ReMix: Zelda II: The Adventure of Link 'Thelonius Temple High'

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Ya know, as great as techno / electronica is, it's always fun when I get a submission in another musical genre. Thisjazzy ReMix of the temple theme from ZeldaII is arranged REALLY well by first-time contributor Michael Contraveos. Just listen to some of the piano colors and tones - very slick! Especially the upright bass pitch warble at the end - a great detail! I recommend this to everyone to check out how almost any song can be turned into a Jazz mix if done well. Major kudos to Mike.

djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
This ReMix can be summed up in one word - sexy. The piano is just perfect for this and some of the little improv bits are just great. The symbal in the background is well-done and not annoying. Definitely has a dark yet jazzy feel to it with the bass in the background. Way up there on my list of quality Zelda ReMixes. Fantabulous ending too!

- dANGER boy on December 13, 2011
This has always been one of my favorite Zelda rearrangements.
0:33 quite an introduction to the melody
the high hats were a bit overbearing, but it's still a wonderful piece with a classy ending.

- SubNormal J3 on February 19, 2011
I'm glad this popped up. I always really liked this one! Love the piano playing (it's very creative), especially in the intro. The backing is kinda weak by today's standards, but it still holds its own well enough.
I don't get why he changed the rhythm up slightly in the melody. There was really no reason to. It kinda gets on my nerves, even if it's a minor thing. And you know, this really could be longer!
But otherwise, awesome stuff!

- ella guro on December 2, 2009
This is a mix that surprises me that it has such few reviews. If it came out now, I would understand the lack of people hyping about it, but for #0082 I would think there would still be a good amount of excitement, and this one probably was pretty awesome for the day.
Bringing this to jazz is an easy step, and I find this to be pretty well done. I like the writing on the intro especially, though not as much the performance. The transition into the dungeon theme is just right.
I feel like overall this could have been maybe 8 clicks slower on a metronome, it feels just a little rushed as it is. Also, that is one very hyper hi hat.
Check this one out, some good stuff going on here.

- DragonAvenger on December 2, 2009
Hey, this was a pleasant surprise! :-) The piano felt a bit rigid at times but once you got a groove going it didn't feel that way anymore. The only real problem I've got with this is the hi-hat... the way it was sequenced in that machine gun style feels kinda lazy and very distracting.
Great take on the source material, it took me a while to figure out I was even listening to a Zelda II remix but once it hit me, it was a really cool feeling! Overall, I'm liking this a lot!

- Emunator on October 4, 2009
So many ways you could imagine this going, but it turns into some nice, conservative jazz. OA pointed out the drums, especially the hihat, being a little busy, but it just adds flavor and character imo.
I know I've heard it before, but I guess it takes a closer listen to appreciate it. It doesn't really stand out among oldies, certainly not among newer remixes, but there are oldies I never want to hear again and then there are oldies I can listen to again and again. Of the two, this belongs in the latter category.

- Rozovian on December 23, 2008
Damn, I am really impressed by this, even more so that it is such an old school track. I agree the piano is a bit thin before the combo comes in, but the playing throughout is beautifully expressive. This is one mix I missed along the way and I really regret it. Good thing I got a second chance to grab it.
I love the power when the rhythm section comes in. Very understated but nice. It seems drum programming-wise that a little too much is going on, mostly with the hi-hat.
Three armed drummer? I guess maybe the arch nemesis of Rick Allen. "Hey give that back!"
Recommended for sure.

- OA on July 3, 2007
the piano sounds really dry in the intro, but once the rest of the instruments come in it isn't really an issue. the drums aren't the greatest though. i am interested in hearing the lo-fi version of this that liontamer mentioned, i think the drums would sound better in that context. but for one of the earlier remixes this is really good

- Radiowar on May 27, 2007
One of my top favorites. This simple, no-frills jazz piece sounds like something you would hear live at a coffee shop or other small venue.
It starts with a classic jazz piano style intro, then moves into a more minimalist jazz trio sound once it gets into the actual temple theme.
What more can I say? Definitely worth a download.

- Deductive Dave on May 17, 2007
This song is sexily jazzy. Seriously, pick up a copy of yours today, you won't regret it,

- Chickenwarlord on August 8, 2006
Yeah, though the piano sounds thin, this deserves more attention. Loved the arrangement; it's got tons of energy, and the execution was top-flight for something so early in the site's history. Great stuff, Mike.
I'm an even bigger fan of "Thelonius Temple Low" for it's grittier/"live recording"-type feel. Seems like most people have no idea where to get a copy of that nowadays, but my fellow Emory bro Electron was nice enough to hook me up with a copy.

- Liontamer on May 1, 2006
<3

- Dhsu on January 23, 2004
Quality. MC always surprises me. Fantastic color. Sweet bass and drums too.

- GrayLightning on April 5, 2003
this is an awesome piece :)
im not much of a jazz fan.. but yeah.. this is the shit!
plus the temple theme is one of my all time fav nintendo songs :)
im working on a remix of it myself!

- Odyeiop on January 12, 2003
= Talent.
This song is GREAT. The piano is unbelievably believable! The other instruments, not so much...But MAN this track is just totally solid! And I LOVE the title!

- Woffester on July 25, 2002