ReMix: Mega Man 7 'Bombin' Shade of Blue'

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Game: Mega Man 7 (Capcom, 1995, SNES)
ReMixer(s): Trenthian
Composer(s): Makoto Tomozawa, Toshihiko Horiyama, Yuko Takehara
Song(s): 'Shade Man', 'Shade Man Stage (Alternate)'
Posted: 2006-01-10, evaluated by the judges

To be absolutely honest, I think the panel collectively dug this one a bit more than I did; while John's a great arranger and that's definitely evident here, I have a harder time getting past the drum track than any of them seemed to. It seems underpowered, dry, and at times unintentionally lofi. I appreciate that the ReMixer is trying to meld some chiptune elements, both melodic and percussive, in with an expanded soundset, I just don't think it's been done as cohesively as possible. From a production perspective, then, I've got some substantial misgivings, but I can totally see the case for the arrangement compensating. And also, to be fair, this is some of Trenthian's older work, as he notes in his submission email after explaining the GnG cameo:

"For those of you into MM7, Shademan was the level where if you held down A on the controller during the intro screen, hidden stage music would play. The music was from Ghosts and Goblins. So if you were wondering why the hell, well now you know why the hell. Also, there is the normal Shademan music all over the place in this obviously. Be gentle, this one is oldish and wears Depends."

Fair enough; it's stood the test of time decently, and elements like the runs at 0'38" help make it sound a bit more polished. For my money, I have to listen over the drums to get the most out of it. However, somehow both JigginJonT and Vigilante, pretty demanding listeners, didn't have the same critique at all, so... maybe I just have higher standards for percussion tonight? Could be. Your mileage may vary, etc. I still think this is a generally enjoyable composition, and since it's also our first mix from Mega Man 7, I think a lot of blue bomber afficionados will dig it. Whether the drums and some of the jumping around that the arrangement does will bug you or whether you'll focus more on the variety of musical ideas (and themes from all over Capcomia) will probably dictate your specific view. Good, older stuff from a mixer who's displayed consistent arrangement skills and progressed significantly with his production abilities.

― djpretzel

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

Song is quite energic, crammed with references, sections and ideas.
Good mix.

- Holy Land on November 6, 2010

This is a really groovin' piece, and I like it a lot. A lot of what makes this interesting to listen to is how the mood and, to some extent, the texture changes from section to section, especially the Ghosts and Goblins inspired sections. Plus the intro and ending makes this piece feel like an actual run through a Mega Man level. Also is the ending a Mario allusion or am I just imagining things? :shock:

- 42 on December 18, 2009

Totally excellent work here, the percussion is absolutely slammin- i love that thick sizzling reverb tail on the hits. The brief megaman theme cameos were awesome, and the varied soundscape was good. a few weak samples here and there, but it was held together by both the strong arrangement and the good production.
Mario ending was cute but a little confusing.
Overall a cool synth/hybrid mix that does a lot of stuff right.
Quite recommended.

- OA on December 7, 2009

Another excellent intro. I really like the transition from the chip tune sound into the orchestral stuff. Shortly after, the full extreme of the electro pop hits and it sounds great! The rhythmic synths really help drive this piece. The drums are great as the switch between break beat and a more four-on-the-floor style. I've always been a fan of great production with a cool chiptune lead in there. You pull it off really well. The marcato strings and how you use them remind me a lot of Audix's work and it sounds wonderful. The brass is hurting a bit in this track like it does in some of your past work, but again, that's a small complaint. Lots of dynamic shifts make this interesting and keeps my interest. Once again, the arrangement shines here. Love the Mario cameo in there. Terrific work!

- tweex on October 29, 2009

This song is fantastic. It's quite possibly my favourite OC Remix. The awesomeness doesn't stop for one second.

- Mike OShay on January 23, 2008

oh. well great mix. oh i didn't know that one part was also a ghost and goblins song.

- hyperlink6556 on July 11, 2006

hyperlink6556 wrote: why is there mario at the end trenthian

why does mega man exist?

- Trenthian on July 11, 2006

why is there mario at the end trenthian

- hyperlink6556 on July 10, 2006

thanks for the positive feedback ya'll.
really brightens the worst of days :)

- Trenthian on May 25, 2006

i love the beginning (chip music sounds real cool sometimes)
i start lovin it more when the strings came in 8D
ill give you a 20 out of a 10 :P!!!!!
love this song :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
( i suddenly started laughing at the mario tune at the end XD cool!)

- Tidar on March 23, 2006

Txai wrote: Drums at 0:20 are too dry with a poor snare and very high volume.

personally i prefer weaker drums for this kind of music, otherwise they drown out the melody.
the bass level in this song could stand to be stronger, but otherwise i think it's golden.

- Kulaman on February 6, 2006

Dark Vagabond wrote: Its as bad as when someone intentionally plays a really fudged up guitar and people start jumping on the person for having it out of tune.

Not really. If someone plays the guitar out of tune we can give some opinions for the person to improve it. This mix is a good example of what you're talking about.
I basically did not liked it. But I gave some justifications about why it sounds awkward for me. I'm not simply jumping on the person who made it, as you said. I'm sure you haven't noticed my comment at all.
I think most of the comments given was unnecessarily positive and not constructive enough. I hope Trenthian will receive a better feedback next time.

- Txai on January 26, 2006

I LOVE THIS TRACK! MUST....MAKE....MUSIC VIDEO....WITH IT. This mix just doesn't do any wrong here.

- Falcovsleon20 on January 24, 2006

Great remix! I really like the ghouls and ghost that is thrown is as well. Keep up the great work.

- pmontone on January 23, 2006

I like this one! Much. Indeed.
Very nice bass line and excellent strings.
I can't help from singing the [0:19/0:26] part,
all day long - it is a bit boring for my co-workers, I guess.
[i]La, la, laaaaa, laaa, laaaaaaaaa...[/i]
Thanks Trenthian.[i][/i]

- Coucou on January 19, 2006