Disco Dan

Castlevania II 'No Flesh Allowed' Lemme break this down for you: a a' b a That being said, a) main theme done heavily in 6/8 time a') main theme done heavily in 4/4 time b)solo section (because there has to be a solo section (though slightly out of tune) a) see above Relatively simple, short, repetitive piece. Not my style, though the guitar work is done very well. It's almost a shame because some of the bass and drum work drowns out what would otherwise be some technically exquisite guitar work. Check it out. Might be your cup of meat. DC

Mega Man 2 'Metal Man Goes Clubbing' Well djp did a really good job of summing this up using really big words, and since it's my tune I'm going to abstain from saying anything about this just now. However, if you ARE used to my past tunes that involve a wider variety of instruments, this is a bit difference as it stays PRETTY close to a straight trance feel instead of my usual "mixed" stylings. Enjoy, or don't. Your call. DC

Actually, it's interesting you mention sound quality. That's precisely my beef with the stuff I've got on this site. and I'm working on it... slowly. http://jonx.net/~discodan/misc/updates/ Those are just the mm3 ones for now, but when I recorded all of the songs on this site (with the exception of the mario paint one) I used my Yamaha PSR 630 for the sounds, and my guess is that as a combination of that keyboard and my soundcard's recording ability, the result ended up bass heavy, BUT the sound quality on the keyboard is pretty lo-fi compared to what's out there now, which is why I've been updating. So anyway, I WILL get around to updating the MG piece, just not right this moment. DC

Well if I had just given the same review I wouldn't be so torn about it, but you ARE right that the guitar work is pretty decent. There's a solo part beween ~1:42 and 2:00 that's nice and out of tune. And then it goes back to the same part it did in the beginning, with no variation. I mean, add a layer, change the beat. Something. It's like, you came up with a good idea for a song, then you didn't know how to vary it so you did it again, then solo, then again. Actually, the second time is in 4/4 time whereas the first time is in 6/8 time so I can appreciate the variety there, but still, seems WAY too simple (a, a', b, a) for a 'yes' in my book. But as we all know, MY book doesn't have a lot of yesses... EDIT: I also notice that the drums and bass (d 'n' b?) drown out the guitars in a lot of this section, and what could be some nice solo guitar work gets lost in the slew of "bum ba bum bum bum, bum ba bum bum bum" in the lower frequencies. Another reason to say: NO DC

Ok, had this been a first-time submission, I might expect something of this calibre. And then, I'd say "for first time remixer, this is pretty good." But this is Starla, and we've heard some good stuff from her in the past. As for DC13, I don't really know much of his stuff, so I can't really say on that note, but the names behind this mix create an image that implies quality or at least experience. I didn't really feel like I was getting much of either of those on this mix. As for it not being front and foremost, I'd like to think that this site IS a showcase for the front and foremost remixes on the site, and not just a storehouse. But, I could be wrong. DC

Yeeeeeeeeeeeahhhhhh.... This was pretty damn repetitive. Like, not even, (in my opinion) in the enjoyable sections. I mean, yeah I've done the same, and looking back, I sort of regret it. I was listening to this and hearing the part between 0:00 and 0:26 and then again between 0:40 and 0:52, and then yet again between 1:26 and 1:52 (this section being the longest and most irritating (for me, anyway) part). Just the synth and a bass drum, beating my ears to death. The parts between 0:26 and 0:40, 0:52 and 1:26, 1:52 and 2:06 are almost enough to redeem it. Then there's the clipping at 2:06 through 2:18. And then ending on that weak part, leaving the bad taste in the mouth. It's like one of those songs that is basically only good because of a shining moment, like Styx's "Mr. Roboto" which is only worth listening to for that first 30 seconds. It's a shame too, because I saw the names behind this remix and was expecting something more ... grand, I guess. Something less blah. Like the artist, just don't like this particular piece. DC

Im sure this mix is as damn good as everyone says it is, but I have to ask why it's even in this forum. Why not just send it to djp directly? Seems to make more sense to me, and with a known name, it seems you'd have a better chance of getting it posted faster than going through this forum. Anyway, I don't see any point in voting on this. Don't mean to be a hardass or anything, but it does seem kind of superfluous to me... DC

