ReMix: Super Mario 64 'PearlSong'
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- Game: Super Mario 64 (Nintendo, 1996, N64)
- ReMixer(s): The Wingless
- Composer(s): Kenta Nagata, Koji Kondo
- Song(s): Dire, Dire Docks
- Posted: 2003-03-16, evaluated by djpretzel
You've heard this theme ReMixed before, by me and McV, but The Wingless has a decidedly different and VERY quality version of his own that's got something to say. Unlike McVaffe's more ambient take, which is probably closest to the original, and the major-key, orchestral overhaul I opted for, The Wingless has gone for a complex, layered, piano-driven arrangement inspired by another artist's works. The ReMixer explains: "It's inspired loosely by David Lanz's (a kickass pianist) style of composition. Heavy on the interpretation of the original piece. Hurray for me bastardizing songs and making them my own!" - hurray indeed, if you're like me in your appreciation of mixes that play more significantly with the original composition. If this is bastardization, then I'm a bastard! Wait, that came out all wrong...you get the gist. A single water drop opens us up, then joined by piano overtop of wah-filtered piano with a delay, very dramatically evoking an underwater atmosphere right off the bat. Recognizable melody comes in around the first minute, followed by a nice clarinet solo and piano embellishments. There's also very minimal but effective timpani rolls leading into certain bars that are subtle but work wonders. When an actual beat enters around 2'20" it initially sounds kinda chincy, but is augmented swiftly by a counter-rhythm on top that completes it. The rest of the mix sorta stays on a beautiful, chiming piano pattern (seemingly The Wingless' signature device) and fades out. The devil, as they say, is in the details, and they've been paid attention to here - especialy for the first 3/4ths of the mix, there's additions and subtractions and instrumentation decisions going on at a subtle level that creates a great, believable musical environment. The wah/delay processing on the intro is fantabulous, and the restructuring of the melody and addition, similar to SunkenSuite, of original music phrases and harmony on top all work quite well. About the only negative thing I could think to say is that most of the "good stuff" is concentrated in the first half of the mix, and the last quarter lacks any new ear candy or points of comparable interest. But still, the arrangement is intelligent, multi-layered, and creates its own universe and rules. Listening to all three mixes side by side is entirely worth your time, for yet another good look at how the same catalyst can yield such varied conclusions. Recommended.
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the Good work
- metalsnakejuice on May 18, 2009
- progressive on October 5, 2008
endblink wrote:
Apperantly, yes. The only problem with The Wingless, it seems, is that he simply can't remix fast enough for my tastes. This guy is incredible.
This is also the only complaint I can make about The Wingless. Every one of his remixes I can honestly say I fall almost instantly in love with. I'm always happy when a Wingless song comes up on my playlist.
In particular with this remix, I very much enjoyed the slow but sure way this remix developed, starting out with a melody that slowly turns into the melody from Super Mario 64, and I very much love the piano work in this remix. Definitely a 10/10.
- Fiendofthenorth on October 12, 2006
I really like how he takes his time in building up the theme on this song. If you remember Dire, Dire Docks in the game, the song would only flesh out once you reached certain areas of the stage. I think The Wingless has done an excellent job of keeping that same slow-building feel. The piano is well integrated with the rest of song - it seems to just barely rise above the rest of the soundscape until about 2:13 when it takes a more dominant role in the song. Minimal drums also keep the same feel as the original. Great work.
- Nutritious on October 4, 2006
- avaris on September 3, 2006
Still one of my favorites.
- IC on May 3, 2006
- Radiowar on April 30, 2006
- Chizniz on August 17, 2004
To be honest, I didn't truly enjoy this song until I actually sat down and listened carefully. Then I noticed how everything flows together and how the piano lines are sort of blended and mixed around and what not. Now sometimes I'll listen to it four or five times in a row. It's that freaking good.
I have also tried to remix this song, but the result wasn't quite this good. In fact, it doesn't even come close. However, I have been inspired to do my damndest on improving it, and to work harder on all of my future projects. Thank you The Wingless, you're my hero.
- IC on March 29, 2004
- Fridge on February 23, 2004
- Sammy D on February 22, 2004
- Defend on October 1, 2003
Anyway, this is a superb mix, and my favorite variation on the site, beating out McVaffe's & DJP's renditions, which is pretty impressive.
I give it a first class recommendation.
- fadeaway on July 27, 2003
Slow, professional, and plain beautiful.
- Defend on May 21, 2003
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