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Magic Afternoon (instrumental) - arranged by Ic3m4nReview by Galaldir, 06/02/2010 I have to admit it, this is the first time ever that I hear *any* version of Magic afternoon.It all started some month ago when looking for vintage computer game related music (originals and remixes as well) for playing them at Retro Games eV. In Karlsruhe, Germany. A good friend of mine just brought an extra CD… and this very version of Magic Afternoon was there. At first I just ignored the (for me) unknown title. It was after some weekends that it accidentally got live while I was attending some customers… … that was amazing! Some people stopped playing at the arcade machines and pinballs just for asking what the name of the tune was, or for some that were more savvy than me, for asking which interpreter did that version of Magic Afternoon Huh? Dunno… This interpretation just fixed my attention making me getting curious for hearing at the original version, and after doing so I was more that thrilled when realizing how amazingly well this remix version was planed and performed. Beautiful Praise: It respects the essence of the original. The most important point for me. It's spacy (is this the correct term?), I love that. The tune is clean and consistent, well balanced, but… (see below) The selection of instruments is almost flawless. Introduces some subtle improvements and variances compared to the original. The drums are just perfect Critic: The lead Xilophone/Arpeggiator is a little bit shrill and loud, specially at the higher pitches. The lead Synth could be a little less… hmmm… acid? Bass and Base-Pad (Specially the bass) could be a little bit more present, but maybe this is just due to the dominating lead Xilo and Synth. All in all. One of my all time favorites in my retro music collection. I give it the best note. And thank to the interpreter for sharing! |
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Baboon (Skydive ReMix) - arranged by ChabeeReview by NecroPolo, 04/02/2010 Chabee vs DRAX? Awesomeness! 😃This remix could both capture the mellow atmosphere of the fine original and added so much to it. For me it feels like adding subtle, elegant and style-correct details and finishing an already nice painting. Man, I must admit that this is my fav remix from you - and my fav remix in 2010, so far. Keep releasing fine pieces like this one! Gratuálok Maestro, eddig nálam visz mindent ebben az évben! 😊 |
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Iron Lord - arranged by moog (Sebastian Bachliñski)Review by LaLa, 01/02/2010 Well, the style of the remix is hardly a stretch since Iron Lord itself is a cover of the famous renaissance song 'Pase el agua'. Except here it's rendered in baroque. Ish.Some of the instruments are a bit too sterile sounding, and I miss the vocals that make this remix pale in comparison to some live renditions. Still, a valiant effort and rather enjoyable. |
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Knucklebusters (PSX Music2000 edit) - arranged by TomskReview by Windshield_CB, 30/01/2010 Don't let the comments fool you - finding a Knucklebusters remix too long is like finding a Grateful Dead cover band too jammy; such a complaint completely misses the point of the original. This is by far the best remix yet of this challenging song, and the only version which even comes close to the original's crunchy, aggro bass.While the truth in labelling here is no more than a happy accident, it's a very, very happy accident indeed - this remix takes the C64 original and forces it through the sonic sensibilities of the musical schizoid men of the 21st century. Like the 21st century itself, it's a little too sterile in places (I really dislike the patch used for the majority of the main theme (~3:00 - ~8:00) - sounds far too MIDI; and the original's sliding, squealing, distorted bass at the nine-minute mark has been reduced to staccaco keyboards). The rhythm section for the final solos is so good that it almost compells one to forgive the slightly under-polished, late-stage Beta release that is the majority of the final solo itself. |
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Arkanoid - Techhouse RMX - arranged by daXX offlineReview by Instant Remedy, 17/01/2010 I can just say WOW!The production values and technical skills are top notch. The beat is really catchy and thumpin'. Cool effects and stuff to go with the beat. Structure is actually pretty interesting and keeps you listeing to see whats next. Only downside with these kind of remixes is that the closer you get to a *real* dancefloor remix the further you get from the original. DaXX went all the way to get this to the floor and it succeeded with highest marks. DaXX fattest remix to date (and I've probably heard them all). |
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Boogie Factor 2 - arranged by ChabeeReview by LaLa, 13/01/2010 What a catchy little tune! I caught myself whistling it this morning.I really like the happy chillout style of the remix, I especially like how all the arpeggios have been carefully converted to chords. The bass is a tad weak to my ears, in fact, the entire remix has a slight squeakiness to it. I also wish it used the stereo space better, it sounds too mono. However, those are small gripes - this is a real gem and a joy to listen to! |