IronSword: Wizards & Warriors II 'Sword Foundry' Remember the Beatles Anthology? A whole bunch of tracks that "never made it" for quality or other reasons? Imagine if the minibosses released an anthology. This might be on it. While the style isn't my preference, I can admit when it's done well, and this feels pretty messy to me. If you like the raw, unrehearsed, slapped together, garage feel, then you might like this. I felt it was a bit too unrehearsed for me. If I hear a live ensemble, I like to hear a TIGHT one. (If you've ever heard Average White Band or Cubanismo (two very different styles of music) live, then you'll know what I mean). As this song is, I don't really dig it. Seems more like a WIP to me, but check it out if you liked the original, you might enjoy. Personally, I'd like to see it redone after a few more rehearsals. DC

Super Mario RPG 'Bobble Head Inspiration' Ok, this remix really didn't strike me as "WOW! GREAT STUFF!" Actually, it kind of slipped by in the playlist... and it was the only song in the playlist. I like the original, I like the style in which this remix was attempted, as I probably would have done the same, but I feel the choice of instruments are fairly... unbalanced. Some of those pads just don't feel right to me at all. And it has little to do with sound quality. The other aspect that kills it for me is the weakness of the drums in this piece. This style really should have a stronger drum line. Honestly, I felt this was also a bit dumbed down from the original, as far as the progression, and the original melody are concerned. I mean, at least it's not a direct copy of the original, but still, I think there are good and bad alterations and I'm sorry, but I don't feel this is a good one. Anyway, this one is a let down for me. Others will probably enjoy. DC

Chrono Trigger 'Lavos Battle dnBoss' Mono = Yuck. This song sounds great if you're listening to it on one of those headphone/mic combinations that has only one ear piece. But if you're listening to it on a system with more than one speaker, it's gonna sound really craptacular. The MUSIC is great, just the mono kills it for me. Download it if you like mono. DC

I think I'm going to start judging these things differently. I'll consider whether or not I'd keep them on my HD. If I would, then I will vote yes, and if not, I'll vote no. The only exception would be something that isn't in a genre that I like, but is well done, in which case, I probably wouldn't keep it... well... but then again, if it's well done, I'd probably keep it even if it WASN'T in my genre. So yeah, that's MY personal new rule... That being said, I wouldn't keep this on my hard drive. Ok, so this is the short version and reworked version of my original statements. After hearing it in better speakers, and hearing the story behind the mix, I will say: NO But only for the following reasons: Choice of instruments to be paired against each other in unison really grates on my ears. Also, the drum loop. It's a standard Reason drumloop. It was used for the whole song (except when it wasn't and then nothing was used in its place). I personally make my own beats. No one else has to, but I do. Every once in a while, I'll throw in a sample (haven't yet) drum loop that everyone recognizes just for funky purposes, but 99% of the time, I make my own. Just my standard. DC

Damn. I wanted to be the first to review this. Oh well. Stellar work. In my opinion, Russell's best of what I've heard. I don't know why I'm reviewing this. He's heard it all before and nothing I say is going to improve the song, because, quite honestly, except for a few nitpicky sections, I really don't believe this NEEDS any improving. Anyway, check it out for an experience. Now all we gotta do is get MISTER COX to do some FAST stuff... DC

Chrono Trigger 'Lost Fragments of the Past' Ok, once again, based on reviews by djp, I was expecting to be bored tearless with this arrangement. It's almost TOO abstract for me to really enjoy. Really ambient. CotMM really should be reviewing this rather than me. Ok, I am bored by it... Oh what, that's IT?? Ok, this is kind of a let down. Don't download this song if you want something that'll slip by you in the background without so much as a hello or goodbye. But if you like something subtle with very (very) minimalistic aspects, get it. That's my take. DC P.S. Some of you might recognize the "Strings Super DXS" sample used there ...

