Palpable

The chilling intro was really promising, great mood setting. I don't think the song delivered on that promise when the drums kicked in at 1:00. It felt like the track was still missing something. On the 1 beat, I kind of expected a kick or something; it illustrated how empty the track was when the drums weren't playing. Overall, the track was pretty slight until the 3:03 section, when the song went into full flight. I wouldn't have minded that section being used once earlier in the track, or maybe just bringing in more percussion at 1:00 sooner to keep the rhythm. I get that you slowly build things up, but that section is lacking. The strings were an elegant addition that fit well, but they always sounded behind the beat. Gotta be careful with the articulations of "live" instruments. The oboe lead was also pretty stiff and not that realistic, which hurts when it carries the melody. I see a lot of promise in this track but it's not hitting the mark yet. Worth noting that there is direct sampling, but it sounds modified enough that I doubt I would have noticed if the artist hadn't said so. NO (resubmit)

Contact Info Remixer name: Solatrus Real name: Jeremy Iamurri Email: Website: http://www.solatrus.com Forum ID: 20610 Remix Info Arrangement name: Fontech Artes Game arranged: Tales of the Abyss Individual songs arranged: City of Sound Machines Game Platform: PS2 (original), 3DS (re-release) Game Composers: Motoi Sakuraba, Shinji Tamura, Motoo Fujiwara Original soundtrack location: http://www.play-asia.com/tales-of-the-abyss-original-soundtrack-paOS-13-49-en-70-17su.html Comments: I discovered Tales of the Abyss for the first time in March 2014, picking it up over two years after its 3DS port was released. Upon my first time reaching Belkend in the story, I found myself entranced by the ethereal, yet industrial, music. I knew right then that I had to create my own arrangement of this theme. I wanted to keep the vibe reminiscent of the source material, so I opted to leave the tempo near the original 81 BPM. While my voice selection for the melodies doesn't stray too far from the original work, the production (most notably the reed instrument's distorted ghost notes), the addition of grace notes to add character to one of the two melodies, and new scoring, makes me feel that I made this arrangement my own. The only sample lifted directly from the original piece, albeit bitcrushed, is two bars worth of the original percussion loop, because I consider the loop to be a very integral and memorable part of the source material. File location:

I had a hard time hearing direct connections in this mix. The bass pattern is modified enough that I wouldn't count it, though with the same chord structure it still sounds pretty Marble Garden-y. Melody is also changed quite a bit. It also sounded like there were many original sections, or at least parts I couldn't pinpoint. Didn't really hear any Azure Lake. Would love to get more opinions on this, because it was a really enjoyable song, probably DP-worthy.

ReMixer name: Amphibious Real name: Jordan Michael Reed Website: amphibious.bandcamp.com Userid: 44489 Name of game(s) arranged: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Name of arrangement: Marble Clouds in Azure Skies Name of individual song(s) arranged: Marble Garden Zone, Azure Lake Zone Link to mix: Here's a mix I did in the 2nd round of the Sonic Zone Remix Competition 2014. I was attempting a sort of jazz fusion sound mixed with lots of FM elements. At times the Azure Lake usage is a bit out there, and I definitely played with the rhythms of both themes throughout this tune in the melodies and bass. But I felt that what I did with the sources works well with this style. Overall, this was a super fun piece to put together, and I am definitely working on making more music in this style. Special thanks to those on the workshop forums who were able to help me spruce up a few things! I hope you all enjoy Marble Garden: Azure Lake:

Your ReMixer name: Slimy Email: Website: https://soundcloud.com/slimy-4 User ID: 51975 Submission Information: Game: Pokémon Red / Blue / Yellow Name of Arrangement: Adventure Through Lavender Town Name of Songs Arranged: Route 12 / Lavender Town Links to Originals: Route 12: Lavender Town: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ_0JY2-3FU Comments: This will be my fist time ever submitting to ocremix! I started writing this after thinking out loud, "I wonder if the Lavender town melody would sound good on French Horns." Months later, I'm submitting this with high hopes that I'll finally be rid of working on it. I tried to tell a bit of a story with this one. I tried to start the song with music the character might feel emerging from the Rock Tunnel, but it quickly changes on the short road to Lavender Town, and then Lavender Town itself. At 4:22 the "light-at-the-end of-the-tunnel" theme returns, and the song transitions to the more cheerful Route 12 theme. Perhaps the character is triumphantly leaving Lavender Town, or celebrating, or both. Maybe at 7:01 they turn to look at the city disappearing behind them, or forward to the road ahead, or both. It's really up to you. The more original sounding melodies in this (that drag the song on for over 8 minutes) are variations of the Lavender Town and Route 12 melodies, or vaguely inspired from them.

