Reviews by Tas |
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Displaying Reviews 31 - 60 out of 99 |
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Rupert & The Toymakers Party - arranged by Richard WestallReview by Tas, 26/06/2003 The title may suggest a jolly little tune but no. Infact quite the contrary. In a sort of Horrar final credits type of way the tune plays like one of those haunting musical boxes but with a little more substance. Tho rather simplistic in nature, it's a case of little is more and with that in mind the tune works rather nicely.Overall rather nice without really being a real contender for the top 50. |
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Lightforce - arranged by X-formZReview by Tas, 23/06/2003 Giving a new life and a fresher aproach to lightforce comes x-formz highly inventive remix. The very effective relentless beat carries the tune very well. Added to this a very well chosen set of instruments has been used very effectively. X-formz remix often changes the notes of the original. While lightforce has been remixed numerous times, this version has more to offer than many of it's predecessors with it's new structure. A very worthy piece of work. |
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Zoids (The movie) - arranged by plasm303Review by Tas, 21/06/2003 A slow piano version of zoids. Its a rare inspired moment a musician gets and the idea and structure is impressive carried by some great sounding instruments and nifty touches with the piano sounds.If i had to maybe say a negative thing about this remix is that it never really evolves and at times you get the feeling somethings slightly missing. There's plenty of good versions of zoids knocking about, and this version is one of the better ones. Seems musicians really get inspired by the piece. Downloading is highly recommended! |
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Supernova (the slow tune) - arranged by Thomas DetertReview by Tas, 21/06/2003 This tune first came to my awareness when thomas asked me if it was possible to remix this for the remix64 V2 CD. Thomas was keen on the tune from the ofset, However i decided that the tune wasn't suitable for the CD because well it's a virtually unheard of tune.Its great that Thomas decided to remix this for RKO. A typically Thomas type of tune here, always full, emotional, and delightful to the ears. A massive Recomendation for this fine remix from Thomas which bares the touch of Vangelis despite many peoples unfamiliarity with the original source. |
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Barbarian (Orchestral) - arranged by Matthias SachalReview by Tas, 19/06/2003 One of the main reasons this tune falls flat on it's face is the lack of quality instruments used And the rather laid back feel and simplistic nature.As it stands, its rather bland and uninspired and has very little forward minded vision. |
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Great Giana Sisters (OJ Osc's dig dub mix) - arranged by OJ OscillationReview by Tas, 19/06/2003 I don't minimalistic, but maybe this is just a tad too minimalistic for most peoples tastes. I dunno i found the entire tune just empty, too empty even despite it's obvious intendancies.It's an ok tune, but i have to say i could easily live without it. |
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Trantor (Storm cometh remix) - arranged by InfamousReview by Tas, 19/06/2003 An interesting and experimental take of trantor here, with some unusual but interesting percussion. While there are some very good ideas to this very underground sounding remix, the overall sound quality of the instruments are deffinately lacking.It's an adventurous remix that does deserve some credit in the way that Infamous has dealt with the tune. Overall it's an interesting remix, but nothing more. |
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Miami Vice Loader (Miami Gecko Mix) - arranged by Gecko YamoriReview by Tas, 08/05/2003 As you'd expect from the SID, Gecko has tried to emphasise the calming influence of the original with this remix in an organic ambient synthetic version here, while placing a gentle beat within.It sort of reminds me of Ouwehands work with the CD Galway remixed, but without the heavy sid orientation. Maybe lacks one or two extra elements to make it stand out, but it's a very good attempt. |
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Scumball - arranged by Dan TootillReview by Tas, 08/05/2003 Not a bad overall composition here, but is plainly let down by the sound quality which fits the bill of Early Amiga Mod. The tune is very short and repeats itself 3 times with little or no variation to the 1st pass. Not enough of the arrangers own influence here, and the tune is quite plainly dull and uninventive. |
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Sacred Armour of Antiriad - arranged by GZILLAReview by Tas, 08/05/2003 A decent attempt here by GZILLA, but you do have question his choice of instruments at times and their cheap sounding quality. The track changes direction constantly bringing new styles and feels, something i'd normally welcome, but this time i have to say it hasn't quite worked on this attempt as it tends to lose focus and direction.The remix starts with an piano and string symphonic section, before coming more synthetic in nature, leaving you thinking that Gzilla kinda got side tracked whilst developing the piece. At 2:10 he then brings in a beat and changes the direction of the piece completely. Whilst some of the ideas are to be comended the overall composition kinda leaves you feeling a bit disjointed. |
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Last Ninja Remix (Armakuni in New York) - arranged by YoshiReview by Tas, 06/05/2003 An almost dreamlike attempt here from Yoshi. I find sometimes the instruments however tend to get muggled up with each other creating a mix up with the ears, but those drums are really cool and very much effective. The lack of variety with the instruments tends to keep this moving at a lazy pace.The real problem for me is that the instruments are too similar as they tend to collide creating a mish mash of sounds which detracts from what could have been a better remix. |
