ReMix: Secret of Mana 'Dragon Song'
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- Game: Secret of Mana (Square, 1993, SNES)
- ReMixer(s): Harmony
- Composer(s): Hiroki Kikuta
- Song(s): 'Prophecy', 'Secret of the Arid Sands'
- Posted: 2005-09-19, evaluated by djpretzel
I'm going to begin this writeup by mentioning Pillar of Salt a bit, but not because Star's magnum opus and Brandon's latest share all that much in common, musically. They're not in the same genre, or from the same game, or by the same composer, and besides involving original vocals, their respective tones and general composition are altogether different. So, where's the relevancy? Well, the simple fact is, I can't really talk about either of these ReMixes without embarrassing myself in a sad cesspool of my own fanboy adulation. They're fantastic mixes, the type I dreamed would one day be made when I started the site, the type that fill (overfill, really) either side of the arrangement/production ratio, and open doors, and conclusively illustrate the possibilities and art present in what we're doing with unofficial game arrangements. They're legitimizing of the time I've invested working on the site. Now, it's important for me to clarify, so are ALL ReMixes. I'm strongly opposed to the idea of ranking or classifying something as emotional and subjective as music, especially on a song by song basis. I think of the many mixes on this site as a continuum, and NOT a hierarchy, and always will. But even in a continuum, filled with amazing work from a variety of distinct voices, there can be tracks that stand out for one reason or another, to any given listener, as quintessentially possessing certain traits and characteristics that one searches for in art. To make a long story short and avoid further pontification, if you know what I think of Star's Xeno mix, that I feel similarly about Brandon's should be enough to communicate the point. If not, just download both without a hesitant bone in your body, and I don't think you'll be disappointed. Brandon writes:
"Yet another tribute to my favorite game, Secret of Mana, this time incorporating both the final Flammie flight theme and a bit from the Kakkara desert theme. Sorya mentioned in the ReMixing forum that remixing music from Secret of Mana is like “taking a little trip back in time.” So true indeed. This mix takes me to the skies above the world as the story climaxes: the lost continent has risen, the Mana Beast is on his way, you’ve gone through so much yet so much is left to do. Ahh, memories.
Thanks to all of the people in the WIP forum who commented on this mix in its infancy, especially Monobrow who provided a simple suggestion that really inspired me to continue.
Hope everyone enjoys!
~This mix is brought to you by:
Cakewalk SONAR 2, FL Studio 5, Casio CTK-551 (used only as a midi controller), Fender acoustic guitar (my new toy), and my sexy man voice"
Actually, this mix doesn't so much rekindle memories of SoM as it does reinvent the entire world before my eyes, vaster in scope and reach, an infinite expanse of land, water, and air. "Transporting" doesn't do it justice - if for some reason you couldn't get away this year, couldn't travel anywhere, see anything new, get away from school, or work, or your life, in one of the traditional ways... this is more than a substitute vacation, more than a consolation prize. Some people view the label of "escapism" as a criticism when it comes to any art form, including music, but when paired with technique and vision, for something this imaginative and flowing, I just can't see it being so. Brandon can sing, play guitar, and arrange exquisitely, and all three of his skills are utilized here to the fullest extent we've yet seen them. Again, as with Salt, when everything comes together and someone's full faculties are applied to a mix that was clearly meant for them, the results are honestly downright scary, on some level. I'm not going to bother with a play-by-play, in this instance, as I'd just prefer everyone listen to this a dozen times in a row like I have, at which point telling you what happens is moot. It's 5/4, which is worth mentioning as the meter is handled so smoothly, you may not even notice. There's acoustic guitar, piano, shuffling drums and latin percussion, simultaneously interesting + supportive bass, a calliope/pan flute lead, a variety of synths that integrate seamlessly with the more acoustic overall vibe, and - oh yeah - an impressive instrument in its own right, Brandon's voice. There's a mixture of lyrics, vocalizing, and background vocal parts, and he's on all of them, and he sounds great. As good as all of Salzman's previous mixes were, I didn't know he had Salt in him until I heard it; the same applies here. Elevating, meticulous, innovative, and representative of what still makes running this site so damn fun: you just never know what you're gonna hear next.
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the The original source was already pretty hard to touch. Well, it's even more now.
Nearly every person I know that isn't a gamer, and who I've played this remix to has fallen in love with it.
This song is a complete living entity. It grows, it grooves, it nutures, it sings, it elevates, it reflects, it learns, it evolves, it reaches, and it succeeds.
No point for me in critiquing what there is to love/hate. It's already past that.
It's up there, soaring high into the sky, sitting on Flammie's back.
