ReMix:Tempest 2000 "Underground Mix" 3:51

By vail

Arranging the music of one song...

"Mind's Eye"

Primary Game: Tempest 2000 (Atari , 1994, JAG), music by Alastair Lindsay, Ian Howe, Julian Hodgson, Kevin Saville

Posted 2002-06-09, evaluated by the judges panel


Nate Gudmunson aka vail actually submitted this ReMix, his first, as a mix of 'Tempest' which confused me and Joe Redifer as we certainly didn't remember it from the original Tempest (which is quite old). Turns out it was from the PC port of Tempest 2000, which was originally on the Atari Jaguar (one of the four or so decent games for the system). The PC soundtrack, though not as good, was essentially the same music with diluted instruments. Don't know why they didn't just use the same tunes . . . anyway, since most are familiar with this music from the Jag version, I'm crediting it to that game instead of the PC port - in case anyone cares :) As for the mix - Tempest 2000 is a tall order to mix because the original stuff (Jag version) was so groovy. vail does a good job, though, with a hyper, well-sequenced bassline, some strategically places ambient hits and fx, a relentless beat, and some dynamite filtering on the main melody that really changes its function in the song - it was much more prominent in the original. The weird, off-key vocoderesque synth loop that repeats a lot towards the end at first really hit me the wrong way, sounding very out of place, and it still sticks out, but I kinda like the contrast and flavor it provides. Call me crazy :) Definitely solid techno that the Judges panel - once everyone figured out which game it was from - was very down with. Recommended.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 13 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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Rexy
on 2011-12-08 03:18:29

For a mix that's from 2002, it's got some ideas in play. The choice to transpose the track up 4 semitones, as well as cut the chord progression to half-speed, can be seen as a good early example of manipulating the source material. I even like that cool idea with the 9th chords on the synth being thrown in at 3:10; seemed to give it more of a sophisticated approach to the writing, which is always a plus.

The production sounds decently pleasant to me, though I do however have 2 qualms with it associated with its era; the additional sound effects should've been brought lower down in the mix (could be seen as too much of a distractant when put against the music), and the drums seem to be on autopilot and don't seem to go anywhere (barely any fills either aside from the occasional kick use).

Overall I quite dig this; it may get old fast, but for the era it was posted in it still sounds fine :)

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leox001
on 2010-04-27 21:25:27

I really liked this remix!!

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Bahamut
on 2009-09-30 03:45:44

So my main complaint here is that things get too repetitive pretty quickly with minimal variations. Things get a little more interesting towards the end of the mix, but it came too little, too late.

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justinj212
on 2009-01-15 01:54:16

kind of subtle, feels like a background track that establishes mood during an action or infiltration sequence in a game. unfortunately I don't think it stands out in any particular sense. the voice bit and the synths thereafter are a nice touch, would have been nice to see those implemented througout the entire track. good job overall!

ps, 50th post ftw!

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DragonAvenger
on 2008-10-21 22:01:26

Not crazy about this overall. It's too repetative without much melody to really hold my attention. All that sticks out is the 'howling'. Can't say it's for me, sorry.

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OA
on 2006-12-26 13:50:41

A pretty straightforward mix, with very very cool synths, I think this needs a little more melody for my tastes. There are some nice chromatic shifts throughout, which keeps things interesting, but overall it is a bit repetitive.

It really does feel like a wipeout track, so if you are a fan of futuristic racing music, this is totally for you.

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Echo2K4
on 2004-06-14 13:05:35
I have not played it or have an idea of what type of game Tempest is (shutup Mustin :P) but from the music I can guess it was a puzzle game of some sort or a space flyer of some sort.

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :lol:

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LethalVomit
on 2002-07-19 07:29:32

Sorry, but i got to agree with Mustin and Ebonyks. This mix is just pretty dull compared to the ORIGINAL Jaguar version.

In fact it's an insult to put this track here as a Jaguar remix. There are far better mixes available on various dedicated Jaguar sites. (Jagu-dome)

If i compare this mix to the "original" pc version then it's not that bad.

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Ebonyks
on 2002-06-11 23:00:23

I'm going to have to disagree with the masses here. It just seems repetitive to me. It's got some decent qualities, but the second half repeated that passage way to many times. And don't ask me what passage. If you've ever heard this mix you know what i'm talking about

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skulkrusha
on 2002-06-10 00:39:49

This little tune here sounds awesome... Like they took it off the WipEout soundtrack (the first one). There's a bit of Ridge Racer in there as well, and the vox samples give it a nice touch. The start reminds me of djpretzel's "morning after" mix, with the little ambient train sounds (well, it sounds like a train to me!). Sounds suspiciously like Technophonik... Whoa, I'm getting a rush of memories just by listening to this song. Awesome. :)

I'll probably be listening to this for some time yet...

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krispy
on 2002-06-09 20:49:01

This was actually kind of neat with the vocals and its hollow ambient feel, kinda like a metroid mix except a little more repetitive. I cant really say that its an evolving piece, as it just kind of plays a few chords at a time. I have not played it or have an idea of what type of game Tempest is (shutup Mustin :P) but from the music I can guess it was a puzzle game of some sort or a space flyer of some sort. This is deffinetly worth listening to, I give it a 7.5/10.

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Mustin
on 2002-06-09 19:45:33

For shame! You guys haven't played the Jaguar version? It's great!

As for the mix, the samples get a bit repetative, so does the song. I remember the music being great in this game. This was my friend Duncan's first "Hey, I like this video game music" score.

The filtered guitar sample drives me nuts. The voice samples are indeed cool. Nice ending.

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Ginnsu
on 2002-06-09 18:56:14

Tempest 2000 'Underground Mix'

Wow, we have a very excellent ominous sound here, and I love those female vocal samples. They sound very much like the ones from the theme for Dark Angel. The beat seams to have a continual stabbing to it, which I have always loved to here in music when it is done well, as it defiantly has been here. Excellent mix, vail, feed our ears.

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Tempest 2000 (Atari , 1994, JAG)
Music by Alastair Lindsay,Ian Howe,Julian Hodgson,Kevin Saville
Songs:
"Mind's Eye"

Tags (10)


Genre:
Dance,EDM,Psytrance,Trance
Mood:
Dark
Instrumentation:
Sound FX,Synth
Additional:
Effects > Detuning
Time > 4/4 Time Signature
Usage > Workout

File Information


Name:
Tempest_2000_Underground_Mix_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
3,778,941 bytes
MD5:
15367e1d0482c1659e2af6e12d5d7017
Bitrate:
128Kbps
Duration:
3:51

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