Lufia & The Fortress of Doom 'Lufia's Dream' Ok, I heard the intro, and I was thinking "I'm going to fall asleep," but it picks up and becomes decent. The piano is a bit raw, and the kick drum seems a bit overpowering at times, but it's a really nice piece other that those aspects. Also there's this interesting sample of what must be a glass of freshly poured soda bubbling. I'm sure of it. DC

Legendary Wings 'Legendary Strings' Ok, this is not my style. So it sucks. NO I AM KIDDING!!! AHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA. I can appreciate a style well done, even if it's not my thing. And plus the song is so obviously video-game because of the melodic strenght (as opposed to most of the commercial crap out there today). Nice work on the harmonizing of guitars, nothing too overbearing, nothing screaming "I'm white and I'm angry!" Nice arrangement. Plus there's a B section! Enjoy DC

Final Fantasy VII 'Heart's Anxiety' Ok, this song gets good around 2:04, 'cause it gets different. I'm personally not a big fan of this song, but it has its merit. Download if you're a fan of the original. DC

Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 'Dark Tranzition' Well, this is one of those mixes where I came up with several reasons to say "no" to it on the judges forum, but then kept it on my hard drive because it was catchy. My only problem with it now is that it's too short and doesn't seem to go anywhere. What there IS of it, is some hot stuff. Love what's been done with what's there, but I just wish it wouldn't die before it got off the ground... DC

Ok, I know, I can edit my post, but I don't feel like it. I wasn't sure about it the first time around, but now I'm sure. The original goes a lot of places that this one doesn't. I think this arrangement hints at the original but doesn't really embrace it very much at all, minus that one melody part. I don't know. I'm working off a few listens on each end, and I don't have time to dwell on this for days, but I just think a lot got left out in this arrangement. DC

Ok... there are some really annoying things in here. On purpose or not, that dischord between the parts is painful. And there's something weird about this arrangement. Like it was all recorded live and then cut and paste funny. Like, what was that at 1:20??? What is this insanity?? I'm so lost. Actually I don't sense a display of excellent sequencing here. I mean, most of it is pretty basic. Melody, chords, bass. Most of which are included in the original, so it's not like much was left up to improv. But I still feel this thing is put together like one of those models Calvin always tried to put together in the comics that ended up looking like a mess of plastic and glue. These transitions are ... ugh. NO DC

Tetris 'Gift from Moscow' Ok, for those of you who heard McVaffe's last Tetris arrangement, and are expecting something similar or are expecting ANYthing with a big bass funky beat, save djpretzel the bandwidth. BUT, if you're looking for an arrangement that expands upon an original in new and intuitive ways while demonstrating flexibility and an inherent grasp of music theory, get this mix. McVaffe, when not creating danceable masterpieces, has the capability to weave an intricate sonic texture that reminds you that there's more to a good remix than a funky beat and a good bassline. This is an example of the "beatless vaf" as he dubbed it. Take a listen if you want, but don't expect to dance. DC

Metroid 'Met Mix Pro' ::rushes to "Judges Decisions" forum to see how he could have possibly missed this one...:: Oh! Guess I missed this one. Oh well. I guess a song can get through from time to time without having a "NO" on it. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Just kidding. But seriously folks, I have no idea what this song sounds like because I've never downloaded it and the site is experiencing technical difficulties right now. Ok. Done downloading, thanks to the wonderful people at #ocremix (thanks majin). Spram said it best, I think. It really does pick up and get catchy only to let you down like pizza without the followup mouthful of soda to wash it down. Even if you DON'T finish downloading it, you've basically heard it. It's a great little sound, but it doesn't go anywhere and just fades out after that. Very much of a let down. But the concept is good. Kind of bittersweet. Anyway, it sounds like a good WIP, but not complete. DC

This is such a nice refreshing change from that mono track. God, I really hope every one of you judges goes back and changes your vote to NO simply so that mono track doesn't have to be listened to by other people. What is this? One remix? Two? Three? I don't know. Anyway, the quality is nice. I see no coherrency between these tracks. And unfortunately, I've never heard of Splatterhouse so I have no idea whether this is based on anything. Anyway, the thing ain't bad. It won't stay on MY hard drive after these listens, but ... wait Ok, why won't this stay on my HD? Because it sounds too much like it's from a videogame. Too much of it just sounds exactly like it would on any given console. No, I figured out what it is that bugs me. I found the gym file (on zophar) and it's pretty much the same. Though the original is boring, the remix isn't much less boring. It just fails to grab any attention. That's my 2¢ for what it's worth. NO DC