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Silent Service II Title Remix - arranged by CZ TunesReview by neglesaks, 12/01/2010 (review updated July/2017): This is one of the best Amiga remixes in a long time. This one packs a punch with a solid bass presence ad a clearly marked tempo/beat line. There is a *very* nice use of sonar pings as part of the arrangement which hammers home the felling that this takes place not just at sea, this is outright naval action! The choice of instruments works very well and as an added sprinkling of goodies, it has some samples from a well known motion picture in the same alley as this game. All in all, this is a very good remix that really hits home the feeling of naval maneuvers and wargames. Well done CZ! |
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Maniac Mansion Theme (feat. Mitch van Hayden) - arranged by AmokReview by Ernie76, 05/01/2010 This is just how i like Remixes. The new Tunes, added to the song fit Perfect. The Drums are just like i wannted to hear in this song back in c64 days. And last but not Least for a Retro guy like me, the mixed in Sid sounds from the Original.Great Work |
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Cybernoid II (80's-Style-Edit) - arranged by C64toBit64Review by LaLa, 04/01/2010 I understand the brave decision to re-work the entire melody line of Cybernoid to make it sound more 80's - but for crying out loud, the original is already a great melody in the 80's style, so why the re-write? Unfortunately, I just can't get over this re-write, even though all the 80's sounds and cliches are in there.Up until 1:24 I had high hopes, but from that point on it's just doesn't sound very pleasing to my ears. Plus there is little variation in there, so in the end this 6+ minute remix is just plain boring. |
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Be There (Caribian Dreams) - arranged by ChabeeReview by LaLa, 04/01/2010 This remix reminds me of the 90's electronic music with some Jan Hammer thrown in there. I really like the intro! The bass could be stronger and the bell-like backing a little softer, but overall it's a great piece of work. |
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Commando (Sound of SceneSat Edit) - arranged by FirestormReview by Xorcerer, 22/12/2009 Hubbard's tunes are probably the most popular and recognized in the 8-bit community. This guy has really set an all-time high standard for gametunes. And he constantly pushed the audio coding up to it's limits, creating new effects which others mimicked and based upon.This is why it is very hard to catch up to his brilliant spirit (even though hard technology is now far beyond dreams of the past). It is also very hard NOT to loose this spirit in flood of new technical tricks. Simplicity, power, pride - this is what it takes to take Hubbard's tunes beyond original blipping 3-channels. This Commando rmx is even better than IK+, to me both are just filled with the right energy up to the limits. There might be a little better synth orchestra - but still this qualifies for the best remix of 2009. |
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Commando (Sound of SceneSat Edit) - arranged by FirestormReview by Ryrynz, 20/12/2009 Wow… It's beat Rastan as the greatest track of all time on RKO… quite a feat.What an amazing tune to listen to, very much reminds me of the Unreal Tournament tracks. Firestorm, you have created a track which sounds so amazingly professional it really is no wonder it's hit number one. I very much look forward to similar remixes from you in future… Well done. There needs to be a new smiley made for this track. |
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InCompleeto - arranged by VincenzoReview by LaLa, 18/12/2009 Hmm, well, not exactly the style I expected for this wacky SID, but it sorta works. Great intro, interesting Hammond lead, I kinda like the improvisational midpart jamming (where it steers away from the original), horribly abrupt change to edginess towards the end, way too abrupt ending, and that's what really brought down my rating for this remix. |
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Shades (in the rain) - arranged by MordiReview by LaLa, 17/12/2009 Where can I buy this mordifier plugin? It sounds awesome.😉What an epic! Although the main theme is based on Shades, I also hear a lot of Green Beret and Hysteria in there, all masterfully and convincingly slipped into the remix. This is such an ethereal and hauntingly beautiful piece of music… It's very enjoyable. The arrangement, the sound quality, the mastering - nothing to complain about here. |
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Commando (Sound of SceneSat Edit) - arranged by FirestormReview by LaLa, 17/12/2009 Wow. This is quite a tour de force!In style it reminds me of Jesper Kyd's and Richard Jacques' symphonic-electronic game soundtracks, and it's absolutely brilliant at that. It has a great variety of moods all interwoven so that it actually tells a story. So, the arrangement is simply brilliant, but it also brings a very professional sounding virtual orchestra to the table coupled with some well-placed electronic sounds and drums. I really look forward to hearing this remix as-is performed by a real orchestra at a game music festival! |
