ReMix:Super Street Fighter II Turbo "Sexy Trunks" 4:22

By Neostorm

Arranging the music of one song...

"Balrog (U.S.A.)"

Primary Game: Super Street Fighter II Turbo (Capcom , 1994, ARC), music by Isao Abe, Shun Nishigaki, Yoko Shimomura

Posted 2003-09-06, evaluated by djpretzel


Neostorm got the groove. Not everybody has the groove - some have the beat (The Go-Go's come to mind), some have the chill, some have the funk (or in the case of Parliament, at least want the funk), and some have still other musical endowments. But since we're dealing with Neostorm's latest submission, our first coverage of Balrog (M.Bison to our Japanese friends, who played the version of SF2 with naming that wasn't afraid of potentially libeling ear-hungry boxing superstar Mike Tyson), we shall stick to the groove. In both of Neostorm's previous submissions, a strong swing-time dance groove, with jazzy soloing and clearly labored-over layered drums and infectious basslines, was the dominant flavor. That fine tradition continues here with "Sexy Trunks", which in itself is quite the mix title. However, were Balrog/M.Bison's trunks really sexy? I remember them as rather commonplace, and certainly their bearer wasn't much to write home about in the looks category. But nevermind that; Neostorm has made Balrog's trunks sexy, at least in a metaphorical sense, and for this we thank him. Introing right away with a cross-panned, modulated, effected low organ-type bassline that does a mean chromatic riff, along with a shake-your-head-in-embarassing-ways groovy drum bit, Neostorm eventually brings in the sax that functions as the lead proper for most of the piece. There's also a strong strings presence, which take over from the reed department towards the conclusion. Piano chords fill in the middle and fill out the mix. There's some very subtle synth arpeggio, also cross-panned like the bass, that comes in during the "chorus", adding extra motion. A nice touch on the drums includes a filtered hit of sorts that alternates in timbre - recognized that sound from a similar drumkit on my Motif, good stuff. There's quite a bit of DSP and modulation going on, as in the ReMixer's previous pieces, which adds more texture and motion to an already well-sequenced, groovalicious arrangement. This makes me appreciate Balrog's theme more than I had previously in its interpretation, and is very fluidly constructed, with nary a forced segue or iffy transition to be found. Sexy trunks indeed. Recommended.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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Magellanic
on 2011-12-11 12:27:35

The Street Fighter 2 soundtrack is just amazing. Balrog's stage is definitely up there with being one of the best tunes in the game. The start of the mix wasn't too attention grabbing for me if honest. I'm glad I gave it chance though. As it moves on it builds into some really lush texturing that really enhance the original but give it a different vibe. The smooth sax lead works really well and the addition of all the strings, piano etc really raise and lower the tension at key points. When the chorus kicks in, its just fantastic. Such an amazing mix and definitely very very high quality stuff, especially considering it was posted back in 2002. This easily holds up by today's OCR standards. Regardless of that though, very enjoyable mix that every SF2 fan should download and enjoy.

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ShoryukenMathias
on 2010-07-01 19:09:46

The original of this song is my prime time favourite Nintendo track, whatsoever, no question about it.

I have been playing SF2 since the age of 6 (now 24) and i still play with my friends pretty often (well actually mostly by myself since they are sick and tired of still being kicked the shit out of after 18 years, but i play almost every day if i get the chance).

I simply adore the entire Street Fighter II tracklist and still after so many years it is not seldom i catch myself dead drunk on an afterparty trying to put on "SFII Guile Theme" on someones laptop for everyone to hear.

I am no music creator or remixer, and i am sort of conservative, although I have worked as a DJ for some years playing mostly house music.

I have heard a lot of remixes from the Street Fighter franchise and i always tend to turn back to the original soundtracks. When i heard this remix of Balrog Stage Theme this was not the case.

I must say this is an incredible tune.... I dare say it's even better than the original. Or at least i think this is what the original should have sounded more like (even though it may not have been possible due to hardware). It reflects the "Balrog setting" much better with the smoothly operated glizz-and-glam/casino/lose-all-of-your-money-without-even-noticing factor.

When i hear this incredibly familiar melody performed on a sax it reminds me very much of "Dire Straits - Your Latest Trick" which used to be one of my dads favourite songs back when i played SF2 the most. This might be the or a reason i love the tune so much. Either it is or not, i love the tune nevertheless.

Hats off for Neo, insane work!!! I hope you are and you must be remarkably proud to have your very own version of this legendary tune now compiled in as an official soundtrack in the epic and forever lasting franchise of Street Fighter II.

God i wish i were you.

