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djpretzel   Administrators 🎮

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  1. Like
    djpretzel reacted to Red Shadow in FRAYMAKERS Kickstarter: Vidy this project and ask me why I'm out 20 bucks   
    I'm surprised to see a thread hasn't already been made for this game, given that they intend to have remixers hired onto the project when it hits the next funding goal! Looks really fun, and I'll be a commandervideo main day 1. How bout y'all?
     
    Edit: just in case someone on mobile is having trouble with the embed, here's the link to the project
  2. Like
    djpretzel got a reaction from akuma6498 in OCR02175 - OutRun (SMS) "Passing Breeze (Latin Jazz Samba 2010 Edition)"   
    What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.
  3. Like
    djpretzel reacted to Mr. Hu in OCR04156 - Guardian Legend "Arboreality"   
    I love the attention to detail to the sound design here, but then taking steps to filter/degrade it afterward is super gutsy and even more commendable. Really great. 
  4. Like
    djpretzel reacted to Blarnay in OCRA-0074 - Golden Sun: A World Reignited   
    Dug this ancient account out of its grave because this whole album is awesome and I had to comment. Was visiting the site on a whim and was blown away to see this announcement on the front page! Loving it so far and will update this post with some more thoughts once I finish giving it a good listening.
    Edit: Wow, been through the album several times now and I love it! I think this album does a fine job of sticking to the source while also spilling out in a lot of different genres. I've been listening to this as I WFH and every time the full album plays out for the two and a half hours, no skipping tracks.
    Going in order, some of my favorites:
    Within the Stars - I can't lie, nostalgia and track preference is going to play heavily into this review and my love of "The Elemental Stars" goes all the way back to @EgM's "Sol Sanctum Guitar" released back in 2005 which I still listen to on repeat on occasion. I really like Sam Dillard's take on it, with the orchestra sound alternating between intensity and the more quiet moments with the occasional vocal bits to give it that extra "sacred and ancient" feel. Angarian Vigil - Listening to the original soundtrack version of "Hopelessness" it was one of those tracks that really stuck with me as it comes up in some dramatic points in the game, but listening to it years later it always sounded rough on the GBA's hardware. This is such a great transformation of it and I love the way the guitar and trumpet? harmonize. Winter Winds - When I first heard this, given the smooth intro with a slight electronic tinge I was almost certain it was going to go into "electronic Icy Schala house mix" but was pleasantly surprised by the flute? (not that I have anything against frosty Schala techno remixes). Love the mood of this track, the flute overlaid on a droney ambient background conjures up the perfect image of the snowy village of Imil. Some night this Winter when we've got a full moon and freshly falling snow, this track is going on repeat while I sip some tea by the window. I'm Golden, Son! - Love the daring and upbeat sound of this. At times I feel I'm headed towards some kind of spy/James Bond intro or something kind of funky, and then you hit 1:05 and it starts getting wistful like our heros are down... but not for long! before it pumps you back up! Streets of Tolbi - Bold and cheery, I feel like I'm listening to a brass band heading down Main street. Has brought a smile to my face each time it comes on, and is usually my cue to get up from the desk and strut around the apartment. Dance of the Anemos - Grooving retro-synthy take on the Jupiter Lighthouse track, I didn't know I needed this. Heart of Stone - The mood in this one is so good, or maybe I'm just a sucker for airy vocal tracks. I get a major Shadow of the Colossus vibe from this. What I Want to Say - K-Pop isn't something I listen to very often, but I do have a few select tracks that I've always had as a guilty pleasure. This definitely gets added right in there with them, great way to end the album! I'd be really interested to see what someone could do with the Crossbone Isle track, was always one of my favorites, or maybe I just spent a lot of time in there.
  5. Like
    djpretzel reacted to Geoffrey Taucer in OCR04143 - Chrono Cross & Chrono Trigger "Serenity & Grace"   
    OOOOOOOOOOOH this is gorgeous! Top-notch!
  6. Sad
    djpretzel reacted to mattbestman in CONFIRMED: OC ReMixer Reuben Kee, 23, killed in boating accident (1984-2007)   
    It's been almost 11 years.  And I still listen to Reuben Kee's "Once Upon a Lifestream".
     
    This loss is immeasurable.  What Reuben did in his lifetime was already extraordinary--if he had survived this event, I have no doubt he would have become a name that would have lived throughout centuries.
     
