Arms, but after hearing this album, I'm certainly tempted to try, to say the least. =)

[redshojin]

They must be destroyed...

[Dark_T_Zeratul]

I hate to be the lone dissenting voice, but... I'm a bit disappointed. Mostly because such a large number of tracks so far (I'm about halfway through disc 2) all seem to be trance remixes. I guess I was just expecting a lot more variety in this album, especially since there's so much variety in the soundtrack.

[Dj Mokram]

I posted this in staffchat for them to look at. They're also apparently selling Badass (http://www.legalsounds.com/download-mp3/badass--boss-themes/album_553889) and MegaMan9 (http://www.legalsounds.com/download-mp3/mega-man-9--back-in-blue/album_511164)Un-fucking-believable! 3 albums full of people's hard work being stolen and sold for profit by these scumbags.
Weren't the links taken down in less than a day last time, when the same case happened with LD?

They must be destroyed...
This cannot be stressed enough. For great justice!

(I'm about halfway through disc 2) all seem to be trance remixes. I guess I was just expecting a lot more variety in this album
Don't lose hope and keep listening. You might be surprised in a good way. ;-)

[redshojin]

Don't lose hope and keep listening. You might be surprised in a good way. ;-)

Actually, I had the same sort of sentiments. Don't get me wrong, I love the tracks - but it does take a while for the really awesome full orchestral stuff to pop up. But damn is that a cool moment. Some of my favorite tracks are on disc 3.

[Dark_T_Zeratul]

Having now gotten through the whole thing, I can definitely say there was a lot more cool stuff on discs 3 and 4.

[Zen Frazier]

I hate to be the lone dissenting voice, but... I'm a bit disappointed. Mostly because such a large number of tracks so far (I'm about halfway through disc 2) all seem to be trance remixes. I guess I was just expecting a lot more variety in this album, especially since there's so much variety in the soundtrack.

Funny this is the very reason I am loving the first 2 discs, but then again I am partial to electronic music. To be fair, I still haven't processed discs 3 and 4 yet so I can't compare, but I have really enjoyed the cohesive sound so far overall.

[Catharsis]

I only have a couple things to say. (Not much can be said with the talents of bLiNd (who I'm extremely biased for :D) and everyone else who contributed to this project. There isn't a song I hate here.)

1) This album has convinced me to play Wild Arms from the PS store. I haven't purchased it yet, but will be. If it has inspired this many people to come together to do this many remixes, I don't need much more convincing, and I'm not even sure how I missed this RPG in the first place back then.

2) "Inner Light" is one of the most EPIC remixes I have ever heard from this site. Amazing job guys. I usually have to hear the source to appreciate a remix, but this is simply astounding on its own.

[MindWanderer]

Special shout-out to Gario for Rudy's Electronic Temptation. Easily my favorite piece of the album, and no mention of it so far in this thread.

[RiverSound]

Time to throw in some feedback. Been listening to the first two discs for a few days now, so I'm ready to lay down my thoughts about them. In general, it feels like these albums don't get a fair amount of reviewing, comments and feedback given the effort put into them. As of late, and at least in these threads, it's just too bad that many great albums go predominantly undiscussed. Is there a reason for the unactivity in here nowadays?

Anyhow, back to ARMed and DANGerous. I'll give my overall thoughts about each disc and point out some highlights or things that I found appealing in some tracks, so not going to be a track-by-track review.

Disc 1 – Courage
Its strength is variety which helps maintaining interest fairly well, and there's about 3 standout tracks which I feel is enough for one disc. Overall, I get the feel that it doesn't try to be anything spectacular yet, but more like a smooth/mellow, musically harmonious and easy-going introduction to the album, and in that regard, it works.

Succumb to the Wilderness:
Good opening track. Acoustic/clean electric guitars suit the melody perfectly and it has appropriate atmosphere considering the western theme. Then the distortion kicks in, and I gotta admit, after giving it many possibilities, it still sounds out of place and makes me uneasy. I think it's too middle-heavy, or at least in a sense that the rhythm/lead guitar sounds aren't distinct enough and it causes it to sound messy. Not sure if I'm expressing my thoughts successfully here, but I just find the distorted guitars the worst part of this otherwise great mix. Good arranging, opening and outro. Great job, Level99.

Up an' at 'Em:
Initially, I didn't consider this anything too special, but smooth arrangement/instrumentation, great melodies and peaceful feel altogether made this a standout for me. It's not always about the epicness and loud stuff. This time it's about easy livin' and ”I feel I'm recuperating from the fights of yesterday and lifting my eyes up in the skies, hoping for a better tomorrow.” Which seems to fit the source track fairly well;) Good stuff, Blue Magic.

