ReMix:Faxanadu "Goofy Ska" 1:58

By Electron

Arranging the music of one song...

"The Trunk"

Primary Game: Faxanadu (Hudson Soft , 1987, NES), music by June Chikuma

Posted 2000-11-11, evaluated by djpretzel


Let me start off by saying that synthesized / sampled brass sections almost always sound disappointing. My own samples aren't that hot, and the ones used here are also not very convincing at all. BUT, this short little track makes up for sound quality, in my opinion, through originality and attitude. It stands as our first Ska ReMix, and it's really quite 'goofy' as the title suggests because Faxanadu is a game that has as much to do with ska as our recent elections had to do with democracy i.e. not much. Nevertheless, Electron went ahead with his dream, his vision to realize a track from this eccentric NES cult classic as a short ska ditty, and I do believe we must commend him on this effort, for certainly, if nothing else, it is indeed goofy. Also, don't get me wrong - the ARRANGING is very well done, and impressively demonstrates adaptation and skill.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 13 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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Crulex
on 2014-10-22 10:16:19

Upbeat little thing that has some good moments, but unfortunately I can't say I'm a fan. Too many little things bugged me here that I'd only be echoing the last two reviewers. Still, decent work for all the positives this mix does have.

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Polo
on 2009-10-08 04:42:38

Well, I certainly can't say no to the toy xylophone, literally low-key strings, offbeat bass, and cowboy-ish motif. Perfect for if the protagonist rode a horse into the sunset at the end of the game. Imagine that.

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Bahamut
on 2009-10-03 22:17:55

What the heck - review thread made in 2009 for a song posted in 2000?

This is pretty upbeat. The volume is too low overall. The mix itself could use some more variation/development - as far as I can tell, it's like 2-3 loops and a section to break it up.

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Lucentas
on 2009-06-08 19:48:01

I'm beginning to think I really have this closet obsession with ska or something.

This is a simple piece, but I like it.

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SoulinEther
on 2009-02-05 06:26:52
No kiddin'. Wouldn't have guessed based off the melody.

Frankly, the source is almost exactly as you heard it. Plus extra percussion (MOAR COWBELL!!11!) sorry, that was random.

...now you have me wondering what this song would sound if it weren't upbeat... wow, it would be pretty good I think.

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DragonAvenger
on 2009-02-04 20:43:22
The source is actually pretty upbeat!

No kiddin'. Wouldn't have guessed based off the melody.

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Marmiduke
on 2009-02-04 07:56:17

Yyyeah, well noone's going to mistake this for a new mix.

It's a bit of fun. Blasting brass is always good, even if the samples sound like they are straight from a mid-range 90s synthesiser. But that is not worth slamming, since there is absolutely nothing wrong with sounding fake. I actually think striving to sound realistic is a limitation, so whatever. Old and not exactly necessary listening, but still a fun track that shouldn't offend anyone except elitist audiophiles.

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42
on 2009-02-03 18:35:14

This just put into my head an incredibly bizarre image of galloping trumpets 0_o

Just a whole heard of them stampeding....

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Liontamer
on 2009-02-03 15:35:18
I don't know the source, but I can see how this might have been a much darker piece originally.

The source is actually pretty upbeat!

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OA
on 2009-02-03 14:35:15

reviews got nuked :-(

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DragonAvenger
on 2009-02-01 22:19:06

As far as brass samples go, and considering the age of the mix, this isn't too bad. Still sounds dreadfully fake, but I can get past that.

Definately a trippy mix, and an interesting listen. I don't know the source, but I can see how this might have been a much darker piece originally. The 'chorus' sounds repeated verbatim the second time, and the ending needs work. Still pretty decent.

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SoulinEther
on 2009-01-29 22:19:35

Little short. I haven't played Faxanadu in a long while but I do believe this was the main "outside-of-town-in-battle-places" theme. Oh man, listening to it makes me think of the line, "I've got Mattock" or something when you pick up the Mattock... which I initially confused for "I've got Matlock," hilariously reminding me of a grouchy Abe Simpson.

Anyway, like I said, it's short. It's kind of conservative.. but it's fun and goofy, with percussion galore. This is one of the site's older mixes, and it shows, but I think it still warrants a listening, especially if you've ever played Faxanadu.

I believe the arpeggios were available in the original source... but they're nice. And I would have really like to hear them around 1:11 (in the semi-breakdown) in the background of the second part of the song's second iteration (yeah that sentence even confused me). Plus, I didn't like the sudden ending. Might have been nice to see that second melody again but slightly varied before the song came to a close.

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djpretzel
on 2009-01-29 18:46:36

What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Faxanadu (Hudson Soft , 1987, NES)
Music by June Chikuma
Songs:
"The Trunk"

Tags (7)


Genre:
Ska
Mood:
Goofy,Happy
Instrumentation:
Brass
Additional:
Time > 4/4 Time Signature
Time > Duration: Short
Time > Tempo: Fast

File Information


Name:
Faxanadu_Goofy_Ska_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
1,979,617 bytes
MD5:
815e43bca2f2d5d93dbddefc0dcd765a
Bitrate:
128Kbps
Duration:
1:58

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