ReMix:Final Fantasy VI "Inspector Strago" 3:55

First, the good news: As of today, we've beaten last year's total for our April fundraiser!

Now, the "bad" news: Only 87 people have donated. Of course, we have no delusions... this IS the Internet, people EXPECT things to be free, and to get even 87 folks to chip in and help support our not-for-profit VGM-evangelizing organization/website is truly awesome. However, as BGC's pointed out in the thread, there are thousands of registered members and far more unregistered members who visit the site each week, and if everyone could chip in just a little, things would add up REALLY fast. This *is* the money that will make OCR possible for the next 365 days (and hopefully beyond), and we're doing our best to make this month particularly awesome. You probably saw our hopefully-not-pesky-but-rather-enlightening email, but to recap:

• We published three interviews with DKC (& more!) composer David Wise, Christopher Tin (Civilization IV), and ReMixer/Composer Steffan Andrews. Thanks to each of them for taking the time to chat with us!
• You can now click on our randomized mascots and get cool biographies. Try it, it's addicting.
• We JUST turned on a new presentation system for mix comments that shows them RIGHT on the mix detail page, for convenience, along with some visual/usability modifications to our lists pages (e.g. games, mixes, systems, etc.)
• We've already posted 8 mixes in April, this being the 9th, and they all kick butt.

There you have it. We last saw AeroZ back in September of last year with a drop-dead gorgeous SMW mix. If you haven't checked it out, get with the program and do so immediately, then come right back. I'll still be here. Back in '07 Sebastian was on a (imo quite effective) mission to spread the gospel of FFV, but now in 2009 he's finally broken down and mixed the more mainstream FFVI OST, with an awesome take on the 'Strago' theme. Great, undermixed melody with a lot of possibilities, so no complaints on song choice here. He also found occasion to mix in some FFVII while he was at it, pleasing two sets of rabid fanboys at the same time. Mr. Freij writes:

"This is an oldie as well brought from the depths of my external harddrive. The Strago theme is one of my favorites from the FF6 OST. Then it happened (again) by accident that "Birth of a god" appeared before I knew it. Crazy mix with lots of stuff going on. This is an important mix for me also. Trying out new ideas. By continued talk about being very similar the theme from "Inspector Gadget" it was named after it.

Btw, Inspector Gadget rulez."

Indeed he does. I feel it is time to recycle my single IG joke:

• Q: Why does Inspector Gadget keep Penny around?
• A: So he can inspect-her-gadget

Works better out loud. It's funny, dammit. If that little gem's not worth a $5 donation to OCR, I don't know what is. If you've got a modicum of taste, however, you'll probably prefer... this mix, which is yet another awesome, impressive, & creative outpouring of music from AeroZ. Sebastian's almost ALWAYS going new places with each new mix he sends in, so when he explicitly declares that he's experimenting, that's certainly worth noting. He delivers, too, mixing in antique, lo-fi elements and samples with a modern sound that's all sorts of clutch. Mellotronish strings and flute merge with heavy-hitting percussion and wide saw synths. There's a lot of glitching/stuttering, but less on the drums and more on the synths, which is nice & fresh. Arrangement is dynamic throughout, and the drumless interlude at 2'38" adds an emotive, nostalgic flair to an otherwise groove-oriented piece. A lot of influences, a lot of sounds, and a lot to take in, but like all of AeroZ's pieces, it's easy to appreciate the craftsmanship and also get down with the jams. Great, very fresh mix, going places with the FF6 score that are new, different, & well worth exploring.