ReMix: The Secret of Monkey Island 'Voodoo, Roots 'n Grog'
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- Game: The Secret of Monkey Island (LucasArts, 1990, DOS)
- ReMixer(s): Alex Jones, Diggi Dis
- Composer(s): Andy Newell, Barney Jones, Michael Land, Patric Mundy
- Song(s): 'LeChuck's Theme', 'Opening Theme', 'Sagat Stage'
- Posted: 2011-02-07, evaluated by djpretzel
- Album: Featured on Heroes vs. Villains
So Frank had a tough act to follow w/ Jay's Guybrush - how can he make LeChuck just as persuasive? FUNK HIM OUT, that's how... with TROMBONE. When I first heard the clip of Diggi Dis' arrangement used in the trailer, I suspected it was Real Live Bone™, and I'm glad my ears did not deceive me. It's an awesome instrument, really, and Alex Jones can definitely rock it out, so it's an ideal collab. Diggi writes:
"When I started working on this track, I didn't have a clear vision of which direction I wanted to take this song. After about 4 or 5 different takes on the song, the track started to form itself. When I showed it to audio fidelity, he kindly offered me to have Alex Jones play the lead trombone. He deserves major credit, because without him, I don't think it would have sounded half as good. I had a lot of fun doing a somewhat different genre than I usually tend to do and really hope you guys will like it."
You'd never know Frank was out of his element or that he didn't *regularly* write pirate funk music featuring trombones, because everything about this track feels right. The offbeat crunchy clean guitar intro, shuffling acoustic kit with a thick kick, funky offbeat rhythm guitar panned right, the delicious bass, and then the lovely bone. But he's not done... clavinet that would make Stevie Wonder happy, slick EP, and funxploitation synth follow, and then - chiptune breakdown?!? - just because he CAN. Ensemble brass stabs, rollicking, rolling piano, and just a heapin' helpin' of 'Superstition'-style jam ensues, prior to another hit on that main motif. A veritable workshop in jazz/funk part-writing, this mix takes LeChuck's theme in a new, unexpected direction, while still sounding quite piratey at times. Awesome work from Diggi Dis; a definite highlight of Heroes vs. Villains.
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the Like Djp said, one of Heroes vs. Villains' highlights.
- RiverSound on February 25, 2013
- Crulex on September 27, 2012
- One-Winged Angle on September 14, 2012
I agree with djpretzel's review, this song has elements of all sorts of fun music in it... starts out with a nice, subdued guitar intro, quickly adding quite a good dose of funk, a bit of blues, and a nice, meaty ska-influenced rhythm section tying it all together. Then, the trombone comes in at 0:28, and it suddenly changes from just being a fun sort of ska song into really being LeChuck's theme, bringing in that good ol' pirate swagger, but making it just subtle enough to let the other styles shine.
Throughout the song, there's sprinkles of some of the best parts (both unison and solo) I've heard in years. The interplay between the clavi and synth around 1:35 is awesome, and the harmonies starting at 1:50 are perfect, almost evoking some of the classic big band standards. The chiptune breakdown was an unexpected little present in the middle, and the piano solo that follows it is also stellar.
I've actually had this one on repeat for a while now, which is always a good sign, though I think I've got to stop trying to pick out favorite parts of this; it's a losing battle.
- whitelynx on September 3, 2012
Even amongst all this excellence though, there's one part that does stand out further, and that's the percussion. I really appreciate a well thought out drum pattern, and this has such variation and groove that even just listening to the backing is enough to get you dancing. There's so much detail in there, right down to some stick work towards the end in the final breakdown. Marvellous!
- DarkSim on December 4, 2011
- luhny on February 11, 2011
- voh on February 10, 2011
- WillRock on February 9, 2011
I mean, you don't stick in live trombone in a funk piece without a solo, yet you did :(
Other then that though, good stuff.
- MaxFrost on February 8, 2011
THIS is the song that my head exploded too (yes, I was listening out of order xD). I'm afraid to listen to it in public because I'll probably start bustin' moves uncontrollably. Just amazing.
Also I LOVED that chiptune breakdown. As soon as it came up I remember saying "Oh no he didn't".
Also, that piano was sexy as hell. :3
- urdailywater on February 8, 2011
- Hylian Lemon on February 8, 2011
- Power Smoothie on February 8, 2011