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Maniac Mansion Theme (feat. Mitch van Hayden) - arranged by AmokReview by skyrunner, 12/12/2009 Great, thats just teh shit. Just the last days I was listening to the other remixes of this tune (of course there are already some good ones but…), wishing there would be a version like this one.While freaking out, it suddenly was over at 1:30 playtime. wtf? You can't be serious?! I felt like a child whose lollipop got stolen. ^^ Of course I know the original is only 1:30, too but nevertheless… So, to show my disappointment its only a grey face at artistry, although its clearly a red one too like the other both categories. No one with some common sense could really critisize Amoks technical skills. ^^ Although sounding modern (of course) Amok catched all that nostalgic feeling. Will fit that 3d remake perfectly. I'm looking forward to that game too. Well, please everyone voting sign that petition: We demand a longplay version!!! |
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Pooyan (subtune 1) - arranged by WolkReview by Anbalsilfer, 19/11/2009 Listen to this mix.Then listen to the original. To actually take that crappy over-speeded piece of *#! and turn it into something not only listenable but both wildly amusing and quite catchy is nothing short of masterful! Kudos to Wolk for creating one of my favorite C64 remixes to date. |
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Great Giana Sisters (PTTM Distortion Remix) - arranged by Sonic WandererReview by Anbalsilfer, 19/11/2009 This remix is so awesome compared to the original it is scary! Its feeling and style fits the original very well, possibly with the exception of the lead theme synth which feels slightly over the edge and out of place. The original song is also somewhat monotonous and bland, which this mix doesn't completely remedy. Still definitely one of the best remixes out there to date. |
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Ghosts n' Goblins (from hell) - arranged by Mongo ErectusReview by Anbalsilfer, 19/11/2009 This is a dancefloor-style remix of ghosts'n'goblins that is quite different in feeling and style from the original, but still manages to evoke strong feelings of nostalgia. The quality is a huge improvement from the original. In this case it is a good thing that the artist has dared to step away from the quirky SID qualities of the C64 as they don't really add to the musical value of this particular song like they do for for example the Commando signature theme. Not a lot of original arrangement added, but a masterful rework nonetheless. The ending feels a bit snubbed, though. |
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Rampage - arranged by LManReview by Anbalsilfer, 19/11/2009 This is one of those rare remixes that takes a mediocre but still memorable original and turns it into something extraordinary. This remix adds a whole new sound to the tune. The remixer's artistic work is great. Unfortunately the original tune is somewhat bland and lacking in identity sometimes, a factor which the remix does not altogether manage to compensate for. Still, the improvement is so huge as to be barely credible. |
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Lotus Turbo Challenge II - Intro - Turbo Disco Mix - arranged by Laín CoubertReview by Anbalsilfer, 19/11/2009 This remix gives you simply more of the same friggin' awesomeness that was the original song, and does a good job of it. A new intro is the main novelty here, but it makes all the difference, allowing this great tune to be carried over from the Amiga to the club dancefloor. |
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Space Harrier - arranged by dokmatikReview by Anbalsilfer, 19/11/2009 This is easily one of the best old classic arcade remixes I have ever heard. The original Space Harrier theme was quite catchy and memorable, but a bit lacking in genre identity. Dokmatik has created a version that retains the original catchiness and even increases the tension of suspense of the original, while successfully introducing the song into a genre where it fits extremely well: naïve retro-psychedelic sci-fi. This arrangement qualifies for the very top of sci-fi signature themes in my view.The chord sequence in the transition between the introduction and the main theme is nothing short of ingenius. This is one of those rare remixes where nothing has been lost, but the final result adds several new layers that harmonize perfectly with the original. Fabulous work! |
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International Karate - arranged by Chris AbbottReview by LMan, 09/11/2009 Dramatically underrated classic synth remix of a classic SID tune. Don't be fooled by the upload date, this is a piece of c64 remixing history from pre remix. kwed.org times.Apart from a careful arrangement and instrument selection, this remix features a pure reverence for Hubbard's masterpiece, but at the same time isn't afraid to enhance even further. Nearly a decade old, this still competes with the best. It's beautiful. |
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Alien (Standard Edit) - arranged by Joe McPanicReview by LMan, 09/11/2009 Reminiscent of 80s pure synth productions, which is nice. More careful work could have been done on the sound selection, especially regarding the drums.Also, a couple of surprises in the arrangement to spice it up would have been nice. Enjoyable! |
