Reviews by LaLa |
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Displaying Reviews 391 - 420 out of 665 |
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Trick Bag - arranged by DJ Skitz & MordiReview by LaLa, 20/04/2012 I'll be honest, my yardstick here is Dafunk's superb rendition of the same tune. That one is just perfect: every note, every blend, every modification in it is just perfectly placed. Here the melody seems to hiccup here and there compared to that version, probably because Dafunk's additions to it made the original melody so much better. From 1:14 the flute is completely lost - the notes are not held long enough. The transition from the mellow to the dancey part is very well done, but frankly, I don't think the dancey part fits this tune well. Those aside it's a nice tribute, but it leaves me a bit unsatisfied. |
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Rambo Reloaded - arranged by Allister BrimbleReview by LaLa, 16/02/2012 Before I start tearing this apart, let me say that overall it's an excellent remix, hugely enjoyable! I have yet to figure out what the Morse-code spells out in the intro, but I'll get to it eventually. 😊Having said that, the devil is in the details. This orchestral remix is in dire need of more dynamics: the powerful sections are not powerful enough, the soft sections are not soft enough. I think it would help if the military march drums were silenced during the soft parts (e. g. 1:32-1:52). And they should be supported by big timpani or even by rock-band drums during the powerful parts. Those also need stronger brass and strings. But I really like your arrangement variations on the original SID. What I do miss are those short little trills (e. g. at 1:09) that provide some nice ear-candy in the original. Hair-splitting apart, it's definitely a keeper. I'm already looking forward to your next orchestral epic! |
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Supremacy - arranged by moog (Sebastian Bachliñski)Review by LaLa, 31/12/2011 I'm sure I am being very tough on you with my vote, Sebastian, but unfortunately for you, Supremacy is one of those tunes about which I have a very precise ''remix'' in my head whenever I listen to the original SID. Yours comes tantalizingly close to that in some aspects, but other times it veers away too much.Let's start with the intro which is a single-instrument solo in the original. You have used a clarinet (?) for that, which I am not too crazy about, but you also added very nice piano riffs to it, which I found a pleasant surprise and it works wonderfully. Then when the melody repeats, you added an orchestral arrangement - me likey! Then the transition has a rather weak drum in it. Needs more power, more oomph! More orchestral instrumentation follows - me likey! Then it turns into a sort of modern game soundtrack (orchestral with heavy drums), although yet again the arrangement could've used more power, more charisma. First bridge - quiet. I like it, although I think it should be more subtle, more quiet. Then a nice crescendo that doesn't have quite enough build-up. Weak or non-existent drums again in the transition. I find the second bridge a bit weak, and the rest sounds curiously unfulfilling to me. So, I guess two of my biggest complaints here would be that a) your remix does not have enough dynamic range between the subtle and powerful parts, and b) your instrumentation is lacking some oomph. There is one really, really amazing thing about your remix, though: I can play it in parallel with the original SID and two are in lock-step throughout the ENTIRE piece! Cheers for that! =) Sorry for tearing apart your remix in a play-by-play, but I am very passionate about this tune. I can hardly listen to it without conducting my virtual orchestra inside my head. =) |
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Last Ninja II-Central Park (Space Infaders Remix) - arranged by Space InfadersReview by LaLa, 20/10/2011 The positives:- Doesn't mess much with the original arrangement while at the same time it adds its own unique touches. Nicely done! - The powerful guitars really drive this tune. Great, great stuff. The negatives: - The relatively thin synthesizer (SID?) lead sounds. They make the remix sound thinner than it should be. Make them fatter (like the deep pad in the intro), and/or switch them to rhythm guitars. - Too many wrong notes in the bridge section between 3:22-4:08, they just really bother my ears. - It may be just my headphones, but the mix sounds a bit overcompressed to me. Overall, the stylistic choice may not be anything new or creative as far as long-time RKO listeners like me are concerned, but it's executed pretty well. |
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The Alibi Cover - arranged by Darkman007Review by LaLa, 18/10/2011 After having listened to this tune, uh, about a million times the past few days, I came to appreciate it even more. It gets every nuance right: the key changes, the minor blends, the quick trills, you name it. Every single instrument and every single note is absolutely essential in this remix to make this piece work as well as it does. Absolutely masterfully arranged and mixed, I'm still in awe! |
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Ocean Loader 3 (21st Century SID Remix) - arranged by Peter ClarkeReview by LaLa, 02/10/2011 It's always a pleasure to hear remixes done by the authors of the original SIDs, and this one is no exception.I'll be honest, I was a little apprehensive when listening to this remix the first time, but once I've read Peter's comments on this remix it suddenly made sense to me: the monophonic instruments, the arpeggios, the analogue warmth - all of it. Oh, and I absolutely love the drums on this one! Well done, sir, and thank you for this gem! |
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Ocean Loader 3 (Cinematic remix) - arranged by Peter ClarkeReview by LaLa, 02/10/2011 This has always been my most favorite Ocean loader 😊 and hearing it in an orchestral interpretation by the original author himself is really special.The arrangement is masterful, the slowed down tempo really fits the grand orchestra sounds. Just wonderful, wonderful stuff. Thank you! |
