Posted 2012-11-07, evaluated by the judges panel


I'm a HUGE fan of Mansoor Nazar, aka Dj Mystix, and really love what he's been doing in terms of multi-game verse/chorus "compositional mashups" and, more recently, original vocals. That's why this Bayonetta/Afterburner ReMix was a little frustrating for me, because a specific decision he made caught Larry's attention and prolonged its evaluation. Long story short, there's a sexy sax solo in this ReMix that isn't arranged from either game AND isn't his own original writing, but stems from a non-VGM source. This gives us MUCH heartache, so to any ReMixers and would-be ReMixers out there reading this, PLEASE confine your arrangements to VGM sources and ensure that any original components you add are yours & yours alone. In the majority of cases, using substantial non-VGM material in a ReMix is cause for REJECTION, and this will never change - you're rolling the dice, riding w/ Hitler, etc. when you do it, at least as pertains to suitability for OCR. This smooth jazz/chill downbeat groove only SQUEAKED by, even though MOST of it is completely fine; Mansoor writes:

"My inspiration to write this mix came from Bayonetta. When I heard this song in the bike level, it reignited my love for the After Burner source. But I still wanted to make something for Bayonetta which is why I decided to write a sexy and romantic song (Keeping her in mind). As you can guess from the title, it IS written for her ;)

I don't know how to play a real sax but I tried my best to make the sax sound as human as possible because there is no way the mix can be liked by anyone if the sax sounded mechanical. The idea was to convert the high pump action track to a slow, atmospheric song. I've tried harder than usual to make the most out of lead samples. I've also added breath effects to flute at the end so it would sound real. Also, the sax at 2:30 is not my original writing. It is inspired from the song below (2:21). I heard this song in a friend's car and thought this piece would totally fit into my mix. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zza1A1dQX4

One last thing, the flute at 2:58 is actually part of source. Most people don't know this since it comes after the main song repeats for several times (I'm sure you guys know this but thought I'd mention it). However at 4:06, I wrote something myself to give the song a proper ending. I hope you like it!"

I do, we did, and it's altogether a supple, relaxing, emotional arrangement that I think a lot of fans of BOTH games (Sega FTW) will enjoy, we just wish he hadn't used that sax solo. It DOES fit beautifully - Mystix has a phenomenal ear for that sort of thing - but I think he could easily have written an original solo that dodged & weaved around the source tunes in a more meaningful fashion, and fit just as well. Deia writes:

"Anyways, I like what you've done with this mix arrangement-wise. Slowing down the theme really adds a lot of character, and you've done some nice work adding even more in your instrumentation and careful treatment of the sax and flute."

It's odd to be posting a mix where I have a significant reservation that relates so directly to our standards; the obvious question would be, why didn't we just reject it on these grounds? Like I said, this is a subjective, roll-of-the-dice sort of issue where that could easily have happened, but at the same time we want artists to have freedom to follow their inspiration where it leads them. However, OCR is 110% a site for VGM arrangements, and we absolutely aim to protect the purity of that concept as much as possible. So we're posting this mix, and I personally dig it quite a bit, but we're simultaneously asking Mansoor and all other artists to please AVOID incorporating non-VGM sources. Hopefully this ReMix will serve as a further clarification of our policy while also making a lot of Bayonetta & Afterburner fans very happy :)

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 10 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
avatar
Liontamer
on 2014-09-05 12:12:48
The Content and intent of the game's music matters imo in a situation like what was outlined. When a game goes THAT route i feel remixer needs to have the freedom to do what the people who made the music originally did.

If it's arranging music written for games, then yes. If not, then no. :lol: We're a video game music site, not a "Fly Me to the Moon" arrangement site. We've had the Tetris/Frogger folk music exceptions, yes, but allowing mainstream music arrangements at this stage isn't what we're about, no matter how awesome the execution is. :-)

avatar
Hyperion5182
on 2013-10-29 16:30:00
Yeah, he didn't read it. The standards-related issue was the incorporation of a non-VGM song, and that was the only issue on that level.

Long time to respond but i forgot all about this topic. Finally saw it on the top of the remix review pile so i'll get to it.

Actually the problem i have with that is the fact that the primary song nay the SIGNATURE song of the soundtrack isnt a 'VGM' song. (Fly Me To The Moon)

That and close if not a bit over 50% of the game's soundtrack included flat out remixed/updated songs from other Sega Games. Hell as you're about to begin the final area of the game Bayonetta 4th wall breaks with Fantasy Zone. And you can hear it throughout the soundtrack.

