ReMix: Super Mario Bros. 2 'Lizardiño Slayer Quartet'

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Super Mario Bros. 2

I've compared ilp0's stuff to Steely Dan (who I'm going to see again this summer at Wolftrap), and I still think it's a legit comparison... though this latest arrangement of the most famous theme from SMB2 features some fx, specifically backwards processing, that Donald Fagen might not employ, I can still hear an influence, conscious or otherwise. Which is great, by the way; despite apparently being dissed in Knocked Up, SD are great stuff. And so's ilp0 - his talent in particular for combining crunchy electric guitar with cleaner textures lends itself to the genre/material time after time. Jill writes:

"Ooh, fun! Despite the brevity of this arrangement, I actually felt like it went in some interesting directions. The mixing is rather dry, but that in combination with the classic rock beat and quirky bassline makes it sound very Beatles. I like the way electric guitar's sound sort of evolves throughout the mix. Good use of FX, and there was some decent original material from 1:05-1:15. Because the structure is basically identical to the original and you only did it once through, I'm a little concerned about the conservativeness of the arrangement. Still, the soundscape is so unique and varied internally that it would be a shame not to pass this."

Estradasphere covered this theme with a wonderful big band jazz style, Adrian Holovaty with a lovely gypsy jazz approach, and now Ilari Nieminen joins his jazz peers with a rock variation that works just as well. Jimmy adds:

"This is packed with Nintendo fun for the entire family. I'll say again, there's no plausible excuse for anyone to not smile, and maybe tap a toe or two to this. If a real Nintendo theme park ever does actually come into existence, I hope this will be looped all over the place there."

Pretty much; this one's a bit closer to the source than the artist's previous mixes, but still features the same distinct style and compelling instrumental work. I for one think it'd be interesting to see if Nintendo could get the SMB2 throwing gameplay mechanic & overall aesthetic to work in a 3D environment as successfully as they did the traditional mechanic with SM64; maybe after Galaxy? Who knows, but this would fit in a theme park just as well as it would a sequel, and makes for some great listening in any context.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
How have I not expressed just how awesome this remix is yet? Because it is. It kicks ass.

- KyleJCrb on March 17, 2009
I love ilp0's quirky genius, and this track is no exception. The varied sounds used throughout keep it progressing, and the sound effects and panning hold a lot of great surprises. His guitar playing style is really emotive too, but in a very playfully mechanical way. Like a little wind up toy that has a few dings in it, making it slightly unhinged. The filter on the lead tone helps this out, and ilp0's sonic signature is unmistakable.
Overall this is an exceptionally crafted mix, and nothing else will sound like this.

- OA on March 16, 2009
I, too, grinned when I listened to this song for the first time. It's a funny little tune, simply a good time.
I love the instruments used for this song; they give it a rather unique feel despite the closeness to the original melody.
Good stuff.

- Martin Penwald on June 20, 2007
The originality of this mix stems from the sheer multitude and variedness of its instrumentation, not of the amount of original material. Although, there is (as Pixie notes) some ten seconds of quality creativeness – which serves to bridge verses. Also, it increases in complexity as it progresses. Nice xylophones (?!) on the lead at 1:18. Back to its roots (guitar) for the ending.
Good stuff indeed.

- tyler_lucero on June 15, 2007
Mario's Silver Hammer? I seriously love this mix, and it makes me instantly think of the Beatles. Nice.

- Rekklis on June 14, 2007
Seargent Mario's Trippy Mushroom World Band? If it were a little more ragtime, I woulda said this might have been good BG music for a silent film ;P The song is goofy for some reason and I have to agree with everyone else. I felt like grinning like a moron listening to this. Personally, I think DJP was a bit harsh in his criticism of the mix when he called it conservative. It is a bit, but there's something about this piece that makes me think it wouldn't work as well if it weren't conservative. I love it as is.

- Karrde on June 14, 2007
This is dementedly awesome.
I can picture someone totally mashed tripping off their face just walking down the street with the biggest grin you've ever seen.

- Fishy on June 8, 2007
ahaha
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- Arek the Absolute on June 8, 2007
swampbug;280731 wrote: I hope I loose my virginity someday while listening to this song.

If that's what you're thinking...
swampbug;280731 wrote: I hope I loose my virginity someday.

Fixed.

- Liontamer on June 8, 2007
I hope I loose my virginity someday while listening to this song.

- swampbug on June 8, 2007
I'll admit that when I first saw that title, I figured it was some kind of dramatic orchestra type thing. It's not at all. Of course, that doesn't change the fact that it is amazing. I especially love the part with the backwards sounds. Greatness.

- Jaybell on June 8, 2007
Yeah, it is fun. Reminds me of some of the end credits music from the SSB games.

- MisterBiggler on June 8, 2007
Really fun! At first, I wasn't sure where you were going with it, because it felt like this weird Tom Waits/"Circus from Hell" kind of feel, and then as soon as the theme came in, it's like "yeah!"
Someone above wrote about smiling as soon as they heard the melody - I think that this is just one of those tunes that makes you happy and you've done it a great justice! I think that you captured a lot of the fun that's in the melody in your arrangement!
Yeah! Nice work!

- siven7 on June 8, 2007
I love the zany feel from this mix. It's just so much fun. The first half kind of reminded me of Bennie and the Jets. I think it was the percussion. Simple, fun, light, just plain awesome. Keep it up!

- lady zelda on June 7, 2007
Liontamer;280132 wrote: That's because ilp0 had an older version of the track on VGMix2. In my vote, I referenced playing it on a past radio show that has that information.

hehe, I was just kidding ;-)
This is a great track though

- Huffers on June 7, 2007