ReMix:Batman "Cleaning Out Axis" 3:34

By Midee

Arranging the music of one song...

"Stage 2: Axis Chemical Factory"

Primary Game: Batman (Sunsoft , 1989, NES), music by Naoki Kodaka, Nobuyuki Hara

Posted 2014-10-28, evaluated by djpretzel


YOU EVER DANCE WITH THE DEVIL IN THE PALE MOONLI...Hey, cool, a new ReMix from Midee!! We last heard from Jason back in 2012 on a badass prog rock Silver Surfer collaboration with his usual partner-in-crime, prozax. His latest is only our second mixpost from the ever-funky & underappreciated soundtrack to Batman for the NES, featuring upbeat rock with plenty of ensemble brass and hard-hitting action:

"This was my entry into DoD for March 2014. This is a more refined version of the mix, but still has all the parts intact. Batman for NES never got a lot of arrangement love, especially this track, at least beyond a few guitar videos on YouTube. So here's my take. It's got a bit of the original Batman TV theme, 007-esque Bass VI guitar, 70s cop chase elements, and a cocktail of MIDI brass. BAM! KAPOW! SOCK!"

Sock, indeed. This is some fun, prime-time rock action for international men & women of style. Jason's own description does it better justice than I could, and I think the phrase "70s cop chase elements" just doesn't happen often enough. Vaguely reminds me of the soundtrack to Space Channel 5, though not as flagrantly retro-kitsch. Larry writes:

"I love how Midee rocked this source tune out with a brisk pace for that action feel, while also employing throwbacks to the campyness of the 60s Batman TV show with the brass flourishes. Having grown up on Adam West, Burt Ward, Ceser Romero, Burgess Meredith and all 3 Catwomans (Mrowr!), I'm loving the connection. Jason really straddled the line between arranging the Stage 2 music and doing his own thing, so (unless I'm overlooking some other VGM), I actually had this clocked right at 50%, and I mean 50.00% source usage. That said, everything pieced together dynamically & effortlessly with all of the fun stylistic influences Midee mentioned. Batman's celebrating 75 years this year; what better way to celebrate the Caped Crusader's Nintendo days than having Midee "ZOK!" you in the face with this goodness. :-D"

This is actually the first SOLO, non-collaborative ReMix we've posted from Midee, and it shows that on his own he's just as formidable a musical force. Arrangement may be liberal, but working in all the nods & embracing the overall vibe was key, and the source is still readily identifiable. I like that the Batman NES OST had pretty much nothing to do with Elfman's score - it feels more like NES TMNT music, and the world can never have too much of that. Great stuff from Jason, that has the swagger & momentum of all the inspirations he cited and shines some well-deserved light on a lesser-mixed NES classic. Highly recommended - check it out, and remember: hairspray won't do it alone, but hairspray mixed with lipstick and perfume will be toxic, and untraceable.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 11 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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Chernabogue
on 2015-12-02 06:49:38

I can hear the old 60's Batman references in here. A very energic remix (some surf rock and ska influences), yet well mixed -- nothing muddy, even with lots of instruments. Nice brass later on, and overall nice performances/playing. I could see that as the opening of an old TV show! :)

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A-RoN
on 2014-12-04 15:34:12

Hangin' out, down the street...er...wait, wrong 70s reference but like echoed previously, there definitely is a 70s vibe along with kind of a 90s ska feel with the brass blending in. Very catchy, very in your face the way it should be.

Some good solid rockin' remixing from STFU AA Midee (just sayin).

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OverClocked PodCast
on 2014-10-29 13:06:05

Oh my gosh this is wonderful. I loved every second of it. Joyfully, unapologeticlly 60s/70s with a relentless drive that does the best of the NES proud. The nods to a stupider, more innocent Batman made me smile, too. Other unexpected vibes detected include Mario Kart, Space Channel 5, and Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz (good old Naganuma).

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Crulex
on 2014-10-29 09:37:42

Yeah, not something I would normally expect from a Batman thing nowadays, but having seen some of the old Adam West Batman stuff, this fits right at home in that era. I even love the little punch riffs from the brass and the quick nod to the theme. Wonderful mix.

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timaeus222
on 2014-10-29 01:30:24
That was actually a signature of the TV show.

Yeah, I had a feeling it wasn't just something done in the comics, though I was thinking of the comic-like onomatopoeia bubbles. :) I miiiight have seen the Adam West Batman episodes before somewhere, but I don't recall.

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Midee
on 2014-10-29 01:15:20
I think most of us are used to a darker theme coming from Batman. I certainly did not expect this.

I always have to remind myself that there is an entire generation with very little exposure to the wacky 60s Adam West Batman. I guess dark brooding Batman is the correct version, but the 60s TV show is what really first drove Batman into the public consciousness.

The NES version does get fairly dark even though it has nothing to do with the movie; the stage I picked is the "lighter" of the bunch.

Haha, I love the SHISH BOOM PAH! or however you wanna say it. :lol: This is almost like a musical projection of the Batman comics. So hilarious.

That was actually a signature of the TV show.

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timaeus222
on 2014-10-29 00:13:15

Haha, I love the SHISH BOOM PAH! or however you wanna say it. :lol: This is almost like a musical projection of the Batman comics. So hilarious.

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Uffe von Lauterbach
on 2014-10-29 00:06:59

I think most of us are used to a darker theme coming from Batman. I certainly did not expect this.

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Flexstyle
on 2014-10-28 18:54:39

Wow. My eardrums are really happy right now--that was fantastic. :nicework:

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WillRock
on 2014-10-28 17:37:22

Daym this pays respect to batman in such an awesome way while being entertaining and somewhat unique in OCRs vast catalogue.

I can dig it man, I can dig.

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djpretzel
on 2014-10-28 17:21:14

What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Batman (Sunsoft , 1989, NES)
Music by Naoki Kodaka,Nobuyuki Hara
Songs:
"Stage 2: Axis Chemical Factory"

Tags (6)


Genre:
Rock
Mood:
Instrumentation:
Brass,Electric Guitar,Organ
Additional:
Origin > Competition > Dwelling of Duels
Time > Tempo: Fast

File Information


Name:
Batman_Cleaning_Out_Axis_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
7,560,451 bytes
MD5:
435603ae47f91aabf87abef422b6e6d8
Bitrate:
279Kbps
Duration:
3:34

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