ReMix:Sonic Crackers "Dirty Beta" 4:11

By Malcos

Arranging the music of one song...

"Walkin'"

Primary Game: Sonic Crackers (Sega , 1994, GEN), music by Junko Shiratsu, Mariko Nanba, Masato Nakamura

Posted 2001-12-16, evaluated by djpretzel


Most of those in the emulation scene, and especially Genesis emulation, will be familiar with the Sonic beta in wide distribution that's called "Crackers". There's a lot of debate around where it came from, what it was supposed to eventually be (Sonic Chaotix? Sonic 4?), and whether it was even developed by Sega programmers, or done by talented hackers. Regardless, it's one of those little gems that emulation makes possible - a glimpse into what might have been - that would otherwise go unnoticed. Now, Crackers' tunage was mostly from other Sonic games (Knuckles Chaotix), so if this sounds familiar, you're not wrong. What we got is a nice techno track with some interesting construction - lots of straight 16th note patterns on the bassline, a more syncopated section at 2'16" with a great and unique lead sound that has a double-attack that almost makes it sound backwards - just the type of "little thing" that adds greatly to a track. The song never returns to its initial, more hyperactive state, and fades out on the syncopated version - again, interesting construction that makes it very listenable. Also, the drums in the first half of the track especially are quality, with a bit of edge and panned-left, they establish a ornate & satisfying groove. Cool.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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Liontamer
on 2015-12-28 01:36:27

Classic mix from back when I discovered OCR. In particular, I enjoyed Stephen's final section going for the rhythmic switch-up to keep the presentation fresh.

I'll also add, just learning of the concept of the Sonic Crackers ROM from this mix existing was eye-opening, and it's great the original music saw the light of day in Knuckles' Chaotix, which is more than can be said for so many abandoned games.

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42
on 2009-01-17 22:30:16

I already like this mix because it's source is just an oddity in the universe; a fragment of a world of possibilities.

Its got that nice, galactic, shoot em'up feel to it.

All in all, great mix.

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OA
on 2008-01-23 12:23:56

Seeing it as "Sonic crackers" was somewhat WTF-worthy, until I read the writeup. I imagined either exceedingly fast, flying saltines, but yeah, it's that sega dude again.

Some of lead synth choices are a little strange, and I wish they sounded a little better; more sustain, and maybe smooth them out a bit, but overall, this track is excellent, based on the strengths of the rhythm sections. There are some nice layered loops keeping the pace, and the oft-spoke-of transition near the end is a pleasantly surprising twist, except that the lead that comes in at that section sounds like it is running on nearly empty. Regardless, the piano and pads as well as the beats keeps this one sounding good.

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Bummer
on 2006-07-13 09:43:17

Never heard of Sonic Crackers, but I don't necessarily have to. This is a pretty decent remix, happy beats and synths that dominates the arrangement in the first half of it, but as some already have pointed out, the walkover at 2:22 catches you interest.

From playful techno into jamming jazz techno was a little odd, especially since there is quite a gap in styles. But since the other half was enjoyable too, then this remix wasn't so bad.

Nice work, Malcos.

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Salluz
on 2005-11-03 16:40:27
Wow this is a nice mix. I'd never heard the music of Sonic Crackers (still can find the rom.). But after listenin to this mix I downloaded the GYM set from Zophar's Domain and compared it to the original track. Its really great. I wasn't too crazy bout the cutesy sounding intro. Actually when I was listening to it with a friend once he looked at me and said WTF is this? I told him to wait because it gets alot better. And it did! I love the change of pace it takes at 2:22 very very very trippy! Malcos is quickly becoming one of my favorite mixers. Good shit man!

Same with me.

You see, at first, I'm hearing these wah-wah effects and extremely fast-paced beats, and I'm like, "WTF?". So, at some point, even though it was fast and all, it started to sound a little good. Thus, as you and everyone else mentioned, the switch-up is caliente!

The smooth hiphop ride vibe and inverse notes are bangin'! Then come the strings, and... everything's timewise! He isw definitely one of the most talented remixers who show their faces on this website.

Lol, I heard this piece three years ago, and now, it's November 2005, after hearing it in October 2002, and I STILL like the part that changes pace+style.

Play it through speakers that APPRECIATE the value of bass.

That's what everybody should do. Bassline terrific, my friend. Yes, I agree, 9/10 for the exact same reasons.

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Pip is uh.....
on 2005-03-11 14:01:39

Wow this is a nice mix. I'd never heard the music of Sonic Crackers (still can find the rom.). But after listenin to this mix I downloaded the GYM set from Zophar's Domain and compared it to the original track. Its really great. I wasn't too crazy bout the cutesy sounding intro. Actually when I was listening to it with a friend once he looked at me and said WTF is this? I told him to wait because it gets alot better. And it did! I love the change of pace it takes at 2:22 very very very trippy! Malcos is quickly becoming one of my favorite mixers. Good shit man!

