ReMix: Tetris Attack 'Sound of the Dogfish'
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- Game: Tetris Attack (Nintendo, 1996, SNES)
- ReMixer(s): halc
- Composer(s): Koji Kondo, Masaya Kuzume, Yuka Tsujiyoko
- Song(s): 'Lunge Fish's Stage', 'Poochie's Stage'
- Posted: 2008-11-22, evaluated by the judges
Link's Awakening had 'Ballad of the Windfish,' and now Tetris Attack has 'Sound of the Dogfish,' courtesy newcomer halcyon, aka Andrew Wheeler, continuing our n00bfl00d '08 campaign. I have to say, it's been fun seeing so many new faces in a row - it seems like Larry's notion might be something we want to do on sort of an annual/recurring basis, depending on what's in the queue at any given moment. Mr. Wheeler succinctly writes:
"Tetris Attack needed love so I made love to it. At 2:26 I am tributing Kirby because I love Kirby."
Clearly, a man of few words, but much love. Like its direct predecessor from OneUp, this mix is all sorts of bright & happy, but is more about subtle, minimalist use of chirpy, squeaky, filtered elements than HHC would allow. It's actually rather impressive how much mileage Andrew gets from these sounds - from second to second, there's a lot of sonic development going on, but it's accomplished more through filters and dynamics than instrumentation. I haven't heard too many electronica mixes that are this willing to leave swaths of space occupied by so few elements, at such low volume, but it really works, and results in a pleasant, distinct sound. Some of Palpable's arrangements have this quality to them at times, so let's see what he thinks:
"Great, cute arrangement. Love the texture here and how it's constantly morphing. Lots of tasteful effects to keep it interesting, and the sources are used in a wide variety of ways. I actually really liked the dissonant bits at 2:13 and 2:20. They seemed very intentional, a nice contrast to a highly melodic/harmonic track."
AnSo adds:
"Interesting and quite simple use of instruments, works very well and gives the track a unique feel. This track is full of some fantastic creative effects. The panning, gating and filtering are all tastefully used. It really keeps the listener interested... All in all, great ReMix. I'm especially impressed by how I never, for a single second, got bored with anything. I can listen to this tons of times and always find new elements I enjoy."
As a side note, Matthias just had his first commercial game soundtrack released on XBLA - major congrats are DEFINITELY in order, and you can grab the game for $5 (400 points). Awesome to see OCR regulars breaking into the biz, and awesome to see newcomers with so much potential, like halcyon, at the same time breaking into OCR. Fans of Tetris Attack, Kirby, love, and good, minimalist, upbeat electronica should all be diggin' halcyon's debut; it's relaxing while remaining interesting throughout, which is a difficult enough feat, but also makes the most (which is quite a bit) out of a few carefully-selected elements.
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the Hey, I've been missing out! The lead synths are cute as all hell (I never thought I'd use that word to describe an instrument, but dammit it's appropriate here!) and the non-8-bit instruments like the drums, piano, and strings all make this feel like a Halc mix :-) You can tell his ability with creative processing and extra effects has improved since this mix was posted, but even his debut mix is still chock-full of all the awesomeness that makes me love his new mixes so much!
Happy 200th December review to me :-D And halc, keep being smexy like this! :nicework:
- Emunator on December 22, 2009
There is something very alluring about mixes that take the road less travelled and opt out of giving a certain source edge, rawness or a melancholy element. This is pure fun, with no attachments or hidden agendas.
The variety is the clear winner here. The only way anyone could get bored of this mix is if they absolutely loathed chiptune music. The prowess of arrangement is interest grasping of the strongest sort. It's a job really well done, in that regard. The only thing that suffers from the amount of variety is that the melodies aren't as resonant and there are no major hooks to speak of. Not that it really needs it, but generally with this bubbly sort of music there is an infectious quality that isn't as strong in this.
Despite that, I can't fault this. It's ambition is simple; I can appreciate that. And it's execution is detailed, dynamic and always interesting; I can appreciate that even more. This is a huge success with me.
- Marmiduke on July 31, 2009
i wasn't too confident when i submitted it, but it's so fulfilling to know people enjoy my work. :-P
- halc on December 14, 2008
Definitely a tune that makes me smile every time I hear it!
- Shinkako on December 13, 2008
- jintoreedwine on December 9, 2008
- LuigiFan on December 7, 2008
Really playful leads and counterpoint ideas and percussion that is a bit reminiscent of Ziwtra. Definitely a good thing, as far as i'm concerned.
I was *really* hoping for a pad-supported breakdown with maybe a gated synth to keep the momentum up, but I can wait until next time to hear it. Keep it in mind though, I think it'd be beautiful.
One of my favorite mixes I've heard in awhile. :-)
- OA on December 3, 2008
I dig all your remixes. Please keep mixing and submitting! And everyone else, do yourself a favor and check out halcyon's other works that haven't made it here (yet?); they don't disappoint.
- K.B. on November 30, 2008
- nintendofanboy22 on November 24, 2008
Some of the sounds are a little simple (this mix certainly has an 8-bit feel to it) but it works great :)
Nice work :nicework:
- WillRock on November 24, 2008