    Rest in peace, Reuben Kee.  You were magnificent.  And as long as I live, I will continue to share your magnificence.
  7. Like
    djpretzel reacted to BONKERS in Phantasy Star II - "Restoration" Mega Drive +/Arrangement Album   
    Almost done blocking it out. Something cool, I managed to work in the original 2612 bass patch (x2)and with some processing it sounds really cool as an arpeggiated bass line.
    I also bought a new short scale Bass that should be coming in the mail in a few weeks so i'll be able to get some actually good sounding bass recordings. So i'm looking forward to getting to play with that as I tried to write all the bass lines used here on the DX7 with a real bass in mind. I might create a layer of the two together maybe as well.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oeVtIW7p1JA0HqBrFIMf3gx1ZBX66MtS/view?usp=sharing
  8. Like
    djpretzel got a reaction from Broadcast Bowsette in Forum username change requests   
    @Broadcast Bowsette done!
  9. Sad
    djpretzel reacted to JohnStacy in What are you up to these days?   
    In late June I was in a car wreck. At 60mph I slammed into the flat side of a trailer front on. I'm alright, as is my wife, but I'm starting to wonder if I'm having PTSD from that. We were driving down to sign the paperwork for a house, which we then bought. We moved down on the first of July. 

    In moving down, we were hoping to seek opportunities that hadn't previously existed to us - wife is a real estate appraiser and Midland, Tx has a shortage of those. That's also where I grew up, so moving home seemed like a good idea. There is also a shortage of private lesson teachers in many musical areas - I was told that my areas of expertise (French horn and music theory) would be in high demand. However, moving down here ran us into more issues than solutions. That is to say both my wife and I have experienced extensive radio silence from many parties. The banks and agencies that seemed so excited for her to move here have been slow to respond since moving here, if they respond at all. Similarly, although the band directors I have communicated with have all been very helpful, the administration that I have to report to to approve me to teach in the district is not responding at all. I have sent numerous emails, phone calls, and even went up to the administration building just to be met with confusion or not met at all.

    We aren't in trouble yet. We had an okay savings set aside, but that will run out if we can't get more work soon. We are both feeling very defeated at the whole situation. Because of the pandemic, I'm understanding if responses are slow. However, I'm not understanding radio silence that lasts for several months. I understand if there are plenty of fires to put out and some emails slipping through the cracks, but I'm not understanding every email and phone call for 3 months slipping through the cracks.

    I was trying to produce more music, but burnout killed that.
  10. Like
    djpretzel reacted to Katajun in Dwelling of Duels / OC ReMix CROSSOVER DUEL: Final Fantasy III!!!   
    Hello OCR!
    We have a very special remix contest happening this month over at dwellingofduels.net, involving crossover with OCRemix for the upcoming Final Fantasy III [NES] album! All entries for this month are encouraged to be submitted to OCR after the voting phase for consideration on this album, and will be fast-tracked through the OCR judging process!
    Any song from the FF3 soundtrack is allowed (note: this is the Japanese release of FF3 on NES, NOT the game known as FF3 in America which was for SNES). There are a few songs that are more 'preferable' from the soundtrack and do not currently have representation on the album:
    Crystal Cave Battle theme Crystal Room Opening Theme Return of the Warrior The Way to the Top Cute Little Tozas Sailing Enterprise Veggies of Geseal Castle of Hain The Requiem Swift Twist Good Ol' Fellows In the Covert Town Salonia Deep Under the Water The Invincible Forbidden Land The Dark Crystals  
    What is Dwelling of Duels?
    Dwelling of Duels is a monthly VGM cover competition. Competitors submit redone versions of game music and the entries are voted upon by the community. Entries must comply with the rules, briefly put as following:
    The song must follow the current month's theme The song must be previously unreleased The song must not be shorter than 2 minutes The main instrument must be played live Check out our full rules page for more info on how to enter! Deadline for submissions is September 28 at 06:00 PM Eastern.
  11. Like
    djpretzel reacted to Chimpazilla in OCR04126 - *YES* Pokémon Gold Version "Dreaming Down the Lane"   
    Just FYI everyone, the rendering errors were all on my end and had to do with issues with my Lynx card.  With the help of my computer-expert friend, I was able to solve that issue today, which is a huge weight off my shoulders as well as finally getting this track sounding the way it should!  It's a beautiful track and I enjoyed working on it!
  12. Like
    djpretzel got a reaction from HoboKa in Lufia II: Of Gods and Men   
    With Golden Sun out of the way, it's Badass 4, Lufia 2, & FF3.... hoping we can get the last mile on this one, will be talking w/ @Gario
  13. Like
    djpretzel reacted to Rexy in Final Fantasy III: Resurrection - Wrapping Up (Sign Consent Form!)   
    I hate to double-post myself, but there is some big news regarding album development.

