ReMix: King's Quest V: Absence Makes the Heart Go Yonder 'Concerning Daventry'

Dragon Warrior 'Journey of Solitude' prev   list all   next Donkey Kong Country 'Blue Vision'
download Download MP3
4,065,602 bytes, 3:23, 160kbps
Stream/preview on YouTube Play Preview
Streaming preview on YouTube
eStarland.com
King's Quest V: Absence Makes the Heart Go Yonder

The King's Quest games arguably did more for the adventure genre, at least on the PC platform, than any other series, so it's nice to finally see some coverage from one of the more memorable entries in the venerable epic, courtesy of Mr. Tim Bocek, known better on OCR as Orkybash. He's been a bit busier on the ReMixing front lately, but I especially dig this piece, which feels fuller and livelier than previous works. Maybe I'm just a sucker for harpsichords and clarinets, both of which figure strongly in the picture Tim paints here, along with strings, flutes, and french horn. Not entirely sure bout the transition at 2'20", but other than that brief spell, this is an enjoyable, articulate instrumental with excellent sound quality and a very upbeat sort of renaissance feel to it - you can just see the town folk bustling about, merchants peddling their wares, and artisans sculpting and painting in front of large, flowing fountains. Or something like that. Whether or not you have cliched visions of provincial townsfolk or not, I think you'll dig this mix. Not too long, not overly ornate or flowery, it strikes a great harmony and feels very balanced. Recommended.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 13 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
Seconded, I'd love to here remixes from old Sierra adventure games!

- WesternZypher on December 9, 2008
This makes me want to here more Kings Quest (and other Sierra games) as the source of remixes. Well, 'cept maybe those old EGA ones with the PC soun--no, wait, those could turn out good in the right hands.
Anyway! I really enjoy this one. I did recognize the Concerning Hobbits bit/reference, and I thought it was a great blend of that plus the KQ5 theme. Very relaxing, and very pleasant-sounding. KF

- Kizyr on September 12, 2008
Definately hear the LOTR referrence. I don't know the source, but this is a cute little melody that fits very well with the alberti bassline.
Sounds are a bit fake for me, but overall it doesn't detract too much from the piece as a whole. Nice work.

- DragonAvenger on September 11, 2008
I love the flute/strings/harpsichord used here. I don't remember the soundtrack to king's quest 5, though I can hear the similarities to the LoTR soundtrack, and forsome reason it reminds me of the princess bride soundtrack as well.
My only real complaint is that the french horn range gets impossibly high in one section, and the ending is too abrupt. Otherwise an awesome mix.

- OA on March 21, 2007
What an amazing song, from such an amazing game. And yes, this music does play in Daventry, even though it's not really in the game - it plays as Graham is walking through the forest on his way home, shortly before he stumbles upon the giant gaping pit where Castle Daventry once was. But yes, I love this music just like I love the game, and it was a beautiful rendition. If you could work the sound of the brook/stream in the background, maybe with the birds chirping every so often, too, it'd be even more perfect. But yes, excellent work. I hope you'll do more work from King's Quest V, I loved a lot of that music. And, if you'd like requests or source mp3s from the game, I can hook you up there, too...

- Reliken on November 15, 2005
OCRemix doesn't get a lot of these songs of this nature; I wish it did, though! I really enjoyed the clarinet that came in around 1:30. First time I've ever heard that instrument on OCR. Me likes.... :D

- [blunai] on June 20, 2005
If I recall my utter King's Quest geekery, I think Graham is traipsing through a land called Serenia in number five. ::kadork::
Anyway, I immediately loved this mix to death since I adore all Sierra games. I think it really matches with Daventry well and I love how it also does sound a lot like Concerning Hobbits. It matches them both fantastically.

- Zarla on April 12, 2004
I have yet to hear the mix (just dling it right now) but rack your brains a bit... remember, King's Quest 5 doesn't take place in Daventry! Graham has gone off to find his family, who have been stolen along with his castle and put into a bottle by the evil Mordack. He's searching through parts unknown.

- Tanamoril on November 17, 2003
I love King's Quest V, and I love this mix. I think if the game was remade today, this would be the way the town music was made. It wasn't the first piece I expected to be mixed from KQV, but what you did here was fitting.

- Ryan8bit on September 21, 2002
Me likes! I never played any of the KQ games (I'm more of a LucasArts fan), so I don't recognise the music, except for the Hobbit theme. Heh, I laughed when I heard that, and understood the title of the ReMix.

- EmptyMy on September 19, 2002
Wow. I think I have that exact same flute soundfont. Anyway, I'm not familiar with the original, but this is just overall a good remix. All of the instruments are good quality, and the arrangment is perfectly orchestral. This is nothing extremely astounding or innovative, but it is very solidly done throughout - the length is perfect, every instrument entrance makes sense and sounds great, and the balance is very good. Good job, Orkybash...

- Adhesive_Boy on September 18, 2002
Ah! King's Quest - sir, you are a saint! :D Anyway, I really admire this piece. It's flowy, it's relaxing, and harpsichord! I love harpsichord! The flute, especially on those little ascensions (e.g. :21) is fabulous. Overall this is just a really gorgeous piece which brings back a lot of good memories, and proves an enjoyable listen. Bravo.

- Ice Chimera on September 18, 2002
King's Quest 5 'Concerning Daventry'
I'm self-reviewing this one because I feel some things need to be set straight. First and foremost, this is not only a remix of the Daventry Theme but of Concerning Hobbits from the FotR soundtrack as well (although before anyone gets on my case, I'll say that only the motif of the song was used - nothing here's note-for-note from the soundtrack, or (god forbid!) taken from tha actual recording). The similarity *is* intentional, and in fact was the whole point to this remix! So just remember that I'm not trying to steal Shore's ideas - in fact I requested that he be given credit!
Also, the title (in another nod to the inspiration it came from) was 'Concerning Daventry'. I respectfully request that this either be changed back, or a good reason be given for why it was changed. A nod to Howard Shore, the fact that it's *supposed* to sound like Hobbits, or [i]anything[/i] along those lines wouldn't hurt either.

- orkybash on September 18, 2002

Content Policy
(Submission Agreement and Terms of Use)

Page generated Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:05:06 -0500 in 0.2001 seconds

All compositions, arrangements, images, and trademarks are copyright their respective owners. Original content is copyright OverClocked ReMix, LLC. For information on RSS and JavaScript news feeds, linking to us, etc. please refer to resources for webmasters. Please refer to the Info section of the site and the FAQ available there for information about the site's history, features, and policies. Contact David W. Lloyd (djpretzel), webmaster, with feedback or questions not answered there.

top of page