ReMix: Animal Crossing 'Letting Go'
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- Game: Animal Crossing (Nintendo, 2001, GCN)
- ReMixer(s): OA
- Composer(s): Kazumi Totaka, Kenta Nagata, Shinobu Tanaka, Toru Minegishi
- Song(s): 'K.K. Chorale'
- Posted: 2010-02-02, evaluated by the judges
I remember awhile back being approached by Joe Cam about an Animal Crossing project he was working on. I took a listen to the OST to see about contributing something, but to be honest I really wasn't feeling it. There are some great melodies in there, to be sure, but I had a hard time getting past the animal yelp sample instrumentation. Well, things didn't end up working out for the overall project, but a lot of folks made some great music as part of the process, so that's still a success in my book, just not one that's tied to a point-in-time album release. OA put something together that represents some of his best work yet, I think, and definitely his deepest & most intricate synth work to date. The artist writes:
"This is exactly the type of song that needs remixing, where it has a beautiful and charming melody, but abysmal original sound quality. I mean, I love KK more than most people and it's even tough for me to stomach those "oh me oh quay quays" sometimes. The melody is pretty intact, with a few changes, but the rest of the song is completely redone, with a lot of additional counterpoint, and an original bridge section. This ended up being one of my more personal remixes, if such a thing were possible. This is easily my favorite song from the soundtrack, so i'm glad I got the chance to remix it."
I think Andrew's appreciation for the source shines through - I get the feeling that he was not only inspired by the underlying melody, but that he really wanted a version that he himself, first and foremost, could fully enjoy. Maybe that's what he means by "personal," and maybe it isn't, but either way, this is some great r&b/pop ballad-ish work. Crunchy, layered drums with bitcrushed, cross-panned elements, paired with simple, unobtrusive bass lay the foundation for sugary bells, sine leads, some acoustic strummin', piano, electric piano, and gated synth chords - I especially like the breakup effect on these, around 1'38". Also, gotta love the big poppa super bass slide solo circa 2'02"; ooooohhhhhh yeaaaahhhhh. Because it was being held up for the project release, this one has judge comments from way back in '08; then-panelist zyko writes:
"it's so good, it's almost a no-brainer. i don't think there are any arrangement controversies here :) and the production is top notch. i love animal crossing music because it is such an enigma of WTF and brilliance at the same time. i always tell myself i'm going to do an animal crossing mix but i'm afraid to mix my own insanity with the soundtrack's inherent insanity. but i, too, am tryin my hand at it for Joe's project. the drums are very nice. the guitar work is subtle but sweet. the synths, especially the sliced, syncopated ones are cool as hell. i love the leads."
Well said. It's very odd to me that this mix is a couple years old, because in some ways it's an improvement on certain elements, specifically the synths, in stuff OA has done since. Not that any of that was bad at all, just that this mix has a certain sheen to it and gets some of the synth fx 110% right. Andrew told me it might be his personal favorite mix that he's done so far, and I can see why, as I think he really showed depth and versatility and worked a little Kaijin-esque influence into his game. Great stuff that does the quirky, eccentric Animal Crossing score justice and makes it a lot more accessible at the same time.
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the As for the review, this song has always been enjoyable to me. A nice mellow track that does portray the title quite well. This song, to me, fits the theme of "letting go" of something. Maybe it's one's past, or some regrets, or a lost lover. Whatever it may be, this song would work as backing for a scene of someone letting go of something.
Nice work, OA! now if only this was the final blow. also, this will have no context once this month is over
- Mirby on December 23, 2011
- Crulex on December 20, 2011
I'll be honest, I don't believe I ever heard the source on this even though I played the game a LOT. (Except maybe the aircheck but I wouldn't remember). I went back to listen to it and you did the source great justice OA. Keep up the good work. : )
There needs to be more Animal Crossing remixes. It's one of the few games I'd say that needs it. This remix is proof.
- urdailywater on April 16, 2010
Nase;643393 wrote: This screams out 'anime friendship theme' to me.
You're not alone; I got the same vibe from the remix. That is, most of the time; the synth taking the main stage from 1:40 onwards has a very spacey feeling to it and evokes images of 70's SciFi IMO.
Overall an enjoyable remix, but not my favourite OA track.
- Martin Penwald on February 22, 2010
- jintoreedwine on February 9, 2010
Very soothing overall, contrasted with some lively elements here and there, but the chord progressions also convey a hint of melancholy.
This stuff tells stories. Very enjoyable!
- Nase on February 7, 2010
- Bahamut on February 5, 2010
This is very chilling piece and really enjoyable. Fantastic stuff.:-o
- John Revoredo on February 5, 2010
Once I listen to it a few more times it'll probably get way better.
- Elsewhere on February 4, 2010
Andrew has done something here that both does justice to it and stands on its own as a piece of music. This is the kind of mix that shows me that there's something special to remixing, and I should stick with it. Really great stuff, dude.
- ella guro on February 3, 2010
Nothing was there that stopped me from enjoying this one just as much as any of OA's songs that I've heard so far, though. Nice work dude :-D
- Emunator on February 3, 2010
- Tables on February 3, 2010
In short, you've written a smooth, recognizable, and soothing tune that harkens back to easier days. You saved OCR from a pissed-off angry thread, and, if possible, you've heightened even further my respect for your musical abilities. I'd say that's a pretty good song, right there. Thanks, man!
- Sir_Snooze on February 3, 2010
