ReMix:Cauldron II: The Pumpkin Strikes Back "It's Binary, Baby! Album Mix" 3:04

By Makke

Arranging the music of one song...

"Title"

Primary Game: Cauldron II: The Pumpkin Strikes Back (Palace Software , 1986, C64), music by Richard Joseph

Posted 2006-12-23, evaluated by the judges panel


Makke is one of the craziest, insanely innovative artists doing game music arrangements today, and each new piece he releases is like a self-contained, thriving world unto itself. Last time he took us into the beating, inebriated heart of an Irish pub; now he gets Kraftwerkian on our collective ass, channeling early German electronica, complete with a vocoded libretto. The ReMixer writes:

"Right! This is a track from my album 'It's Binary, Baby!', and since it's been free for download from C64.com for a while, I figured I might as well release it here as well. It's the second track of the album, that's why you can hear the last chirps of the intro right at the start of the song.

Some of you might know I'm a big Kraftwerk fan (and if you don't, my Crazy Comets remix that's on this very site should've been a dead give away), and this track is heavily inspired by Karl Bartos 'Communication' album (the track 'The Message' in particular).

If you don't like vocoders, stay clear!"

Consider yourself warned; Makke definitely sets a new OCR record for "amount of heavily vocoded content", as the entire vocal track is thusly processed. You've got a spooky witch theme being merged with the digital, binary precision of electro-pop. Kraftwerk are one of those bands whose names are almost onomatopoeic - their music really does sound like the internal clockwork and machinations of a large, impersonal machine, devoid of any and all analog imperfections. Of course, technically, many of the synth textures used ARE actually analog, but the combined sound is post-modern, industrialized glory, and Makke hits the nail on the head. You've got shimmering digital, warm analog, processed 808-ish electro-drums with slick verbed fx, choral bits, and deep, resonant bass. If you've been looking, searching, yearning, etc. for music to robot by, this is soooo your thing. In fact, this song should be the international standard by which all robot dance competitions are judged. Let it be proclaimed! Until this inarguable justice is achieved, however, you can enjoy Makke's latest opus in the comfort of your own home, and be sure to check out his album, too.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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timaeus222
on 2015-04-21 22:35:45

The vocoder reminds me of a Jamaican voice. :lol: Good stuff.

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duskvstweak
on 2012-07-21 13:18:53

This mix is crazy good! I can't tell what's more fun; the crunchy, funky digi-music or the lyrics "The hag will know defeat"! This mix is fun and I can see it becoming the song that starts my OCR listening sessions. Cool stuff.

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Polo
on 2009-12-02 20:49:52

Dark textures, high reverb, juicy "shots," and other elements craft a misty but inviting atmosphere. The beat becomes danceable starting at 0:15 (when the buzzy alien synth comes in) and stays solid throughout. But the dynamics of the vocoder are what really sell me on this. Its timing is playful, like it's coloring outside the lines (in this case, not sticking to the same beats as the other players); its storyteller tone likes to stay low and neutral, which makes its higher pitches and fervent moods cute; and it fits right in with the vibe. It commands the buildup during the chorus so well that every time the line "and cut a lock of witch's hair" comes up, I must see, imagine, or physically mimic the action on the beat (the same goes for when I'm not actually listening to this mix but am singing the lyrics to myself). Crazy addicting.

Now if you'll excuse me, I must act as barber to a female magic user... :P

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BlackPhantom
on 2008-11-01 22:27:21

Groovtastic! I really like, but, there's something the puzzles me: how does the name of this song relate to the game or the song itself?

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HoboKa
on 2008-02-18 17:05:17

Easily one of OCR's best remixes insofar. It's a must-have :D, though I tried playing the game...not nearly as cool as this song ;-)

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OA
on 2008-02-18 15:26:41

This is so amazingly out there I am having trouble even writing a review.

If there was ever a movie or game where robots were dressed like Conan the barbarian, this would be the theme song.

Completely epic and yet at the same point, completely robo-cheese, it's a totally remarkable mix that I can't decide if I like it or not.