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Thanatos (Chemical in Your Brain Remix) - arranged by PeacemakerReview by Tas, 06/05/2003 Peacemakers attempt at a chemical dance remix has actually worked out very well. Although there's not a great deal of Thanatos in here, the break where the thanatos tune is used is very welcome and seperates the tune nicely as it becomes more smooth from what is essantially a very agressive dance mix.The original parts from this remix are also done very well, if maybe a little repetative. This will go down well in any nightclub and is also good for the home. A very inventive way of tackling the thanatos, but because this is essentially an own tune with a snipit of Thanatos, purits will hate it. Those who welcome a little more diversity will enjoy this remix. |
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Suicide Express - arranged by BaRReview by Tas, 06/05/2003 Not quite the approach i would have expected for suicide express, a mellow trance experience. Very reminiscent to some of the work from Enigma without maybe the heavy beat.Exceptionally well produced and very inventive and creative. Purists will hate, music lovers will love it! I, well i love it! |
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Last Ninja 2 Central Park (full direct cover-mix) - arranged by PutziReview by Tas, 06/05/2003 In this electronical version on Last Ninja 2 Central Park, putzi has tried to remain true to the original as described in the title i guess. Arguably maybe a little too close. The remix suffers really from having a lack of direction or feel and often sounds flat and lifeless.There's a noticable lack of oomph or wholeness here that despite a nice background beat fails to meat its mark. Generally it's a nice remix, but nothing that you'd miss if it was stolen. |
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Last Ninja 2 - Park Loader (Rumbler Remix) - arranged by MaindrianReview by Tas, 05/05/2003 While nicely done, i really couldn't make my mind up if i liked this remix or not. While the guitar is yet again really cool, i found the remix a little bland and the remix just didn't pull me in.This remix is by no means a bad remix, it's quite cool. But there's that empty feeling you get that makes the difference between great and good. Overall a damn good effort and worth the download time. |
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Very Short (Very Sweet) - arranged by MaindrianReview by Tas, 05/05/2003 1:49 of pure jollyness. A nice little tune here from maindrain thats a welcome addition, if nothing to light the embers much. It's simple but effective, the guitar segments are really well done giving a feel ofThe monkeys. anyone remember them? |
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Poseidon: Planet Eleven - arranged by AmpReview by Tas, 22/04/2003 I'm very curious of AMP, he's knocked up some really good remixes in the past and has some nifty ways of aproaching things. This remix is rather strange as it uses some unusual sounds, it's kinda like orchestral electrnonica mixed with an 80's beat. a rather unusual blend which works very well. Yes, why follow conventions when sometimes the best results are breaking the boundries.The lead instrument works very well, giving an unusual picture. However at times i feel the strings in the background are too electronic and rough, here a more orchestral string might have given it a smoother and less mangled feel, but what ever a more subtle string section was much more called for. However saying that, it's another great tune and remix from AMP, good effort |
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Dragons Lair 2 - The Romantic River Epic - arranged by MaindrianReview by Tas, 20/04/2003 While the original is quite upbeat maindrain attacks this piece or rather doesn't attack it, but gently brings out a softer side to the remix. Well thats until 2:39 where he brings in a distorted guitar which unfortunately kills the piece. This addition ruins what would have been an awesome remix. Fortunately it last for only 1 minuite before normal service resumes.The track which yet again bares simularities to early Mike Oldfield is beautiful and emotional. A great piece of work which is sadly let down by that oh so unwarrented harsh distorted guitar. Shame really, because if it wasn't for that i could play it all day on repeat. |
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Wizball (Electronica) - arranged by Gustav TaxénReview by Tas, 14/04/2003 And we have from Gustav a sensational and never heard before 3 minuite sound effect. Yes no music, but just a sound effect! but what a sound effect it is!!!!!I'm a bit, nay alot perplexed by this, if this is music then i'll be a dog with one foot. No i don't understand this at all! It really is just a great big long spacey sound effect. Erm, yes! |
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Vivian - arranged by Markus SieboldReview by Tas, 13/04/2003 A nice little tune, which could have been done more justice with a thicker sound. It feels a bit lifeless and a bit well empty really, its one of those ok sort of tunes. Not inspirational by any means and a bit bland and lifeless, and way too repeatative.Worth a quick listen, but don't hold your breath too much! |
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Delta (Mario edit) - arranged by CicaloneReview by Tas, 13/04/2003 ERmmmm, yes it's a piano with a dull sound behind, with a rather strange sounding guitar inbetween.ok i'd love to say more, but erm, what can i say! Download at your peril really! |