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Monty on the Run (Monty Gets Orchestrated 2011) - arranged by Peter ClarkeReview by LaLa, 08/08/2011 I really like C64 Orchestra's version of Monty from their album RUN 10, so I was looking forward to listen to this one. I was not disappointed at all. I was not disappointed despite the fact that this is not a pure orchestral version. Luckily, all the additional drums and synths that appear in this version really work to its advantage. Its style cannot really be summed up, so let's just say it's eclectic. If you're looking for pop-orchestral a la Rondo Veneziano - it's in here. If you're looking for a Hammond-organ-heavy 70s prog rock - it's in here in the middle section. My only complaint here is the somewhat flat mixing. It needs a bit more oomph, a bit fuller sound. Okay, I do have another complaint, too: sometimes the tempo changes are a bit abrupt. And the instruments (like guitars) sound too synthetic. Well, that was 3 complaints, but whatever… All in all, quite a trip, quite an effort, quite a remix! |
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The Impossible Mission Story - arranged by Talking Air CommandoReview by LaLa, 02/04/2011 This appearing on April Fools' Day on RKO, I was a bit skeptical, but it's actually a nice, grandiose ~15min epic featuring speech samples from Impossible Mission (and more). Just don't expect a level of Hans Zimmer or John Williams from it: neither the samples, nor the arrangement is up-to-par.But nice touch with the Mission: Impossible reference towards the end. 😉 |
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Sweet - arranged by Rune-Bertil'sReview by LaLa, 23/02/2011 This is brilliant. You've taken my favorite SID tune and managed to turn it inside-out - and strangely enough, it works!The intro sets up a fast pace, but the slow(er) sax lead compliments it nicely. This duality remains throughout the remix, giving the moody melody an uptempo swing backing. I think the instruments could use more polishing, but the ingenuity of this remix is in the arrangement. Well done, thanks for letting me hear this tune in a completely different context! |
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Asia Dreams - arranged by CZ TunesReview by LaLa, 14/02/2011 Take the aspirations of Reyn's ''Asian Legends'' and use a somewhat different mix of tunes based on a SID mix - you get the idea!Nicely done, but more refinement of the sonic soundscape would've elevated it further. For example, choose one: Koto's italo disco or traditional Asian instruments. The two somehow don't mix. Also, the transitions between some of the tunes are too abrupt (contrast with the smooth-flowing Reyn classic). But you know what, yes, it has its shortcomings, but the more I listen to it, the more I like it! |
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Last Ninja 2 Back To The Central Park - arranged by JPHReview by LaLa, 18/10/2010 This is a great idea ruined by mediocre instrument choices and so-so mixing. The guitar riffs are absolutely awesome - but pretty much everything else sounds cheap. No effects, no use of stereo space, no nothing. Too bad, because the arrangement is very promising, closely following the original. But overall, this needed more time in the cooker. |
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Sweet (feat Gibs) - arranged by MordiReview by LaLa, 02/10/2010 Wow, wow, wow!Be impressed by my triple-wow, because this being my all-time favorite SID, I am especially picky about remixes that attempt to re-interpret it. At first I found the intro a bit too slow, but it's growing on me. The silk-soft lead instrument and the overall softness of the entire production is impressive. It would be hard to top the expressive Yamaha CS-80 lead that Marcel Donne put into his remix, but you've done a great job here, Mordi. When the guitar lead kicks in, it really tickles my heart, makes my legs tremble, tears form in my eyes, and gives me goosebumps - just like it does when I listen to the original SID. Which means that this remix manages to evoke the same emotions in me, and that's no small feat. Also kudos for the beautiful coda you've added to the end, it's such attention to the detail in the arrangement that makes this remix truly outstanding. Thank you, Mordi, for this remix! I'll carry it in my heart forever. |
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Forbidden Forest (Piano) - arranged by soundsosoundReview by LaLa, 24/09/2010 This requires a much better sounding piano, because the arrangement is terrific and your playing technique is spotless! What a fantastic mood it creates, perfectly mirroring the original game's dark tones! I am really astonished how good this is, and I appreciate all your work that went into creating it. |
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Boulder Dash I & II (Piano) - arranged by soundsosoundReview by LaLa, 24/09/2010 I wish Boulder Dash I wasn't slowed down in this version, but that would've required some really virtuoso technique! Massive respects for this piece, well done and well played!NOTE: It sounds like it's a cheap synth piano, are those plastic keys I hear clicking in the background?… … |
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Alternative Fuel - arranged by MordiReview by LaLa, 08/09/2010 Hmm, frankly, I was expecting a little more Mordification on this tune. Don't get me wrong, I like the slowed down tempo, but I question some of the arrangement choices. Like, how it fades out in the end - the original SID has a very well-defined ending, and I quite like it that way. Also, a few of the chord changes seem to break up the flow of the tune.I am also put off a tad by the whiny thin lead. Some fat pad would've helped enhance the mellow feeling. So, I'm torn on this tune, it has its ups and downs. |