The Dragon Song deserves posterity for what it achieves to do, for the worlds it achieves to transcend,
for the people it achieves to bring together, for the joy it achieves to bring.
One true masterpiece.
- Dj Mokram on November 19, 2009
- Pachi Risu on November 10, 2009
-Derek-
- derako on October 22, 2009
I couldn't be happier to hear that you and so many other people are still enjoying Dragon Song. Thanks everyone for the amazing feedback :)
- Harmony on October 19, 2009
As soon as I heard this song, I kept imagining an AMV dedication to you and one of my favorite RPGs. I am at such a loss for words when trying to describe my reactions to this song. I just love it so much.
Please check out the AMV when you have the time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o45c1bAGjXc
Again, thank you so much! I hope you have many more songs to share with us =)
- SelphieFF8 on October 17, 2009
I fully agree with djp's assessment of how this mix conveys a sense of traveling. I get a very clear vision of flying (obviously that comes from the fact that it's a mix of one of flammie's tracks), but on a much grander scale than just the world of SoM. I can clearly see a vast ocean through the clouds below me, and an island somewhere in the distance.
Lyrics can often go both ways with me, but I really like their use in this case, they carry the song without distracting too much from the excellent instrumention for a blend of well, pure awesomeness!
- ZealPath on August 5, 2009
- SynthesizedStampede on August 5, 2009
Thumbs up from me!
- Kaznasty on July 29, 2009
Rophell;492853 wrote: I didnt appreciate the spoilers, though.
The game's >15 years old. Where were you at for all that time? :lol:
Chris Tilton wins for best reply: http://twitter.com/christilton/status/1102764921
@christilton wrote: And Darth Vader is Luke's father. He'll get over it.
- Liontamer on January 6, 2009
I didnt appreciate the spoilers, though.
- Rophell on January 6, 2009
Lyrics aren't great, although they serve the vocal lines well. Harmony admits earlier in the thread that he didn't work on them very much. I think lyrics the major weak point of this ReMix. "Fly me away".. ulgh. Pardon my language. There is one single line that transcends the overall blandness, "take me to see my mother". That provides some specifics to the emotion of the piece, it's a vulnerability revealed. "Fly me so far" works terrificly with the melody and the way it's sung, even if it's not impressive on paper. Ok, mentioning dragons and Flammie give a specific context too, and yeah, the lyrics are tongue-in-cheek, but it comes across as a half-assed joke too much. I don't think trying to explain that via "it's about Secret of Mana!" is enough. I'm really thinking that with some work on the lyrics they could have been quite good.
That's my account on the lyrics. On the other hand, reading pixietricks' review on page 10, she obviously related to the lyrics and singing powerfully. I thought that was a moving story, thanks for sharing.
Vocal style and lyrics aside, I've finally managed to listen past my dislike and I'm really enjoying the track. Some tasty guitar work! The trading of lines with the piano is effective, as someone else pointed out previously in the thread. Rhythm guitar bits are worth a mention, I like the percussive effect it has. The overall flow is very good. Great use of the different time signatures. I love the chilling mood the latter half has, the processed vocal sample/thing is great, and after that part the simple guitar riff coming in and growing sounds fantastic. And then to a fine solo.
The production is a bit slick for my tastes, nothing really punches through, nothing really scratches (in a good way, if you get what I mean). I'd love a rougher take on this exact material (ok, with refined lyrics), but, good as it is.
--Eino
- evktalo on October 31, 2008
Lyrics are usually not my thing either. They sounded nice, and you did a good job which is damned rare (I've heard too many lyrics that hit a few off notes that just ruin it), but I'm not a fan of the choice of lyrics either.
[b]TL;DR:[/b] Have you considered releasing a version without vocals?
I know they did that for a few tracks in the Bound Together album remixes from Earthbound*.
*: actually, I think one was a version they ADDED lyrics to, while another was without. Flying Man by Mustin. Now THAT's how you pick cheesy lyrics properly. ;) The one they added lyrics to was ROM Schtick. Two of my favorite tracks from that album. (either version of both songs, although the Applesauce Baptism is a little over-the-top)
- Chaotic Descent on October 30, 2008
Beauty - in every sense of the word. Coupled with the fact that I'm a syncopated rhythm buff and I love jazz, this song really appeals to me. Bravo!
-Derek-
- derako on September 16, 2008
Edit: Memo to self: stick to font size 2 next time...
- nintendofanboy22 on May 1, 2008
This is an incredible song, without a doubt one of the best ReMixes I've ever heard. The playing and arrangement are so moving and well-executed; the tempo changes seamless. The song moves unpredictably yet after you hear each part, you know that that is how it should have gone. It's really just stunning.
- Palpable on December 11, 2007
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