One thing I think would improve it would be for the main vocal to be a little higher up frequency-wise, right now it sort of fights against the bass. Most likely fighting with a tron-style morningstar.

Very creative and I think after several listens I like it, for the sheer creativity.

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jelloegg
on 2007-08-03 19:36:28

Wow! 8O This must be a good song if I can remember it a day after I listened to it. :

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HoboKa
on 2007-01-20 00:43:52

Wowzers, this is one cool mix...it really teleports me back when Dos games were popular, like Doom 1, that wizard game and whatnot.

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meccaneer
on 2007-01-15 21:50:30

Indeed, it is all too close to being Kraftwerkian. I love it. The robot rap is gorgeous. Long live the 80s.

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Amayirot Akago
on 2007-01-12 09:04:43

Fantastic song, love the lyrics.

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TheRedBob
on 2007-01-12 08:00:53

I've listened to this song way more than I should already, and it still doesn't seem old to me. Thanks for the great tune.

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Martin Penwald
on 2007-01-04 16:05:59

Very nice. I dig this style of music, and what's even more important is that this song is very catchy.

And just like it was said before, the lyrics fit very well. Good job with the vocals, too; they sound awesome.

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Nec5
on 2006-12-24 21:21:33
These are actually the words printed at the back of the box/cassette case on the original game, so I can't take credit for writing them. They simply fitted as song lyrics, so I don't think I changed anything - just lifted them right off.

Anyway, hope y'all will enjoy the tune! :D

Still awesome! :D

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Woe Is You
on 2006-12-24 21:18:34

I haven't heard anything this groovy since I bought Minimum Maximum.

Needs more metalling clangs, though. It ain't kraftwerkian without 'em.

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Azure Prower
on 2006-12-24 05:19:02
Ach! I forgot to provide the lyrics when I sent the remix in. Well, here they are, so if anyone else asks just point them here. ;)
Where once the tiny cottage stood

A mighty palace, dwarfs the wood

And there within the highest tower

The witch queen wields her mighty power

A rule of evil ‘cross the land

With ghosts and gargoyles close at hand

Her enemies destroyed this night

Yet one remains to set things right

A pumpkin warrior, brave and good

The last survivor from the wood

So go now swiftly climb the stair

And cut a lock of witch’s hair

Seek out the cauldron black

And brew a spell to change things back

Then the hag will know defeat

And thy revenge will be complete

These are actually the words printed at the back of the box/cassette case on the original game, so I can't take credit for writing them. They simply fitted as song lyrics, so I don't think I changed anything - just lifted them right off.

Anyway, hope y'all will enjoy the tune! :D

Still awesome! :D

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Cauldron II: The Pumpkin Strikes Back (Palace Software , 1986, C64)
Music by Richard Joseph
Songs:
"Title"

Tags (5)


Genre:
Mood:
Instrumentation:
Electronic,Synth,Vocals: Male
Additional:
Lyrics > Lyrics: Existing
Usage > Halloween

File Information


Name:
Cauldron_2_It's_Binary_Baby_Album_Mix_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
4,519,360 bytes
MD5:
332a0cedaa284dfbb988e6ba665dedeb
Bitrate:
192Kbps
Duration:
3:04

Where once the tiny cottage stood
A mighty palace, dwarfs the wood
And there within the highest tower
The witch queen wields her mighty power

A rule of evil 'cross the land
With ghosts and gargoyles close at hand
Her enemies destroyed this night
Yet one remains to set things right

[Chorus]
A pumpkin warrior, brave and good
The last survivor from the wood
So go now, swiftly, climb the stair
And cut a lock of witch's hair

...of witch's hair

...of witch's hair

Seek out the cauldron black
And brew a spell to change things back
Then the hag will know defeat
And thy revenge will be complete

[Chorus]
A pumpkin warrior, brave and good
The last survivor from the wood
So go now, swiftly, climb the stair
And cut a lock of witch's hair

...of witch's hair

...of witch's hair

Featured on album...

It's Binary, Baby!


album cover
Published 2005-09-12
Original Soundtrack

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