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Parallax - arranged by Markus SieboldReview by Tas, 13/04/2003 The composition is clever and very good, but why do i get the feeling this was played live in the bathroom! I presume it's because the lead is either SID or SID sounding. I dunno i'm never fond of these types of remixes, its too much like the original in sound and feel, with a few effects and strings thrown in for good measure.It's no secret that i believe that an original sid is best left as an original sid and for me if your gonna remix it, then being subtle about it isn't really a remix, but more of an enhancement, which normally doesn't actually enhance it much. Yeah this is Ok, but a lack of vision and a lack of ambition just makes this sound too much like the original. |
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Winter Olympiad 88 (90s percent Erasure-esque) - arranged by PutziReview by Tas, 13/04/2003 90's percent Erasure-esque? Indeed it is, and very well done it is too, well upto about 1 min 25, then well it's not erasure really, but still has one or two areas that makes you think aha yes Erasure.I think the 1st part of the mix is done excelently, tho maybe a thicker sounding lead would have been better here. After this part it actually has some really nice instruments and changes in direction. Tho where the sound of the lead improves, the backing seems to go the opposite direction a little. If you don't pay too much attention to Erasure esque feel from 1:25 then you'll enjoy this remix very much. I think which has some great ideas and changes in direction. It's a good effort even if the ending is a bit abrupt. |
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Platoon - Tunnels (Apocalyptic mix) - arranged by FeekZoidReview by Tas, 13/04/2003 In typical FeekZoid fashion this remix goes off on many different slants and changes picture constantly though the underlying concept remains true. On this occaision FeekZoid maybe seems to lost the path with the remix, Though the tune builds well and paint a great picture, it never really seems to get going or to imprint it's feel.The constantly changing picture and nice use of sampled effects help move the tune along nicely, but it just doesn't ever seem to get to it's point and leaves you thinking there's something missing. All in all a nice piece of work that just doesn't seem to get to it's intended point. |
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Target Renegade - arranged by PetersReview by Tas, 27/03/2003 A curious tune that spells disaster right from the ofset. A strangely mellow backing to a fast paced lead (barely audiable) which isn't such a bad thing as it sounds terrible. The background and the lead sounds very much seperate which doesn't help matters. i can only guess that he's simply pasted on the lead over a simple backing as they don't come together at all. Also another downside is a lack of variation (especially concerning the backing, it's just the same old loop being replayed over and over again).nono, it's droll! |
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Hawkeye - arranged by IceXuickReview by Tas, 27/03/2003 A bright and chearful tune here from IceXuick. Now why does this kinda remind me of the TOP GUN theme?!?! i've no idea, but it does.Tho the tune doesn't blow you away, there's something strangely apealing about it, there's no fancy gimicks or anything, it's just a damn fine piece of music and an enjoyable listen at that! Thumbs up! |
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Aztec Challenge - arranged by IceXuickReview by Tas, 27/03/2003 We are normally used to hearing Aztec Challenge done orchestrally, however this time around it's more upbeat. The concept isn't a bad one either as it does seem to work rather well. The overall feel to this tune is 80's Electro even down to the metal micky styled vocal which repeatedly informs the listener thats it's Aztec Challenge. A nice addition, but massively over used.Though this remix is a good effort, it doesn't really pull you in, and sometimes the instruments just seem to not quite pull this together like they could. The score at times feels empty and thin which i think is part of the problem. it's a good effort tho, and a nice attempt in bringing a new flavour to Aztec Challenge. |
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Shadow Skimmer - arranged by Markus SchneiderReview by Tas, 26/03/2003 Glyn has possibly meat his match here, as Markus Schneider produces an earth shattering orchestral remix of Shadow Skimmer. The remix is also possibly the first truely authentic orchestral score available at RKO, from the instruments to the composition itself.Everything about this remix says, Quality!. Even if you do not like orchestral music, you'll apreciate this remix never the less. In One word: AWESOME! |
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KikStart 2 - arranged by IceXuickReview by Tas, 25/03/2003 Probably the most comercial sounding dance track ever to grace RKO. New Arranger IceXcuik has hit the nail on the head with a awesome dance remix of Kick Start 2. Although in the sense of the word the tune tends to be a tad on the repetative side it gradually grows creating a full sounding dance remix. The addition of a VocalKick Itis a great addition. The track is very much in the vein of Sashin the way it builds and with the obvious way it brings in the beats and breaks. A polished and stunningly visualised dance track! A superb piece of work by IceXcuik! |
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Slaine (Industriemädchen Mix) - arranged by ifadeoReview by Tas, 22/03/2003 This tune kinda sits between David Whittaker and Jarre, neither being one or the other. As with most tunes from ifadeo the composition is good, but let down by some weak instruments, tho the production is much better on this remix than many of his other attempts. Another problem as i see it is the distinct lack of variation and mood resulting in a nice but repetative remix.Don't get me wrong i like the direction ifadeo is heading, but my advice would be slow down, take your time, release less and work more on the job in hand. make your vision a reality. Quality is better than quantity. |
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