CasualT

Definitely a nicely done remix. Definitely one to enjoy. I couldn't even remember what the original sounded like from so many years back, but this brings it all back to me. I think my gripe is the same as DJP's. Apparently he identified the over-synthesized buzz sound as "brass", I would definitely second a version with a nicer sound for that as it doesn't fit at all with the other instruments used. In fact it's so obviously out of place, I can only assume that Star meant to do that to remind us how 8-bit this stuff sounded back on the NES. You know that equalizer thing that Winamp and some higher end stereos have where you can make the music sound like it's in different environments (e.g. music hall, outdoor, small room, etc.)? I can definitely tell it has one of those applied, and it's kinda neat since it sets this piece apart from most all the music posted which sounds very direct. But on the other hand it seemed a bit much. Not sure how much control Star has on this, but I'd keep a little of that effect, but tone it down some. Oh, and go listen to DJP's remix of this same song. I'm not sure "reinterpretation" expresses the degree of difference in quality of the two pieces.

I thought I'd already submitted my thoughts on this remix, but I looked and realized it must have slipped my mind. I love the down-home feel of this remix, I think it really fits in well with the mood of the piece. After listening to this, the original sounds sooo tinny and weak. Excellent job here! I only wish you'd kept in the part around 1:20 in the original where the violins harmonize for a bit. I really liked that part, but I understand as much as a remix is primarily an arrangement of the original track, it has to combine it with different ideas and bring something new to the table. And of course that means cutting parts out as much as adding new material in. Keep 'em coming Kaijin!

This was a great melody from Xenogears. This was the major victory music (let's you know the worst is over and everything's gonna be alright), and I loved when it played in the (too) few places in the game. Jared's version starts off slow, but it's worth the wait after the melody kicks in at 2:00. Somehow I don't end up liking the violin synth that serves as the main melody throughout the piece. It seems a little too synthesized sounding, although I imagine it's faithful to the original's sound on the PSX. Maybe Jared needs some better instrument samples? As with my comment on "Pilot the Yggdrasil", I'd like to hear more dynamic range, even though I know the original was very flat as well. But, hey, what is a remix if not an improvement upon the original? I read DJPretzel's comments about the chorus and while I thought it added a lot, I'm also open to hearing how it could be improved. I know Jared's done a remastered version of his MGMC, and I don't know if he plans to make re-editing his works a regular event, but I'd like to hear this with a better melody instrument, maybe new chorus, and a slightly shorter intro. I liked the chorus and the cymbal crescendos and the ending was a nice cool down after the strong melody. Well done!

This is a very nice piece of work capturing a lot of the essence of the original. At least what I remember of the original from many years ago While it's very good overall, it was definitely missing something, and I think it was Kaijin who pointed out the lack of much of a dynamic range. I like what you do with the cymbals, but I really wanted that trumpet to simply become overcome with emotion and just belt out the melody. I definitely got the Metal Gear May Cry vibe as well, mentioned by GustaveNiGHTS. Some of the arpeggios were identical to the point where I could tell he was trying to vary them. Listen to the piano in MGMC around 4:05 and this track at 1:50. Didn't help that many of the instruments were the same as those used in Jared's previous hit. Although I'm only half-complaining as I'd love to get some more MGS2/DMC action from Jared! The intro for the first minute or so was a great appetizer as well. Love the harp

I love how it starts off Middle Eastern(?) and then goes into a Xenogears theme (nice remix on that alone). Then both start to mix together and finally the Middle Eastern part takes over, but you realize the Xenogears theme has been hiding in the background all along. I imagine Star with a slider with original content on one end and Xenogears on the other and simply moving it back and forth to produce a blend weighted more in one direction or the other at different times. In fact it's easy to get caught up in the wholeness of the music and forget that it's really a mixture of 2 different themes. The vocals are very impressive and well timed with the music. I could go a long time and not hear another song of this creative caliber. I definitely would like some more Xenogears remixes from Star!