ReMix:DuckTales "Duck Blur" 5:15

By Star Salzman

Arranging the music of one song...

"The Moon"

Primary Game: DuckTales (Capcom , 1990, NES), music by Hiroshige Tonomura

Posted 2004-12-23, evaluated by the judges panel


The ever-humble epitome of eloquence, Star Salzman, writes:

"Ducktales Remix!!! Moon theme! Omg!!! Enjoy, it roxors the boxors."

At least this time his submission didn't come in the format of Viagra spam; I suppose I should be thankful. I'm writing this on a laptop, wirelessly, from the lovely-but-tiny state of Delaware ("Whoa... I'm in... Delaware"), enjoying Christmas Eve Eve and what not, and (weak segue) how fitting this is, because Star's been like a musical Santa in 2004, delivering numerous gifts that would overstuff any stocking with creativity and skillz. Since the year is almost over, you're going to forgive me for having written that. Thanks. Anyways, Ducktales fans should rejoice, as Star's coverage of the ever-popular moon theme is sugary, saccharin-sweet goodness. Like his previous Fei Long mix, this isn't Star at his most innovative/experimental, but his sonic blade ain't dulled even if the style is more traditional. The theme already has a spacy, upbeat vibe, made even more exuberant with the gratuitous octave bassline, strong general offbeat, shimmering filtered analog pads, strings & string stabs, and quality, unobstrusive percussion which, while it could have been a little more interesting, is everything you'd expect, and doesn't get in the way at all. Larry really summed this one up nicely, so I'll webcopypaste at length:

"Star always does a great job of fusing electronic and "real" instruments. Here's he relies on the occasional use of some string samples to give the track a slightly epic touch that also often functions as a transition point to a change in the style. The arrangement is pretty straightforward most of the time, yet certainly expansive compared to the NES original.

Though the clap beats at the base of the mix could have varied up more when they were in effect, the overall development of the track was very good throughout. Lots of instrumental changes, along with plenty of addition and subtraction on that level as well to constantly keep ideas flowing and the presentation fresh.

The minimalist work from 3:03-3:29 was one late example of how Star kept the rearrangement ideas here viable for 5+ minutes. 3:29-3:55 also had some freestyle-type work that was later placed underneath the Moon theme for yet another new idea introduced late in the game. Overall, how you gonna hate on this? Good progression, good flow, good arrangement."

I think that sums up about everything I have to say, myself, so no point doin' the work when someone's done it for you. Hurrah for delegation, then, and a hearty huzzah for Star's Ducktales mix - sufficiently happy-go-lucky for the holiday season, and a welcome gift in any case.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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paperCrane
on 2013-04-03 15:24:18
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Magellanic
on 2011-12-06 08:26:21

Love it...just love it. There's a real 90's vibe but the arrangement is so much more intricate than just being a techno remix. There are lots of subtle little changes and transitions that add a beautiful orchestral feel. This track is really bright and cheerie You'd be hard pressed to not feel that little bit happier after hearing. Towards the end I feel the arrangement trails of a little bit and loses some of the initial interest but the start of the track is so attention grabbing that I don't care.

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Marmiduke
on 2011-03-26 03:14:07

On a first listen, my initial thoughts were that this was perhaps a little safe, especially considering Salzman's cred. However, repeat listens revealed a whole lot more than just the happy-techno cover I thought I'd stumbled upon.

I really like the shifts in tone, and the great alterations made to the pace, structure and melody itself of the source. It has to be hard to find a way to manipulate and expand such strong source material, and Salzman has done it with restraint, creativity and clarity.

This is not something that blows me out of the water, production-wise... arrangement-wise or anything-wise. But removed from my expectations, there is a crazy amount of joy to be had with this one. It's cheerfulness cranked up to full and a more interesting take on the original than the genre might lead you to believe.

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MechaFone
on 2010-12-12 12:49:42

An extremely awesome remix that has stood the test of time to still be one of the best, even after five...no wait, nearly six years. Bravo, sir.

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OA
on 2010-05-03 14:57:42

One of my favorite source tracks of all time, this is a great feeling mix that focuses on the strengths of the original writing while adding some new fun surprises. A few of the transitions were a little strange with the modulations added in, but it still works out ok in the end. Some of the original parts were a little weaker and didn't feel quite right either, but the first half of the song is super good. The ending was simple but classy; nice work there. :-D

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stkyle
on 2010-02-06 22:16:55

ZOMG my boxors have been roxored!!1! :D Great stuff

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Yoshiboy
on 2009-12-02 08:45:56

This song ROCKS! It starts out slow then it gets into an awesome beat. You really made a good Ducktales Moon theme remix.

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Tailz
on 2009-10-19 01:11:43

really nice, I like the beat :D

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yosefu
on 2009-10-10 10:01:54

Very easy listening for anytime of the day.

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metalsnakejuice
on 2009-10-10 08:18:15

Fantastic work from Star Salzman as usual. Everything entwines really well.

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Mustin
on 2008-05-19 00:56:51

Whoa, I missed this somehow. Found it on YouTube.

Great stuff. One of my all-time favourite game themes.

Nice work!

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windkirby
on 2007-08-08 19:56:32

This song is so amazing! THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT!!! *foams*

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ajgunn225
on 2006-03-21 05:30:57

Haven't heard a Salzman remix i didnt like yet. keep it up man, Duck Blur is awesome

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theloafingone
on 2006-03-09 19:44:28

Beautiful remix... I've had this on loop for hours on end -.-" Yea... I'm obsessed =X

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MSL
on 2006-01-01 21:22:28

whoa, who new duck tales had such an awesome melody in there!! You did a great job with this!! Whoa man, whoa!

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
DuckTales (Capcom , 1990, NES)
Music by Hiroshige Tonomura
Songs:
"The Moon"

Tags (4)


Genre:
Mood:
Instrumentation:
Electronic,Piano,Strings,Synth
Additional:

File Information


Name:
DuckTales_Duck_Blur_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
6,378,273 bytes
MD5:
20db390a765a689cb5318386ac8ab46a
Bitrate:
160Kbps
Duration:
5:15

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