ReMix:Pokémon Diamond Version "Reflection" 4:37

Our first TheGuitahHeroe mixpost of 2014 is a super-mellow POKEMANZ DIAMOND synth-driven rock ballad of sorts, with some nice chromatic jazz flourishes here and there & an extended piano break that makes you feel like you're in a super-swank bar in a ritzy hotel, kickin' it VIP-style. Or so I imagine. Jamison writes:

"My thought process for remixing this song involved listening to the original, and thinking to myself, "This needs more than just piano." So yeah, I put my twist on it. Sort-of chiptune mixed with sort-of chillout mixed with sort-of... downtempo (?) mixed with ambient piano. Is that an acceptable genre? (I admit I'm horrible at figuring genres X) )

But anyway, I had many inspirations for this remix, namely tracks by AE, Willrock, halc, Rozovian, zircon, and PokeRemixStudio (who I'm attempting to force to submit some of his stuff to here :o). I'd go into further detail about my inspirations and influences but I'd be here all day. Seriously. So all I can say is thank you to everybody who has influenced me, in whichever way. I would also like to sincerely thank everybody on the WIP forum who helped me to better this track, especially Dr. Rozo :D"

Different vibe for TGH, more subtle and restrained, with a downright gorgeous soundscape. When the lead synth sweeps in at 0'53", you could be forgiven for thinking this was a "Stickerbush Symphony (Bramble Blast)" mix, as it has that same super-relaxed and expansive feel to it, yet the divergence is readily apparent. The piano trill at 2'52" is a nice touch; almost reminds me of Bill Murray in Ghostbusters ("They HATE this..."), but that was an octave or two higher. The source has this sad chromaticism later in the main motif, and the ReMixer does a good job playing off that, and balancing jazzier/mellow piano with enthusiastic, soaring synth. halc writes:

"very impressive, no doubt, and MUCH more impactful than the previous version. lush soundscapes, great transitions, and a killer arrangement. solo at 3:30 is just ballin'. you definitely raised your production bar with this mix. nothing but praise here, you're making this remixing business look really really easy. ;)"

OA corroborates:

"yeah, this is really nicely done; it takes a beautifully colored original and adds a lush backing, some nice arrangement touches (especially that bass writing during the solo), a few different moods, and finishes with style. The lead synth has some great character and expression, and this clicks on just about every front."

I'll go further and say that this is one of my favorite TGH mixes & a mix I'll be going back to quite often, I think - it's got a distinct blend of mellowness, exuberance, and a twinge of sadness/regret in there, the overall structure is unique and effective, and Jamison's done a fantastic job really bringing out the source, which I'm now a big fan of. Great stuff, not to be missed!