Forlorn Warrior:
ilp0 always impresses me with his upbeat, versatile arrangements, solid production and great instrumentation. It just clicks and works every time. The only downside for me is that the tracks he mixes are rarely the ones I like much let alone my favorites, but he manages to make 'em enjoyable nonetheless. That goes for this one, too. Keep on jammin', buddy; hope you'd happen to tackle a favorite of mine some day.

The Way:
I think the best trance track of the first disc deserves a mention, even though it's not a genre I listen to much. Out of the few techno pieces on Courage, I find this one the most enjoyable. Again, it represents the overall feel of the disc well; nothing spectacular, but a smooth and easy-going mix with peaceful and hopeful melodies. Nice work, Jewbei.

Round the Cape of Good Hope:
Wow. Instant favorite. I'm not even sure why. Maybe I find the instrument choices very succesful and fitting, sax perfect, arrangement interesting throghout, production solid and all the performances great... Whatever, I love it and it makes the best song on disc 1. Outstanding job, guys.

There in My Dreams:
A brave take on the source. Whenever a vocal mix comes around, I respect the effort put into as it usually demands more skill and attention. The vocals sound a bit hollow in this one, though. I think further equalization and/or mastering could fix that and make it feel warmer and stronger. But at the end of the day, it doesn't bother me. This track embodies the feel of Courage; yet again smooth, hopeful, mellow, harmonious and beautiful with promises of more exciting discs. Excellent closure to Courage.

Disc 2 – Love
Definitely inferior to Courage IMO. It was fine and promised a lot with opening tracks, but once the trance marathon kicked in, my ears went numb. I would've hoped some breakdown tracks to cut a break during the techno roadcall. Considering my love for instrumental music, this disc, naturally, came off to me as a repetitive discoparty, excluding the last few tracks. This can be a good thing for many listeners, though: if the idea was to go by genre, then surely this disc is a treat for techno fans, while the first disc was very different and appeals to different listeners.

East Meets Western:
One of the best on the disc. Immediately caught my attention with the mellow guitars. Expands nicely into a piano-guitar duo with rising percussion. I expected an electric guitar lead at some point and was slightly let down when it turned out to be a synth lead, but it's not bad either after multiple listens. Surprising that this isn't posted on the site yet, I think it would make a nice debut for Artem Bank.

Rudy's Electronic Temptations:
Makes good use of sequenced brass elements and string action. The lead melody is enjoyable and has a thriving quality. There's even a flute later, which is nice. Overall, good sound choices make this a great and upbeat track. Nice one, Gario.

Desirous Sacrifice:
Jewbei once again draws my attention with melodies that I find rocking and thoroughly evolving beats. Alongside with Gario's track, this stands out during the trance marathon.

You Are (Not) Defeated:
Never would I have hoped to get this much music out of a source like this. Theophany creates an atmosphere that's full of different textures and instruments with a distant, eerie feel to it. Then rapid percussion kick in and provide a break from the sad, even haunting atmosphere. Slowly it returns and grows with some fitting synths backing up the authentic instruments. This track provides also a fitting drop from the trance/techno marathon. Not bad at all.

Relief for the Wanderer:
One of the best on the disc. Although I hear many similarities with this and Pot Hocket's FFIV remix, Relief of the Wanderer brings a whole new feel to the guitar duo and delivers feelings appropriately... Relieving? Soothing? Whatever you may call it, this track delivers. Enjoy.

Premonitions:
This track has been a grower for me. In fact, it's grown so much that it might be my favorite track from Love nowadays. The atmosphere present here is so magical and enchanting that it's impossible not to be attracted by it. Avaris introduces a whole new beautiful dimension of otherworldly ambiance and I'm totally sold. If this was the closure track for Love, I'd be more than satisfied. That female voice is just so gorgeous. Oh lala.

A Ring and a Promise:
This deserves recognition as well. It certainly fits to be the closure track, although my personal favorite for it would've been Premonitions. Vocals really hold this one up; bLiNd made a good job keeping the background optimal for singing to be on top. It's quite long but still easy to listen to, and for that I dig it. Beautiful voice she has, oh yeah.

Well, this turned out much longer than I thought. Sorry if the overall quality degrades towards the end. Hope the artists appreciate the feedback as I've enjoyed your music. When the time is right, I'll move on to the last two discs.

-Markus

[Genoism]

Just came here to say two things:

First off, that site is STILL selling the megaman remixes! Freaking cheating bastards I hope someone reports and sues the shit out of them.

