ReMix: Mega Man 2 'The Wily Malfunction'
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- Game: Mega Man 2 (Capcom, 1988, NES)
- ReMixer(s): Mazedude
- Composer(s): Manami Matsumae, Takashi Tateishi
- Song(s): 'Dr. Wily Stage 2'
- Posted: 2009-06-12, evaluated by djpretzel
For almost as long as OverClocked ReMix itself has existed, Mazedude has been a consistent presence - a force of nature, really - on the site, a living embodiment of our mission & spirit. He's mixed a huge variety of games from a ton of different composers, in a wide spectrum of styles, but the common denominator has been the creativity, idiosyncrasy, and uncompromising vision and attention to detail he brings to his music. This isn't exagerration or hyperbole, either - this is Mr. Getman's 46th mix on the site, and if you've listened to all of them, you'll wonder how one person can take on so many roles, wear so many hats, and - more colloquially - kick such profound amounts of ass. Well, wonder no longer, since we just posted an extensive ReMixer interview with Mazedude. I don't like throwing the word "fascinating" around, and I may be biased since I asked the questions, but I thought getting inside Chris's head - to whatever extent possible in text - was really compelling. He's a true, honest-to-goodness iconoclast when it comes to the tools and creative process he employs, and you can hear the difference in his work. He's also been involved with different parts of the fan VGM arrangement scene for a very long time, earning legitimate "veteran" status that's reflected in the insights & observations he offers. Bottom line: read the interview!!
While Chris has been there, done that, and got the t-shirt (as they say), he's never ReMixed anything from the fan uber-favorite Mega Man series... until now. He writes:
"Unless I'm mistaken, this is the one theme from Megaman 2 that hasn't been covered yet... and that would be because it's extremely short and repetetive! Ah but sometimes I thrive going creatively nuts with those types of source tunes, and this is a good example of that.
As to the intro and title, well, there are some fun artifacts that can happen when you over-crank chip tunes inside the tracker. That's what you're hearing there when the sounds kinda fuzzes out and then comes back in. Then I just overdid it to where it got really fuzzy, then... played with the fuzz! Then after a little while brought in some classic Mazedude percussion, screwed around with the timing, you know, my usual tricks.
I'm aware the overall production is very "crunchy", but that's what I was going for, so just enjoy it for what it is. :)"
It's not just crunchy, it STAYS crunchy... in milk. It sometimes seems like everyone and their grandmothers have covered a Mega Man tune at some point, with the second installment certainly taking the popularity crown, but it's fitting that Chris goes after the uncharted, less-frequented territory and comes up with a giant static discharge of a mix that's unlike any Mega Man ReMix you've heard previously, guaranteed. It's more esoteric, challenging, quirky, and conceptual than even most of the artist's own work, which I think is a lovely angle to take for a game that, as mentioned, has seen so many interpretations. This is music that couldn't be mistaken for anyone other than Mazedude... that's what I always say, that's what I'm saying, and that's really all I ever need to say at this point... though pontificating at length is my forte. But enough about me - let Chris tell you about himself in his own words, then download the mix so you can hear him say it all again through his music. Either way, in any medium, it's distinct, it's brilliant, it defies categorization... it's Mazedude.
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the I love it. The manipulation of volume and panning, and all the tweaks to make it sound the way it does... it's a masterpiece. It sounds so simple yet you know it's probably rather complex if you were to look at it.
But in the end, you get this fantastic mix. Easily one of my faves. Good job, Mazedude! :3
- Mirby on December 24, 2011
- Vasall on December 14, 2011
- MechaFone on December 25, 2010
- Emunator on December 22, 2009
-steve
- Legion303 on July 10, 2009
- Wulvaine on July 8, 2009
and also one of the most pleasing and interesting in my life.
The song has a hint of craziness and creepiness that fits so well, especially with wily being who he is but it all comes together with a nice, like it's been said before, crunchy sound.
I approve x100
- Damileth on July 1, 2009
Listening to this remix (especially the middle part) wearing headphones is a blast.
- Martin Penwald on June 30, 2009
great job
- yosefu on June 30, 2009
I decided to listen this before downloading...just to check it out. When I saw the theme, my mind went to Project X's rendition. I started listening...I heard the static.
I thought something was up with my headfones/speakers to be honest. Then the progression finally hit me. Way to captivate the audience Dude...I'm quite impressed with this particular mix.
Even the ending said something, as I was waiting to hear the rest of the theme being played...in came the static again -laughs-
As always,and particularly THIS time around...Kudos to you Mazedude.
=---
Keep on WINning.
- muzikal-phoenix on June 18, 2009
The thing I like about Maze is that no matter how diverse his catalog gets, you can always identify his style in anything he does. He's truly the poster boy, er, dude, for OCR.
Awesome write up btw, DJP. Usually I chuckle once during your reviews, but I think I came out with an astounding two chuckles this run-through. But seriously, I love reading your stuff :) One of my motivations for getting a mix posted was just to see what you'd have to say about it! Haven't done that yet, having straying from music lately, but with amazing stuff like this from Mazedude, I know I'll be motivated to come back eventually.
- metaphist on June 18, 2009
This super creative and well put-together.
- OA on June 17, 2009
- Palpable on June 14, 2009
No but I love this remix so much, glitchy remixes are some of my favorites, and getting this catchy little number from Mega Man 2 seals the deal. Keep it up!
- Tables on June 14, 2009
Also, when I listen to the steep fade-in-and-fade-out motions, my face physically contorts as though several megawatts are pulsing through my head. +1 to this mix's attention-grabbing prowess.
- Polo on June 14, 2009
