ReMix: Super Mario World 'Super Mario's Sleigh Ride'

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Super Mario World

I had a bad feeling when I first began this ReMix - knowing of the talent behind it, I was unsurprised that the mixing was on and more notably the musicianship (on some of them "real live instruments" I've heard about lately) was great, but initially it seemed like it was all "Sleigh Ride" (composer: Leroy Anderson) and very little Super Mario World (composer: Koji Kondo - but you knew that) - which would have presented a dillemma for me as OCR is a game remix site first and foremost. Fortunately, and again unsurprisingly, Mustin (Bass), Dale North (Keyboards), Nathan McLeod (Alto Sax), David Embree (Trumpet), William Reyes (Guitar), and Chris Strom (Drums) - collectively known as the OneUp Mushrooms - deliver a mix that not only covers "Sleigh Ride" and wee bits of other Christmas tunes embedded in solos, but also features a number of SMW pieces as well, all completely noticeable yet extremely well-integrated into the piece. I think that's what's impressive here - in addition to some great musicianship, the arrangement is technically sound in incorporating significant chunks of the Super Mario World canon with "Sleigh Ride". Down to Embree's impressive horse emulation - a telling benchmark of any performance or recording of Anderson's piece - things click. My initial impressions proved false, and fears unwarranted. Of course, with several tempo changes and trading solos, there's a certain abruptness to portions, so you can't get into any one groove for too long before you're onto the next. At 3'21", the fellas packed a load of stocking stuffers into this ReMix, that's for darn sure, and if you're not into medleys that's the only aspect that I could see some not digging as much. But let's be real - there's some fantastic soloing, an amazingly cohesive and balanced team of musicians all playing their derriers off, and the merging of all pieces involved is purty slick. More information on this specific piece and the 'shrooms themselves is available at http://oneupstudios.com/oum.php, if your interest is piqued. I'm reminded of the quote from the ubiquitous LOTR: Two Towers trailer, when Saruman says "A new power is rising" - indeed, the OneUp Mushrooms have a formidable cast of both musicians and arrangers in their ranks, and should be providing the game arrangement community with many similar gems in the future, whether via OCR or other channels. For now, I'm happy to be posting their initial, seasonal SMW ReMix, and hope you enjoy it as well. Highly recommended.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
This season marks my first time listening to this when there's actually snow on the ground (as I only got it this past summer), and even though it was awesome in summer/fall etc, it's about 82977 times better now. I love hearing those Christmas classics woven in with the awesome SMW soundtrack...
Definitely an integral part of my winter playlist.

- Jack Polo on December 17, 2009
Amazingly played. Having performed sliegh ride several times in different formats with the school orchestra, this is the best arrangement easily ;)

- Nearly on September 6, 2009
I've always been more of a classical Christmas music lover, rather than the more contemporary holiday fare that is interwoven in this. That being said, splice them with some Koji Kondo favourites and I'm all over them.
Just like most other people, I was extremely surprised how compatible the two fields are. It creates a real melodic sensation that is both rewarding to listen to as well as highly amusing. Not laugh out loud amusing, but in a way that it makes you want to concentrate on the music, rather than just let it wash over you.
If I was in a band with my friends, this is the type of music I'd want to be playing. Not just for the self-satisfaction, but also those WTF? facial expressions from the audience must be priceless.

- Marmiduke on August 28, 2009
Yay, it's time to bust this song out again!
A classic in my Christmas playlists. Probably one of my favorite Super Mario Bros. remixes, too. :D

- Skullbullet on December 14, 2008
I think it was this very song that made me start seasonalizing my music. I mean, I don't listen to Christmas music all year like normal people. :p

- Jedi QuestMaster on December 14, 2008
Never get tired of listening to this winter after winter =) So cozy & warm!

- WesternZypher on December 8, 2008
This is such a fun and innovative arrangement, and the fact that it's live just adds an extra level of panache. I could listen to this all year.
Then again, I'm one of those crazy people who could listen to Christmas music all year anyway. So I suppose that's not saying much.

- Lucentas on December 6, 2008
Dude, guys. It's hard to believe that this song has been on OCR for five years now. I remember it was the second to really grab my attention to this site, after SuperBuckJazz.
Anyway, it's just as awesome as ever.

- Steben on December 24, 2007
one of the best remixes to date, period.

- maelkashishi on December 20, 2007
Dynamite Raver;52662 wrote: Excellent blend of Mario and Christmas, and it's so incredibly awesome.

I second that...8-)

- Kitsune90 on April 11, 2007
this and the super metroid "christmas mixes" are just sexy. I love the actual christmasy feel to it :D Kinda reminds me of jingle bells - seeing as it was part of the song's motif :P

- HoboKa on February 7, 2007
The Koelsch1 wrote: Now this song is great and all, but doesnt it break a certain rule about not using non-game music?

That policy came about after Xenogears "A Star Freezes Over" was subbed. It's not a retroactive policy, so anything posted before that with similar usage of non-game music stayed.

- Liontamer on December 17, 2006
Now this song is great and all, but doesnt it break a certain rule about not using non-game music?

- Koelsch1 on December 16, 2006
great christmas song in general, beautiful musicianship, perfect integration of mario themes into classic holiday songs

- Kozmo on December 18, 2005
definitely a good song for Christmas. Superb, really helps set the mood for the gamer crowd. :D

- Burger Deluxe on December 18, 2005