ReMix: Secret of Evermore 'Somber Memory'

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Unsung HeroesSecret of Evermore

Wow... This gorgeous acoustic/instrumental arrangement from Jay (audio fidelity), with Jenny on flute, just blows me away. I've been listening to Jeremy Soule's amazing Skyrim soundtrack for hours on end, while playing the game, and it's really reminding me just how talented & emotive a composer he is. This Secret of Evermore ReMix does his music complete justice, is Jay's best mix to date, and virtually defines the word "expressive" - you've got the perfect, blissful combination of talented musicians & an arrangement that capitalizes on their skills, and everything - every last note - drips with intention, thought, and emotion. Jay writes:

"This piece of music is probably one of my proudest and most affectionate mixes. Ever since I heard the source, I knew I wanted to do it, which is rare, accounting for all the other mixes I've been a part of. I was fortunate to be in the company of such a talented and passionate performer. It'll always be just that to me - a somber memory."

Tabla, shakers, a triangle... lovely acoustic guitar... and a bassline that doesn't just underpin - it participates. And then there's the flute part; it makes me cry. I can't talk intelligently about it. We could go all year and not see another solo with this much raw emotional power - I hope we don't, but I'm just saying, it's that good. As an arrangement, most of the source elements are kept intact & the style remains quite similar, so it's a little on the conservative side, but what's been changed & added completely makes sense and enhances the spirit of the original while elevating the instrumentation to an almost ethereal realm. It's almost like Soule himself rearranged this piece for use in Skyrim, which is saying something. Director OA writes:

"This song is an incredibly moody track with a rich soundscape and excellent instrumental performances. The support of the melody by the guitar and bass has just enough movement to drive the track, and the harmonies are perfect. I was especially impressed by the sense of space and atmosphere; it felt like the track drifted away into some massive void, but never felt empty. A standout track that I feel is one of Jay's best."

Deia adds:

"Jay has gotten really good at working with tracks and pulling a very strong emotional feel from them. "Somber Memory" really drives home that feeling of someone staring outside their window on a rainy day and thinking of the past. Jenny's flute playing is wonderfully emotive, and the supporting instruments are perfectly balanced. This track was a pleasure to listen to on the album."

This track conjures more snow than it does rain, for me, but that might be the Skyrim talking... at any rate, this is a great accomplishment, a fantastic tribute to Soule's music, an instrumental masterpiece, and absolutely a highlight of Unsung Heroes!

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 14 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
Jenny's flute playing is incredible in this ReMix! What a beautiful sound that comes from the acoustic guitar and flute combination. Very emotional and lovely. I really liked this one.

- Crulex on April 25, 2013
You're very welcome! Thank you for the comment!
If there's inter-dimensional travelers and body-switching pets then somewhere in this multiuniverse there is surely more mixes like this waiting to be heard! So there is hope!

- audio fidelity on April 18, 2013
This source has entirely too few remixes? This GAME'S AMAZING SOUNDTRACK has entirely too few remixes... I see why it made it onto Unsung Heroes. This was one of my favorite games growing up, and most of the music I can recall from memory even from then. The Queen's source and the Temple theme were some of my hands down favorites. Thank you for this remix. You have done my memories justice and fanservice the likes of which the cosmos (and unexpectedly-interdimensionally-travelling children and their body-switching pets) have never seen. I hope to see more like this from equally outstanding sources.

- Anti/elytS on January 26, 2013
This source has entirely too few remixes. I've always thought it was one of the most beautiful songs in any game. That, and [URL="http://www.youtube.com/user/SecretOfEvermoreOST#p/c/45D5A25FC027C3F9/16/bvQNN1aymno"]this one[/URL] from SoE.

- Catharsis on February 3, 2012
This source has entirely too few remixes. I've always thought it was one of the most beautiful songs in any game.

- Catharsis on February 3, 2012
Very calm mix, and the beautiful flute playing really brings out the melody and makes this mix what it is. I like the vibe this mix gives off, and really fits the overall tone of the album. Very nice mix!

- uhhh6677 on January 25, 2012
Superb! My ears say thank you. Too bad there is no shining force games in this album, maybe next time :]

- Jinnosuke on January 25, 2012
Wow, just a stupendous arrangement. Thank you for creating such an evocative piece, Jay and Jenny! The arrangement is open and powerful; I particularly like the opening guitar sound that you got, with that hint of reverb shimmering off the guitar. Also, the rhythmic dance section that starts at 1:24 just propels the piece into a great place, and I love how the flute takes those rhythmic, dance-y figurations at that point.
I've already listened to it twice... it just works super well. Congratulations, and thank you!
Farkle

- Farkle on January 25, 2012
Awesome track! Love the subtle nature of the instruments and arrangement. They really blend well with the source.

- avaris on January 25, 2012
It's a rare opportunity that I find an OC Remix song that genuinely pulls on the heart strings; This is absolutely one of them. You've done something really special here, and I hope many share the same feeling as well. It reminds me so much of the Chrono Cross Soundtrack - Gentle acoustic guitar, appropriate low bass, the flute solo, it has a presence that isn't touched enough in my opinion. Kudos to both audio fidelity and Jennifer, fantastic work.

- DominusVita on January 25, 2012
Mind-blowingly amazing. The flute - the best piece of this mix for me, hands-down - is just gorgeously emotive, supported by an great arrangement. This was definitely the song from the trailer I was most anxious to hear (and managed to miss at the turntable listening party, lol), and having just listened to the entire song three times, it definitely did not disappoint.

- Melbu Frahma on January 24, 2012
I remember Jay showing this song to me last spring. I love it and I'm a proud owner.

- JaDE ARaN HaRuNo on January 24, 2012
Totally incredible. This is probably THE arrangement for this song. Good job guys...

- bLiNd on January 24, 2012
What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

- djpretzel on January 24, 2012