Reviews by rafael |
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Displaying Reviews 1 - 9 out of 9 |
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Last V8 - arranged by o2Review by rafael, 03/12/2003 Let me start by pointing out that I REALLY like O2s work - his Nemesis track is one of my all-time faves on RKO. Magnificent, powerful and well designed. Errr… this is where I have to start writing about this track I think. And that's exactly my problem with it. There's not that much to say, no offence Carsten. It really started well, with those eerie bass effects and the technical feel - then, in comes the typical Jarre-like sound but then… don't know, something happens and the tune fails. It's not that it's technically poor, nor is it musically uninteresting. It's just that there's nothing outstanding about it. And outstanding you normally are dude. It's a shame Carsten hasn't finished his track for R64 Vol. 2. Now THAT would have been interesting. What do you say? |
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Supernova (the slow tune) - arranged by Thomas DetertReview by rafael, 12/11/2003 Oh my g o d.But let me explain first that I kind of missed this when it was first released. Recently, I put together a MiniDisc for my car audio and decided to add this tune. And boy am I glad I did. Thomas' powerful arrangements and his touch for spherical soundscapes have been put to good use in this masterpiece. It's a little Enigma, some Vangelis and a sprinkle of X-Files come together in a powerful synth ballad-theme that makes the hair on my neck' jump a meter. Beyond doubt, this is Thomas best piece yet, topped marginally, but only marginally, by his version of Shades on the Remix64 Vol2. CD. Excellent choir sections, gigantic synths, hypnotically driving percussion and top sound quality. The tune itself is amazingly simple yet there's a big hookability rating here. I bow in respect Mr. Detert. |
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Martin Galways Symphony - arranged by Markus SchneiderReview by rafael, 28/10/2003 Magnificent - somewhat better than Markus' last effort, maybe because the melody is simply better. The percussion is improving too. I'm not a total expert for orchestral as many know (I prefer the mix of symphonic and electronica) - the soundscape is recognizably Markus Schneider and that sense of surprise seemed to have gone a little in the previous track but it's back here. I like it! Well done Markus! |
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Rubicon (Main Titles) - arranged by Jan MorgensternReview by rafael, 03/10/2003 Well done Jan, this is an interesting and cool introduction from the Morgenstern. 😊 I've always bee a sucker for MoN work and this version brings out that flavour of the original Rubicon title track. In particular, the perky chords and the very reminiscent drums and bass do the track justice. Only gripe I have is that it's a little too long, less would have been more here. I like your work, keep it up buddy. |
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Miss ParkPatrol takes a Break (feat.Elsa Persson) - arranged by MahoneyReview by rafael, 05/05/2003 Ok, Mahoney strikes yet again. And he does it so differently each time. The whole thing with Mahoney tracks is that they are always surprising. This one for instance, is a stroke of genius - picture a funky jazzy voice to a break dance beat and add some superbly recorded vocal effects with some amazing singing (can you call it that even?) - that's what this remix is about. Even the first time I listened, I ended up tapping my feet uncontrollably to the break-beats and smiling. Yes, smiling. Good music makes you smile. This guy is one of the pearls in our remix scene and this tune goes to prove that. 'Nuff said. |
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Suicide Express - arranged by BaRReview by rafael, 03/05/2003 From the current batch of remixes, this one by BaR seemed to inspire me the most really. Ok, most people know that I'm a big fan of trance and dance orientated tracks (yes, in spite of my own work!) and actually, this sounds a lot like the Blade Runner trance mix from the charts a few years back.The instruments usd are typical trance sets, yet they're implemented well and there is a dance-y atmosphere there for sure. Judging from the overall sound, well, it sounds a little like a pure Reason mix, which is not a bad thing - a great tool I haven't used myself before though. Antony Crother's original Sid tune has been ported nicely, regardless of it's simple melody and it brings out the best flavour. All in all, I think I can sum up this remix like this: If you like trance stuff, download it. There's no big effects, no overwhelming oooh moments, the remix is just nice, nothing more and nothing less. Which is ok, because I'm in the mood for it. Nice work BaR. |
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Shadow Skimmer - arranged by Markus SchneiderReview by rafael, 17/04/2003 Well Markus my friend, this is an awesome feat. I have to be honest when I say that I - although I very much adore symphonic scores - am not a total fan of the current orchestral sounds. Anyone who knows my stuff knows I prefer the poppy, electronic path. For me, a movie score should have some synthetic features like drumloops or synth effects. Just listen to Gregson-William's Shrek or MGS2 on Playstation2. Anyway, that's just my preference.Needless to say, the orchestration here is awesome nonetheless. Markus has been improving with each remix. It's hard work getting that feel of the real orchestra in there. The track lacks a little progression in my view but with the overall tension and atmosphere in it, symphonic fans will get a huge kick out of it. This review may actually sound a bit negative, but it's not meant that way. In fact, I urge you: Download it and weep. I know I did. |
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Miami Vice Loada - arranged by MistaDistahReview by rafael, 25/02/2003 I'm quite unsure about this remix really.On the one hand, some nice strangely hypnotic and nostalic sounds, that do sound like a C64 gone synthesizer. But on the other hand, for me, the track lacks progression. There's an upbeat, driving Lynne-esque kind of bass line getting the whole moving after a while that makes it more exciting but overall, it sounds like Wizball's on E. I'm not happy to critisize it for what it is, because if you like that kind of thing, it'll surely do it for you. But if you're looking for an inspired, thriving hair-standing-on-the-neck kind of C64-meets-synths kind of remix, download Brimble's Lightforce. Rafael |
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Flight Path 737 - arranged by Tim ForsythReview by rafael, 20/01/2003 The original is fairly short in terms of what you can do with it - Tim's done a great job here on taking the little bit he's given and turning it into a majestic hymn. The sounds do remind me of Jochen Hippels work - particularly his Give it a Try CD from 1990.Brilliant piano melody and very nostalgic razory (typical Amiga/C64/ST chip sound) bass backing. Good clear recording as well. Rafael Dyll |
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