ReMix:Jackal "Mounted Machine Gun Funk" 3:26

By Beatdrop

Arranging the music of one song...

"Checkpoint Baker ~ Checkpoint Tango"

Primary Game: Jackal (Konami , 1988, NES), music by Atsushi Fujio, Shinya Sakamoto

Posted 2002-06-16, evaluated by djpretzel


Rating high on the uniqueness scale, our first mix of NES/Konami classic Jackal comes in from Beatdrop, who's covered a good assortment of games thus far. Beginning with a nice squelchy analog bass, military snares set things off and running. Right away you'll notice one of the elements that's rather unusual; choice of kick and snare combination does vary throughout the track, but the combo that enters at 0'20" is peculiar in that it cuts through the mix and isn't quite as electronic as you'd expect for the genre. Come to think of it, it's difficult to genre-label this one - it's the type of music that can almost only come from mixing a game track, as some of those old NES tracks were spastic and jumped around quite a bit musically, as this theme does. They sort of existed outside the realm of musical genres - Konami tunes especially, Contra and similar titles. Some people have called into question whether some of the tracks on this site purporting to be "funk" actually are (my own included) but I can tell you ahead of time I would definitely hesitate to endorse that label for this track. It has more of a driving, military feel to it than a 'shake your groove thing' motif. The highlight for me was the rapid-fire lead synth sound, which has a sharp attack and is rolled and re-triggered with machine precision, resulting in some very dynamic arranging. Also like the section at 2'03" where BD throws in some nice ambient "war" sounds of guns, vehicles, etc. Some people have problems with fade-out endings - I ain't one of 'em, as long as it works with the track in question, and didn't mind it here. The schizo nature of changing kick/snare combos sometimes rubbed me the wrong way, but this is what I consider challenging material and I like the way Beatdrop's handled it.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 13 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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Marmiduke
on 2009-11-14 07:06:33

A surprising sound coming from Beatdrop, but it still drops many a beat, so perhaps its not that surprising.

No matter the departure in sound, this still lives up to a strong reputation. The intensity is there, and for the most part things sound satisfying. I'm not totally sold on the samples; they've seen better days, but haven't we all?

I definately enjoy mixes like this: no-nonsense, all torque. That coupled with the fact that the source tune clearly rocks, make this an underappreciated morsel of awesomeness that, while not sounding like the normal Beatdrop mix, exhibits all the qualities you'd come to expect from him.

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Bahamut
on 2009-10-31 04:29:36

I remember listening to this mix back in 2002 - I liked listening to it because it is a fitting take on the original.

As Larry said, this isn't one of Dain's typical works on the site. I just wish the samples held better, as here's a perfect example of a mix that is in line with the original and its setting and developing it some. The arrangement itself is mostly conservative, but the elements that do differ do help develop this further.

Also if only this didn't have a fadeout ending...

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DragonAvenger
on 2008-10-01 15:17:04

This sounds familiar, despite having never played the game. Odd.

This mix has some odd stuff going on, but never in a bad way. I'm impressed how things kept moving, and the track never lost intensity. I'm not crazy about the 'war sounds', but I've always found that sort of stuff to be gimmicky. No problem with the fade out, it works nicely here.

Good work.

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OA
on 2007-06-07 10:17:08

When I saw the game I assumed it was the rocking stage 1 track, but I think this one is from a little later on in the game. I do recognize the source though, which is pretty sweet for it being such an old game.

This mix does have a good deal of pep, and I like the subtle processing on some of the synths. Some pretty good interpretation with breakdowns and buildups, and overall a pretty decent mix.

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Audity
on 2006-10-29 17:42:50

Someone made some AMV to this and now I remember it and this song forever. Not that I even want to go back and watch that AMV ever. Plus it's just unique, in a good way. Definitely sounds FruityLoopsy, but nice composition and "genre".

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Liontamer
on 2006-03-03 03:28:25

Yeah, I wasn't even that familiar with the Jackal original, despite playing this mix on VG Frequency way back in the day before my first interview with Beatdrop. Listening to the original, you really appreciate the upgrade and the additional energy BD added to the picture. It's honestly a shame that the soundtrack gets no love from anyone else. Very enjoyable stuff here that, IMO, doesn't even quite sound like Dain's typical sound.

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Mahjong No OujiSama Yoshi
on 2003-11-17 13:38:18

How can you not expect this to be a good theme? I have listened to this track in MIDI, WAV AND OC ReMix formats and I say it's the best thing to happen to me, except the TECMO Cup Razors Theme (Guts Mix), which I thought was the best on this site! I say this still deserves some credit for being so cool!

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Kaleb.G
on 2003-05-15 16:05:36

Jesus, this remix needs more praise! It's a Jackal remix!! Awesome stuff here, Beatdrop. This mix is powerful and never strays too far from the original. Good variety also! I recorded this mix (with others) on a MiniDisc; I always love it when I'm driving in the car and this song starts playing. The energy is intense. Nice mix of techno and psuedo-metal. Highly reccomended. :)

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TiKiMoN
on 2003-05-12 21:53:24

Wow... I really hated this game, but I really love this mix! :) I want to know what kind of drum you're using for such a hard bass kick... it really drives the beat and keeps the song moving. Funkalicious! :)!!

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neostormx
on 2002-11-16 09:59:59

This is one of the remix's on this site that I got that I first thought, did Konami do this remix? But then i realized Beatdrop did it.

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Mr_K
on 2002-08-11 21:41:18

Jackal 'Mounted-Machine Gun Funk'

Not bad, an average song with some ups and downs. I liked the beggining but I din't particualrly like 2:15-2:30 because it didn't really blend in well with the mix. Otherwise a cool mix, try it! 8)

toilet.jpg

Funny pic Of the Day / \

_________________ |

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Beatdrop
on 2002-07-10 13:48:17

A bit of info about this remix:

I originally created this track a LONG LONG time ago (in a galaxy far away :P), but I never submitted it because I still had other ones to submit first. However, upon listening to it again more recently, I thought it needed a revamp because it was too boring. So I changed some sounds (namely the strings, they're much better now) and tweaked the plangy (yes, it's now a word) lead, as well as adding the big section with sound FX and fixing the ending. Total overhaul. I did the same thing with my Super Metroid Brinstar remix. Much improvement over it's last version. I also plan on doing this with my Sonic 3 Angel Island remix :) Who knows, maybe we'll even see an X-Buster Mk. 18? :D

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Ginnsu
on 2002-06-19 00:25:01

Jackal 'Mounted-Machine Gun Funk'

This is a great mix that pours on the energy as it moves along, and doesn't slow down until the very end. I love those hallow sounding 404’s that it starts off with, and I wish there was more of that in this mix. Still Beatdrop keeps things interesting with the drums and string work in this piece. The gun samples are very neatly arranged so as to represent chaos but still flow as if they are an integral part of the song. Great work Beatdrop, keep it up.

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Jackal (Konami , 1988, NES)
Music by Atsushi Fujio,Shinya Sakamoto
Songs:
"Checkpoint Baker ~ Checkpoint Tango"

Tags (11)


Genre:
Dance,EDM,House
Mood:
Aggressive,Energetic
Instrumentation:
French Horn,Sound FX,Strings,Synth
Additional:
Time > 4/4 Time Signature
Usage > Workout

File Information


Name:
Jackal_Mounted_Machine_Gun_Funk_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
4,206,132 bytes
MD5:
b5e893672d9d948e326305cc0d0ece0f
Bitrate:
160Kbps
Duration:
3:26

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