ReMix: Portal 'Live from [SUBJECT HOMETOWN HERE]'

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Ladies and gentlemen, I'm proud to present our FIRST Portal ReMix. It's also our first ReMix from the University of Maryland's Gamer Symphony Orchestra, the second live orchestral OC ReMix ('A Symphonic Tale' was the first), and the first live recording that I was actually present in person for to end up here on OCR. Larry and I hit up the GSO concert last year and these guys and gals delivered quite a helping of arranged orchestral VGM bliss, for free, in a full ensemble that even included a choir. Far from simple transcription, the GSO embraces interpretive arrangement in much the same way OCR does, and while this recording/performance has some issues, the creativity, enthusiasm, and talent of its members comes shining through.

We caught up with Greg Cox (conductor), Chris Apple (music director) and Justin Johnston (PR director) at MAGFest VII and recorded a sweet little video interview that tells you most of what you need to know. Larry did the interviewing, and I did the editing - my first time editing an interview, which is its own special type of challenge, but I think given the impromptu setting, background noise, and relatively free form nature of the source material, it came together well. In HD, too! We'll be at their FREE concert this Saturday at UMD in College Park, MD - check the URL and show up if you can make it, should be awesome.

By now, of course, most of you are familiar with 'Still Alive' (not to be confused with the Mirror's Edge theme of the same name) from Portal; it made a permanent mark in the world of VGM by introducing a rare element - humor - into a vocal track that fit perfectly with the game's narrative. Justin, who submitted the mix for the GSO, writes:

"GLaDOS, the artificial intelligence who serves as the antagonist of Valve's "Portal", is unique in the depth and complexity of her personality: She is split up among a number of different personality "cores", all of which conspire to create her character. GLaDOS, voiced by opera singer Ellen McLain, is also unusual in that she was called upon to sing "Portal"'s closing song, "Still Alive", written by Popular Science's "Contributing Troubadour" Jonathan Coulton. We decided to explore GLaDOS' manifold personality through our orchestra's own sonic diversity, letting "Still Alive" meander through a variety of different sound worlds, each shedding its own light on the Coulton's infectious melodies and on GLaDOS' elusive nature. This song was recorded live at the Gamer Symphony Orchestra's Spring Concert on May 13th, 2008."

The lead vocal was actually re-recorded for this submission by Jen Johnston, Justin's sister, so the lyrics/singing would be more prominent. And check this action out: Mr. Coulton even pimped the GSO recording in his own blog. Pretty groovy. Yet, even with the composer's own nod, the judges STILL have to do their thing. It's who they are. It's how they be. Larry was there with me for the actual performance, so let's start with him:

"Everything after 1:15 sealed that this wasn't just going to be a straightforward orchestral cover. A bit rough around the edges, but an overall strong live performance full of good unorthodox ideas befitting a truly unorthodox source tune.

Awesome way to cap off the night by the GSO. Thanks so much to Justin and the entire GSO for inviting djp and myself to check this out. Some of the performances were pretty spotty to start the show out, but overall they did a good job and showed off the strength and potential of the Gamer Symphony Orchestra concept, something I'm surprised no one else at the university level has really tried to push, since it's clearly a hell of a lot of fun. Clearly when you want the first Portal mix on the site, you gotta do it big."

And big they did it. It's a good point, though: this IS a modern classic of original VGM, and I'm glad our first mix of it brings so much to the table. Jimmy adds:

"This is a fantastic example of how sometimes it's more important to provide the listener with something compelling rather than something produced with QLSO Platinum, or otherwise the Boston Pops orchestra. Props all around to all involved in this performance. Wish I'd had the privilege of seeing this one live."

Judges did due diligence and noted some tuning/recording/performance issues that are definitely noticeable, but anyone familiar with the trials & tribulations of recording large ensembles (or conducting or performing in them) can commiserate. The GSO is doing some great - and most importantly, fun & inclusive - stuff, and this is a perfect mix to showcase that and introduce them to some new ears. Thanks to Greg, Chris, and Justin for the interview, and be sure to check out some of the GSO's other recordings at umd.gamersymphony.org. See you at the concert, if you can make it - the cake may be a lie (</dead_horse>), but the music is for real.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.

Holy CRAP going to check this out RIGHT NOW as should everyone who is reading this forum :))))

Thanks for doing what you do guys !!

Love those lyrics lol

- Mtlbro on June 9, 2009

For those interested, a new version of this track just went up on GSO's site, recorded from the live show they had a few weeks ago. It has some improvements those who didn't really enjoy the original version will probably be more happy with.
http://www.gamersymphony.org/media/audio/concert/spr09/10%20Still%20Alive.mp3

- KyleJCrb on May 27, 2009

At first, the not-quite-great performance and/or recording turned me off, but I gave the remix another chance, and it quickly grew on me. It's a live performance, so some things can and should be forgiven, and it actually adds some nice touches to the remix, like the quiet laughter at e.g. 0:58 and the applause in the end.
Also, I like the singer's voice, and the choir is a nice addition.

