Posted 2004-10-04, evaluated by the judges panel


Though not affiliated with Kong in Concert, this ReMix from the second DKC (also known as Protricityville) is quite the cool. Newcomer Darangen (Michael Boyd) had much to say as to the origins of this inspired rock arrangement of DKC2's mine theme:

" last week my girlfriend and I decided it was best that we split up before we ruin the friendship we had before we were together, but no matter how or when you break up there is always that feeling of pain and sorrow. So I picked up my guitar and started playing around with writing a song, and sooner or later I got the basic foundation of the song written and recorded. Then came the hardest part for me, writing the lyrics (which I still haven't been able to do). No, this isn't a vocal mix at all. Anyways, first I had to come up with a melody line, and I usually start with the chorus for that. I already had the solo (1:53-2:22) written and all the other musical parts except for a melody. So I started playing around on my guitar for a chorus melody so I could figure out what I wanted the chorus to sound like to make it easier to fill in the verses afterwards. While playing, I suddenly started playing what sounded VERY much like the Mines from DKC2. I didn't originally intend for this song to be a remix, but they just sounded so good together I couldn't resist, so I filled in the chorus with the Mine Theme and the verses with a call/answer type deal which I intended to be a male and female echo originally and in any other place that would've had vocals I put the Mine Theme with some new spins on it. I still plan on writing lyrics and doing what I originally intended for this song, but that will be later and for a different audience."

You can certainly hear where lyrics would work - where the structure would support them - but this is remarkably complete without the vocals for a track that was designed with them in mind, with a strong guitar lead presence through most of the track, which features a great 80's rock lead that would make many a hair band proud, a variety of guitar textures including the afforementioned screaming lead, 'Don't Fear the Reaper' chorused electric, acoustic rhythm, and an unobstrusive bass. Some dern good acoustic rock drumming going on, as well - all too often it's the case that someone who is very talented with guitar ends up without a drummer and settles for a drum track that's not as dynamic as it could be. This apparently reminded a couple of the judges of The Police - as they're one of my favorite bands, I have to confess that I don't see huge resemblance (more the intro and percussion than anything else), but this is still great stuff - it's multi-textured and dynamic, featuring a good cross-section of kickassish bits mixed in with more subdued, subtle verses that you could definitely envision a vocal fitting nicely into. Darangen fairly liberally interpreted the original, but there's enough to pass the litmus test of recognizability, leading Judge Oji to comment that the ReMixer:

"...did a good job of taking a small section from the original and simply working within the framework of that. As long as I'm able to make tangible, significant enough connections to the source material, I'm willing to approve fairly liberal ideas like that."

This has a nice, more classic rock vibe to it, and there's a hint of The Police, Blue Oyster Cult, etc. in certain aspects. Definitely an interesting, unique direction to take the more ambient vibe of DKC's soundtrack in. I'm curious as to what the finished product, complete with vocals, would sound like, but it might end up being too distant from the source material in such an incarnation. Great initial mix from Darangen that's almost like an instrumental from Game Over. Rockin'.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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Crulex
on 2011-02-11 13:15:33
If anyone's interested, I re-recorded this with baritone guitars. You can find that version here:

I actually like this version better honestly. But both are nice masterpieces. The guitar work is done extremely well and it flows well with the source tune. I really can't imagine a better take with this tune in this genre. Damn good ReMix.

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Darangen
on 2011-02-10 22:52:57

If anyone's interested, I re-recorded this with baritone guitars. You can find that version here:

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OA
on 2010-02-03 13:44:02

Definitely a liberal mix, but one that's really effectively handled. It has a really nice classic rock sound, and some good transitions. This is a really nice sound, and is pretty timeless. Really great work here. :)

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42
on 2009-12-23 21:48:24

:shock:

This is beautiful. Why... why haven't I heard this before?!

Also, the intro reminds me of something and I can't think of what and it's killing me. ARG!

Aaannnyway, this is simply a wonderful track, everything has a rolling "being carried by waves" feel to it, not to mention this strikes a curious and unique balance between the natural, inherent energy found in rock with a very comforting, sleepy pace.

Oh, wow. This is a must download.

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tweex
on 2009-10-14 10:28:21

Ah, classic OCR tune-age here. I've heard this one throughout my time on OCR and I never put together that it was Darangen. Excellent classic rock feel! The solo was a little loose, but a minor qualm at best. Having never really played DKC2, this makes me want to try it out on an emulator! The only thing I could've ask for would be a better defined kick, but again, not a deal breaker at all! Excellent work for your first submission!

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uagrenadier
on 2009-05-31 22:08:04

Any download location known for the version with lyrics?

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ymlie
on 2009-02-17 07:16:46

I have to say this darangen yu rock my snes upside down(oke emulator but who cares) I never play magus castle/battle again without yur version and soon that will prob go for dk too this mix is awsome

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Jaybell
on 2007-08-18 23:44:09

I was wondering why I couldn't find a Mining Melancholy mix on the site, it's because here it's listed as Kannon's Klaim. I loved this song on the spc, and I love it in this remix.

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Iridi
on 2007-06-07 15:15:17

Very very nice song! Well I just think this is a little bad song, but after a few seconds I changed my idea. So this is my favorite remix songs :-P

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linkspast
on 2006-09-03 21:12:38

Man this is awsome. I love the intro, the gituar about 2:20 and the whole feel of this song its awsome...

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Krythan
on 2006-03-08 23:04:11

Yeah, this totally sounds like something from The Police. Hungry Eyes, maybe? Was that Sting, or The Police?

Anyway...very cool remix here. I love the guitar at 2:22. That is pure sweetness. The ending is equally as sweet. Excellent work, 10/10 from me!

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Bummer
on 2005-09-16 02:59:20

Dude, this is pure respect. Not only

you made a remix that kicked ass, you

gave it lyrics that was totally mindblowing!

DUDE! 8)

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linkwolf
on 2005-07-25 18:47:34

:D love the song.the words are great and fit nicely

it hit a cord with me alot my uncle just died a few month ago and the words hit me really hard.this has tobe one of the best remixes i have heard for donkey kong country 2 .i do some my self for zelda but this is way better then my stuff. thanks again

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Dunnowhathuh
on 2005-06-06 10:17:53

This is a nicely done piece. Darangen's guitar play is something I've become a fan of recently. Good on ya man.

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viperfang
on 2005-06-03 01:55:49

I've heard both versions of the song, and I am wowed by the vocalized version. A few of the instruments sounded different in that version, and for the better. Keep it up!

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (Nintendo , 1995, SNES)
Music by David Wise
Songs:
"Kannon's Klaim (Mining Melancholy)"

Tags (3)


Genre:
Rock
Mood:
Instrumentation:
Acoustic Guitar,Electric Guitar
Additional:

File Information


Name:
Donkey_Kong_Country_2_From_Within_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
4,344,109 bytes
MD5:
c95fe21102354843c5d9bb175b96aba9
Bitrate:
160Kbps
Duration:
3:33

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