ReMix: Final Fantasy VI 'Smooth Alexander'

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Final Fantasy VI

Nice change and a clearer, more defined, and certainly jazzier sound for Quinn Fox with this Final Fantasy 6 ReMix. You wouldn't necessarily know this was battle music just from listening to it out of context, as he takes it in some interesting directions, with a unique reverbed drum pattern but several less-processed solo instruments (including a delicious electric piano) that sit forward in the mix. I'm a fan of Quinn's work - we Phantasy Star guys hafta stick togetha doncha know - but have sometimes found his mixing specifically to be at times nebulous. Sure, it fits his more ambient style to not heavily favor any particular instrument and have a "soundscapey" thing going on, but my personal preference is for just a smidgin' more clarity to a mix, with emphasized tradeoffs, panning, and individualized characteristics granted to different elements. This ReMix does all that and more, and for this reason is one of my favorite QF mixes to date, and my definite preference in terms of mixing. The jazzy-but-ethereal style here keeps one interested, with a mystical blend of foregound and background timbres, processed accordingly, that augment one another perfectly. The deeply reverbed choral runs with EP comping on top and shimmering percussion are all very chill, and though there's quite a bit going on it's never audio "soup" but rather a fine stew, with clearly indentifiable nuggets 'o sound. Damn. What's with all the food metaphors? Beats me, but it's gotta be a good sign. Great stuff from QF, showing what is in my opinion a more mature, refined ear for mixing. If not his best then very high up there, and highly recommended listening.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
Nice remix. Smooth.

- Pachi Risu on November 15, 2009
Ah, Quinn Foxreturns to a more chilled sound, however, I can hear the influences from his Zelda track in here concerning the drums/percussion work. A very interesting collection of rhythms. The drums drive the track in a DnB manner, but most all of the instrumental work is relaxed. In a way, Quinn made this track in a very cinematic manner when comparing it to today's film composers. Awesome! I love how the bass still remains chilled out and in that pocket. The trumpet is a little overly synthetic, but it works pretty well. I really love the flute! Excellent track Quinn. You took the best chill elements of you past mixes and combined it with the cool percussion from your Zelda track! Wonderful work!

- tweek on October 16, 2009
The percussion on this one is crazy good, and the synths aren't too shabby either. The feel is completely new, and I really like it. The sounds mesh together great, and though a few samples could stand to be upgraded, like the flute, it all works out. It's rare to hear a remix that's both driving yet laid back, but this one hits that target dead on.
My one real complaint though is the somewhat weak ending- seemed a little out of place to have such a strong and varied track have an ending that just sortof died. Still great stuff.

- OA on March 19, 2009
OverCoat;7681 wrote: This is pretty kickin'. I'm loving the sounds. I agree with you, Pretz, you can barely tell this is battle music. I love how the song is so familiar, yet so new. That's what I look for in remixes. Very well done. Good job, Quinn.

Yeah, definitely agreed here. Dunno why I never posted on this one. I liked stuff like "Lobby Static" and "mode serpent" a bit more, but this one was still excellent. If the volume had been louder, that would have helped. Otherwise, excellent arrangement, and nice sound choices contributing to a beautiful texture.

- Liontamer on August 6, 2008
There needs no genius to say that this IS smooth, can´t just understand the resemblance between this and Alexander (an Esper). Meh, not that important.
As this says, this was a SMOOOOOTH remix from Quinn, a nice touch of jazz, he has taken away the tempo and stress that follows with the original and creates somethin´ with extra chill-stuff. Nice, Quinndude.

- Bummerdude on October 9, 2005
Coming here to pay homage. This remix rules.

- Zeality on May 8, 2005
Wow I didn't even notice this was the battle theme
Very well done, nice effects
I love Quinn Fox's work!

- jordex on November 18, 2004
Hmm... interesting Battle Theme take...
However, despite my few new excursions into the jazzy area (thanks to JigginJonT), I don't think this even fits with jazz too well. It's too fast for jazz, and the jazz is too relaxing for an adrenaline-pumping song...
Now I can see where this would be good, especially to others who appreciate this branch even more than I do...
But as far as I go... not my personal cup of tea...
Good work, though I can't dig it like others...
Keep composing!

- Angelus Laminarum on October 26, 2004
Eh. Sorry, but this just wasn't my thing. It's a good piece of music--just not a good Final Fantasy Battle Theme.

- Shonen Samurai on February 9, 2004
Good stuff Quinn! One of my favorties by far. I like evrything about this, and have no complaints.
10/10

- Elex Synn on January 11, 2003
Excellent Excellent work Quinn.. One of my favorites of yours.. All the effort you put into your work shines through so well. No Complaints.. My favorite part probably hits at 1:50 in the mix. Its all good.

- k-wix on January 10, 2003
this is my favorite FF3 mix outta them all. It's sooooo smooth flowing and I just love the jazzy type beat to it. Just an all around great mix IMHO. Great job Quinn! :)

- skawttieboy on January 7, 2003
There's a few wierd notes in there, but otherwise, it's an excellent remix. I can't really say much more than that, but an example of those wierd notes would be 00:30 - 00:45. I don't know if that was the intent, but they don't seem to fit in. I was thinking perhaps you wanted to depart from the original, and it does, but it's... strange.
Otherwise, good job. 8/10.

- Ryuko on January 5, 2003
I like the effort and everything put into this, it's very different from a lot of the stuff I hear around here...but, for some reason, some parts of it sorta reminds me of elevator music. o.O Just can't get into it that much, sorry. (I feel bad for posting a bad review... sorry ^_^;) There WERE a few parts I did like though! Ambient stuff, very cool.

- nationaldark on January 5, 2003
NICE. I love how this remix is so different from the original. Everything has been said already, so I'll just add, "Nice work".

- sgx on January 3, 2003