- Martin Penwald on May 26, 2009

I liked this. It had a nice tone and felt like a performance of the song that wasn't too bad.

- Ryo242 on May 13, 2009

MechaFone;545693 wrote: I haven't heard the original,

WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU go listen to the original now

- Nekofrog on May 12, 2009

I haven't heard the original, but this is making me want to. This is some really great stuff! Awesome effort.
Just listened to the original song. Great contrast in song style, I thoroughly enjoy this, especially the singer's voice. Great job!

- MechaFone on May 12, 2009

I don't know...I'm just not feeling this one nearly as much as I enjoyed the original. My primary critique is the pacing. When I listen to this it's like I want to keep walking forward, but all of a sudden something forces me to stop moving mid-step, with my foot hanging in the air, before I'm allowed to finish taking my step. If that makes any sense.
:?

- Black Mage on May 12, 2009

Ooof...I like this, but I don't. Trust me, I can understand the issues with recording a large group and such as I'm in several of them, but there were just waaay too many to make this recording submission worthy. My recommendation would have been to re-record it after cleaning it up - sure it's less significant because then djp and Liontamer wouldn't have been there, but overall it would've been the better thing to do. The tuning errors and such are just too distracting for me to enjoy this fully.

- LuigiFan on May 9, 2009

It's a great song with a good tune and a very well done arrangement. Sadly the performance of the orchestra could be improved a lot. I have played in a big band several years so I know that it is very hard and needs really a lot of work to get and keep sounding good - especially if you only meet occasionaly.
I'm looking forward to hear clean submissions from the gamer symphony orchestra - as i said: Song and arrangement are great :)

- X-W@rrior on May 8, 2009

I have to agree it sounds "wrong" several times, the instrumentation and the voice.
But it's cool nonetheless, and this song is just awesome. :wink:

- Vitor Machado on May 8, 2009

Something is... off about this version.
It's done well but still there is something very off about it.

- neblix on May 8, 2009

SwordBreaker;543567 wrote: Whoops. Sorry about that. I recall Wild Arms being done by a University group as well but don't remember where exactly.

University of Manitoba Symphony Orchestra.

- Lucentas on May 8, 2009

OMG. I creamed my pants while listening to this masterpiece.
5/5, 10/10, 100/100.
:nicework:

- Darth Lime on May 8, 2009

The first note really kills the mood. That really needs to be fixed in a future recording if you want to get a good impression out right away.
The arrangement is really cool. Very different from the original, and has it's own flavor. Love the latin radio thrown in there as well.
Overall intonation needs work, and there are moments where certain parts in the orchestra aren't heard as well as they should be. Such is the vice of a live recording, of course.
I'm still torn about the change of the mood. I like that it's original, but I feel like it loses something in translation. I want to say that the whimsicle feel is what I'm wishing for and not getting in this almost 'more serious yet not' version. Hard to explain really.
Definately enjoyable, and a great tribute to the original.

- DragonAvenger on May 7, 2009

Lucentas;543379 wrote: SwordBreaker - The Wild Arms mix was actually arranged by a different individual and performed by a different orchestra.

Whoops. Sorry about that. I recall Wild Arms being done by a University group as well but don't remember where exactly.

- SwordBreaker on May 7, 2009

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This was a triumph.
I'm making a note here:
HUGE SUCCESS.
It's hard to overstate my satisfaction.

Aperture Science.
We do what we must because we can.
For the good of all of us
Except the ones who are dead.

But there's no sense crying over every mistake.
You just keep on trying till you run out of cake.
And the science gets done and you make a neat gun.
For the people who are still alive.

I'm not even angry.
I'm being so sincere right now.
Even though you broke my heart and killed me.
And tore me to pieces.
And threw every piece into a fire.
As they burned it hurt because
I was so happy for you!

Now these points of data make a beautiful line.
And we're out of beta, we're releasing on time.
So I'm GLaD I got burned.
Think of all the things we learned
For the people who are still alive.

Go ahead and leave me.
I think I prefer to stay inside.
Maybe you'll find someone else to help you.
Maybe Black Mesa...
THAT WAS A JOKE. Haha. FAT CHANCE.
Anyway, this cake is great.
It's so delicious and moist.

Look at me still talking when there's science to do.
When I look out there it makes me GLaD I'm not you.
I've experiments to run, there is research to be done
On the people who are still alive

And believe me I am still alive.
I'm doing science and I'm still alive.
I feel FANTASTIC and I'm still alive.
And when you're dying I'll be still alive.
And when you're dead I will be still alive.

Still alive
Still alive

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