    This album trilogy has had a history of collaborating with the Dwelling of Duels, and so, September 2020 is the OC ReMix Crossover FF3 Month!  If you main a live instrument, go check it out - if you take part and you decide to send it to OCR's submissions queue, the evaluation will get fast-tracked.  Any track from the game can be chosen, though there are still some uncovered spots on the OST (including some not even listed in the OP) that would be nice to have some representation.

    Talking of which - during this past month, @bluelighterhas made claims on not one, but two tracks!  He has finished his take on "Crystal Tower" (with added usage for Tower of Owen), and is wrapping up an arrangement of "Ancient's Village" at this current moment.  I am delighted to have a talented classical-inspired arranger jump in!

    If you're a potentially interested arranger, you're more than welcome to send a PM to me here on the forums or in the OCR Discord if you'd like to make a claim yourself outside of the DoD event.  I wish all participants there the best of luck, and hype for some great tunes! x)
  14. Haha
    djpretzel got a reaction from Rexy in OCR04183 - *YES* Super 3D Noah's Ark "For Sacrifice"   
    I would relish the chance to discuss Super 3D Noah's Ark in a writeup. Don't let this bias your decisions, though
  15. Like
    djpretzel reacted to Schokolatte in OCR01494 - F-Zero "The Flood Plain"   
    This is my favorite version of Big Blue. I recently rediscovered a mixtape from 2007 that has this track on it, and hearing it again and tapping my fingers along to the rhythm brings me such joy. It's been so long since I've come to OCRemix, but I'm glad I found it again through this song. All the recent covers on youtube don't even come close to this arrangement. Timeless!
  16. Like
    djpretzel reacted to PadreMulk in Street Fighter 2- T.Hawk Theme Remix   
    I had the swing cranked up to 75% , probs a bit much you're right, ive tried it lower it to 40% sounds more manageable, less stumbling in places.
      
     
    With the intro i wanted to give enought time for the evolving pad sound and guitar to build.
    The comp section i was hoping for something a touch gentler, TBh i'm not that experienced writing melodic content, so i tried to be conservative, the string of notes is getting toned down a bit for sure hahaha.
    Thanks for the critique. Yeah, once ive got it to an acceptable state ill submit it. In the meantime, ill make some changes, and repost.Cheers.
     
  17. Thanks
    djpretzel reacted to Liontamer in Street Fighter 2- T.Hawk Theme Remix   
    Hey, my favorite SF2 series theme! Interesting and creative take on it. The very beginning sounds like I'm listening to something on the Amiga. The buildup of the intro felt overly long into the melody at :53, but perhaps that's just a personal taste thing. Theme's verse came in at ;55; mixing felt muddy, but the track does have personality.
    You could trim some time off of this by condensing or icing the original beat section from 1:18-1:45 and/or the comping-style section from 1:45-2:09. That little string of notes at 1:55-1:56 felt out of place, and I'd argue the comping-style stuff until 2:09 wasn't really melodious and didn't add much to the picture. That's not to say it's poor, it's just unfocused IMO and doesn't have enough substance to justify all of that time.