Wow, really creative mixing of these themes. Instead of the typical one theme followed by the other, both themes are in play for most of the song (and sounding good!). I wouldn't say the writing choices always worked - at 0:39 when the Metal Man melody starts to rise, it takes attention away from Guile, which is more the focus - but never sounded awful. At best, it worked really well, like at 0:55, when the Guile melody leads into a blend of the two bg parts. Overall, I liked the mixing, the beat and the vibe, but it's hard to call the sound choices anything but bland. Lots of basic synths being used here, albeit pretty well. The other big problem was that the second half didn't do anything to differentiate itself from the first half, apart from the ending. I think this is a good candidate for resubmission. Spend a little more time with automation and making more complex sounds, and definitely spice up that second half more. It's close to a pass. NO (resubmit)

The song should be attached to this email. Contact Info: ReMixer Name: Vic_Almighty Real Name: Victor Moran, III Email Address: Website: https://soundcloud.com/vic_almighty OCR User ID: 53616 Submission Info: Name of game(s) arranged: Street Fighter II: The World Warrior, Mega Man 2 Name of arrangement: Go Home and Be a Metal Man Name of individual song(s) arranged: "Guile (U.S.A.)" and "Metal Man Stage" Comments: I put this arrangement together for a class I took this past semester (Spring 2014). I got the inspiration to make this while one day listening to both Guile's Theme and Metal Man's Theme. I just pictured them going really well together. And after transposing Metal Man's Theme to the relative minor of Guile's Theme, they really do! I hope others enjoy hearing this as much as I enjoyed making it. DAW: FL Studio 11 Virtual Instruments: Nexus2 and FPC Sampler ------------------------------------------ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iof5pRAIZmw

Really nice orchestral adaptation of one of my favorite FF songs. Uematsu took some chances with the chords and it makes for a slightly unsettling piece, perfect for the start of a journey. Zach also took some chances with how he handled this, slowing it down a lot and adding some great new background writing. Production is not perfect, but I think serviceable for this piece. The rises and falls are handled well. The only criticism I have is the length! It feels like it's only just beginning when it starts to wind down. I would have loved another minute or more, with some new variations on the theme. It's close, but I think it needs more development. Would not be surprised to see this get some YESes, and what you have here is great. Best of luck! NO (resubmit)

ReMixer Name: ZackParrish Real Name: Zack Parrish Email Address: Website: ZackParrish.Com User ID: 13667 Name of Game arranged: Final Fantasy V Name of Arrangement: Our Tale Begins Name of individual song arranged: Ahead On Our Way Comments: Wrote this arrangement about 4 months ago but held off submitting it because I wanted to replace the Oboe sample I had been using. Finally replaced it and revised the general flow of the music a smidge so it was more organic. Just like Cid's Theme from FF7 this is one of my favorite themes from the final fantasy series and really love how well it works in a more expressive chordal. I might have a fetish for solo oboe too...

Thomas sent us a new version with panning fixed, I have linked it in the first post. I also asked him if he wanted to fix the oboe, we'll see if he does. I've only listened to the new version, but I really like what I am hearing. It's a dramatic arrangement of a pretty basic song, with good (but not perfect) execution and great writing. This is really a bread-and-butter kind of remix - pretty much what I'd imagine an orchestral arrangement of the song to sound like - but sometimes bread-and-butter is exactly what you want. YES

Arrangement-wise, you brought some cool ideas to this heavily-treaded territory. I don't think it always worked though. The unusually-patterned rhythm guitars that are first heard at 0:12 were an odd match for the source pattern - neither part sounds bad on its own, but put together it didn't quite make sense. When the melody is brought in, the rhythm part is simplified but it still doesn't quite work. I kind of wished the whole section was slowed-down and simplified a little bit. There were a lot of rhythms going there and it didn't sound like there was a strong focus. The rhythm playing was also a little early at times, which didn't help. I'm definitely not the expert on making (or listening to) metal on the panel, but this sounded a bit off to me production-wise. The rhythm guitars were pretty upfront and dry, maybe even a little lacking in low-end, and the double-kick section completely swamped the soundfield. The solo guitar was also a little thin. I liked a lot of the tones and FX you used but the mixing didn't sound right, often too crowded. I hope you can get some advice from others who know this area better. I liked what I heard here. It's promising for a future version. NO (resubmit)

