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Everything posted by OceansAndrew
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I agree that the arrangement is generally creative, and that a source like this needs it. I think the arrangement could go even further, but what is here is passable; though that ending I was not feeling in the least. The piano sound itself is a little too wet i'd say, but it's not killing things for me. Where the issue stems from, is that the sequencing here is very mechanical. This is dragging it down a lot, and is in my opinion, the only thing that needs fixing to get this over the bar, but it does need to happen. no, resub
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OCR01996 - *YES* Dark Cloud 2 'Before Everything Happened'
OceansAndrew replied to Palpable's topic in Judges Decisions
This keeps the melodic and harmonic elements intact, but adds in a pretty classy and sophisticated progressive house sound. Production is solid and restrained, and the arrangement has a lot of cool touches that go beyond just a genre conversion. I really liked the piano sections, even the solo near the end that was just piano + beats. The few qualms I have with the mix are that the beat does get a bit repetitive, and the ending is really abrupt. Good thing these are overpowered by all the really cool ideas, and that bass synth is so great. This mix takes a decent source tune and really makes it something special. yes -
OCR00775 - Final Fantasy VII "Chocarena"
OceansAndrew replied to Saunders's topic in ReMix Reviews & Comments
Lots of claps! Everyone clap! A pretty cute remix that holds up decently, with some good interpretation. Production gets a little messy, but I can't fault this track for having a good time. -
OCR01257 - Kirby's Dream Land "Chopinesque Kirby"
OceansAndrew replied to djpretzel's topic in ReMix Reviews & Comments
Very nice playing, classy and confident, but very stylized and cool. The hiss is a little distracting, but other than that, this is a super solid debut piece. Awesome work, Karl! -
OCR01066 - Castlevania "Belmont Lounge"
OceansAndrew replied to djpretzel's topic in ReMix Reviews & Comments
So a pretty good medley, but besides the strength of the original themes, there isn't much about the arrangement that really captivates me. It was pleasant enough while I was listening, but nothing compels me to hit 'repeat'. I agree with Dhsu, Danny B has come a long way. -
OCR00792 - Donkey Kong Country "Stray Donkey Strut"
OceansAndrew replied to orkybash's topic in ReMix Reviews & Comments
Pretty funky stuff, and a very recognizable take on the source. Not sure interpretative to my ears beyond some minor counterpoint bits and some sound upgrades, but enjoyable enough. DJP's done better, but this track holds up decently at least. -
OCR00694 - Rez "Fear (Arrakis: GIGA)"
OceansAndrew replied to orkybash's topic in ReMix Reviews & Comments
I'm really sorry to give this a bad review, but i simply did not like this one at all. A bland background track filled with movie quotes? No thank you. Sorry. -
OCR00723 - Final Fantasy VII "Galvanized Boss"
OceansAndrew replied to Saunders's topic in ReMix Reviews & Comments
some cool rhythmic change-ups keep this one from getting too predictable, though some of the phrasing seems a little bit too spastic. Some phrases just abruptly end, and some of the transitions seem a bit weak. There are some good transitions mixed in, so i'm not sure really of the intent. Decent stuff, and pretty capably produced, but this one didn't grab be that much. -
OCR00240 - Sonic the Hedgehog 3 "IceCapped"
OceansAndrew replied to m68030's topic in ReMix Reviews & Comments
Of course someone as prolific as McVaffe would have tackled IceCap at some point. There are a lot of subtle layers going on, and the delayed harp is awesome- excellent treatment to create a great hook. The filtered percussion break was pretty inspired, and the trck builds to a great call and response between the flute and piano. It lacks the super punch of modern OCR tracks, but it definitely holds up well. Classic stuff. -
*NO* Secret of Monkey Island 'Carribean Dreams'
OceansAndrew replied to Palpable's topic in Judges Decisions
This track has a few issues with both the production and arrangement- production issues are that once everything is firing on all cylinders, the compression smashed it flat. There were more dynamic contrasts when it was just the simple chip opening, and ideally, the track should really explode when everything comes in, In this case, the opposite happened, and it feels like things shrunk. Basically, the problem that is preventing me from being able to get in-depth with production critiques is the massive overcompression going on. Everything is being pushed so hard, your limiter is working overtime to prevent clipping. Ease everything back a bit, and then we can work from there. The arrangement starts out pretty good in that it has a few decent ideas, but the repetition that occurs is pretty severe. There is a few different sections, but sonically, they are all very similar, albeit there are a few measure long breaks into just chiptune. This is one cool idea that can be expanded further. SOrry, but this one needs some additional work. no -
OCR02267 - *YES* Pokémon Gold Version 'Slowpoke Shuffle'
OceansAndrew replied to Liontamer's topic in Judges Decisions
