ReMix:Super Mario 64 "The Third Dimension" 4:11

Next up is Mr. Wheeler with a sizzling, chip-splosive take on the original SMB theme, also employed in SM64:

"At last, here's my take on the classic SMB theme (or more specifically, SM64's title theme). I used to think it was pretty cool. Then "The Life and Death of the Mario Bros." was posted, and I was no longer impressed with myself. Maybe you guys will still like it though! :P Jokes aside, I had a lot of fun making this track, and (even though it took FOREVER :P) I'm glad to have been a part of the album!"

This arrangement starts off seeming rather deliberate, but plenty of sub-divided & syncopated rhythms emerge as the piece progresses. Album Director Justin Medford writes:

"I was very pleased when halc joined up on the project. His upbeat, chiptune-y style is a great fit for this soundtrack. The title screen music is really just an arrangement of the classic Mario theme, so extra props to halc for bringing something fresh and new to an oft-remixed song. Just picture a giant 8-bit Mario head replacing the 3D manipulative Mario head at the beginning of the game and you've got the picture (see what I did there?). So good."

That would actually be a really cool easter egg for some future version of SM64... I've always kinda hoped the big N would go back and make a direct sequel to SM64 - same basic engine, dressed up to the 9's, with some new powerups here and there, but maintaining the more open feel of the game, relative to Galaxy and the New series. Of course, I'm also waiting for Phantasy Star V and Street Fighter Alpha IV and Space Harrier III - a man can dream, can't he? Plenty of chirpy, filtered synths, percolatin' percussions, and a deep triangle bass, along with FX & Mario himself a'makin' an appearance round out the soundscape, and LOOKOUT for dem BONGOS @ 1'57". The last 40 seconds trip out into outer space, terminating in an infinite bed of verb as the bassline keeps truckin' ever onwards - it's going the distance. Excellent stuff from halc that fits most of the good stuff in between the beats & packs in tons of variation!