Contact Info: Alias - RichaadEB name - Richard Bichler email - website - youtube.com/richaadeb userID - N/A (yet) Submission Info: Game - Chrono Trigger Track - Corridors of Time Arrangement name - Miles above the Sea Other notes: Someone over at /r/progmetal suggested I submit this here. It's a progressive, djent-y take on the track which for me was directly inspired by several artists such as Darkest Hour, Opeth, Born of Osiris, Between the Buried and Me, and Thrice. The name of the arrangement I picked is actually part of a lyric from the Thrice song "The Melting Point of Wax". I wanted to approach this track, which is a favorite of mine, from a progressive metal angle without forsaking the original feel of the track. I have an accompanying video here: I have no idea if this cover/remix is appropriate for this site, it was just recommended to me. I hope you enjoy it.

I thought the combination of the three source was pretty cool. It makes sense for simple loop-based sources, in order to get some more mileage out of them. I like the dark Depeche-y mood and the sound design. While I hear a lot of detail work in the synths, I wanted to hear more changes in the drums. They play the same way for the first half of the song, and though you switch to a swing later, I wanted to hear more fills and things along those lines. The song also didn't develop enough for my tastes. After the melodic figures are introduced the first time, there weren't enough changes between subsequent iterations. I wanted some more prominent ideas, like countermelodies or FX, to get used in the second half. 4:28 seemed like a logical place for a fadeout, but then you shifted back to the A-section, which was confusing. I didn't think that had a good flow. A good start for sure, but not quite there. Hope this feedback helps you (and that you agree). I think you can deliver a more interesting version that keeps the good qualities you've got here. NO (resubmit)

Remixer Name: Mikeaudio Real Name: Michael Isel Email: Website: http://www.youtube.com/user/Mikeaudioproductions User ID: "19903" Name of game(s) arranged - Parasite Eve Name of arrangement - Victims of the Imposter gods Name of individual song(s) arranged - Out of Phase, Waiting for Something Awakens, Main Theme Source Information: Soundtrack Links: Comments: The soundtrack for Parasite Eve is probably one of the most cerebral yet bouncy soundtracks I've ever heard. Its like listening to ambient music with legs, amazing work from Yoko Shimomura! The inspiration for this mix came from the practitioner warning that Parasite Eve brings, which is that you can't play God and nothing terrible happen. Though there are many avenues that man can grow and learn in, there are some areas that man really shouldn't mess with...LIKE BLACK HOLES! The title "Victims of the Imposter gods" is referring to those who have been victimized in mind altering experiments, bio chemical warfare and such in history. Regarding the style of the music I went for something that resembles the Depeche Mode style of synth design, with the drum room mic given more presence to give the mix a sense of uneasiness without being cacophonous. You will notice a synthesizer panned left throughout the song that is constantly being automated via LFO, cutoff, filter, distortion and resonance in order to emulate the sound of a scientist using a drill like tool on the subject.

Have asked him.

Mmm very close call. I wouldn't fault a YES on this at all; it's just barely under the bar for me. First the positives: I liked the arrangement a lot. Keeps the same creepy-chill vibe with a stronger production and some genuinely weird (in a good way) instrument choices like martial drumming and the crazy ethnic percussion freakout at 1:33. The song maintained a good flow the whole while. Now, what you can still work on. Biggest issue is the ending, which is barely one. You've got a pretty low-energy section starting at 2:42 leading into a filter-down, which just finishes its last measure. No hold on the last note, nothing. You've got a bell that plays at the start of every 2 bars and I think a cool idea would be to not have that instrument filter out. Then you can end on one last strike of that bell. It would sound much more conclusive that way. As other judges noted, the mixing is slightly problematic, though not a huge issue. One thing I didn't see noted was how bland the snare sound is. I don't think it's horrendous for one or two sections, but you use it the whole song. The few problems you've got here add up to a NO, I'm afraid. It's just barely under the line though. Please give us another version! NO (resubmit)

First, always happy to see a Golden Sun remix. Way overlooked soundtrack. Second, what's here sounds great. Quality production, good playing. I'm most concerned that the track doesn't have enough ideas for 2:42 length. The A section and B sections are handled the same way each time. Add some drum change-ups, some countermelodies, some different backing guitar rhythms. An original intro would also fit well I think. For such a short length, the repetition really isn't justified. Also, I'm not always down on fadeouts but the one here was awkward. The C section was a strange place to leave it. Overall, promising stuff that needs more oomph to win me over. NO (resubmit)