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Vash the Stampede
on 2004-05-08 02:24:34

WOW, I NEVER would have expected to hear a ReMix of this!! I first played the ROM of this game (aka "sonic 4") back in 2000, and I never even thought of the music in it as real "game music", what with the game itself being just a beta hack and all. BUT THIS HERE, THIS IS REAL MUSIC!! :D I'm lovin it dude, excellent work!!!

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DarkWolf
on 2003-07-11 09:39:16

The changes in mood somewhat reflects the different versions of the song throughout the beta. I like that.

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Orange Pylon
on 2003-03-07 02:40:23

I remember this song when it was used in Knuckles Chaotix. Damn, that game had a fine soundtrack. Anyway, this mix is great. I love how it changes moods gradually.

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Riddler Sensei
on 2003-01-02 18:51:58

This is very nice work. A good solid concept of the music with a very subtle transition that fits very nicely. I am sorry for lacking words right now, but good job......

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Ryan the powerful
on 2003-01-02 18:15:04

it ok but i need a rom

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Spunodi
on 2002-12-17 14:24:04

I LOVE IT!!!!!!! WHY?.........

I just do, I suppose....

Well....

Its HAPPY!!!!!! Yet gets darker......which reflects life in general.

more?......

Okay......

ITS SONIC, INNIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Kaleb.G
on 2002-12-15 21:03:50

This song is a double pleasure. In the first couple minutes, it's a well made upbeat remix, but around 2'20" it just switches gears into a slow tempo that really catches your attention. The second half is definately my favorite part of this song, as it puts the song in a much different context. I gottta love the different background synths used during this section, as they set the more serious mood that makes this part really stand out. Excellent work Stephen, I can't wait for more. :D

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Antonio Pizza
on 2002-06-09 22:36:10

(originally posted Nov. 29, 2001 02:04 AM)

=======================

Dirty Beta (Sonic Crackers)

=======================

by Malcos. You may remember him from such remixes as Street Fighter II's "RyuInterpretation" and Mario Is Missing's "Break Yo-Self Foo!"

Before SEGA abandoned this project, their music guy took a cue from Koji Kondo on SMW and created a central theme from which almost every other song in the game is derived.

8 slices. With a theme as short as the SC theme (in the neighborhood of 17 seconds in the actual game) it's difficult to stretch it to over 4 minutes ("Dirty Beta is 4:11). Malcos makes up for this with well placed additions and subtractions of layers. You don't have time to get sick of the melody...Malcos has already moved on. And by the time you would normally start to grow weary, Malcos KICKS YOUR ASS with a lightning quick transition from fast paced dance to smoove groove (complete with thumpin' bass line) around 2:22. I love it. I couldn't stop listening to it.

The only thing...I repeat the ONLY thing that kept this from getting 10 slices was the bass line after 2:22. Don't get me wrong, if you've got a pair of twelves in your car, you'll feel it. The problem is that with the hip-hop feel of the song after 2:22, I kept expecting the bass to thump more frequently in certain places. Like, there's one thump, but subconsiously I was expecting 2 or 3. That's it! That's the only reason. Come to think of it, Malcos gets another slice. 9/10. Excellent. Please if you listen to this, DON'T listen to it on your computer. Play it through speakers that APPRECIATE the value of bass.

What's that? You can't find "Dirty Beta?" That's cause it ain't been posted! "Dirty Beta" is a factory direct ReMix, which means it can only be obtained from Malcos himself. Malcos is definitely up and coming. Unnotlistentoable.

Folks, these opinions are just that. I ain't a remixer. I'm a listener. But if you've been a regular visitor to the message boards since July 10th of 2001, you already know that. Please, listen to this more than once before you make your own opinions. I didn't appreciate "Dirty Beta" until I listened to it at least 3 or 4 times. Listen to it through decent speakers. And keep comin' back.

Kudos to Malcos.

Well done sir. Well done.

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Ginnsu
on 2002-05-24 22:41:42

Sonic Crackers 'Dirty Beta'

This is an awesome hard hitting mix with a lot of high energy and ear engulf strings. Also has an obviously very fruity vowel that takes the song to its end. That is one thing you got to watch, though is if you use generic instruments from a program like FruityLoops (Especially FruityLoops) then you should tweak them to at least attempt to make them sound original, or people might rag on you. Personally, I love the sound. Great work here, Mr. Malcolm.

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Sonic Crackers (Sega , 1994, GEN)
Music by Junko Shiratsu,Mariko Nanba,Masato Nakamura
Songs:
"Walkin'"

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File Information


Name:
Sonic_Crackers_Dirty_Beta_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
4,101,260 bytes
MD5:
f0e687127347754f7da3efcd92e58724
Bitrate:
128Kbps
Duration:
4:11

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