The Content and intent of the game's music matters imo in a situation like what was outlined. When a game goes THAT route i feel remixer needs to have the freedom to do what the people who made the music originally did.

avatar
Crulex
on 2013-10-29 10:23:44

Policy issue aside (those weighing in on this had their work cut out for'em), the ReMix itself is pretty damn good in my opinion. Love the flute and sax work here and the whole song makes for an awesome addition to the downbeat/smooth jazz genres. Not bad at all.

avatar
Liontamer
on 2012-11-08 17:33:38
A rejection would have had everything to do with the use of un-original, non-source material and nothing to do with musical quality, so I'm not sure what your up in arms about. Did you read djp's words?

Yeah, he didn't read it. The standards-related issue was the incorporation of a non-VGM song, and that was the only issue on that level.

avatar
metaphist
on 2012-11-08 17:23:11
I have to wholeheartedly disagree with the sentiment that it might have needed to be rejected.

As someone who's played the game all the way through the music is a shining star. It is a top notch set of remixed music in its own right from the opening 'Fly me to the Moon' to the closing 'Lets Dance Boys' The saxaphone usage in this game's music is SIGNATURE and some of the best work i've ever heard for the instrument. To not use such a critical component of what drove the songs in this game would have been CRIMINAL. This is a great job of remixing the song. I'm hopeful though someone's gonna take a crack at one of the more iconic tracks.

A rejection would have had everything to do with the use of un-original, non-source material and nothing to do with musical quality, so I'm not sure what your up in arms about. Did you read djp's words?

avatar
AngelCityOutlaw
on 2012-11-07 22:25:22

It pissed me off royally to see this mix sitting in the "to be posted thing" for so long.

At least now I know why it was there for so long.

But anyway, this remix still owns.

avatar
Hyperion5182
on 2012-11-07 21:06:47
It's odd to be posting a mix where I have a significant reservation that relates so directly to our standards; the obvious question would be, why didn't we just reject it on these grounds? Like I said, this is a subjective, roll-of-the-dice sort of issue where that could easily have happened, but at the same time we want artists to have freedom to follow their inspiration where it leads them. However, OCR is 110% a site for VGM arrangements, and we absolutely aim to protect the purity of that concept as much as possible. So we're posting this mix, and I personally dig it quite a bit, but we're simultaneously asking Mansoor and all other artists to please AVOID incorporating non-VGM sources. Hopefully this ReMix will serve as a further clarification of our policy while also making a lot of Bayonetta Afterburner fans very happy :)

I have to wholeheartedly disagree with the sentiment that it might have needed to be rejected.

As someone who's played the game all the way through the music is a shining star. It is a top notch set of remixed music in its own right from the opening 'Fly me to the Moon' to the closing 'Lets Dance Boys' The saxaphone usage in this game's music is SIGNATURE and some of the best work i've ever heard for the instrument. To not use such a critical component of what drove the songs in this game would have been CRIMINAL. This is a great job of remixing the song. I'm hopeful though someone's gonna take a crack at one of the more iconic tracks.

avatar
psychowolf
on 2012-11-07 17:37:43

I really hope this is the beginning of a flood of afterburner remixes ..

As a fan of the soundtrack nothing you did could of disappointed me. (seriously, to me its a pure joy just to listen to.)

I think the saxophone part might annoy other remixers that it was allowed to be posted.

But to a nonmusician like myself i don't mind it and feel it helps contribute to the atmosphere of the track.

I think DJ mystix might want to write a new sax solo just incase.(there are many remixers that are talented on the saxophone, xenon and protodome come to mind)

I'm sure he has the talent and this track is proof of that talent.

More afterburner please.

avatar
KyleJCrb
on 2012-11-07 17:06:39

Been listening to this for... how long has it been? Over a year now, I think? Anyway, it's awesome. The best part though? After Burner is FINALLY ON THE SITE. Took way too long to get some AB representation on OCR.

avatar
djpretzel
on 2012-11-07 16:47:28

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

Sources Arranged (2 Songs, 2 Games)


Primary Game:
Bayonetta (Sega , 2009, PS3)
Music by Erina Niwa,Hiroshi Kawaguchi,Hiroshi Yamaguchi,Masami Ueda,Naoto Tanaka,Norihiko Hibino,Rei Kondoh,Takahiro Izutani,Takayasu Sodeoka,Yoshitaka Suzuki
Songs:
"After Burner (∞ Climax Mix)"
Additional Game:
After Burner III (Sega , 1992, SCD)
Music by
Songs:
"After Burner"

Tags (6)


Genre:
Downtempo,Hip Hop,Jazz
Mood:
Chill,Mellow
Instrumentation:
Saxophone
Additional:

File Information


Name:
Bayonetta_Lady_in_Black_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
7,702,185 bytes
MD5:
13e595c756b04eb85a1249a76a181090
Bitrate:
220Kbps
Duration:
4:36

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