This source is exactly the type of track that needs to be remixed- something with a really solid base song, but a somewhat questionable arrangement. Part of the original's weaknesses was the mixing, where the countermelodies were as loud as the melodies, and the near-constant white noise of the chip percussion. Thankfully, Willrock has given this a beautiful synth ballad treatment, with some really delicate sounding glides. Excellent added counterpoint and overall development, and this is really sunny and pleasant. The breakdown at 2:20 was gorgeous; I love that sort of thing. I'm super digging the feel on this one, though it seems a little on the quiet side, and the drums could have been mixed up a bit more. Just because it's a ballad doesn't mean the drums need to be on autopilot! Good stuff, and one of my favorite Willrock mixes so far. yes -
OCR02014 - *YES* Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 'Utopia'
OceansAndrew replied to Liontamer's topic in Judges Decisions
Really classy stuff, as Larry pointed out, it started really conservatively, but it branched out the perfect amount for the second half. Some really cool ideas, good transitions, and a very serene feel. The playing was really nice, and though the tone was slightly thin, it was very clean, and it balanced well. If you do have a mic to record with in addition to the piezo, try recording both at once, as it'll give a great sound. If not, I'm still fine with this passing, and future subs should be ok. Jesse has some decent thoughts about EQ, so look into those for a future sub, but this one is great. yes -
OCR01971 - Langrisser II "The Prophecy of Alhazard"
OceansAndrew replied to djpretzel's topic in ReMix Reviews & Comments
Unless mes amies here have radically changed their gear setups, what you are hearing is all amp sims. Also, there is a huge difference between mastering as loud as the pros do (easy 1 button press), and achieving the clarity that pro recordings have while still getting an almost painfully high RMS. This track is definitely pushing it in some sections, but there are some spots where it eases up a bit into breakdowns that gives a rest, and also when it comes to pushing tracks really hard, Dr. M and Sim tend to sound the cleanest. Great playing and pacing, this is a sweet track. Just keep developing your ear, Oinkness. Just keep rocking, Simon and Hugo. -
Mega Man: The Grand Robot Master Remix Battle 2010
OceansAndrew replied to DarkeSword's topic in Competitions
go gecko go! -
OCR00355 - Castlevania II "Bloody Hell"
OceansAndrew replied to Saunders's topic in ReMix Reviews & Comments
Pretty good stuff, considering the age, it's exceptional. There's a reason that several of the old school guys have such a monster reputation, and tracks like this reinforce the notion. Great stuff. -
Next DS Confirmed (duh), Will Have Motion Controls
OceansAndrew replied to The Damned's topic in General Discussion
maybe *you* want everything in 3d, but what's with this *us* BS? I love 2d. -
OCR01969 - Marble Madness "raMble and Mess"
OceansAndrew replied to djpretzel's topic in ReMix Reviews & Comments
What is just intense are those 16ths. I'm still a little torn on this one, but I think that the people can decide! Power to the people! I'd enjoy it more if those 16ths were more subdued, and possibly if there were some more legato passages to mix it up. -
OCR01967 - Romancing SaGa 3 "Romancing the Bossa"
OceansAndrew replied to djpretzel's topic in ReMix Reviews & Comments
Sorry my vote on this one was so brief, but really it's seemingly such an obvious pass, that it didn't seem to be much to really touch on besides that it was awesome. I love all the little rhythmic piano touches throughout, and the textures and harmonies added are excellent. Very strong stuff, and a great way to start off the new year. -
OCR01966 - Mega Man ZX "Flames of Darkness"
OceansAndrew replied to djpretzel's topic in ReMix Reviews & Comments
A pretty solid debut, the sections flow together well, and though a lot of the mix is pretty standard fare, it is personalized, and it's effective. Combined with a lot of subtle layers and a solid source tune, this ends up being pretty enjoyable. I like it. -
OCR01963 - Final Fantasy IV "The Flying Machine"
OceansAndrew replied to djpretzel's topic in ReMix Reviews & Comments
Very exciting stuff! The few issues I had with production are minor, and overall this is sweeping, powerful, and has a pretty unique sonic imprint; you can tell this is John, rather than another arranger using similar samples. The build to 1:30 is superb, and then the modulation at 1:45 keeps things somewhat unpredictable. Nice work! -
One of the most emotional pieces on the album, this has some great transitions and separate sections that show a lot of different colors of a similar progression. The original source to me was decent but not outstanding, but this style of arrangement, especially the effect-laden acoustic outro really makes it feel. Good stuff, homies.
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OCR01962 - Virtua Fighter 2 "Juunen Hayaindayou"
OceansAndrew replied to djpretzel's topic in ReMix Reviews & Comments
Great training montage music- I listen to this track while running through the Siberian tundra training for the epic fight. I know that my opponent has a state-of-the-art training facility, and all I have is a remote cabin and miles of snow, but I will prevail but sheer will! Sheer Willrock! Good mix, dude!