Barry Leitch - Tetris [Mariko's Tale] (Encore64 V2)

Track info
Tetris [Mariko's Tale] (Encore64 V2)
Arranged by:
Barry Leitch Veteran
Member profile:
Original SID:
Original composed by:
Also released here:
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Duration:
27:46
Released:
28/11/2024
All-Time charts position:
6
Score:
99%
Story

We all have pieces of music we hold dear to ourselves. Sometimes it can be some strange obscure pieces from the weirdest of places, whether it's a live version that stands out more than recorded versions, or some film scene score, or some piece of music that you fell in love with the very first time you heard it.

One of my favorite pieces of music, is a wonderfully bleak and haunting piece of music by Mr. Wally Beben. It's an extremely long track, and I found myself coming back to it many times over the last 35 years. I found it a wonderfully uplifting piece, despite its nature. I found solace in it many times when life got overwhelming. I'd listen to it, and just roll around in loss, pity, depression, sorrow, whatever it was that was ailing me at the time, and by the end of listening to the piece, I always found myself feeling better - probably because it was so damn long I'd simply forgotten about whatever was ailing me😉

Recently I found myself completely engrossed in a TV show, the remake of Shogun, (I'll avoid posting spoilers) - It was particularly enjoyable, partly because the main British actor sounded very much like Richard Burton and the storyline was surprisingly complex for an American TV show. I started watching each episode twice to catch all the subtleties, and try and make sense of who the bad guys were and who were the actual good guys while waiting eagerly for the next episode.
One of the characters. Mariko, really stood out to me, played by the beautiful Anna Zawei. Her portrayal of her part, delivery of her lines so eloquently and stately, I found her absolutely captivating to watch and her storyline unfold. I developed little crush on Mariko!

Then as the story wraps up, and Mariko's character finishes her story arc, I felt a huge loss. Those familiar negative feelings. I actually left the room and went and spent some time on my own to just contemplate life the universe and everything in it, and in that moment, I made the mental connection between the two.

And so Tetris C64 Mariko's Tale Remix was conceived.

With the Encore 64 Version 2 album starting, it was instantly my choice of track to work on. After all, only a complete idiot would choose to remix a 27 minute tune 😊

I'm very proud of how it turned out

So here it is in all its glory.. Melancholic, haunting, bleak AF, and absolutely beautiful.

I promise you one thing, you'll feel better when its over!

Tetris [Mariko's Tale] (Encore64 V2)
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Due to it's length this won't get a lot of repeat plays (great for reading though) but this is an astonishing piece or work. Never exepcted the Asian twist, superb choice of instruments, some nice progression in parts and two goosebump moments.
Lengthy... Just like the original SID, but awesome nonetheless... Now tackle the Gordian Tomb ingame music.... LOL
This is epic
This tune is a story for mind and vision
A flawless interpretation of an epic track. Just take your time, and listen to it focused, deserves the attention.
This is *fantastic*. I often had it playing when I studied as a kid so might be my most listened c64 tune. Brings back memories!
Can listen to this while working all day along!
Review by Glyn R. Brown
29/11/2024

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Once this track begins, you have no choice but to sit and listen right through to the very last note. It's that captivating… I've heard this track many, many times now and I never grow tired of it, regardless of it's length, ha!… Fantastic work Barry 😉👍
Review by Tomsk
29/11/2024

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Downright awesome. Only a crazy person would attempt this….so there you go. All of the original great theme is here, including the re-created samples, plus loads more to admire. The thumping drums and oriental sounds are perfectly suited - and it must be noted ALL of the additonal work fits like it was always there. There's nothing that takes you out of the TETRIS ZONE. If you're a fan of this tune you're going to love this. If you've not heard it before, set aside 30 minutes - sit back, and soak it in.Fantastic work!
29/11/2024

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To make a tune this length really takes what it takes. You've managed to add so many parts coming, staying and recalling the magic Wally Beben did on SID. So nice and capturing. Gives me goosebump!
Review by NinoMegaDriver
30/11/2024

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I've been a huge fan of Barry's since the first time I discovered he was the author of my favorite game tunes. Barry is such an astonishing music creator, he's methodical to details and incredibly innovative in his melodies and use of scales. It doesn't surprise me at all that he remixed (afaik) the longest C64 tune. I can listen to this all day and not just 27 minutes.