ReMix: Super Mario World 'Super Mario's Sleigh Ride'
- Game: Super Mario World (Nintendo, 1990, SNES)
- ReMixer(s): Dale North, Mustin, Nate Cloud, The OneUps
- Composer(s): Koji Kondo
- Song(s): 'Bonus Screen BGM', 'Bonus Screen Clear Fanfare', 'Map 2 (Overworld)', 'Map 5 (Forest of Illusion)', 'Overworld BGM'
- Posted: 2002-12-24, evaluated by djpretzel
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.
Definitely an integral part of my winter playlist.
- Jack Polo on December 17, 2009
- Nearly on September 6, 2009
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
A classic in my Christmas playlists. Probably one of my favorite Super Mario Bros. remixes, too. :D
- Skullbullet on December 14, 2008
- Jedi QuestMaster on December 14, 2008
- WesternZypher on December 8, 2008
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
Anyway, it's just as awesome as ever.
- Steben on December 24, 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
- 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
- Koelsch1 on December 16, 2006
- Kozmo on December 18, 2005
- Burger Deluxe on December 18, 2005
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the