ReMix: Fittest 'Morse's Morsecode'
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- Game: Fittest (Microsoft Game Studios, 2009, XB360)
- ReMixer(s): Joshua Morse
- Composer(s): zircon
- Song(s): 'Morsecode'
- Posted: 2010-01-24, evaluated by djpretzel
Well, this is quite a cool moment. As OCR has persisted over the years we've seen plenty of artists improve their craft, branch out, and even make headway into the game industry. It's both humbling and rewarding to know that OCR played some part, however small, in that development, and to see people fulfilling their potential while still actively participating in the community. Right at the end of 2009, Andy stepped down from his role as judge, but remains a musical force-to-be-reckoned-with and a trusted adviser. One can certainly understand why he was unable to judge as frequently as called for, since he had a very busy couple of years. Among (many) other things, in 2008 he scored the soundtrack to Fittest, an XBLA shmup that was later released in June of '09. You may not have played it or even heard of it, but hopefully the sheer fact that it's got a kickin' soundtrack by zircon is enough motivation for you to check it out. At any rate, Andy drew on some community influences when scoring the game, including the music of Mr. Joshua Morse. He explains:
"For years now I've been a fan of Joshua Morse's music (both originals and remixes), in particular his slick production style and amazing sense of harmony. However, it wasn't until the end of my college career, after taking classes in jazz theory, improvisation and playing in a jazz fusion ensemble, that I was actually able to emulate that harmonic sense. I put those skills to work on the Fittest soundtrack, where I had to do music for a level where all the art was food-based. I thought that setting would sound somehow funky and "cool", so I decided to make a track that really paid tribute to JM and even named it "Morsecode" as a subtle nod.
Once it was done, I sent it to Josh and was relieved to hear that he enjoyed it. Imagine my surprise when, on my 22nd birthday, I get a message from him saying that he had remixed the track! I still can't help but smile every time I think about it; talk about an awesome birthday present. As for the remix itself, all I have to say is that I love it. LOVE IT! I really couldn't have asked for anything more, and hope you all enjoy it as much as I did."
Pretty neat story, that - sorta like a big musical karma boomerang - influence breeding ex
It's awesome that our first XBLA mix was from a game scored by an artist who's been so involved in the community, and ReMixed by an artist who inspired the source material to begin with. It's the type of thing I never could have anticipated back when I started the site, and seems almost like an elaborate soap opera plot twist... DID Andy know, after five years in a COMA, that Joshua Morse was actually his COUSINS' MOTHER'S LONG LOST UNCLE? And a SPACE ALIEN!?!? etc. Run a site like this long enough, and I guess you'll see a bit of everything, but this is definitely the good (I'd say great) side of that equation. Awesome mix from jm, awesome original by zircon.
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the Great remix, and hilarious story behind it.
- Martin Penwald on February 8, 2010
What really stuck in my head though is the disco strings hookline. hella infectious. I would've loved to hear more variations of that in the mix.
Ah well, still a solid tune, constantly high levels on my funk-o-meter.
- Nase on February 7, 2010
I don't really have much to say except keep on grooving!
- Bahamut on January 31, 2010
ZealPath;638659 wrote: This is REALLY smooth, yet very upbeat, reminds me a lot of Castlevania: Sonata of the Damned, no huge surprise of course with the same man behind it! I basically saw Joshua Morse and was like, ok, this is going to own, and bam, it does just that.
This is my favorite style of remix, and I haven't even heard the source, speaking of which, anywhere I can hear that? I do love comparing mixes to the source, not that there's anything that could make me dislike this mix.
I really hope most people don't let the fact that this is from a game they've never heard of stop them from checking this out, this is smooth goodness to the max, and what a great story to go with it!
You can listen to the source here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iRrQRNUYPo
And if you want to hear the rest of the soundtrack, it's available on my site (click sig) :-)
Glad you all are enjoying this tune as much as I did. Awesome stuff JM!!
- zircon on January 27, 2010
I loved the breakdown, and all the funkiness.
- OA on January 26, 2010
This is my favorite style of remix, and I haven't even heard the source, speaking of which, anywhere I can hear that? I do love comparing mixes to the source, not that there's anything that could make me dislike this mix.
I really hope most people don't let the fact that this is from a game they've never heard of stop them from checking this out, this is smooth goodness to the max, and what a great story to go with it!
- ZealPath on January 26, 2010
You've got vintage/classic sounds
- ilp0 on January 25, 2010
- Clavus on January 24, 2010
Probably one of my favorites I've heard by you too actually.
- Elsewhere on January 24, 2010
Is this some sort of twisted musical masturbation?
At any rate, awesome mix, and the story behind it is awesome on so many levels.
- Geoffrey Taucer on January 24, 2010
- Hollidayrain on January 24, 2010
Awesome work to both of ya :D
- AJ-enova on January 24, 2010