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Cybernoid II (Lime on 45 Remix) - arranged by TronReview by LaLa, 08/09/2010 Absolutely surprisingly fresh and well-executed remix of Cybernoid II in the style of 70s disco with some modern twist to it!The unique arrangement is what really makes this remix shine: the rhythm section, the way the round original tune and melody has been put into this square box (and it fits!). The only place where this falls apart slightly is between 2:24-3:20 where the lead and the chords are just not meshing quite well. My only gripe: the whitenoise audible throughout the recording, especially at the very beginning and at the very end of it. I would also recommend replacing the high-pitched leads with vocals for another mix - now, that would make it sound really 70s, I think! All in all, fantastic effort, great results, very enjoyable! |
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Platoon - Hardships of war - arranged by Kristian SvenssonReview by LaLa, 06/09/2010 Two remixes for the price of one, I guess. I really like how tunes #1 and #3 got blended together, but at the same time, I also wish they were kept separate, because the second remix is so much better than the first one.I do like the historically relevant vocals and voice samples, they add an unusual depth to the remix. Even though the lyrics from 4:15 is too blunt and direct for my taste. Subtlety and metaphors would be my preference… The rhythm guitars stand head and shoulders above the rest. I like the arrangement, I like how it's produced, I'll surely listen to it many more times. |
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From First to Last (AROK12 tribute mix) - arranged by SIDrip AllianceReview by LaLa, 06/09/2010 Laser-sharp mixing, I can hear each individual guitar string! The arrangement is also fantastic, the different parts flow into each other seamlessly - which means somebody spent a ton of effort to make this arrangement seem effortless. 😉My only minor gripe about the remix is some of the lead sounds - I think they are a bit too thin and effect-less, and sound a touch out-of-place with the rocky backing. More reverb or vibrato, or fatter lead instruments would've helped. But otherwise, just WOW! |
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Way of the Exploding Fist (Ambient Blitz Mix) - arranged by dr.blitzenReview by LaLa, 21/06/2010 This is two remixes for the price of one.The first half is a really well-done ambient remix with a mostly oriental instrumentation. I find the lead wind instrument synthetic and expressionless, otherwise, the arrangement is great. The second remix - starting at 1:55 after the big gong - is more synthy, reminding me of Tangerine Dream's early 80s era. This, I feel, is a bit weaker than the first half of the remix. If this remix ended at 1:55, it would've received a big red smiley from me, but unfortunately, the second half feels less refined to me. |
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Wizardry (Marco Polo Edit) - arranged by Dr FutureReview by LaLa, 12/05/2010 As a fan of Rondo Veneziano, I've instantly recognized their pop-renaissance style in this remix, so I guess that's a good thing.Unfortunately, where this remix falls flat is in the instrumentation. The winds (flutes, piccolos, etc.) and the strings are especially lacking in sonic detail. And that Korg preset overused by Enigma and others at 1:16 is just too tacky for me. Add it all up and the end result comes out sounding somewhat cheap. I do like the drums, though, and I do like the arrangement of the remix, it just needs a bit more attention to the instrumentation details. |
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Navy Moves - arranged by SIDrip AllianceReview by LaLa, 03/05/2010 Whoa, quite a tour de force! Great job, guys, great job! However, allow me to provide some critique of this great remix.First of all, whether due to mixing or arrangement, the remix sounds a bit too chaotic. Yes, Navy Moves demands a powerful remix like this, but this may be just a wee bit too much of a good thing. Sounds like everything was mixed in on the same level and thus, there's no separation of the tracks. Second, that lead kicking in at 1:14 is rather weak. C'mon, a tune like this needs powerful electric guitars for lead, not a wah-wah filtered synth! Either that, or mix it in more to the front and add some more effects to it to make it stand out from the near-chaotic drums and bass. Third, I know that Navy Moves is looping tune, but the ending of this remix leaves me unsatisfied. If you're interested, drop me an email and I'll tell you what kind of ending do I imagine for this SID. 😊 All in all, definitely the best Navy Moves remix to date, but I'm still awaiting for the ultimate one. |
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Dixie Bits (country punk edition) - arranged by NecroPoloReview by LaLa, 02/04/2010 We need more of these: medleys of various tunes! We need more of these: fun little remixes in traditional styles! We need more of these: actual guitars instead of synthetic ones!This remix should be included as a bonus track on a re-release of Reyn's The Blithe, the Blend and the Bizarre - it'd be a perfect fit. I'd be a bit happier if it was more uptempo, but that's the only complaint I could think of for this piece. |
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Commando (feat. Makke) - arranged by Romeo KnightReview by LaLa, 27/02/2010 This is as close to how I always imagined Commando as it can get! Heavy metal guitars, blistering lead guitar solos, great drumming. Top-notch production.The mixing seems a bit off, though, the vocals are a bit too soft. And the singer's voice should be more raspy. Yeah, I'm splitting hairs now. 😊 Definitely a keeper! |
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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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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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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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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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