ReMix: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 'Eastern Ice Field'

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Sonic the Hedgehog 3

So, yes, ReCapitated was, as some surmised readily and others not so readily, a wee bit of April Fools shenanigans on our part; thanks to Andy and all involved for putting it all together. Even if it didn't take the years claimed, it was still a fun way of marking the occasion, and for some reason "Ice Cap Hurts" as a mix title cracks me up to no end. There's nothing unserious about this Ice Cap mix from BGC, however: completely independent from the sonic mirth that was ReCapitated, Jimmy's created a kickass electronica rendition with what can only be described as a wicked synth solo. If 2'20" doesn't get your inner synth hero workin' overtime, nuttin' will. There's a plethora of Eastern-themed instrumentation and slower, atmospheric passages mixed in with the groove bits; everything screams quality. The odd, boomerang fade key change transition is a little weird, and still feels that way after five or six listens, but everything else is comfortable, varied, and executed with diamond precision, so perhaps a little non-sequitur turn was needed to keep the gods appeased. At under four minutes, this mix sorta sits in a liminal space between groove-oriented jam and exploratory, linear song; there are enough gaps and transitions that it feels narrative at times, but you can still shake your money-maker to it. Very cool. While everything comes together and the blend of warmer ethnic components with chilled, pristine digital synth bliss is compelling, the highlight for me is the aforementioned synth solo, which shreds it up something fierce. For those who had a fever whose only prescription was more Ice Cap that may have been underwhelmed by our A1 efforts, BGC gives us the real deal on some coverage of the very same theme that, ironically, suggests a single track album project could actually work, if entries were of this quality.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
The thing that I've always liked about this remix is the fake-out at 3:10. When I first heard the music fade off, I thought the mix was over, and then it comes back with one last big hurrah before fading out for real.
The purposeful ethnicity of the piece actually makes it sound more distinct from other Ice Cap Zone mixes, and it fits well with the song's overall "icy" sound and feel. I like the chimes especially, because they remind of, for whatever reason, icicles.
I also have to say that I did not catch the Power Rangers theme in there until I read the previous posts. Now I can't unhear it. Nice job with the subtle tribute though.

- Darklink42 on December 30, 2009
MechaFone;350507 wrote: This song reminded me of Okami. And then I thought just how freaking cool it would be if Amaterasu appeared at Ice Cap, and she had her own music for that level, god that would be it. Absolutely breathtaking.

My mind explodeded. Again.
I love this song so freaking much. It's Asian ethnic, it's techno, it's Arctic, it's amaaaaaaaaaaaaazing. Whenever I listen to this I just want to dance and groove along to it. It really feels like this came straight from the Himalayas or something like that. This is so singularly unique and astounding that you're really not going to find anything else like it and should be in your music collection right now.

- 42 on December 14, 2009
BGC definitely hits the mood right, starting off with some icy pads and wind chimes. This theme has been done so many times that it's especially challenging to come up with something fresh and creative. I think BGC has accomplished that here, though. The eastern inspired instruments play things out well, but then are meshed with an aggressive beat, which kicks the energy up several notches.
I'm liking how things progress from natural to synthetic as synth elements (bass, gated, then later lead) join the fray. Nice touch with the interlude at 2:02 as well (there's a gap in sound there, which is a bit confusing but not a big deal). Love the abrupt breakin at 2:21 that edgy synth lead.
This is definitely on the more liberal side for a while in the middle, it seems, but still retains the original's underpinnings. I'm mixed on wheather the final section and fadeout did the track justice, but again, no real issue there. Great job by Circles bringing something new to an oft-remixed track.

- Nutritious on December 14, 2009
Nice textures and great icy production via the synths. I dug the little solos and embellishment throughout, and the beats were pretty rockin as well. Jimmy is one of the artists on the site I can really relate to melodically in just about every track, and this one is no exception.
Good stuff. :-D

- OA on December 1, 2009
This song reminded me of Okami. And then I thought just how fucking cool it would be if Amaterasu appeared at Ice Cap, and she had her own music for that level, god that would be it. Absolutely breathtaking.

- MechaFone on December 3, 2007
Just.... holy shit. The audio production work that obviously went into this, as well as the solo instrumentation, blow me away.

Keep it up, PLEASE, for the good of the people!

- RePENT on October 8, 2007
2:20 - 2:55 that section needs a Higher energy encore with even MORE beat and awesomeness.
great song

- swampbug on July 12, 2007
WOW! This is a remix if I have heard one! Interesting spin on the Ice Cap song. I didn't really like the Ice Cap in-game music originally, but this made it enjoyable to listen to!
For those that have never heard or seen a Sonic game, you should know that it's all about SPEED. This song has a good fast pace that is reminiscent of that. I can imagine this song in a future Sonic game!

- Impreza WRX on May 24, 2007
I never got to play much if sonic, but thanks to torrents I've heard just about every version of Ice Capped, except the recapitated ones..... i think.
This is certainly going into my "OCR Best Selection" playlist folder.

- GrrDraxin on April 30, 2007
I liked the Recapitated one better.
No really! I'm not kidding. Really. I'm serious. Why are you looking at me like that? I really mean it. I'm not joking here. That was a true statement. Really. REALLY. Seriously.
For real.

- Nobbynob Littlun on April 24, 2007
You know, when I first heard the ending, I thought it was really bizarre.
But after hearing it a few times over the last week or so, I think I actually kind of like it. It's as if the song refuses to go down quietly.
The rest of the track was undeniably excellent even during the initial listening.

- NZman on April 20, 2007
Very nice take on this track. Different but very very good.
excellent work.

- Flare4War on April 15, 2007
Holy crap this is some nice work of art. I'm diggin' the oriental vibe.

- Elex Synn on April 10, 2007
DistantJ;256540 wrote: About 2:38?

http://wgaw.ytmnd.com/
that is correct, sir. specifically, on beat 3 of the 1st measure of the 2nd part of the solo. very very brief. good ear, bro.
(reference point for those who care. and i don't recommend actually watching the video. just the audio.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agEjzQLiuGA

- big giant circles on April 9, 2007
Damn this is hott. I thought I would never listen to anything with Ice Cap again. You guys should have put this on the joke proj just to see what people would have said. I'm with DistantJ on ethnic instrument comments. This def different from your usual lofi feel. The bitching synth solo is icing on the cake. It's def not an easy thing to blend ethnic and electronic sounds together but this def is some hot shitte.

- avaris on April 9, 2007