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I Miss You(C64 Remix) - arranged by Suvak ZajosReview by LaLa, 23/10/2009 It is said that the borderline between genius and madness is pretty thin. Well, this self-remix is teetering on the very edge of both.Imagine the stereotypical mad scientist with unkempt white hair and all tinkering with a SID-based analog synthesizer. That lead is just absolutely crazy, which is especially amazing considering how tame the original SID sounds in comparison. I'm no fan of the arpeggios, I think they should always be turned into chords, but they work fine here to make it sound even more chaotic. But, but, BUT! The REAL icing on the cake to me is the ending: that crazy-ass speech declaring how it misses the Commodore 64 - that made me laugh out loud! So, I think people will either hate this tune or love it. I vote for it being the work of a genius. Or, to summarize it with a single Hungarian word: qrvajó!!! =) |
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Deflektor (Deflektions of My Life) - arranged by Mutherpluckin' BReview by Chris Abbott, 21/10/2009 Very faithful to the spirit of the original, though it's got a lot of competition in the Deyo stakes! Sounds very live! I'm giving a red for sheer effort, plus it sounds like a lot of fun at the recording😊 |
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Fred Gray Medley - arranged by Jogeir LiljedahlReview by Chris Abbott, 07/10/2009 Sounds like Tony Banks does Fred Gray, which is a good thing in my book. Bonus marks for doing new stuff!Moving to the Mutants in the middle, there's some really nice restructuring and noodling which got me smiling. The move to the solo bit is very nice, though the lead could do with slightly more staccato to give the melody a bit more bite. I love the solo bits upward bits, just the right amount of delay. Then it turns Genesis again… circa 1979 (without Mike Rutherford, unfortunately). And then… West Bank? Didn't see that coming… lovely old school Amiga and delay feel… some nice arpeggios, but struggles slightly against the repetitive nature of the source material to stay focussed (or is that just me?). I don't think I would have stayed focussed on this tune for that long without building to something more… Really nice ending to wrap it up nicely. Overall, very red-worthy: old school and proud of it. |
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Wizball (Electronica) - arranged by Gustav TaxénReview by infamous, 01/10/2009 I remember the arguments this caused when it was 1st released, not many people really got what was going on here.This to me is the single most original piece of music on this entire site… it also to me follows the guideline of remix far better than anyone else has EVER managed to so far. This should be a template for others in my opinion, to not be afraid to do something different, dont follow the herd like a sheep and make what YOU see as music… some will get it some wont. The idea which must have come around after taking far too much ketamine or something is a genius one, its the hunter S thompson of tunes, the andy warhol, the damien hurst… whatever radical you might want to add into that list, it dares to be very different and is perfect for it. Wizball is in there (its the main theme if you can't hear it) but its lost under layer after layer of sumptuous synth and pads, it starts as it means to go on, it reminds me in some ways of jarres stuff only far more minimal (and listenable… sorry I bloody hate jarre… posturing french twat stuck in a timewarp of the early 80's constantly trying to milk the last drips of his undeserved fame all showman with no show) and thought provoking, how many tunes on here are thought provoking?… seriously. I can totally understand why so many marked it down so low, its NOT a conventional piece of music and of course my opinion shouldn't be a reflection of what i think the entire scene should think, its just my opinion… but this is the best tune on rko to me for being so bare, open to interpretation and for that… beautiful. Give it a listen and see if you can see the pretty face under the mask, you never know you might just like it. |
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Terramex Schizo RMX v0.8 - arranged by J KrafftReview by OJ Oscillation, 26/09/2009 This one cuts my feelings about it in half.the slow 1st part really kicks the emotion of the tune. dark, lofied and deep. this gets my attention really quick. a busting sample (is it spock?) appears with delay. the lead is very overwhelimg and cool. the break also fits very well. but now it turns, like the original, into a dance tune (and this is where the sid lacks). instead using the unique style at the 1st part, krafft turns to the origin dance part, which is done in a standard remix way. i wish he somehow managed to stay at the athmosphere before and added some signals from the second part. overall it is a very good tune and it is added to my collection. |
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Flimbo's Quest (Live at The Church) - arranged by Reyn OuwehandReview by LaLa, 22/09/2009 Arrrgh!! You know, Reyn, there's a reason this POS Optigan was forgotten: because it sounds like crap. Look at the shouts: this sound reminds people of the turn-of-the-century - but this instrument was created much later in the 1970s! It already sounded outdated at the time it came out! Youch! Give me a Hammond organ or even a Mellotron over this one any time.Your keyboard skills are impeccable, the arrangement is fun, the banjo backing from the Optigan is a nice touch, but dang, I just can't get over that crappy sound. 😊 |
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