ReMix: Final Fantasy VII 'A Life Without Parole'

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The thing about a life without parole is, things could always be worse: you could be serving multiple life sentences to run consecutively... without parole. Then even zombification/reincarnation couldn't help you. I've seen Sam Waterston use this very technique rather often, to great dramatic effect (and staple repeated musical cue.) But I digress; Dhsu, who recently celebrated his birthday, writes:

"So yeah, it was bound to happen...in a moment of weakness and lapse of better judgment, I finally caved and did a Final Fantasy arrangement. It guess it's just destiny for piano remixers and Square to be together, like so much peanut butter and Nutella (I call it a peanutella sandwich).

Anyway, the source tune here is "Sandy Badlands." The arrangement is a bit sparse at times, in part to reflect the desolation of the Corel Prison. There's also a reference to Death Sea ~ Tower of Ruin from Chrono Cross in the left hand about a minute in, because I felt like it. Then the second time through, the melody takes on a Middle Eastern tint for some reason...probably to make it sound sandy. Or something. And finally you hear a hint of hope, as your lawyer just called and said you can get off on self-defense, or at the very worst feigned insanity."

Indeed. Dhsu + Final Fantasy can only really be a good thing, no matter how gratuitous or inevitable it was, as Uematsu is both amazing and prolific, so much of his body of work lends itself to solo piano arrangement, and at this Mr. Hsu excels. Andy rendered this for David, and says of the end result:

"What strikes me about this mix is how well it was rendered. And that's it. I mean, seriously, whoever rendered this must be a talented, attractive genius... there's no other explanation."

Actually, that's not what he said at all. Here's the real deal:

"The first time I heard it I was initially thrown off by its minimal nature. It's quiet, somewhat sparse, and not at all flashy or dramatic. However, the slow and somber mood really works. It's only as dense as it needs to be, and there are significant dynamic contrasts (eg 2:23 vs. 2:5. Very interpretive arrangement given the simplicity of the original, with lots of interesting melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic variations. I liked all the harmonic changes especially as certain chord + melody combinations in the original didn't sit well with me. The ending is particularly chilling."

That's better, and I'd have to concur with the above. VotL in my mind did an excellent job of incorporating multiple styles, and all of the solo piano arrangements, this piece included, fit right in alongside more aggressive, maximalist fair. Great piece from Dhsu, who hopefully received a discrete set of presents for his birthday, given its proximity to certain other gift-giving holidays. Joking aside, very appropriate and artistic title, as well.

― djpretzel