Jillian Aversa

Good advice from SlyGen, only for most women that resonance is in the forehead - not the chest. DA, were you ever taught the distinction between chest voice and head voice? The sprechstimme stuff I mentioned before should resonate up and over your nasal passages, in the forehead. :> And yes, FLUIDS, REST, GOOD THINGS!

Owieee! Sorry I missed your IM earlier. A megaphone could help to a certain extent, but usually people using those things are still yelling... The reason it's hurting your voice isn't solely because of the volume you're producing, however. If you absolutely can't bear to part with the assistant band directorship, at least try to give your orders on a higher pitch; whatever is the most comfortable part of your singing range. You don't have to actually sing them, but speaking as *though* you're singing is a much healthier means of delivery. Are you familiar with sprechstimme? Think the opera Wozzeck. Outside of practice, try to rest your voice as much as possible. If you have to speak, again: try to do it at a higher pitch. And drink LOTS of fluids! The pH of apple juice is the same as that of the tissue of your vocal chords, so that's good. Avoid caffeine at all costs; it'll dry you out. Also try not to whisper. Passing air through your vocal chords without actually vibrating them is ickybad.

I'll do my darndest. (^-^)

Yesssss... Think Ocarina of Time's "Forest Temple" theme, which was coincidentally the first song I ever remixed. It's definitely an inspiration for Breathe and Dive in terms of atmosphere.

There's nothing "missing" per se, but you're probably reacting to the dissonant movement of the background "ooh" vocals. It's supposed to sound eerie.

No, the previews are completely misleading. The songs don't sound anything like that. .....

Yes: this coming spring, 2008. ^-^ Breathe and Dive probably sounds a little weird out of context. There is actually a whole introduction leading into that track, which sets the stage for the "forgotten temple" atmosphere.

Two new previews: Breathe and Dive The Winds of Change And the oldies: Red July Hajime Shadows

ROFL - guys, check this out. Black Wing Metamorphosis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQXKoqpy1aw WTF?

ROFL - guys, check this out. Black Wing Metamorphosis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQXKoqpy1aw WTF?

Meiguoren: I think everyone has a very personal idea of what "good music" is to them. In my opinion, pretty much every track on this project outshines most of the FF7 remixes already posted to OCR. But maybe that's because I like music that is very interpretative, different, and professionally produced. If I were in it for the nostalgia factor alone, I might prefer something that sticks closer to the originals. On the contrary, I am far more impressed with the new heights these artists have reached through their unique arrangements. To each his own. :>

Happy birthday!!!

The choir was sequenced, so I doubt they "had fun" per se. But I'm sure bLiNd did writing it! XD

Wow, LOVE the art. Nice to have some options to choose from.

