ReMix: Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals 'Christmas in the Village (Silver Bells)'

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Whoa. When first I completed listening to Dale North's latest ReMix, I simply thought he had submitted an arrangement of Silver Bells. I had to double check the Lufia 2 soundtrack to verify that yes, the town/village music is certainly at work here. The two songs are quite similar - far moreso than say, Pachelbel's Canon and any of the Zelda 64 soundtrack :), so props to Dale for hearing the similarity and capitalizing upon it in a timely fashion. This is a soft pop/rock ballady sort of piece, not too far off from Rayza's Sor2 ReMix that was just posted, and if you've any familiarity at all with the Christmas favorite "Silver Bells", I don't think you'll have a hard time spotting it here. The two songs are intertwined seamlessly and naturally. I should note that "Silver Bells" has a bit more presence and focus than the actual video game music, so if you're a stickler for details this might more accurately be labeled a "Christmas remix with pieces of game music in it" than vice versa. But I think if you listen to the original from Lufia 2 you'll hear that it wasn't wildly different from "Silver Bells" in the first place, so in a way it's an arrangement of a potential arrangement of Silver Bells that simply brings out the source material more ^^ - whatever, I don't think too much explanation is needed. When you be hearing the nice muted guitar, bells, french horn, dynamic but subtle drum work, and overall pleasing vibe Dale's got going, especially over a nice warm cup o' cocoa, I doubt you'll take issue either.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 14 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
Appropriate for the time of year, someone should make a playlist with all winter/xmas-y remixes, and share it.
This is an excellent winter holiday remix with church bells, a hint of xmas carols, end (and/or end credits) music to a winter movie and all that. Perfect for this time of year.

- Rozovian on December 13, 2009
Normally I'm not down with mixing existing songs with a game's music, but i'm making an exception here, as there is plenty of Village to go around. I love the subtle percussion in the bells and tambourine, along with the tasteful North kit stylings.
Dale has a very classic style that people associate with Christmas, and though I don't associate it with the holiday as much, and can thankfully avoid the connotations, I can clearly see the connection. I really like his soft rock style, and think it fits both sources very well.
I agree with DA that the ending is too abrupt; I think there is enough material for another minute or two, and would have at least liked a more structured ending, perhaps a ritardando or something, but as is, I still enjoy the song immensely.

- OA on January 11, 2008
A post-Christmas Christmas song review!
I love how these two songs are melded so well together. Dale certainly makes them flow very nicely with smooth transitions, and a nice calm feeling throughout. I play this each year around christmas.
My only gripe is the ending seems a bit ubrupt. Nothing to really take away from the overall feeling though.

- DragonAvenger on December 26, 2006
Heh, reminds me of the Christmasy songs of Ragnarok Online. But it's certainly a nice thing to listen to during this season.

- AngrySquirrel on December 24, 2004
Well, Christmas is coming up again. Figured I might as well review one Christmas-y song.
This... Is beautiful. I absolutely love it. Calm and spirited. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a Christmas song that they could play without ever getting tired of.

- Corporal Eschebone on December 17, 2004
Well, after I discovered the great peice called "Turbid Guidance" I decided to check out the rest of the Lufia mixes available...
My god, you could relax a charging rhino with the sweetness this piece is treating my ears to... (I gues sI didn't notice this mix when it first debuted)
Though I'm not all that satisfied with how the song end, it's still another great Lufia mix! :)

- Elex Synn on May 3, 2003
well... i did dl this back during christmas and i enjoyed it a looooot. but when that new faze lufia piece came out, i enjoyed it so much i decided to load up all my lufia + 2 remixes... and this came out on the playlist and oooooohhhh the shivers. i love it. keep up the amazing work dale ;)

- SsaiskK on May 3, 2003
ahhh great great song. Just like djp said. nice over a cup 'o cocoa.

- djcubez on January 5, 2003
Very nice work by Dale. Lufia 2 was one of my favorite games, so uber-cheers!

- Vagrant_D on January 5, 2003
Nothing to complain about. Just both thumbs up! 8)

- Saiko on December 30, 2002
A little bit too Christmasy for my tastes. But if it's you're bag you can't go wrong here. I have to admit it's incredibly well put together. Practically professional quality. Very melodious and soft. I can already feel what it would sound like coming out of cheap speakers in the roof of the mall...

- Kamikaze Noodle on December 29, 2002
This song blew me away completely. I'm getting used to Dale's extraordinary talents, so much that he's starting to spoil me (and probably most of us) with how well done his work is. I had this on loop for a long time the past few days, and I have to say it's quite amazing work. Keep it up Dale, keep submitting your excellent work!!

- Shhteve on December 29, 2002
*sniff* what a [b]great[/b] song. Too bad it wasn't on the site before Christmas. Oh well, it's still awesome. Goodwork :)

- Aprentis on December 27, 2002
Lufia 2 'Christmas in the Village (Silver Bells)'
You can't get much more Christmasy then this. All through this song I'm just waiting for Anne Murray to start up her vocal cords. I can't say that I'm increadibly enthused about this style of music... but it is Christmas so I'll live. Another excellent piece of work for the Christmas holidays. Great work Dale North.

- Ginnsu on December 27, 2002