ReMix: Donkey Kong Country 'Thrash the Plank'

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Donkey Kong Country: Kong in ConcertDonkey Kong Country

Rock the Casbah, Blame it on the Rain, and Damn the Torpedos... the legacy of imperative-titled songs, albums, films, and whatnot is now joined by SnappleMan's emphatic instruction for us all to 'Thrash the Plank' - come on... you know you want to... He of all-natural beverageness gives us some rocking, fast-paced metal coverage from DKC, originally released as part of Kong in Concert. Newly-inducted judge zircon says:

"This one has been on my playlist since I first got the wip for it. Very clean, articulate guitar playing combined with a good mastering job for the whole mix. Awesome. I don't know whether the drums are sequenced or not, but whichever they are, they sound great. I'm impressed that the mix really works without being cluttered with lots of instruments and layers. Arrangement-wise, I'm in agreement with the other judges. This is an excellent example of how to use variations and original material in a remix while still keeping the original in mind."

Most of the panel was impressed with the cleanliness and clarity of Snapple's work here, given that the genre is essentially defined by excess and hence usually a little rough around the edges on similar efforts. The speed and very discrete articulation of the guitar noodling is the business, and illustrates that coherence and clarity don't need to be sacrificed in the name of speed and energy, but that both sets of qualities can live in raw, pulsating harmony. If you've been hankering for some thrashing donkey, in other words, this is right up your alley. The numerous guitar bombs and cut-out section at 1'35" add texture and variety, respectively, and there'd solid decisions on processing and tradeoffs throughout. Great, rocket-fueled DKC arrangement from SnappleMan. Let the planks be thrased.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
Love the soaring, driving riffs in this one. :mrgreen:

- WesternZypher on October 27, 2010
One my favorite songs from the album and the solo was just really impressive. overall this was great.

- yosefu on February 7, 2010
Impressive. The guitars did their job and let this piece flow. By that, I mean it was hard, and it was rocking, but it kept the good "final boss" feeling that the first meeting with King K. gave. Nice work, Snappleman.

- Crulex on February 5, 2010
I really liked how the intro was semi-deceiving about the true nature of this track. It was all down low percussion and Wham-o, guitars.
I agree with previous sentiments that this is just straight up metal, and while I can't shake the feeling that this is a little generic and repetitive, I still like it.
In the end, it's not too bad, and I would still recommend checking it out.

- 42 on December 23, 2009
Snapple definitely pulls off the DKC feel with the initial toms to start things off. Pretty straight-forward quality metal - not my favorite genre (as I've posted before), but I can appreciate it. This is quality production and playing, though I think you can also tell that he's improved quite a bit since this remix. Specifically, I would've liked the leads to have a bit more power and edge behind them. Anyway, overall good stuff.

- Nutritious on December 5, 2009
One my favorite tracks from my favorite games given rawk justice.
The drums at the start sold it for me. The arrangement was kicking and the production is top notch. I'll admit I've even played this while I fought King K. Rool in DKC, it's just that good.
Glory to the Snappleman! \m/

- Sir_Downunder on December 3, 2009
Really nice work from Dr. Snapple. Nice and clean with good drum sound and a cool arrangement. Nice surprise with the coolly effected clean lead tone, I wasn't expecting it, and it worked really well.
Good job dude, i'm impressed. :-)

- OA on December 1, 2009
combine 2 of my favorite things(rock music and dkc) and you get sheer madness! bravo, snappleman! i first heard this in a movie on newgrounds, thought it was awesome! then I came here to see if it was an OC remix, and it was!

- youthboy on February 15, 2009
The beginning definitely claims the best part of the mix. The authentic sounds of the drums really bring out the DK in me.
As always snappleman, phenomenal guitar playing.
The Kong family would be proud.

- AmazinJason on December 18, 2008
I am unable to play this song only once. every time it comes up I will play it at least twice... Amazing..

- linkspast on November 23, 2007
Very very clean percussion. In a rock piece, I usually don't find myself drawn to the drums, but am instead drawn to the thickness of electric guitar chords, but this song draws me to the percussion like it did a few of the other people posting reviews about "Thrash the Plank," and that says something. I also think that the guitar parts were well done. Kudos.

- ArchangelMurphy on November 3, 2006
Wow. This is good; nice rhythm patterns. Rare (as I said in the BlueVision post) has a good concept of rhythms in their music, and yet again, another masterpiece remix of DKC.

- _blank on February 24, 2006
I was able to hear this song out of the Kong in Concert album where it was combined with "Pirate Prelude" this version of the Gangplank Gallon boss music is incrdible with the heavy metal guitar and rocking drums. When hearing this with the Kong in Concert my only complaint was that the drums didn't sound right with the exit of the piano from the first song. But it is a very fast-paced and energetic song. Excellent work!

- ResEvil07 on February 24, 2006
This is my 2nd favorite track off of the Donkey Kong project. Hearing this song in guitar made my day, and man, I still listen to it a lot.

- Psychotic Ninja on February 18, 2006
every boss needs a good rock remix like this,
major props to ya snappleman 9/10
my only complaint is it is to short.

- linkspast on January 28, 2006