Yay, and now for my next batch of reviews! Already covered Disc 1 here if you missed it. On to... DISC 2: Dirge 1. Short Skirts (Tifa's Theme) - djpretzel, Vigilante: I love everything about this track - except the cello sample. The part-writing itself is excellent, but compared to all the other "live" sounding instruments, I guess it just pulls me out a little. Still, a very small price to pay for such a great collab. The chord progression starting around 1:45 is transporting. Makes my throat burn a little, actually; there's a strong nostalgic feeling that just tugs on my heartstrings. Love the instrument choices, and such sophisticated soloing from both parties. I really can't imagine myself tiring of this one, although I may have to avoid listening to it when I'm feeling particularly down in the dumps. 2. Valse Aeris (Flowers Blooming in the Church ~ Aerith's Theme) - Jeremy Robson: Okay, so I was initially taken aback at how "different" this piece was, even compared to the other orchestral work on the project. While I don't really particularly strong connections to Ravel's work (as Jeremy had stated he was sort of going for), I am pretty flabbergasted at the 7-plus minute arrangement of such a minimal source tune. It really flows beautifully... although perhaps with the exception of that goofy little horn solo at 3:36. Very imaginative, and very well done. 3. Embraced Empathy (Dear to the Heart) - Hemophiliac: A surprising deviation from Hemo's usual style! I thought this piece was a nice break from a lot of the heavier, brooding tracks on the project. The subtle tempo changes were an interesting touch, with quirky little solos and a very natural progression. It's like a musical embodiment of the "noogie" you'd give your little cousin. (Not that I have one...) Very fresh! 4. Serenity (Main Theme) - Mustin: What a comeback from Mustin! It's pretty hard to pick favorites on this project because of the sheer variety of options, but in terms of music that I would actually listen to on a day-to-day basis for enjoyment, this is one that tops the charts in my book. It's so damn classy from start to finish. I love the key change at 1:55 - like a breath of fresh air, surrounded by the light simplicity of a very relaxed female vocal. And then it gets darker, with subtle stutters and a really clean breakdown... followed by a terrific piano solo. When the voice comes back in with new layers, it makes you feel like you're floating in a dream. I think this track is particularly successful because it doesn't try to be too much; Mustin has mastered the art of restraint, and it pays off! Love it. 5. A Life Without Parole (Desert Wasteland) - Dhsu: This is a soon to be Dhsu classic, I'm sure. Fewer actual notes than some of his other arrangements, but so poignant and beautifully performed. I think it's an excellent tribute to the source material; in a sort of film score-esque dirge (yay, Dirge), he captures the title in a scene of terrible destruction. Reminds me a bit of Grave of the Fireflies, actually... ;_; 6. Scenes From a Memory (On That Day, Five Years Ago...) - Sixto Sounds, Suzumebachi, zircon: First of all, I love the way this piece transitions out from Dhsu's. Excellent ordering there! A dark rock arrangement of the theme, with a sort of forward motion that carries the piece forward with relentless fervor. Very tasteful harmonies, terrific guitar soloing, and the kind of depth that you would expect from such an artist lineup. I love the the section starting around 3:06, with the crazy synth arpeggios filling out the soundfield. Great job to all! 7. Golden Fields (Farm Boy) - Geoffrey Taucer, Tepid: What a lovable song! This is one of my favorite lighter pieces on VotL. Everything from the rooster crowing on pitch, to the soft guitar picking, to the quirky little bells and percussive leads... I'd have to say it's probably the most sophisticated and enjoyable arrangement to come from either Tauce or Tepid. And the jazzy section is such an unexpected (but pleasant) surprise! I'm totally going to set my mp3 alarm to this track - the perfect way to wake up in the morning, over a bowl of cereal. Excellent! 8. Crystal Sermon (The Prelude) - Trenthian: Ahhh... Who couldn't love a prelude mix of this caliber? Like Mustin's "Serenity," it has an incredibly uplifting feel... Like floating through clouds with incredibly speed, wind whipping around your face. At 1:56, the horn solo that works its way into the beautiful string orchestration is so lovely and pure. And then we get to the heavier beats! I am in love with the sound choices here. The grittier chiptune section at 3:53 is such a creative idea, and serves as a lovely reminder what this project is all about: honoring the game. 9. Chasing the Storm (In Search of the Man in Black) - Rellik: Oh mannnn, and now we're transitioning back into the darker stuff. Ever since I heard Rellik's Earthbound mix, I have been a big fan. He transitions from a haunting intro to the funky technos with the grace of a ballerina and the stealth of James Bond. It's mysterious in the most stylish of ways! Short and oh-so-sweet. What a treat to hear! 10. Sephiroth's Wake (Trail of Blood) - Tweek: Tweek is another one of the best new talents to surface in this community, in my opinion. Everything I have seen of his work to this date has been exemplary. This piece is downright eerie, mixing chilling electronic elements with an a slew of terrific sound effects to create an almost inhuman atmosphere. I particularly love the occasional measure of ethnic percussion that he tosses into the stew. Trouble's afoot! 11. JENOVA Celestial (J-E-N-O-V-A) - bLiNd: Oh bLiNd, where would we be without you? Well, to be fair... probably still in a very good place. But just having his contributions on any project raises the bar all that much higher! I don't understand exactly how he does it, but his production always manages to sound utterly fantastic - ready and worthy of club play-age. This arrangement is not the most liberal of the bunch, but strikes an excellent balance between source material and interpretation. I am, simply put, amazed at its "celestial" perfection. And I don't even normally listen to this kind of trance. 12. Mark of the Beatsmith (Mark of a Traitor) - Hy Bound: Yay, another terrific new talent! Perhaps the most elusive person on the project, Hy Bound has come forward to demonstrate his wonderful skill at combining intense rhythms and melodic, legato lines with elaborate detail. This piece takes on an almost Japanese feel to it, with orchestra hits coupled with smooth choir samples, pianos and bells reminiscent of the late (ha, okay not really) and great artists GrayLightning and Wingless... and some drum work worthy of a stadium setting. WOW. Disc 2 goes out with a flourish in Mark of the Beatsmith!