I'm sort of blah about this mix, over all ... There's a spot at 2:05-ish that has a nice clash of notes causing a very dischordant effect... but other than that, this is pretty solid. Maybe a bit repetitive, but yeah I think it'll pass. there's really nothing to complain about on this mix, besides the fact that I don't like it. But that's subjective. Anyway, high marks. YES DC

This has 4 yesses... Why is this still up here? ARE YOU JUST WAITING FOR ME TO SAY NO TO IT?!?!? IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT?!? Fine Let me download this and figure out why, in some objective sense, this sucks. Nice handle on the beats. Whoever this mysterious musician is, he certainly knows how to bust a groove quite well in the dnb category. But this mono thing really bugs me. Here's why: If you're using software for your instruments, then I can't understand why it'd be in mono, unless all of your samples are in mono, but even if that's the case, you can always stereo detune the samples so they at least FAKE stereo. I mean, if you listen to the original, it's all OVER the place in the stereo field, panning from left to right and back again, over and over again. Maybe that annoyed you and so you overcorrected or something, but mono, these days, is just dull. Now if you were using hardware for sounds, I can almost understand. if you don't ahve the right connection to go from your board to the computer, I could see why it'd come in as mono, but there's a really easy way around this: Get the right cables. Most boards have a 1/4" out for each channel, one for left, one for right, sometimes more. But usually, they have a right and left line out quarter-inch jack. Your computer most likely has one 1/8" input jack and so you need some cable setup that goes from a male 1/8" to two male 1/4" connectors. Get two of these: Phono Plug Adapter and one of these: 6-Ft Specialty Y-Adapter Put 'em together, run 'em from your computer to your board, and then record. And yes, I know that with four yesses there's no real difference if I vote NO right now, but that mono thing is really annoying. DC

OH MY GOD! You use a Yamaha PSR something or other. I can only tell because this sounds exactly like my keyboard, which is old as death. Well, not really, but it's kind of old. SEE HERE! Either that or it's a soundcard with the yamaha xg soundchip, but I swear, all of my megaman mixes use these same sounds. I never really used the agogo in those mixes, but this is definitely that chip. It's good to see budding remixers using the same things. I think I'm going to need a tissue. This is so emotional Anyway, about this mix. I need to give you some tips and tricks for making this thing sound better than it does because this mix sounds REALLY raw. And I'm not sure how you got that percussion to do be off like that but it IS interesting. If you didn't use a software sequencer, that could have something to do with it, assuming you did it note by note on the board itself and didn't quantize or something. But if you DID do it with a software sequencer, I could see CPU power doing this. These yamaha synths can only handle up to 32 voices (which isn't much when you've got reverb and delay on every track). So when I used to use the yamaha board to write, I'd have to record out about 3 tracks at one time. Usually I'd record out: 1) drums, 2) strings, 3) anything else; and that would take care of note-loss. But the problem was, my CPU wasn't hot. I had an AMD K6-II 333 and when I would record out, sometimes the sequencer would skip. And then I'd have to re-record from the beginning, AGAIN, because I had to sync up the tracks. But anyway, the drum problem just sounds like a quantization thing. That and a lack of grasp on drumtrack techniques. And yeah there are some "wrong notes" in there. There seems to be a clash between the ambient strings and the lead which is really obvious at about 1:18. Seriously though, that beat sounds like some of the stuff I put in my really early stuff before I got a SOMEWHAT better grasp of how to make a beat that I felt GOOD about. I'd always finish a beat, listen and think "this really sounds nothing like what I want it to, but I can't figure out how to make it right." And even now, I hear something by almost any "professional" artist and think "wow, how the hell do I make my beats sound like that?" Couple of hints. You don't need as many kicks as you think you do. You also don't need as many snare hits as you think you do. The disco hihats aren't bad, but can be annoying in excess. Anyway, that's about it. It's the standard NO from the DiscoFan, but this could be improved. Hell, it's a lot closer to decent than a lot of other stuff that comes through here... DC