ReMix: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 'Link's Epoch'
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- Game: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Nintendo, 1991, SNES)
- ReMixer(s): Joshua Morse
- Composer(s): Koji Kondo
- Song(s): 'Overworld', 'Princess Zelda's Rescue'
- Posted: 2011-11-22, evaluated by djpretzel
- Album: Featured on 25YEARLEGEND: A Legend of Zelda Indie Game Composer Tribute
As part of the original lineup that Roger put together, Danny B was originally going to have a track on 25YEARLEGEND, but he couldn't pull it together in time before Minecon, which made me cry tears of solid babies. I recovered, though, and there was still enough time to see if Mr. Morse could work his refined, prodigal magic on the Zelda franchise, which he has previously avoided. Joshua's an indie composer, too, after all, and I felt like 25YL could use a bit of his siganture jams to go with the rest of its vision. When he heard JM's orchestral-ethnic-funk medley, Roger agreed:
"This track fits right in the pocket of funk and triggers a really nasty case of nostalgia. Josh, you nailed this one!"
Honestly, it'd be a pretty big deal, in my mind, if ALL we were posting today was Joshua Morse's first Zelda ReMix - it's always fun when established mixers arrange games/series that they've somehow managed to skip over the years, for whatever reason. We are of course releasing an entire ALBUM of amazing Zelda mixes, but JM's contribution definitely adds his unique flavor to the larger work. He writes:
"My main goal with this arrangement was to bring out the (subjective) natural flavors of the main theme. The B section always struck me with an Arabic vibe. I tried to capitalize on that by bringing out some ethnic flavors in those sections, but not in a way that would deter from the feel of the original source."
It's a subtle twist; things remain recognizable throughout, but you can definitely sense something's been altered. With a melody as familiar as this, any major changes are going to stick way, way out - not necessarily a bad thing, but it also means there's room for some more nuanced modifications. Morse doesn't completely trick out the themes, but the changes in timing & intonation allow Kondo's melodies to sound completely at home in their new, funkier, ethnically-infused surrounding. Guitar's a nice add, and the orchestral elements are full & include a nice blend of both strings AND brass. In the short amount of time given, I feel like Morse really seized the opportunity & lended his A game to a mix that makes 25YEARLEGEND a more complete vision, and I'm glad Roger was completely open to the late-breaking addition!
We'll be posting more soon, but that concludes our four-mix introduction to 25YEARLEGEND: A Legend of Zelda Indie Game Composer Tribute - I'd like to thank Roger for working with us to release this album, congratulate all the talented indie game composers who contributed their amazing arrangements, and of course send out the mad QUARTER-CENTURY anniversary props to Nintendo, Zelda, Koji Kondo, and all the other composers who have contributed to a truly legendary franchise!
Discussion: Latest 9 comments/reviews; view the - meccaneer on May 18, 2012
- ryankeeton on December 27, 2011
My only complaint is the instruments are sort of dry. They lack a sort of a human texture. Perhaps if they were a bit wetter with reverb they would settle more closely into the mix.
I like what you did with the theme. On one hand, it's very close to the original, but on the other, you gave it a completely new texture I haven't heard before. points++ on the zelda's lullaby, though I was a bit sad that didn't get any groove in it.
Great song, I like it, my only issue is the orchestral samples.
- Neblix on December 15, 2011
Anyways, I'm a sucker for LoZ music, and Mr. Morse does the sources justice. And I mean real justice. No, not Justice-style. Just... I recognize the sources immediately, yet there is definitely a different feel, and not just reinstrumentation. Everything works perfectly. Its funky. Its fresh. Its Zelda.
I love it. :)
- HitoriJaNai on December 6, 2011
Cool ending as well, this is a very good mix!
- OA on December 5, 2011
The track manages to play well to Joshua's strengths in funk-based grooves, with a strong emphasis on the drum parts. I'm not quite so sure, but the first overworld variation here even kinds of bears some similarities to the version in Link's Awakening - not a bad thing at all, might be a hidden reference somehow. :)
The level of interpretation is good; plays fairly safe though during the overworld sections, but the Zelda's Lullaby part really played well with the chord re-shuffling, and that to me is clearly a strong writing highlight there. Overall, strongly-structured and really defines what he's all about.
Now, I know for sure that he doesn't like anyone who criticises his work, but I have to say this anyway; the orchestrated parts for me have their stiff moments, which I noted more particularly during the intro and the Zelda's Lullaby part. I admit it's hard enough for [i]anyone[/i] to succeed in that field, but if these sounds are to be used more frequently then there has to be more time spent with the samples' filters to get them to sound that pinch more convincing.
It's really my only qualm with this outside from a well set overworld interpretation for the new Zelda project; a good showcase from Joshua Morse, and I'm keen to see where his next few releases would take us :)
- Rexy on November 30, 2011
- Bahamut on November 24, 2011
- Crulex on November 22, 2011
