ReMix: Crash Bandicoot 'All for Wumpa'

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Game: Crash Bandicoot (Sony, 1996, PS1)
ReMixer(s): Rexy
Composer(s): Josh Mancell, Mark Mothersbaugh
Song(s): 'N. Cortex', 'The Great Hall', 'Title ~ Map ~ N. Sanity Beach'
Posted: 2012-04-05, evaluated by the judges

Rexy is a huge Crash fan, and my comments on ABG's CT ReMix back in 2010 inspired her to do something about OCR's lack of arrangements - in addition to a rowdy, uptempo collab w/ Mr. Strader, she sent us this (far) more subdued, lovely solo piano piece. There couldn't be more of a contrast between the two mixes, which is really kinda cool since's they're the same arranger AND the same game. Bev writes:

"I picked "The Great Hall" from the original Crash title because of all source tunes provided by Mutato Muzika during the PS1 era, it to me managed to fit more of the nature of a piano arrangement to me. Its usage in the game was in 2 places - the final "lobby" level before the final battle with game antagonist Dr. Neo Cortex, and during the end credits.

The feel I went with it was to make the game's conclusion feel so much more graceful, and to some extent a little bittersweet. Once the final battle was over, Castle Cortex was left in flames and you have managed to rescue Tawna, the game's damsel-in-distress. As you both ride into the sunset in triumph, you can't help but think what happened to the cronies you fought along the way, fearing that one of these days you may have to go through that same struggle all over again. But pushing it to the back of your mind, life goes on and you still need to be thankful for your own success.

Since I'm probably the only known Crash nut on the entire site (!!), I'll provide a source breakdown:

0:00-0:10 - Main theme
0:21-0:32 - Dr. Cortex
0:43-1:59 - Great Hall
2:08-2:11 - Main theme
2:19 -2:23 - Great Hall
2:51-3:00 - Main theme
3:04-3:10 - Main theme
3:26-3:57 - Great Hall
4:08-4:12 - Great Hall

Total source time: 2:34 (roughly a 5:4 ratio between source and original content)"

Excellent; strong dynamics on the performance here, with sweet & very delicate passages as well as more emphatic portions, plus the timing has a gentle sway and a good feel for spacing. The initial submission featured a piano sound that really didn't do Rexy's performance OR arrangement justice, but she was thankfully able to submit an updated rendering that does, so there's a happy, major-key ending both in the mix itself AND regarding its creation. OA writes:

"Solo piano tracks seem to be under extra scrutiny, but along with the arrangement ideas, decent dynamic curve, and some pretty pleasant piano playing, I can get behind this one."

With specific regard to the updated rendering, Emunator adds:

"Holy shit. Pardon my french, but that sounds GORGEOUS. So glad we decided to track her down and get this fixed, I'm much more comfortable with the song now. YESSSS"

This was yet another example of the judges panel providing actionable feedback to the artist, resulting in a mix that in no way compromises the vision and in many ways enhances it, so high fives to everyone involved. It's evident that Rexy has a special place in her heart for Crash Bandicoot, she was clearly the ReMixer destined to finally get arrangements of its music on the site, and I'm happy that BOTH mixes are excellent & impressively contrasting examples of her skills as an arranger!

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 9 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.

A solo piano song! I'm not familiar with the Crash Bandicoot games personally, but the song is a fun trek through. The piano playing isn't super ornate, which could add some variance in places I feel, but the song provides a feel of direction throughout. I feel for using multiple sources, this song flows well/smoothly, especially when compared to many medleys out there. I found it enjoyable and well done.

- Bahamut on July 12, 2012

Jesus, Rexy, this mix makes me and my meager beginner's skills feel inferior to the Nth degree. Not that there's anything wrong with that though; it's a damn fine piano track as far as I can tell (although that isn't much coming from me). It sounds absolutely wonderful and has made my day a little brighter just by listening to it.

- Sansato on April 8, 2012

Kinslayer;853897 wrote: Oh hell fucking yes!!!! It's about time, I've been dying to hear some Crash Bandicoot remixes. Rexy! Do "Bandicoot" (Sewer or Later) from "Cortex Strikes Back!" next :P

Funny you said that, because I attempted that source 6 years ago. :lol:
Now that I'm here, I would like to state a huge thank you for all the responses I've seen for both this and "Hogging Molly" through the #ocremix IRC, forum comments and exterior responses out at Youtube and Facebook. I felt really greatful that I was able to get both tracks past the panel and thus paying a strong homage to one of my all time favorite videogame series, and to see your reactions to it made me feel [i]proud[/i] to be a Crash fan!
While I do have a load on the backburner right now for other franchises too, returning to Crash one of these days can be a possibility; for now, I hope your Easter will be merry and... orange. :wink:

- Rexy on April 7, 2012

Oh hell fucking yes!!!! It's about time, I've been dying to hear some Crash Bandicoot remixes. Rexy! Do "Bandicoot" (Sewer or Later) from "Cortex Strikes Back!" next :P

- Kinslayer on April 7, 2012

This site = needs more Crash Bandicoot.
Thank you, Rexy, for starting the revolution!

- StreetFlare on April 5, 2012

congrats!!

- melody on April 5, 2012

beautiful piano work by rexy, as always. so much nostalgia for these source tracks. :3

- Mirby on April 5, 2012

It's mysterious & charming, and transitions each section with surprising grace; I'll admit to being a sucker for the piano remixes as a bit of a bias, but this is nonetheless a fantastic piece.

- DominusVita on April 5, 2012

What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

- djpretzel on April 5, 2012