ReMix:Chrono Cross "Song of Ruin" 3:43

By NoTuX

Arranging the music of one song...

"Dead Sea/Tower of Destruction"

Primary Game: Chrono Cross (Square , 1999, PS1), music by Yasunori Mitsuda

Posted 2007-04-29, evaluated by the judges panel


Damon Campbell sends us a mellow arrangement from Chrono Cross with a strong acoustic vibe that features a sequenced but rather convincing guitar, acoustic piano, a laid back acoustic percussive groove, unobtrusive bass, strings, and other accompanying elements. The sonic space in particular, achieved through both reverb and discrete panning, is rich and believable. There's a lovely mono glide solo with some tempo sync'd delay at 2'42" that basically closes the piece out, but the ending is rather interesting: an extended fadeout leaves the piano mostly audible. Unique and tasteful. This is Blue Magic's fourth posted mix, and is comparatively more acoustic and deliberate in nature than his previous pieces. Larry writes:

"Relatively conservative but personalized approach. Though the sample quality was pretty nice, the performance could sound more organic though I can't put my finger on why that was. There was just something about it, but the execution was decidedly fine all things considered, and on par with Damon's skillz. The arrangement's quiet and understated enough that, IMO, it's not gonna reach out and grab you. But I appreciated the subtleties of the interpretation as well as the smooth shifts that allow the track to evolve without the casual listener even noticing. Pretty chill."

Good stuff, very mellow... not going to grab you by the horns and shake the shizz out of you, but a completely chill groove that works with the original rather than against it and creates a relaxed acoustic atmosphere.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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MechaFone
on 2010-05-28 15:33:51

I've enjoyed this song from beginning to end. It's nice and slow, and despite the title, far from depressing.

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Marmiduke
on 2010-04-03 06:50:00

This was a really nice surprise for me. Not a track I remember much at all from the last time I listened through the full OCR catalogue, but one that now makes me wonder how that can be. I love this to bits.

There's a few critiques about this being messy and a bit lost and I know the points people are referring to, but I can't help but see them in a 'glass is half full' perspective. It's not mess, it's organised diorganisation. It gives it a beautiful human element that the samples might not have been able to convey on their own. It's also a skillfully broad transition between the acoustic and electronic sections.

I can't really fault this. It nails everything I look for, and does so with an under-the-radar grace I really appreciate. Won't be forgetting about this again.

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Im_Just_Shawn
on 2010-01-19 10:32:16

Absolutly Perfect for relaxing to and taking that stroll alone after a long day of work. Ive been a fan of CC since its release and ive been tryin to dig up some music to it...welp, here i find it :D BRILLIANT!

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PorscheT1
on 2008-06-10 07:26:48

I love this remix. I was never really a fan of the original track from the game to begin with, but this mix has completely turned that around. It's just a great chill song that I can listen to over and over. Thanks :)

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OA
on 2008-01-15 14:41:47

Beautiful chill track; I disagree with those who say it lacks direction, you just need to listen that much closer, as the development is exceptionally subtle (as it should be on a track such as this).

I love the delicate feeling each element has, and the care that was put into the panning percussive elements.

This one has been kind of overlooked, check it out; It's classy.

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weirdboy997
on 2007-06-30 15:50:21

This song is a great piece of work. While it's true that there seems to be a bit of a lack of direction, or rather just a sense of avoidance to a tangible climax, I believe it adds a kind of emotional sense to the song instead. The repetitiveness of this song adds that piece of emotion that you would originally find in most songs in Chrono Cross, a game that has been one of my favorites for a long time standing, and yet this song definitely maintains its own originality. It truly is a heartwarming Piece, thank you for its creation, I hope to see more from you!

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Zer0
on 2007-06-04 05:11:09

Oh my god... this is awesome, SO awesome... I've never heard anything as beautiful as this. Please make more songs like this one! =)

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Trenthian
on 2007-05-17 19:33:21

the fret noises are driving me nuts.

Less is more boyo.

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siven7
on 2007-05-16 10:38:56

I agree with BlueEnvy a bit - a bit more direction would be nice. It's okay, it quotes the melody in a coherent and an appropriate sort of way, but it left me wanting more. What else could you add to it? You've made a nice base painting, but it seemed a bit... incomplete. Is there anything else you could bring to the table to add more colour to the work?

Really nice production and melodic input for the work, but even when you finish and submit a work, think of the next step... what could you have added to the work...?

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ocremixfan
on 2007-05-02 12:13:44

Excellent mix, so pleasant and relaxing! A must for CC OST lovers!

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DragonAvenger
on 2007-05-01 21:16:14

I really enjoyed this mix. The original track is a favorite of mine, and I like the direction this has taken the source.

There are some messy spots, but nothing that a relaxed listener would really be bothered by. Overall, nice work.

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BlueEnvy
on 2007-05-01 14:59:26

The section that features piano about a third through is quite messy. There is no direction to the lines, and the three pianos (distinguished by volume and pan) fight for space and recognition. Their lines are often broken by each other, but not in a way that allows tension to be suspended and then picked up after each interjection; they wander rather aimlessly, rather than acting in a counterpoint with each other where each line can be traced audibly to move with purpose. Some articulations sound strange and I would consider at least resequencing if you decide not to revise the notes themselves.

As a whole, there needs to be more direction. Since the harmony remains static throughout, you need to build energy in some other way. You might try buildling melodic lines in juxtaposition as the music progresses so that by the end there is a denser mass of frenetic energy. You could still use the delayed piano lick at the end, but crescendo towards it instead of meekly fading out.

Another option is to manipulate harmony more, which could be more difficult, but equally redeeming. And I wouldn't say no to combining direction in both texture/melody and harmony.

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badhabit
on 2007-04-30 16:54:20

Really gorgeous song here. I always love the sound of the guitar and piano in your songs, even if the judges don't.

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Citan
on 2007-04-30 14:53:56

This mix takes a pretty unique spin on the original song... I can clearly hear the original in there, but this mix has a somewhat different feel. I like the direction you took this in.

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Rayni
on 2007-04-30 02:36:33

Those quietly repeating few notes from the original melody are breathtaking. I agree with avaris: the nuance is what makes this mix wonderful. It's so melancholy and I love it so much! ;_;

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Chrono Cross (Square , 1999, PS1)
Music by Yasunori Mitsuda
Songs:
"Dead Sea/Tower of Destruction"

Tags (3)


Genre:
Mood:
Instrumentation:
Acoustic Guitar,Piano,Strings
Additional:

File Information


Name:
Chrono_Cross_Song_of_Ruin_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
5,437,484 bytes
MD5:
386f59c1a42e07ef6aef2cf094928cc4
Bitrate:
192Kbps
Duration:
3:43

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