    I liked the dynamic contrast of the chorus at 2:35; creative beat-writing behind it as well, and I liked the supporting writing gradually fading up along with more parts coming in to fill things out until the transition to the final section at 3:26. Enjoyed the chippy winddown section at 3:26.
    There's a lot to like here. I thought the arrangement approach was unique and I like a lot of the sounds and production techniques. Good bassline; maybe others will think it's too heavy, but I thought it was fine. That said, it's definitely right in the vein of what we post, so I'd certainly consider submitting this to be posted onto OCR as a featured ReMix if you're interested. Hopefully you can get some more feedback, because I think there's a lot of potential here. Good stuff so far!
  18. Like
    djpretzel got a reaction from Pavos in Paths Less Travelled Volume 2: Secret of Evermore   
    Just chiming in - no matter what Soule did, this game's soundtrack is a part of many folks' childhoods, and nothing changes that. However, deciding to participate in this project is one of those topics where, personally, I don't think there's a right or wrong answer. I've explained my personal reasoning, and how I conceive of art in the abstract, but I'm not offended if anyone finds it unpersuasive/disagrees. Key thing is that no one gets judged, either way, for their decision on this, or attempts to equate others' decisions to participate with a tacit endorsement of the behavior in question.
  19. Thanks
    djpretzel reacted to Clem Fandango in OCRA-0053 - Final Fantasy IX: Worlds Apart   
    A lot of the music I listen to on this site is for games I've not played in a long time but they're still imprinted on my memory. So it was interesting to experience the FFIX album after having recently replayed the game thanks to COVID destroying the possibility of many other kinds of leisure activity. The thing that stood out in playing the game, compared to all other FF games, is the sheer variety on the soundtrack, and I think this album does such a great job of showcasing that.
    Some of the tracks are kind of in the vein of the source material, just presented in a fancier way - the Zaghnol hunt music, for instance, you could put the track from this album right into the game and would notice little difference. Others are a lot more out there, and that's fun too. If I had sat down before I ever heard this album and written down thoughts on what I hoped for certain tracks, there's a 0% chance I would have said anything like what ended up for "Not Alone." The same is true for a lot of the tracks with vocals here, whether that's the lament-filled interpretation of the Dali theme, the intense performance behind "Not Alone," or the ethereal sounds of "Unforgettable Silhouette."
    I had a new appreciation for IX after this recent replay and now that I've listened to this album again after that replay, I feel the same way about it, too. Another great effort from everyone involved.
  20. Like
    djpretzel got a reaction from bluelighter in Final Fantasy III: Resurrection - Wrapping Up (Sign Consent Form!)   
    In the interest of moving forward, and also because this album is kinda coming back from the dead (or at least purgatory/uncertainty), I'm suggesting the following title:
    Final Fantasy III: Resurrection
    ...to kinda gel with with the FF1 & FF2 albums, so it's "Random Encounter, Rebellion, Resurrection" - a trio of R's.
    If anyone feels strongly that this title is poo and/or has a better idea, please chime in!
    Also, the album has been added to the project consent form - please sign ASAP!
  21. Like
    djpretzel got a reaction from Jorito in Final Fantasy III: Resurrection - Wrapping Up (Sign Consent Form!)   
    In the interest of moving forward, and also because this album is kinda coming back from the dead (or at least purgatory/uncertainty), I'm suggesting the following title:
    Final Fantasy III: Resurrection
    ...to kinda gel with with the FF1 & FF2 albums, so it's "Random Encounter, Rebellion, Resurrection" - a trio of R's.
    If anyone feels strongly that this title is poo and/or has a better idea, please chime in!
    Also, the album has been added to the project consent form - please sign ASAP!
  22. Like
    djpretzel got a reaction from begoma in Final Fantasy III: Resurrection - Wrapping Up (Sign Consent Form!)   
    In the interest of moving forward, and also because this album is kinda coming back from the dead (or at least purgatory/uncertainty), I'm suggesting the following title:
    Final Fantasy III: Resurrection
    ...to kinda gel with with the FF1 & FF2 albums, so it's "Random Encounter, Rebellion, Resurrection" - a trio of R's.
    If anyone feels strongly that this title is poo and/or has a better idea, please chime in!
    Also, the album has been added to the project consent form - please sign ASAP!
  23. Like
    djpretzel got a reaction from Chernabogue in Final Fantasy III: Resurrection - Wrapping Up (Sign Consent Form!)   
    In the interest of moving forward, and also because this album is kinda coming back from the dead (or at least purgatory/uncertainty), I'm suggesting the following title:
    Final Fantasy III: Resurrection
    ...to kinda gel with with the FF1 & FF2 albums, so it's "Random Encounter, Rebellion, Resurrection" - a trio of R's.
    If anyone feels strongly that this title is poo and/or has a better idea, please chime in!
    Also, the album has been added to the project consent form - please sign ASAP!
  24. Like
    djpretzel got a reaction from Black_Doom in Final Fantasy III: Resurrection - Wrapping Up (Sign Consent Form!)   
    In the interest of moving forward, and also because this album is kinda coming back from the dead (or at least purgatory/uncertainty), I'm suggesting the following title:
    Final Fantasy III: Resurrection
    ...to kinda gel with with the FF1 & FF2 albums, so it's "Random Encounter, Rebellion, Resurrection" - a trio of R's.
    If anyone feels strongly that this title is poo and/or has a better idea, please chime in!
    Also, the album has been added to the project consent form - please sign ASAP!
  25. Like
    djpretzel reacted to Argle in OCR Cribs (the "Post Pics of your Studio Area" thread!)   
    A year ago I built a custom desk.  I've wanted to do this for a really long time, almost a decade.  Back in the day I read Ikea hack websites where people did really cool stuff.  That has always been my idea until a year ago when I watched videos on people building custom desks out of better material than particleboard.  I got a solid wood countertop (ironically from Ikea lol), stained and finished it and bought a pricey motorized sit-stand frame to put it on.  Built some stands for my monitors and speakers, and recently I built a pullout tray for my MIDI keyboard which freed up a ton of space on the desktop.  Has undermounted smart LED strip because obviously you need that in a desk.   All in all it has exceeded my wildest expectations of what I could accomplish with a custom desk build. 
    Old desk that I used for a decade.  Cheap and okay, and the dual tiers are nice, but problematic for holding large MIDI controller.

     
    The beast:

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