Heya, Long time no see… I've never been a fan of 7 min loops of game music, but if you like it good enough real guitars on tsex50 and I hope you like it. Remixer: EgM Name: Eric E. Hache web: http://www.gamemusic.ca P.S. I know lol, fade outs suck ------------------------------

Original decision RESUB: http://ocremix.org/forums/showthread.php?t=34158 (previously “Chase Into the Space”) Remixer name : Bluelighter feat. Ilp0, Chris ~ Amaterasu Real Name : Guillaume SAUMANDE, Ilari NIEMINEN, Chris Woo Mail: ID forum: 30998, 9466, 35078 Game & Songs: ff8 - Movin’, ff7 - World Crisis (in the end), and a little from ff9 - Battle Theme #2 (at 2'48) Composer: Nobuo UEMATSU Interpreters: Ilp0 (guitars), Chris ~ Amaterasu (violin, viola) Link: o - Movin'o - World Crisiso - Battle 2Hi OCR! I reworked this mix with new samples and now another musician player Indeed, violin and viola have an important place in this mix, playing the main melody in some major parts. I’m really glad to have worked with Chris and Ilari! Their combined work put into my mix a lot of emotion without which I couldn’t get. So thanks for them! In the end, this new title evokes all lights we can find in the space when we know where travel, with a good spaceship Hoping you’ll enjoy this version! -------------------------------------------------- - Movin' - World Crisis - Battle 2

The comment that most resonated with me here was Emu's suggestion that a lo-fi filter has been run over the track. It sounds like there are frequencies missing with the backing synths, lead, and piano, and it's not a pleasant sound. Some of the instruments used are also pretty bland, and the supporting writing could have afforded more detail work to not sound as repetitive. Kris mentioned the drums as a culprit there, and I agree. Just a section or two with some extra layers might be enough. I like the arrangement ideas here, Beth. This has more promise to me than the last sub you sent us, and I'm not as down on the production as the other two judges. I think this has a chance of passing, but some work is needed on the production and writing detail sides. NO (resubmit)

I disagreed with this sounding copypasta too. There were little change-ups in the lead, drums, and bass that kept this humming along. Thought there was more than enough development and didn't think it got repetitive. It's a pretty creative take on the source tune. Chip and guitar is an unusual combination but one that works well here. It's a buoyant pairing that gets offset a little by the minor key melody, making for an interesting mood. Cool stuff. YES

Honestly, the vocals didn't do much for me. They start during a quieter section and sound exposed. The delay was a strange production choice and they also don't sound like they are recorded that well. When they come in during the meat of the song later, they are completely inaudible. However, everything else in this song sounded great. Loved how the source is expanded. Great instrumentation. Sax solo was a risky but ultimately successful decision. Ending was beautifully performed. Overall, it's a winner. YES

Larry's experience listening to this song was similar to mine. The intro was not promising. The glassy sequenced lead is too thin to carry the soundscape for too long, and was super conservative too. When the drums and bass enter, the texture is still a little thin, though getting better. 0:33 - Ack, now the drums are gone and the lead gets even thinner? The pad that gets used there is also pretty weak. Thankfully, 0:58 marks a good change and from there on, you guys had me. The glassy lead works much better as a supporting instrument and the synth solo was sweet. Agreed with Larry that the piano could have used better sequencing, but it did the job ok. 2:23 was probably my favorite section: great drumwork, cool arrangement of the theme with new supporting guitar work. Some nice harmonies towards the end too. I was nearly ready to give this the NO, but 3/4 of this song is really good, exactly the kind of thing we are looking for. I think as a package it meets the bar, but just barely. YES (borderline)

Aaaaah I always hate to reject subs like this. What you've got here is a series of nicely-performed, nicely-produced, nicely-written arrangements. Many of them could stand alone as remixes, with a little more development. But the song definitely doesn't hold together as a cohesive piece - there's too many abrupt changes and shifts. I even thought the production was pretty darn good, enough to get over our bar. In short, this sounds great, but it falls outside of what we're looking for. NO

Larry totally nailed this. Bland beatwork and synths reminiscent of the original combined with a conservative arrangement make this a no go. Production is pretty solid apart from some bland sounds, but the arrangement needs a rethinking in order to pass. I hear some additions but they are minor ornamentations, not substantial additions. Sorry, Matt. NO