Secondly, this entire album is AMAZING. I'm not a trance person, just a little, not much. But I loved this album for the most part. Just to list a few of my favorites,
Return to Dust
East Meets Western
Holding the line
Dust Trails
Forbidden perception
Inner light
Godspeed
and so he flew....
anyways many more great ones that i didn't list.

Frankly, I think this album has had much higher quality than the more recent albums. (Though the megaman one had a few very nice ones as well).

[SolarAsthma]

Amazing album. Loved the game, and the nostalgia from this set is incredible.

Also, legalsounds is STILL selling this album, among others.

[Neko069]

I'm about to end my WA Alter Code F game, and suddenly I discover THIS...

I don't know if it is because I'm so excited with this game (same as I was with the original), but I really LOVE this remixes. They're just awesome! I'm so glad and thankful that this project has been acomplished, that I really cannot find words to describe how pleasant is to hear all this collection of songs...

As we say in my country: "A la mierda, que discazo!"

10/10 no doubt !

[Zarggg]

I finally got around to adding this to my music library, and I noticed that the following FLAC files flag as corrupt (MD5 mismatch):

2.16 - bLiNd & Ashleigh Coryell - A Ring and a Promise [Lamentation and a Promise (Prologue 2)]
3.03 - Between Heaven and Earth (Isolated World)
3.04 - LuIzA - Forbidden Perception (Taboo Storyteller)
3.06 - Devastus - I'm a Force of Nature (The Power Which Supports the World)
3.07 - E-Bison - Holy Mother! (Dark Madonna)
3.10 - The Dual Dragons - Gunning the Metal Knight (Battle ZEIK)
3.11 - Radiowar - What's Left (Agitation to Destruction)
3.15 - Ergosonic - And So He Flew [Migratory Bird of the Wilderness (Rudy's Theme)]
4.03 - Theophany - Moonrise (A New Moon ~Malduke~)
4.08 - diotrans - The Ultimate Sacrifice ("Asgard Did His Best, Didn't He?")
4.11 - Jovette Rivera - The Eternal Journey (To the End of the Wilderness ~To a New Journey~)

Screenshot of scan results for these files. (http://i.imgur.com/HK7JO.png)

Does anyone know if these files have been corrected, or if fixed versions exist?

[Liontamer]

I finally got around to adding this to my music library, and I noticed that the following FLAC files flag as corrupt (MD5 mismatch):

2.16 - bLiNd & Ashleigh Coryell - A Ring and a Promise [Lamentation and a Promise (Prologue 2)]
3.03 - Between Heaven and Earth (Isolated World)
3.04 - LuIzA - Forbidden Perception (Taboo Storyteller)
3.06 - Devastus - I'm a Force of Nature (The Power Which Supports the World)
3.07 - E-Bison - Holy Mother! (Dark Madonna)
3.10 - The Dual Dragons - Gunning the Metal Knight (Battle ZEIK)
3.11 - Radiowar - What's Left (Agitation to Destruction)
3.15 - Ergosonic - And So He Flew [Migratory Bird of the Wilderness (Rudy's Theme)]
4.03 - Theophany - Moonrise (A New Moon ~Malduke~)
4.08 - diotrans - The Ultimate Sacrifice ("Asgard Did His Best, Didn't He?")
4.11 - Jovette Rivera - The Eternal Journey (To the End of the Wilderness ~To a New Journey~)

Screenshot of scan results for these files. (http://i.imgur.com/HK7JO.png)

Does anyone know if these files have been corrected, or if fixed versions exist?

Not sure if this is an actual issue or not, but if you torrent the FLACs again, this is still the result? Just need to ensure the problem definitely wasn't a corrupted download. Also, what program's being used here to perform the checks?

[Zarggg]

I used foobar2000's File Integrity Verifier (http://www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_verifier).

I redownloaded those files, and scanned them right away. They didn't show an MD5 mismatch this time, so it was either an error present from an earlier form of the torrent or one I somehow introduced while adjusting tags and adding to my music library.

Sorry for jumping the gun there without full diligence.

[Liontamer]

I used foobar2000's File Integrity Verifier (http://www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_verifier).

I redownloaded those files, and scanned them right away. They didn't show an MD5 mismatch this time, so it was either an error present from an earlier form of the torrent or one I somehow introduced while adjusting tags and adding to my music library.

Sorry for jumping the gun there without full diligence.

That's cool, no worries. I had scanned the FLACs with AudioTester (http://www.vuplayer.com/other.php) before the release, and everything turned out fine, so it was definitely surprising to initially hear that issue.

I also scanned my copy of the FLACs with FileVerifier++ (thanks for making me aware of programs like these) before I replied, and didn't see any issue, so I just had to double check with you about if maybe it just was a corrupt DL. :-)