ReMix: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest 'Lava Dead Beat'

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Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Damn, it's Christmas Eve already. We're going to end the n00bfl00d with this collab by ScaredSim (not n00b) and Battlerager (n00b); as some of you have pointed out, several of the individuals we're so hiply calling "n00bs" have been making great music & been involved with the community for a good long while. We're specifically using the term for those who are getting their first ReMix posted, though, regardless of anything else. ScaredSim liked what he heard in Battlerager's arrangements and decided to take his DKC2 arrangement of 'Hot-Head Bop' and bump the production up a few notches:

"The original arrangement of this one was Battlerager's entry at Dwelling of Duels in May 2007 : Fire VS Ice month. I always loved the composition here, there just wasn't any mixing, which cost that bad ranking I think. I recently got Battlerager okay to rework and refine it for trying getting it on OCR. Here it is!"

If the lava in the mix title didn't give it away, this one was in the "fire" category. It seems to be something of a trend in '08 for strong arrangers to have their pieces reworked by strong producers/performers, and for the result to kick ass. I for one hope this continues into 2009, because there are a lot of amazing arrangements out there that can be done great justice & have their respective zigs launched through the soul-healing power of collaboration. I love Vinnie's comment, here:

"Great arrangement, guys. This is one of my favorite sources from DKC2, and this was an inspired take on the theme. The guitar work in this is really good, sometimes subtly, with those short, quick runs. I love the section starting at 1:50 that offers us several different guitar parts, one at a time. It's like a Brazilian steakhouse for guitars, and I'm keeping my card turned to green. (Strange that as a vegetarian, this is the analogy that comes to mind.)"

On the production side of things, judges did note that the EQ was a little bottom-heavy, and that turning up the rhythm guits to bump up the midrange might have filled things out a bit more, which I agree with. Far from a deal-breaker, and actually lets you appreciate the varied drum work all up close and personal and what not. Larry had a rare moment of brevity:

"Solid stuff, and very creative treatment of the theme, IMO, one of DKC2's most memorable."

Sounds about right. Great source, intelligent arrangement, and production/performance that really lets Marius' work shine = a great DKC2 mix for the holidays.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
I remember hearing the DoD version of this track a while ago - this track could use more instrumentation to help fill out the sound more I feel, but otherwise is a solid rock take on the source that evokes a bit of punk influence to me. I definitely enjoy listening to this track every now and then.

- Bahamut on July 4, 2012
I really like this one. It's a little repetitive, but it's definitely a solid take on two of the best tracks in DKC2. The transition to Arctic Abyss was pretty well done, too. No one's mentioned that yet,it should probably be listed in the source section. But, yeah. Good work.

- Servbot#36 on February 26, 2012
This mix is really good. I really think that this is a bit of an improvement over the original, because the original was great, but being surrounded by lava normally brings on heavier music instead of "bop", right? Well, a rock verison with multiple guitars and some sweet drum work seem take it to that level. Nice work.

- Crulex on February 26, 2010
One of my personal favorites, awesome guitar work. :)
The Bass is a little overwhelming in the car though, so I have to turn down the Bass at times.

- LuketheXjesse on August 19, 2009
Really, really diggin' this guys :nicework:

- Sir_Downunder on April 6, 2009
This kinda reminds me of Barracuda by Heart plus something from Sonic Adventure 2. :<
I like it, very rocking.

- 42 on January 20, 2009
I have to say this is a strong mix that really has some awesome guitar playing. How you manage to get a good tone with your strange setup is really cool I think.
awesome work on that snare sound, it is really powerful. I love the big and boomy snares you create.
When it comes to Scaredsim and Battlerager, they really make a good team on this track, and though it does go on for a bit too long, it's really solid and enjoyable. You guys should check this one out. :-)

- OA on January 7, 2009
Nice work, but there are some issues with this. As has been already pointed out, it is a bit repetitive. Maybe fleshing out the breakdown around 1:50 would have helped; leaving out the guitars completely and focusing on the synths. Some of the pace-changes are a bit weird, too, e.g. the one at 4:04.

- Martin Penwald on January 7, 2009
I like this one. Guitar takes of Donkey Kong music always appeal to me because I imagine Diddy himself rocking out on his guitar from DK64. This is definitely a good one - I do think it could've been improved by making the rhythm guitar louder - there's an unbalance in the sound. The drums are nice though.

- LuigiFan on January 1, 2009
This mix is really lacking a heavier bass section, which is really wierd. I would have to say that the production here seems really wierd. I hear the bass, it's doing its thing, the drums are going, but the guitar sections sound so out of place here. They have a nice live element to them, but I don't feel that in the rest of this.
Still though, nice take on the theme. Enjoyable, but sadly not memorable. I would have to say that looking at the production would definitely be my best advice for the future. That guitar stands out too much, and not in a good way. It just doesn't sound like it belongs, and I'm sorry I can't give any better critique than that.

- Master_Yoshi on December 30, 2008
Very nice. I agree on the repetitive part, but that's what old school video game music is. All in all, it's a solid piece. Keep it up.

- FinalTrigger85 on December 30, 2008
Really enjoyed the mix, keep up the great work. Loved 1:49-2:19

- Forderz on December 28, 2008
I love DKC 2 music. I love this remix!!! This is amazing! :D

- Nario on December 24, 2008
I'm not really sure if I like the mix or not,I just think it was a little to repetitive. Just a personal preferance, more bass and a bad ass drum beat. That's all I'm saying for that

- vader217 on December 24, 2008
great song :-P
keep the good work (Y)

- Rexpro02 on December 24, 2008