ReMix: EarthBound 'Nirvana'

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EarthBound

Dhsu writes:

"I was actually gonna re-record this thing since I'm not entirely satisfied with my performance, but I've decided I'm too lazy for it now. So here it is, flaws and all. My motivation behind arranging "Dalaam" was to bring out the beautiful melody that was partially hidden by the harsh drones in the original track, while still retaining an Eastern feel. The result, I'm told, sounds a lot like a song from Disney's Pocahantas...I've never seen the movie though, so reports of any sort of influence are greatly exaggerated. But I suppose there are only so many things you can do with a pentatonic, so I guess it was bound (lolz) to sound like something else. This track is dedicated to Joe Cammisa, for all the time and hard work he spent organizing the Bound Together project, drama and all. Rendering and mastering generously provided by Mustin."

For the record, I think that - with the exclusion of events that happened very late in the game - Joe Cam did do a great job coordinating said project. Dhsu's mix is indeed pentatonic - for the less musically inclined, just think 'black keys on the piano' - and has a pastorale, Eastern vibe. JJT throws some props Mustin's way as well as he commends Mr. Hsu:

"the piano sample is absolutely fantastic, though apparently that's the work of Mustin. my favorite parts of the arrangement are where you leave space - where you let the various tones and colours resonate and embrace each other. there are some great moments here. the modulations at the end were tasteful, and used skillfully."

Said embracing could potentially be synonymous with what's technically referred to as 'sympathetic resonance', the physical phenomenon whereby one vibrating object, such as a string or a bell, can induce another.. or something like that, sayeth Encarta. The better piano samples/instruments out there these days are modeling the phenomenon of how sustained notes interact; not entirely sure if such tech was present here, but it sounds good nonetheless. If you know Dhsu and his work, that's not surprising. I suppose, relative to his previous oeuvre, this piece would stand out largely due to its serene, meditative pentatonic intonation. Lush and deliberate; you'll be hard-pressed to hear the 'flaws' the ReMixer alludes to, and will more likely be washed away in a see of calm, well... Nirvana.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
Exceptional playing and a great piano tone- this is really serene and nostalgic. A little questionable style choice (if it was in fact a choice) at the end of the run near the middle, but overall top notch work.
I think Nirvana is a pretty apt title.

- OA on March 23, 2009
I've been very much into melancholy and/or ominous piano stuff recently, and hearing this is almost emotionally shocking. Like my heart has jumped from an ice lake into a hot spring. Not... accustomed to... uplifting piano music. So pretty... so full of hope and sunshine. *dies of aural hypothermia*
Seriously, this music could uplift the unupliftable. It's an amazing emotive piece that I can't get enough of. It's music to dream happy thoughts to. Thoughts like: Joint-handed children skipping through a town made of teacake situated within a meadow of donuts and napping puppies. Otherwise known as Nirvana.

- Marmiduke on March 5, 2009
Another masterpiece from Dhsu. This piece is as relaxing and meditative as a river or the sea.

- Lucentas on December 6, 2008
Reflective is a great way to describe this piece. Loved the calm feel throughout. I heard the Pocohantus feel right away, being familiar with that soundtrack and not with EB's.
Great work as always from Dshu.

- DragonAvenger on September 11, 2008
This could easily be one of the most beautiful mix on this site.
You got me addicted.

- Booken on June 10, 2008
Thanks for the comments everyone! If you liked this, be sure to check out all the other Bound Together tracks, as every single one of them is great.
Also be on the lookout for some more possible EB coverage from me sometime next month. ;)

- Dhsu on July 26, 2006
This was very well played. I enjoy this remix because of the simple fact that it was not sloppy. Well played, well done.

- Felix the Cat on July 11, 2006
I dig this, I like the subtle pauses and hesitations. It does bear a resemblance to Pocahontas but not like you ripped anything off, it's a good thing. It's a great arrangement, but I'd like to see somebody do a 180 and bring out that rad percussion from the original

- Agonotheta on July 10, 2006
This sounds a lot like a Creative Commons pianist I know named Rob Costlow. And by sounds a lot like, I mean it's completely transporting to a world of pure sound. Awesome work. If anyone wants to check out Costlow's work you can download his two albums for free on Jamendo http://www.jamendo.com/us/artist/rob.costlow/

- lightningfast35 on June 21, 2006
A friend of mine sent me the link for the Bound Together project page, where I downloaded the whole thing. I think taking the time to slow this particular tune down does it a lot of good. You work extremely well with the piano. The title you chose for your arrangement fits perfectly--listening to it is certainly a few amazing minutes of nirvana.

- Chezmerelda on June 20, 2006
When I add a song to my library in Windows Media Player, I always assign to it my own "Genre" label. The best of the best, which is very few, get the label "Grand." This remix has been given that label. Amazing work.

- Black Soul on June 17, 2006
Niiiice. The descending pentatonic chords motif reminds me of "Colors of the Wind" by Judy Kuhn (the single from Disney's "Pocahontas").
Anyway, very nice work! Serene, tranquil--great voice leading, too :)

- ktriton on June 17, 2006
I [u]rarely[/u] ever like videogame piano arrangements, but I really like this one, and I've never even heard the original! I'm saving this one. Fantastic work, Dshu!

- Nigel Simmons on June 14, 2006
Absolutly amazing. I think this one's goin on the old player and ain't comin' off until the MP3 player explodes. 11/10.
Edit: Scratch that, I'm getting all the "Bound Together" songs!

- Derachi on June 12, 2006
Excellent!!! This mix motivates me to start taking piano lessons again. :wink:
10/10

- A-RoN on June 12, 2006

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