And i just wanna let you know this remix is going to be played a whole lot, maybe pitched down a notch, on late evenings and nights all over the southern coast of norway, by me ;)

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Crulex
on 2010-02-23 21:07:00

Interesting. A nice grooving fast jazz chill mix set to the Las Vegas stylings of Balrog's arena.....and his trunks. Yeah, well, the trunks may not be all that sexy, but this ReMix is. This is right in the middle of my dancible/relaxing spectrum, so good one Neo.

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OA
on 2009-12-22 10:20:10

Awesome soundscape on this track, and the panned bass synth is an interesting choice. Sometimes I'm totally feeling it, and others I'm wishing that it was more centered. Either way, this is a pretty cool mix. The samples aren't amazing, but they are definitely well used, and the track length is perfect.

Percussion is basic, but fits- beauty in simplicity; the hi hat up beats drive things really nicely.

Really groovin'.

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Polo
on 2009-04-23 08:44:56

The chill groove, spacious soundscape, and production dynamics are lively strengths of Sexy Trunks. Welcoming piano chords, a funky organ bass, and some kiss-tender drum taps paint the exquisite splendor of the casino nightlife. The bass does a tireless job complimenting/adding to the other instruments, particularly the piano. The sax is a cherry-sweet lead, although its beauty gets muddled when more instruments are present. I like how the reed organ has a way of taking the preceding vibe and channeling it single-handedly; it seems like a wise choice to bring it in after the initial instruments. Also, the baton-transferring energy from the reed to the string swells near the end makes me feel like I'm one with the nightlife.

The arrangement feels hesitant at times, or like it's fishing for some elbow room. It basically sticks to its groove while taking few risks. Maybe that's why I really like the break/directional turn at 2:51, which starts to say it's time to wrap things up, count your chips, and go home. In a mix like this, the instruments basically speak for themselves.

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42
on 2009-01-17 23:26:26

Dang, this is great stuff, and I'm glad its on SSFIIHDR. :-D

Awesome job.

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Fudd
on 2009-01-12 08:52:43

Man, I SLEPT on this track years ago, but now it's one of my favorite tracks on HD Remix.

Congrats, Neostorm!

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chucky90
on 2006-04-07 17:11:40

Amazing. I can not tell you how much I listen to this mix. Great backbeat, great piano in the background, and I absolutely dig the saxophone. Good job. Keep up the good work.

P.S. You made this guy proud:

balrog.jpg

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Broken
on 2006-02-09 22:38:18

For the longest time I thought this song was about Cammy.

Then I realized it was about Balrog's shorts (Ick!)

Well, at least it's a smooth mix.

Some of the instrumentation bugs me, but I like the filtering effects and the lead sax.

I like what Neostorm did with melody, too.

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I_Love_OC_ReMixes
on 2006-02-09 19:40:37

sexy mix, beautiful!!

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Liontamer
on 2005-11-23 19:15:29

I never posted here? Jesus, what the hell was I thinking? Great mix, Neo. One of my favorites from a few years ago, I remember it on the WIP forums. Still something I listen to!

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Cheese Soda
on 2005-08-31 16:26:15

Great remix, been listening for it a while now, I forgot I had it, Simply love listening to it at nights when driving through the city (Only wish I drove a sport car T_T)

Anyway, This song kinda remind me of Tekken Series, even thou it's definatly Street Fighter 100%, Tekken usually have simular type of song to their intro.

Anyway, to the point. I love the song, It's great and one of the best. Only wish it was longer somwhat... 10/10 rating on me. Definatly exactly the type of music that is my favourite.

A fresh homebaked cookie for you. :3

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benevolensaurus
on 2005-04-16 18:59:10

Mmm, this is niiiiice.

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mianka
on 2004-12-17 06:24:13

This remix really does it for me, as well as Neostorm's other two mixes...

Neostorm really has the groove like djpretzel said. This and the other 2 are just great.

...even my 2,5 year old daughter starts jammin' every time she hears these... ;)

I only ask when will you submit more Neostorm?

I'm waiting impatient...

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BlueMage
on 2004-11-09 20:43:13

This thing's got a sort of fast-tempo jazz feel to it, and that's what makes it great. Great BGM, shame about the character who uses it...well, he is a mere boxer after all :D Seriously, great remix.

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
( , , )
Music by
Songs:
Additional Game:
Street Fighter II: The World Warrior (Capcom , 1992, ARC)
Music by Isao Abe,Yoko Shimomura
Songs:
"Balrog (U.S.A.)"

Tags (3)


Genre:
Jazz
Mood:
Instrumentation:
Piano,Synth
Additional:

File Information


Name:
Super_Street_Fighter_2_Turbo_Sexy_Trunks_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
5,331,794 bytes
MD5:
58cd4376de87c4cde4ebd0a0b785f3ff
Bitrate:
160Kbps
Duration:
4:22

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