ReMix:Crash Bandicoot "All for Wumpa" 4:26

Rexy is a huge Crash fan, and my comments on ABG's CT ReMix back in 2010 inspired her to do something about OCR's lack of arrangements - in addition to a rowdy, uptempo collab w/ Mr. Strader, she sent us this (far) more subdued, lovely solo piano piece. There couldn't be more of a contrast between the two mixes, which is really kinda cool since's they're the same arranger AND the same game. Bev writes:

"I picked "The Great Hall" from the original Crash title because of all source tunes provided by Mutato Muzika during the PS1 era, it to me managed to fit more of the nature of a piano arrangement to me. Its usage in the game was in 2 places - the final "lobby" level before the final battle with game antagonist Dr. Neo Cortex, and during the end credits.

The feel I went with it was to make the game's conclusion feel so much more graceful, and to some extent a little bittersweet. Once the final battle was over, Castle Cortex was left in flames and you have managed to rescue Tawna, the game's damsel-in-distress. As you both ride into the sunset in triumph, you can't help but think what happened to the cronies you fought along the way, fearing that one of these days you may have to go through that same struggle all over again. But pushing it to the back of your mind, life goes on and you still need to be thankful for your own success.

Since I'm probably the only known Crash nut on the entire site (!!), I'll provide a source breakdown:

0:00-0:10 - Main theme
0:21-0:32 - Dr. Cortex
0:43-1:59 - Great Hall
2:08-2:11 - Main theme
2:19 -2:23 - Great Hall
2:51-3:00 - Main theme
3:04-3:10 - Main theme
3:26-3:57 - Great Hall
4:08-4:12 - Great Hall

Total source time: 2:34 (roughly a 5:4 ratio between source and original content)"

Excellent; strong dynamics on the performance here, with sweet & very delicate passages as well as more emphatic portions, plus the timing has a gentle sway and a good feel for spacing. The initial submission featured a piano sound that really didn't do Rexy's performance OR arrangement justice, but she was thankfully able to submit an updated rendering that does, so there's a happy, major-key ending both in the mix itself AND regarding its creation. OA writes:

"Solo piano tracks seem to be under extra scrutiny, but along with the arrangement ideas, decent dynamic curve, and some pretty pleasant piano playing, I can get behind this one."

With specific regard to the updated rendering, Emunator adds:

"Holy shit. Pardon my french, but that sounds GORGEOUS. So glad we decided to track her down and get this fixed, I'm much more comfortable with the song now. YESSSS"

This was yet another example of the judges panel providing actionable feedback to the artist, resulting in a mix that in no way compromises the vision and in many ways enhances it, so high fives to everyone involved. It's evident that Rexy has a special place in her heart for Crash Bandicoot, she was clearly the ReMixer destined to finally get arrangements of its music on the site, and I'm happy that BOTH mixes are excellent & impressively contrasting examples of her skills as an arranger!