ReMix: EarthBound 'Nirvana'

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Dhsu writes:

"I was actually gonna re-record this thing since I'm not entirely satisfied with my performance, but I've decided I'm too lazy for it now. So here it is, flaws and all. My motivation behind arranging "Dalaam" was to bring out the beautiful melody that was partially hidden by the harsh drones in the original track, while still retaining an Eastern feel. The result, I'm told, sounds a lot like a song from Disney's Pocahantas...I've never seen the movie though, so reports of any sort of influence are greatly exaggerated. But I suppose there are only so many things you can do with a pentatonic, so I guess it was bound (lolz) to sound like something else. This track is dedicated to Joe Cammisa, for all the time and hard work he spent organizing the Bound Together project, drama and all. Rendering and mastering generously provided by Mustin."

For the record, I think that - with the exclusion of events that happened very late in the game - Joe Cam did do a great job coordinating said project. Dhsu's mix is indeed pentatonic - for the less musically inclined, just think 'black keys on the piano' - and has a pastorale, Eastern vibe. JJT throws some props Mustin's way as well as he commends Mr. Hsu:

"the piano sample is absolutely fantastic, though apparently that's the work of Mustin. my favorite parts of the arrangement are where you leave space - where you let the various tones and colours resonate and embrace each other. there are some great moments here. the modulations at the end were tasteful, and used skillfully."

Said embracing could potentially be synonymous with what's technically referred to as 'sympathetic resonance', the physical phenomenon whereby one vibrating object, such as a string or a bell, can induce another.. or something like that, sayeth Encarta. The better piano samples/instruments out there these days are modeling the phenomenon of how sustained notes interact; not entirely sure if such tech was present here, but it sounds good nonetheless. If you know Dhsu and his work, that's not surprising. I suppose, relative to his previous oeuvre, this piece would stand out largely due to its serene, meditative pentatonic intonation. Lush and deliberate; you'll be hard-pressed to hear the 'flaws' the ReMixer alludes to, and will more likely be washed away in a see of calm, well... Nirvana.

― djpretzel