ReMix: Road Rash 'sierra nevada-tan'
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- Game: Road Rash (Electronic Arts, 1991, GEN)
- ReMixer(s): analoq
- Composer(s): Michael Bartlow, Rob Hubbard
- Song(s): 'Sierra Nevada'
- Posted: 2005-04-06, evaluated by the judges
So yes - while "it" will always be "in the mix," so to speak, rumors of our assimilation by the EA collective as well ensuing legal troubles were greatly exaggerated. By us, no less. Shariq gets credit for the original concept of EA ReMix, Larry and Gray put together the quite singular Pigskin Power Madden mix, Rama and Suzumebachi coordinated the tie-in with the Duck Hunt project, TLF represented our faux legal adversaries with council from yours truly, and I also got to do the Photoshoppin'. But last and most certainly not least, analoq turned in a Road Rash mix that helped sell the concept by actually being rather good, albeit delivered on an abbreviated deadline. Aaron's polished it up a bit these last few days, given the extra thinkin' time:
"the problem was i couldn't get a lead sound i liked from my guitar. in this new version, i've scrapped all the lead guitars in favor of more synth sounds. synth sounds that would probably fit nicely in the 80s. it still catches me off-guard when i listen to it, i got used to hearing the old version, but this one is still preferred."
Besides a somewhat strange etymology, this is (still) some kickin' stuff, introing with a short-release treble-filtered guitar motif, then dropping in meatier electric stuffs, bass, a rock acoustic kit, and dreamy octave-doubled synth lead, swapping to a slinky wah-funk circa 0'37". Aaron still gets his electro in, with a 808-style kit and delayed synth bass groove taking over at 1'16" and a monoglide lead at 1'30" that trades off with a wow-attack brassish timbre following suit. The intro timbre is wisely recalled at 2'38" for a little break that gives the piece more cohesion, and it exits on an extended synth lead duet/duel over the heavier guitar bed sound. Road Rash needed a ReMix - it's definitely one of EA's classic titles, and a favorite of many who recall the company's rise to prominence during the golden, glorious 16-bit era. Unlike the franchise sports titles, it was original, copped a major tude, and had some good tunes to boot. I remember EA all the way back to playing Mail Order Monsters on my C64 back in the day, and while the company's changed dramatically with time, they've got a pretty respectable back library of older classics, and analoq's paid an enjoyable tribute to one of them with this mix.
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the - Txai on December 2, 2012
- EtherEel on June 1, 2011
I am liking all of the sounds used, but I tend to favor more synthetic sounds. Overall there isn't a thing wrong with this, just personal taste.
I love the synth stuff a lot. I also love all the percusion stuff! Oh this bassline and bass sound is ace as all hell. This slidey synth as well! :) I am getting an early Kraftwerk vibe here and there, early to mid 70's Kraftwerk. That is a compliment by the way.
Glad to see a Road Rash remix, thanks for sharing.
- LSN on January 21, 2011
analoq's style is über-catchy.
- Holy Land on October 2, 2010
Nice bass breakdown with the recapitulation of the melody with some new synths. This mix sounds less like fighting on motorcycles and more like cruising down a sunny highway along the beach. Less Road Rash, more Outrun.
Very nice work, 1337 indeed. :-)
- OA on December 3, 2008
Now I only have played Road Rash 3(think its 3), but when I listened to this and the wow brass came into play, it brought back some fond memories.
I have both the April Fools version & the OCR version on my external hard drive. While I like both versions a lot, I have to agree that the OCR Version is the one you really want to listen to.
While the April Fools version had the eletric guitar as the lead during the first section, The OCR version's revisions make more sense as far as tieing in the beginning and ending better, meaning a more electronic sound all the way through. Either way, this simply is one of Analog's best works. And quite nostalgic at times, which I can dig. Good job buddy!
- debeerguy007 on May 31, 2005
- Linearity on April 24, 2005
- The_Stalinator on April 22, 2005
I like the synth in this version. It is chique.
- Dj Orange on April 8, 2005
KyleJCrb wrote:GrayLightning wrote:KyleJCrb wrote: It surprised me on April Fools, simply because it was actually GOOD. Then I remembered, this was analoq, who couldn't make a bad remix to save his life, but still won bad remix contests.
That's because his wasn't intended to sound bad or as a joke mix.
Edit: We decided to make one A1 (Pigskin Power) mix and one real one (analoq's) among other things to contrast each other and confuse people even more.
Good job Analoq.
You have to admit, it is surprising to see a good mix go up on April Fools Day here, because I don't think it's happened before.
Exactly what went through our mind when we planned it. :D
- GrayLightning on April 7, 2005
GrayLightning wrote:KyleJCrb wrote: It surprised me on April Fools, simply because it was actually GOOD. Then I remembered, this was analoq, who couldn't make a bad remix to save his life, but still won bad remix contests.
That's because his wasn't intended to sound bad or as a joke mix.
You have to admit, it is surprising to see a good mix go up on April Fools Day here, because I don't think it's happened before.
- KyleJCrb on April 7, 2005
KyleJCrb wrote: It surprised me on April Fools, simply because it was actually GOOD. Then I remembered, this was analoq, who couldn't make a bad remix to save his life, but still won bad remix contests.
That's because his wasn't intended to sound bad or as a joke mix.
Edit: We decided to make one A1 (Pigskin Power) mix and one real one (analoq's) among other things to contrast each other and confuse people even more.
Good job Analoq.
- GrayLightning on April 7, 2005
Anyway, this song is definitely "1337", although I myself prefer the one with the guitar instead of synth (Go grab it at http://www.earemix.com if you haven't heard it. Or get it while Supertux has it). Still, an excellent song. It surprised me on April Fools, simply because it was actually GOOD. Then I remembered, this was analoq, who couldn't make a bad remix to save his life, but still won bad remix contests. :P
Nice job, analoq. I'll be listening to this for a long time to come.
- KyleJCrb on April 7, 2005
