[pokemoneinstein]

Alright, so after a few months of not working on it, I set aside a big chunk of time to put the finishing touches on my resub version of the song. Here are some of the biggest notes from mods:

Not enough humanization
Cameo themes are too similar to their originals
Ending feels too abrupt
Not enough variation in percussion
Volume levels are too constant

Humanization: I think I did okay on this. I humanized the piano, mostly. The string stabs, too. And if I recall correctly, I actually ditched the brass stabs.

Cameo themes: I added some variation on each one. DragonAvenger suggested I could choose one or two and expand on them, but I like the way I have it done now.

Percussion Variation: Not sure about this one. I'm terrible at writing percussion, so I'm not sure I managed to get it quite to the level that it needed to be. Hopefully I'm wrong.

Ending: Changed a lot of the arrangement. Overall, it's just more fluid now. I also changed up the arrangement of the lead for the third repetition of the chorus to keep it fresher.

And after fixing these and other issues with the song, here's the newest version. Thoughts, anybody? How did I do? https://www.box.com/s/6618b4d42b18841dfc22

[Arceace]

This is really nice! The sound scape is really interesting and you are doing plenty to change things around. The percussion is lively and full of energy, so it really helps bring life to the rest of the mix. I can't say that I'm very familiar with the source, but from what I can tell, there is plenty of variation going on. I only have a tiny complaint regarding the piano. It sounds a little bit artificial to me, but that might just be a style that I'm not used to.

Nice work dude! :D

[pokemoneinstein]

Thanks! Though may i ask, artificial in what way? Are you able to identify how? Is the velocity too strong or something?

[Arceace]

Originally Posted by pokemoneinstein

Thanks! Though may i ask, artificial in what way? Are you able to identify how? Is the velocity too strong or something?

I think think it's because of the reeverb/delay you have on it. The notes have a nice long tone, and when you have them playing in chords for the background during the chorus (the piano that first show up at 0:09), it sounds like your playing with the damper pedal down the whole time. The result sounds a bit unrealistic to me. I think it might help to have a little space in between each of the chords.

I've uploaded a little example of what I'm hearing right now, and what I think might sound a little better. I quickly went into FL Studio and replicated the chord progression that you used for your song. The first piano that plays is what I am hearing, only exaggerated. The second piano that plays is what I think might sound better.

Example:
http://tindeck.com/listen/qfya

The changes that I would recomend are bring down the velocity a bit, increase some of the lower frequencies, put a tiny pause in between chord changes, put a little variation in the note velocities, and work on giving it a warmer feel.

Don't get me wrong though, I really like what you have here! I would just recommend playing with the frequency/note length on the piano. I know you'll figure something out. :D

[pokemoneinstein]

Ah, I see. I get it. Thanks!

[zach72]

I agree that the piano sounds better than before, but as arceace said, it does feel a little bit weird. The ending seems a little cheesy, but everything else is pretty awesome. Keep it up owo

[Elder Kirby]

Hmm, that constant 4-on-the-floor sure is bothersome

Your mix is very stale, and the constant kick pattern just adds to that. Your mix doesn't progress anywhere at all and it's still very much a medley. The production is good but you definitely need to work on the arrangement itself. You essentially just took drums and a piano progression and added all the different themes over them in order.

I suggest adding some sort of break, bridge or intermediary section so it's not just the same 4/4 drums repetitively bashing the eardrums. You should also use less themes sources.

I like how you've nailed the happy-go-lucky mood of Superstar Saga, but it's simply too repetitive and isn't working out to be a good style to do a ReMix in.

And yes, as zach72 said, the ending is quite cheesy. :P

From what I can tell though, your production is great! I love the M&L series, I do hope you improve this and get posted

[pokemoneinstein]

Well as I said, I'm terrible at writing percussion, so I did my best to make it better, but it's just not in my ability to do something big about the kick.

Anyway, once again, I did my best to incorporate some criticisms. Here's the new version, mostly minor changes.

https://www.box.com/s/2f76c0363b93980b6bf7

[Arceace]

Dude, this is awesome!!! Changing the piano made a huge difference, and it blends so well, I had to listen consciously to hear it (but that's a good thing). I don't know what other people think, but using Mario and Luigi vocal samples sounds great to me! The only thing that I can suggest is having the clap fade in at 0:06. At the moment, the clap that comes in on the off beat is a bit loud, and I think it would be a better idea to fade it in so it doesn't come in so loud.

I think you're at a point in production where I can't offer any more advice. In fact, I'm pretty sure that your production quality is better than mine. :D

[pokemoneinstein]

Actually, I already fixed the clap. First of all, that whole beat got completely screwed up, so I had to fix it, and in the mean time, I faded the clap in. It's uploading over the old link now.