Wheeee, can't wait to meet Salty and Vilecat and all the other first-timers!

Okay, so this might be a little ambitious, but... While I find it's easy to just review a few of my personal favorites, I think every track on this project deserves some individual attention. So here goes! I'll post in parts, one for each disc over the course of the next couple days. DISC 1: Crisis 1. Deliverance of the Heart (Heart of Anxiety) - pixietricks, zircon: Outside of some of his original game score work, this is the first piece I ever heard Andy attempt in such a different style from his normal, more in-your-face (i.e. badass) electronic music. It just goes to show that you should never underestimate someone's talent based solely on what you've heard of their "signature sound." There are so many layers of soft, percussive elements that just take my breath away. The bells, strings, warm pads work together in beautiful harmony. Andy truly captured the genre to a T. I was so happy with this piece that I begged him to do another in the same vein for his most recent album, ANTIGRAVITY... resulting in the title track! And now yet another will be appearing on my own album in the spring. So... yeah. I may sound a little biased as zircon's girlfriend, but I'm definitely proud of him. 2. Every Story Begins With a Name (Opening - Bombing Mission) - Big Giant Circles: The way this piece unfolds is so brilliant. It really reminds me of Pink Floyd, particularly their album A Momentary Lapse of Reason, with the atmospheric intro chalk full of subtle electronic sound effects later breaking into an epic film-score-esque drumset pattern straight out of the 80's. At 2:10, the song takes a new turn, taking you on journey through what sounds like an elaborate little computer chip, trying to get past the alarms and booby traps. The choir is so effectively used in this context, and I love the little ethnic section starting around 4:30. Excellent work - gives the beginning of the CD a nice kick in the @$$! 3. No Such Thing As the Promised Land (Mako Reactor) - sephfire, sgx: I'm definitely a sucker for this kind of expansive, atmospheric track; I always have to hold my breath a little through all the softer sections. That gritty bass synth is the perfect choice to compliment the industrial sort of percussion that emerges from the rubble. And those ever-so-faint breath stutters give me the CHILLS. Coming from two of my favorite artists in the community, this piece really paints a picture. I only wish I could have heard more from you both on the project! 4. Materia Junkie (Underneath the Rotting Pizza ~ The Oppressed) - LuIzA: Sorry to Another Soundscape for the title steal-age, but the name fit LuIzA's mix so well! XD (I remember Andy was searching for one for a while... my original suggestion was "Lipstick and Cheap Seats") Metal has never been my favorite genre of music, but because of many artists on this album, my realm of appreciation has widened greatly. This is an awesome interpretation of the source, from the gritty guitars to the sexy bassline to the altogether new ska section. I also love how LuIzA managed to subtly quote the main theme in a different mode, with those processed bells/vibes at 0:51 and 1:05. Her solos may not be as jaw-droppingly fast and furious as Sixto or Snappleman, but she always exhibits such seasoned taste that one could never doubt her abilities. Very well done. 5. Full Frontal Assault (Let the Battles Begin!) - norg, Snappleman: I don't think I have enough experience with the genre to adequately access how amazing this track is. You two need to collaborate more often; I couldn't imagine a more badass take on the Battle Theme. My favorite part is at 2:16 when you get to the awesome "BAM BAM BAM.... BAM BAM BAM" unison in the new key. Sheer energy from start to finish. Yep, definitely worth wait. Like, wow... Just wow... Just... wow... 6. Too Much Fighting (Fanfare) - Another Soundscape: Yay, synth reggae! I have to say, Another Soundscape is one of the most promising new remixers I have seen come out of this community. He demonstrates such boundless creativity; I remember being really pleasantly surprised with both his FF7 content entries (the other of which, Golden