ReMix: Diddy Kong Racing 'Shiva Nataraja'
Download MP3
Play Preview
- Game: Diddy Kong Racing (Nintendo, 1997, N64)
- ReMixer(s): Guifrog
- Composer(s): David Wise
- Song(s): 'Taj's Challenge'
- Posted: 2010-07-21, evaluated by the judges
This is really quite a cool, unique debut from newcomer Guifrog, aka Guilherme Arcoverde, not only because it's our first coverage of Dave Wise's score to Diddy Kong Racing, but because it has a distinct Indian vibe going on - if the title didn't give that away. The artist explains his unique inspirations & goals:
"As you might notice, I like to mix world rhythms with electronica. This time, I chose the Indian beat to create a nice dancing tune!
In Hinduism, Shiva refers to one of the 3 gods that control universe on a certain aspect; he's the "destroyer" or "transformer", while Brahma's the "creator" and Vishnu, the "preserver". Shiva can be represented in various kinds of symbolism, one of them being Nataraja, which can be translated as "Lord of Dance". So, in order to maintain a cycle, Shiva performs his dance to destroy an old and overused universe, allowing Brahma to start the process of creation.
There's a moment on this remix that I tried to represent Shiva's dance, which is the percussion solo, that gets more and more aggressive as it goes. Once it ends, a few keys re-appear to make a transition to the chorus, that comes in like Brahma's new beginning. You can see the song kinda spins in a cycle, but a key's never exactly the same as another. And I need the song to end, so I re-used the :36 part with a few adjustments =P That's it... Hope you like it ^^"
Again, that's a pretty distinct & interesting submission email - like a mini theology lession and VGM arrangement all rolled into one catchy-yet-informative package. I love the amount of background and thought that went into this arrangement, but the important thing is that it was also executed well - the music embraces the vision rather than bending to its will. Is it now gratuitous and/or inappropriate to quote Vinnie's decision, because he's Indian himself? Nah, because he said it well:
"Arrangement is excellent, samples could be stronger, kick should definitely be more hard-hitting, but because of the strength of the arrangement, I'm fine with passing this. There's a lot of small details in this that really captured my attention, but it's still well-written from a broader scope too. Glad to see this fine game getting some love on the site."
Agreed; this mix is attention-getting, fresh, and full of ideas. It picks an appropriate source that's Indian to begin with and runs with the whole context, and even without the background info that Guilherme provides, you can tell it was labored over and mapped out. Great start from Guifrog, looking forward to whatever's next!
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the - Crulex on April 30, 2012
That said, this is still a very appropriate take on DKR's source material that plays it safe but still finds ways to keep things interesting (percussion soloing in the middle is definitely a highlight.) Good on you for giving this soundtrack some love :-)
I love Guifrog's approach to remixing, tackling music from different ethnic regions one by one, I'm really looking forward to more from him.
- Emunator on December 11, 2010
- Sarad_Thamia on September 4, 2010
I would love for you to try Hot Top Volcano next.. eh? It's an ethnic-y track too :)
- Modus on September 3, 2010
It doesn't exactly turn the original upside-down, but it has plenty of new, creative ideas that make it sound fresh and interpretative. I absolutely love the percussion work, and the accordion fills, but there are many other small touches that you may not even notice the first time you hear it. Impressive stuff.
This is already one of my favorite pieces of music from this site. Please post more, okay?
- Holy Land on September 1, 2010
- UmJammerSully on August 20, 2010
Nice work.
- Martin Penwald on August 12, 2010
- halc on July 29, 2010
- EmpyClaw on July 26, 2010
I'm in love with this mix. I get the same chills as when I first heard Jespyr Kid's ACII soundtrack - that blend of ethnic instrumentation with modern instruments, construction, and presentation is absolutely fantastic.
And might I add: I always loved DKR, more than mario Kart just for the OST. And the hover boat racers. Those were great fun.
Dude, keep at it! I hope you stick with your craft, get better with time, because in a little while you will be one of the big heavy hitters on this site. I for one am excited to see what comes next!
- Master_Yoshi on July 23, 2010
- Nobbynob Littlun on July 23, 2010
- a_d on July 22, 2010
