ReMix: Final Fantasy VI 'Smooth Alexander'

Download MP3
2,736,844 bytes, 2:51, 128kbps

• Trade-in your Games or Anime DVDs!
• OC ReMix Shirts & Merch
• Games:
  • DS | GBA | GC | PS2 | WII | XBOX | 360
  • Imports & Pre-owned
• Anime:
  • DVDs & Merchandise

Nice change and a clearer, more defined, and certainly jazzier sound for Quinn Fox with this Final Fantasy 6 ReMix. You wouldn't necessarily know this was battle music just from listening to it out of context, as he takes it in some interesting directions, with a unique reverbed drum pattern but several less-processed solo instruments (including a delicious electric piano) that sit forward in the mix. I'm a fan of Quinn's work - we Phantasy Star guys hafta stick togetha doncha know - but have sometimes found his mixing specifically to be at times nebulous. Sure, it fits his more ambient style to not heavily favor any particular instrument and have a "soundscapey" thing going on, but my personal preference is for just a smidgin' more clarity to a mix, with emphasized tradeoffs, panning, and individualized characteristics granted to different elements. This ReMix does all that and more, and for this reason is one of my favorite QF mixes to date, and my definite preference in terms of mixing. The jazzy-but-ethereal style here keeps one interested, with a mystical blend of foregound and background timbres, processed accordingly, that augment one another perfectly. The deeply reverbed choral runs with EP comping on top and shimmering percussion are all very chill, and though there's quite a bit going on it's never audio "soup" but rather a fine stew, with clearly indentifiable nuggets 'o sound. Damn. What's with all the food metaphors? Beats me, but it's gotta be a good sign. Great stuff from QF, showing what is in my opinion a more mature, refined ear for mixing. If not his best then very high up there, and highly recommended listening.

― djpretzel