ReMix: Breath of Fire III 'Watermelon Flava'

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Game: Breath of Fire III (Capcom, 1997, PS1)
ReMixer(s): Joshua Morse, posu yan
Composer(s): Akari Kaida, Yoshino Aoki
Song(s): 'Without a Care'
Posted: 2005-10-02, evaluated by the judges

Smood. With a retro elevator-musik groove that reminds one somewhat of Combustible Edison, Posu Yan and Joshua Morse team up for some Breath of Fire 3 goodness, our first from the series' third outing. They brought their polyester suits, gas-guzzling late 60's American automobiles, and bossanova jive along with them for the ride, throwing in intentionally repetitive but crunchy and crisp layered percussion, rhodes, acoustic piano, ensemble strings, synth bass, and a silky synth lead that's 100% class. I shouldn't sell the percussion short - while it does repeat a bit within sections, there's variety from section to section, some fills, and it's simply quite mellowtastic, so it withstands the repetition better than a lesser beat would. Brandon Bush says:

"This mix is a well produced, uber-groovy, yet conservative take on the theme that is very easy to enjoy. I agree that the bass is extremely thick and the percussion is repetitive but that lends to the portrayal of the genre. This is a straight out-of-the-box Casio Soundbank bossa nova groove that’s been given the flare of good production and quality samples. Combined with the Rhodes, the percussion and bass provide a rock-solid lounge vibe that stands well on its own, and is bolstered by the decently executed solos."

Lounge - that's the word I was looking for. Think Depp and Del Toro at the beginning of Fear and Loathing, for instance - ritz, glam, hotels from yesteryear, etc. The combination of po and JM's respective skillsets works well; they've got a similar predilection for rhythmically tighter, subtle grooves - very clean and controlled and usually mellow, but never uninteresting. Gotta love the meaty chord progression, crystal clarity of all constituent elements, and of course the polished, white-tie solos. Glossy stuff from two guys who seem to collab seamlessly - shake, don't stir, and garnish with olive.

― djpretzel

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

I love this game like you wouldn't friggin' believe, and this particular tune really just makes me want to grab onto my hang-glider and pop through a few rings down a waterfall...probably while catching a view of Natalie Wood on the way down ;D

- SlappyMeats on July 8, 2012

Very relaxed. Sounds like it'd make great bgm to any classic Leisure Suit Larry game, actually.

- WesternZypher on November 13, 2010

I really enjoyed thiis. I always felt the BoF III soundtrack was completley mismatched with the game. This isn't a radical mix and is very true to the original, keeping the samba/jazz style, but injects just enough to make it a little more mellow. Nicely done.

- robio on January 14, 2010

I immediately think of the Mii channel music as I listen to this.
I'm having trouble deciding if I like this one or not.:? On one hand, its smooth, mellow, fun, jazzy, and everything else in that category. On the other, it's too elevator/background music like to be play list worthy, imo. It conjures up images of elevator rides, waiting rooms for doctor's offices, and receptionist's areas of law firms that try to be "modern", and I have to ask myself if I really want that kind of music on my play list.
Don't get me wrong, it's good stuff, but...
well, o.k. after listening to it again, I'm going to label it "pretty decent remix" and shuffle it into my music collection. :tomatoface:

- 42 on January 19, 2009

More of a strong upgrade to the original, rather than a complete re-imagining, this track works for me, despite playing it safe.
I loved that analogue synth and the solos were excellent as well. I think the percussion could have been much more involved and varied, but it had a well-produced sound. It does accomplish it's goals of just being laid back and relaxing, though, so maybe attention grabbing percussion would be counterproductive.
Either way, this is a great mix from one of the best tracks in the Breath of Fire 3 soundtrack. It's clean, smooth, and can be endlessly looped!
Check it out. :-)

- OA on January 9, 2009

Not the most interesting mix around, but it suits the game perfectly. I could swap this with the source with ease. Great enhancement on the original. Really relaxed, I want to lie in a hammock on the beach and nap the day away.

- DragonAvenger on September 24, 2008

for what it is, this is a very well-made mix: a lounge track with a quite symmetric structure, a tried and tested instrumentation and fine solo parts. Someone might (and did, see above) rightfully argue that the end is a little short; still I like it as it is.

- maelkashishi on December 6, 2007

I've never heard a better synth that made so much sense in the jazz style. A jazz-synth. That's awesome and dangerous because it could have been a disaster. But it turned out really well. Sounds like something i would hear when listening to the smooth jazz station while driving home from work. Definitly has my approval and a new home on my hard drive.

- jorgandar on October 31, 2005

The best collaboration by two of my favorite remixers and influences as a musician. Two big thumbs up! 8)

- A-RoN on October 30, 2005

Excellent.
Rythm (samples & playing) is perfect.
That's the kind of music style I like;
the solo makes me thinkg of Chick Corea Electric Band...

- Coucou on October 13, 2005

This is something you could put on for background music on repeat. It doesn't demand your full attention to enjoy it, being laid back and all that. A little short and underdeveloped, but still fun.

- watkinzez on October 8, 2005

Ah, 80s love. Although stylistically accurate, it's still nothing I care to listen to. The effects and sequencing are fantastic, though.

- meccaneer on October 6, 2005

I'm really loving the soloing here. Unfortunately, I unconsciously associate all fusion pieces with weather forecasts and TV listings; Most of the time the genre just leaves me numb. Yet when squiggly electronic keys are thrown in the mix, I get all warm and tingly inside!
Nice and short. Easy to find room for in my music folder.

- Dj Orange on October 3, 2005

I've been waiting forever for a BoF III remix, and this suits my fancy. This remix is more lounge/elevator feel to it, but that doesn't make it bad. It's something you can have a relaxing nap to, and wake up feeling refreshed.
Awesome track, get some more BoF III remixes comin :)

- demon_reikou on October 3, 2005

Good easy-on-the-ears stuff by one of my favorite easy-on-the-ears remixer.
po!, once again, delivers.

- Effector on October 3, 2005