ReMix:Ufouria: The Saga "Above the Clouds" 3:23

Newcomer Drakken (Josh Freund ) sends us our first ReMix of the NES game Ufouria, known as Hebereke in Japan and part of a series of the same name. This is an interesting case of game title localization, because when it was released for the PAL market, whoever retitled it went for a nice little play on the word "euphoria" while ALSO working in the words "U.F.O." (the game involves aliens) and the number "four," for the quartet of main characters. So how many 8-12 year-olds actually got all that, at the time? Two? After all, "euphoria" isn't a word you can work into conversation too easily... if you walk into work and someone asks you how you're doing and you respond that you're experiencing euphoria, you're probably gonna get signed up for an involuntary drug test. But still, high-five for the double pun... and high-five (segue!) to the ReMixer for picking an obscure source and arranging a lush, piano/orchestral ballad that takes us on a deliberate, peaceful soar through the night skies. Josh writes:

"Long time listener, first time submitter. This song is a loose, mainly-piano interpretation of parts of the main level theme + the credits theme of Hebereke / Ufouria, a cute NES platformer made by Sunsoft. It starts off with the source material then kind of flows from there, with phrases from Hebereke's music mixed in and expanded upon throughout. There's a short phrase from the title screen at the very end as well. It's supposed to evoke kind of a floaty feeling of being above the clouds (hence the title), and simple as it may be, I think it accomplishes that nicely."

Yeah, so do I. Josh actually resubbed this based on judge feedback, and this second iteration humanizes the vital piano part - definitely an improvement. Larry took time away from treating professional wrestling like a serious sport to offer his take on the new version:

"I still thought this did a great job adding some more personalized writing ideas to the arrangement, giving it a bit more character and substance, while not disturbing the overall mood of the previous version. And with some of the left-hand writing spiced up and the timing not sounding as robotic, I really thought this clicked that much better. Very glad you were willing to take another shot at this one Josh, you really did a good job of better realizing the potential here. Nice."

Nutritious adds:

"Very nice resub here man. I've heard quite a few versions of this track now - first on the workshop forums, last sub, and now - and it's been steadily improving throughout. Liked the little extra touches you added, like the occasional rimshot thrown in. Sounds like balance is improved here and left-hand writing is better."

So this is a first-time mix that covers new & interesting source material AND was revised & improved several times, incorporating feedback from staff & community. That alone makes it awesome in my book, but it's also a really Zen, calming piece of music. Jarel was talking about throwing his 3DS through a window due to Mario Kart 7 on #ocremix earlier today, and I think he needs to listen to this mix ;) If you're looking for a nice, peaceful way to unwind, realize your karma, actuate your chi, or otherwise chill, this is your ticket.