Feathers, we'll get to later). The soundscape (har) of this piece is so unusual, it's refreshing. Prelude quotes, sexy Japanese voice sampling, and some really cool instrumental solos. I likes it! 7. Damn Those Turks! (Turks' Theme) - Daniel Baranowsky: This track is like an Old Western set in space. The Native American tribal vocals at 1:31 are simply awesome - especially in contrast with the gritty, futuristic elements of the rest of the piece. It's almost like they were filtered through some sort of cathedral reverb, giving them a distinctly ethereal quality. Definitely nice to hear something new from Dan B; I was not let down! 8. Adrenalyne Kyck (Hurry!) - Big Giant Circles, Liontamer, zircon: This piece started out a little slow for me, but I know that it's partially due to the repetitive nature of the source. The guitar and synth work beginning at 1:36 was a welcome change, and from that point I started to get into the kind of mesmerizing groove. Larry's cameo was, surprisingly enough (hehe), probably my favorite part of the whole thing. I wish there had been more vocoding later in the song! This is one of those tracks that serves more as filler than plot-changing action, so I think it achieved what it set out to do quite well. Nice contributions from all. 9. Nomura Limit (Fight On!) - zircon: I've never been the biggest fan of SSH's style, but Andy certainly captured it with this track, and actually helped open my eyes/mind to the genre. The kick-arse guitar and snyth solos obviously take the cake here, but I can't help but love the breakdown section beginning at 1:45, with the pretty bell-like arpeggios and choir pads... of course. ^_~ And the harpsichord part he sequenced is just RIDICULOUS; when I saw his entire screen filled with octave leaps and crazy little intervals, I began to appreciate the effort that goes into programming these pieces. Every time I listen to Nomura Limit, it grows on me more and more. I just kind of want to... \M/ .... Ack, save me from metalheadom! 10. Son of Chaos (Shinra Company) - Xaleph: I have to say, this is probably THE spookiest track on the entire project. From the raw kicks that sound like they're right in your ear, to the echoing crashes, to the awesome choir that ties it all together... I can't imagine what kind of horrors go on in this haunted factory, but I'm not sure I want to. Fantastic work from Mr. Carbunk1e. 11. Lunatic Moon (Red XII's Theme ~ Cosmo Canyon) - Sixto Sounds, zircon: This is just one of the many phenomenal collaborative efforts on Voices of the Lifestream . Sixto and zircon's talents lend to one another so flawlessly that it's a... little unnerving. (Don't steal him away from meeee!) MAN, can Sixto shred! And the ethnic sections at 0:57 and 1:55 are like the ying to Juan's yang, transporting me back to Andy's SSF2 Turbo remix "Flying Heaven" in the most delightful way. A true pleasure to listen to! 12. motor crazycycle (Crazy Motorcycle) - tefnek: So happy we got to have tefnek's wonderful talent on this project. This track is unlike any of the other electronic ones on VotL, with little melodic content but a LOT of spunk. I'd honestly be wary about driving with this music in the player, for fear of speeding... Or just succumbing to general... road rage. It's so damn cheeky, I love it. This one should win the "best ending" award, with that little smooch sound effect that basically screams , "Kiss my ____!" Well done. Phew! So yeah, more to come, but I'm absolutely loving it so far.

Oh, sure! They aren't very long: Into light Into sound Into time Let love surround Let love surround

Just a few hours to goooo....!

>_> ....

Okay, my brother is coming after all, so Andy and I will be in a room with him. (He wants a bed to himself, hehe...)

No! I like iiiit!

Now it says "Singers" and "Musicians sans singers." That doesn't even make sense, darnit! Try "instrumentalists"? XD

This was saddening news, but seventy-one is a good age... And what a lifetime he had! I honor Pavarotti for his ability to tap into the mainstream music world. He gave so many people a glimpse into the operatic repertory that may never have experienced it otherwise. A very noble man.

We's having a party tonight. Pics shall be posted!