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This is the one point I will disagree with you on. Maybe in certain genres starting with something else works, but most music is composed melody first. Actually, starting with a chord is still technically melody first. Great example being that the very basis of part-writing, and how harmony came to be understood today, is by playing multiple melodies at the same time. That's all a chord really is: Different melody lines moving homorhythmically. Pretty much everyone from Bach to John Williams started with a great theme or motif, and harmonized it from there. Not to plug my own shit, but I literally just posted a track for critique over in the Original Music forum before reading this. I started with all the melodies, and built from there. To my ears, it turned out cohesive. So I'd agree that building a piece of music is like building a house, but I'd disagree that the melody shouldn't be the foundation. EDIT: Points 7, 8, 12, and 20 are very, very good points.

Not familiar with the original, but oh my cthulhu this sounds gorgeous.

Excellent stuff here!! I admit that I am one of the heathens that isn't familiar with the source (though I'm liking the description), but I don't think you need to know the source at all to be caught up in all the goodness of this remix. I really enjoy the transitions here (such as 1:25-1:35) and the solo sections are arresting (particularly 3:10+ is bananas!). But my favorite thing of this remix is the way the heavier guitar mixes with the quieter throughline. It gives a real feel of depth and touch and allows this piece to shine beyond just having some nice sections. Special props for the 5:05+ quieting finish - the perfect way to go out, in my opinion! A surprise gem here!