ReMix: Suikoden 'Cliff the Great Crusader'

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When I hear the name 'Cliff' I personally think of the volatile but well-meaning postal worker from the sitcom Cheers, but apparently he's also a crusader, and a pretty great one at that. Trenthain got mastering assistance from Compyfox on this latest Suikoden mix, which spotlights some really rather bitchin' live recorder playing by Trenthian. I have some mixed memories of this instrument as it was the weapon of choice in our elementary school music program, so visions of 'Hot Cross Buns' being played back in an atonal, detuned cluster of wheezing pitches that only John Cage could appreciate came to mind when I read the submission email - thankfully, this is not the case. The ReMixer writes:

"I wanted to do a lot of stuff with this mix when I started. I wanted to keep it Celtic, I wanted to put the funk in it... I wanted improvisation. I wanted my bass playing to not suck. I wanted massive orchestral (I have discovered some new instruments since FF7 and Breath of fire.) Well at least I am satisfied with the mix. Because they are AWESOME, I would like the boys at natural studio to get some credit for their work: they supply Ns-kit6, and NS-kit 7, two of the BEST drumkits in sf2 (soundfont) format I have seen that are free. They have some great other sounds, but the studio kits are GREAT."This mix is powered by NS-kit 6." “This mix is also powered by Compyfox.” I had great fun making this one, and I am using my recorder talents in a lot of music I am working on right now. FEAR THE UPCOMING! "

Whether it be fear or anticipation, it should be interesting to see how the instrument is incorporated into future mixes of his. In this instance, it's the melodic lead in an ethnic/soundtrack piece that starts off with a nice percussion motif, with bass then jumping in. The flare at 0'31" is a fair indicator that this isn't a high quality gigasample we're talking about but the real deal. Chromatic xylo-type percussion establishes a framework, along with a backing string part that gains in importance, and even does a very admirable, cool solo breakout at 2'26" - major kudos for soloing on an element that wouldn't get solo time in 99/100 mixes, and doing it well. The entire piece maintains the Celtic feel that Trenthian mentions, feeling ceremonial but also festive. Now's a good time to mention, for those not following the forums religiously, that we've added two new judges to the panel: he of impressive guitar solos and controversial Asterix mixes, zyko , and zircon , also quite active in the community and a ReMixer here, too. A big day for the z-pseudonymed, to be sure. Israfel has also rejoined the panel, as his schedule's opened up a bit more. And then there were twelve... A good, strong group with myriad strengths and perspectives! But I digress - Trenthian, and Compyfox as well, should be proud of this mix - it's solid all around, features some beyond-competent recorder playing, a dynamic, syncopated, layered rhythm section, and a good ear for solo/ensemble alternation. In addition, there's a certain atmosphere the mix creates, somewhat enigmatic, nomadic, roots. Starts strong, stays strong, and leaves a strong impression. As Shariq quite capitally enthuses:

"OH MAN I LOVES ME SOME LIVE RECORDER"

... pretty much sums things up :)

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.

Pretty great stuff, Nice recorder playing, and a good flow overall, it feels like a strong ensemble piece. Solid textures, great part writing, and some excellent textures.
Recommended! :-D

- OA on February 12, 2009

This mix is interesting alone because of the recorder (not to say the song wasnt interesting on its own merits which it surely is), but the fact that someone was able to go off like that on one and remix a game with that featuring prominently is very impressive considering my main familiarity with the recorder is 6th graders making ear bleeding noises with them. Its nice to have a great song with a recorder for a change.
Great job Trenthian

- Catullus on February 1, 2008

Trenthian wrote:

SirRus wrote: so i was watching rainman and i was like where have i heard the rainman theme song before... and i was like OYEAH it sounds like the intro to this song.
yeah am i just making that up? but definitely eprops on using a recorder. dats da shit.

I dont know... I have only seen the last half of that movie.
I should watch it sometime.
Thats the one with dustin hoffman and T cruise right?

oui

- herograw on December 16, 2005

SirRus wrote: so i was watching rainman and i was like where have i heard the rainman theme song before... and i was like OYEAH it sounds like the intro to this song.
yeah am i just making that up? but definitely eprops on using a recorder. dats da shit.

I dont know... I have only seen the last half of that movie.
I should watch it sometime.
Thats the one with dustin hoffman and T cruise right?

- Trenthian on December 16, 2005

so i was watching rainman and i was like where have i heard the rainman theme song before... and i was like OYEAH it sounds like the intro to this song.
yeah am i just making that up? but definitely eprops on using a recorder. dats da shit.

- SirRus on December 16, 2005

Very nice... this put you on the map for me Trenthian... and here I thought you just hosted bad remix competitions. :P
Yeah, solid, love the feel... LOVES the recorder (you've got some great texture with the tongue there... ew...)
All around solid. The kind of piece you'd play for someone to demonstrate the creativity of the remixers around here. :D

- Less Ashamed Of Self on December 3, 2004

wow. I saw this on the judging panel awhile ago, and danced around for a bit upon seeing the "Suikoden" part of the title... The recorder is definitely unique, but it grows on you. I like the celtic sounds and mood of the piece, and even though the drums don't seem to share the same style, they work well together. Ahhh the whole song brings back nice memories :)

- leena fighter on November 22, 2004

Thank you for a Suikoden mix.
Me love you long time.

- CapnHulk on November 19, 2004

Congradulations on such a BADASS ReMix. Seriously, the drums never get old, and sound mean. The bassline=tight and creative, not boring like a lot of people tend to do . You are awesome at recorder, cannot deny that. Cool string hits.
No complaints.

- Blake on November 19, 2004

Yatta! Suikoden had such a badass soundtrack, and it's so underremixed.
This percussion on this is ultra-sweet -- the beats are really playful, organic, and engaging. Live recorder never hurts either :P
Instrumental arrangement is mighty sweet too. I love how the theme is bounced around between different ensembles with such a concise direction. The music goes places, but it never rambles.
Fantastic stuff.

- Fray on November 18, 2004

Really good stuff. I love the whole theme of this song, with all of it's folk-music trappings. Trenthian, as usual, really cleverly arranges his percussion to keep things interesting at all times.

- irriadin on November 17, 2004

Debotron-6K wrote: Good shit.

you are a most welcome addition to team aquarius btw lol... how is our team doing?

- Trenthian on November 16, 2004

That was excellent! Suikoden was one of my favorite games (and the only one that ever made me complete it in one weekend because it rocked so much), and this tune brought back good memories. I have always wanted to remix some tunes from it, but I'm not really good at anything, so I didn't.
Awesome job. Definatly a keeper.

- Flik on November 16, 2004

Good shit.

- Debotron-6K on November 15, 2004

This is a [b][u][i]very[/i][/u][i][/i][/b] nice remix. Love the recorder. Another reason why I like this is, because we don't have alot of Suikoden remixes. Why? I dunno, I'mean they have millions of songs to choose from to remix. *sigh* Newayz, Great remix.
8/10

- ShiningLight on November 15, 2004

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