ReMix:Lemmings "Dig This!" 3:59

By OneUp

Arranging the music of one song...

"Lemming 1"

Primary Game: Lemmings (Psygnosis , 1994, C64), music by Jeroen Tel, Tim Wright

Posted 2008-11-20, evaluated by the judges panel


OneUp (not to be confused with The OneUps or 1up.com), a new mixer from Sweden, writes:

"This is my first try for a serious game remix, it's on a song from Lemmings, I think it's called Just Dig. The first time I heard this tune, I knew this could be an awesome Happy Hardcore-remix. The chords are just perfect, and it's definitely cheesy enough. I tried to keep the 90's european Happy Hardcore sound, but with greater synths, and I think I managed pretty well. It's a bit mechanical, especially the percussions and maybe the arrangement, but that's typical for HHC."

I'd like to share a personal confession: when I hear the words "Happy Hardcore," my spine contorts into a crooked, misshapen form of apprehension and woe. This is the TRUE origin of the name "djpretzel," incidentally.... Nah, but I kid; it's certainly not my thing, and for some reason many of the submissions we receive that self-classify as such tend towards sado-masochism, but I leave room in my heart (at least a cubic inch or two) for the genre, and try to keep an open mind. Good thing, too, since this Lemmings mix is actually pretty catchy. The biggest issue the panel had with it was not the trappings of its genre, but rather the similarity's source to Pachelbel's popular 'Canon in D,' which I worked into a ReMix myself way back when, albeit in a more veiled context. In this instance the similarities are more pronounced, as the original composer was clearly influenced by Mr. Pachelbel quite a bit, forcing the source material into potential submissions violation territory. Lucky for OneUp, and by extension us, Mr. Tel varied it up a bit, altered some rhythms, and MOST importantly penned an original melody on top of the progression, clearly distinguishing the theme from being "lifted, public domain classical" into the realm of VGM. Vinnie writes:

"It's pretty hard to find major fault with this song, but at the same time also hard to get excited about it. The song at its base is generic happy-hardcore, but there are some interesting ideas thrown in, e.g. the whistling section, the Lemmings FX, the breaks section. I also liked that the texture and drum pattern changed every few measures or so, while maintaining the flow. Overall, the song holds my attention because of those details, even though it's not at all innovative melodically. (Happy hardcore is not a genre that lends itself to much melodic interpretation anyway.)"

Shariq adds:

"You know what? I like this. I think it's a lot of fun, and it's got a pretty good arrangement... The sound design and texture is a little simplistic, but I think there's some synergy here, and some pretty creative parts. I like that little march bit with the Lemmings voices and whistling; pretty cool. Could have done with more harmonic support, but it's not a dealbreaker."

There you have it... not a groundbreaking mix in particular, except for perhaps making some headway for HHC on OCR, but a sugary, enjoyable, upbeat take on a classic theme. As a side note, real-life lemmings can swim, don't really commit mass suicide, and what's worse, none whatsoever have been observed in the wild sporting green hair or blue clothing of any kind. Bummer about all that, but this mix'll cheer you right up, so it all works out.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
avatar
Psythik
on 2010-01-10 18:29:54

Congrats on "stealing" the idea I've been working on for years and making it ten times better than I ever could. I'm envious.

avatar
Marmiduke
on 2009-12-27 07:46:38

I remember when this was first put up on the site, this was my go-to mix for pure fun. Somewhere along the way, I stopped listening to it, and strangely I'm struggling to find the joy I once found in this. There's a desolation in here that negates a lot of the bubblegum-goodtime-happydance-smilefactory vibe that the old Euro scene was all about, and that this is clearly trying to channel.

I don't think it's all the mixer's fault; I think I've become more cynical over the years and I've also listened to a larger range of stuff. Tastes change and perspectives alter, and this mix didn't live up to the expectation I had of it when I originally heard it, unfortunately.

The samples are uninspired, there's no depth in sound and there's no gloss that I find to be the selling point of mixes like this. Rayza delivers gloss. This only attempts to.

This is still amiable stuff. It follows a well-worn routine, but its a damn successful one. I'm a fan of the tune (itself a remix of Canon in D), and this will always be a good one to have around for the purposes of hearing it with bundled energy. But I'm afraid I have to demote it from go-to status. Something about it leaves me cold to its brightness.

avatar
OA
on 2009-11-27 14:18:25

This takes me back to about 2001 the when the hardcore was happy, the fours were on the floors, and lemmings died by the truckload to unimaginably gruesome fates.

This is exactly what I want to hear in happy hardcore- impossibly fast piano comping, a sortof smooshy kick, and a repetitive chord progression with upbeat bass and melodic bits on top. Totally fun stuff, and if you can stomach all the cheer, you'll definitely enjoy it.

avatar
stkyle
on 2009-08-17 19:16:38

I usually don't post because all I know about remixes is what I like ... and everyone has their own opinion ;) but I had to share my experience with this song.

I downloaded it last night while I was studying for my final and it was the last thing I listened to before I started my exam ... I had the song going through my head for the whole two hours and it kept me focused the entire time :D Everytime I didn't know what to do I would sit back and this song would run through my head and I'd figure it out.

Thanks for a great song and for the help in thermo ^_^

avatar
yosefu
on 2009-06-01 00:01:05

This remix has got the most happiest tune i have heard and i love it.

Great job!

avatar
AmazinJason
on 2008-12-17 23:47:05

This mix gave me an undeniable urge to leap around my room as if I was a small rabbit.

Fortunately I resisted, but it was quite difficult.

Great mix though, really fun.

avatar
Project R2K
on 2008-12-07 15:36:27

While I can understand why this wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea, I just can't stop listening to it! This remix is just plain fun. And I always love hearing first subs. Hope to hear more soon.

The sound fx are my favorite parts. "Yippee!" ^_^

avatar
LuigiFan
on 2008-12-07 00:13:51

AUGH! IT'S PACHELBEL! RUN!!

This really isn't my genre - I could see myself dancing to this at a school function though. I would have to say it's really good - sounds a little long to me, but that's probably because it's not my favorite style of music. I like your use of the sound clips. Overall I think it's a great job, and deserves to be on this site. Looking forward to more of you in the future.

EDIT: I hope you don't think I hate Canon in D - it's an amazing song, except that that chord progression is used in EVERYTHING.

avatar
Lucentas
on 2008-12-06 20:37:23

I hate to admit it, but I love stuff like this. Hyperactive, hyperfast, and extremely easy to get up and start dancing like a maniac to.

Not in public, of course.

avatar
Dafydd
on 2008-12-04 06:21:28

Haha, how authentic :)

avatar
predcon
on 2008-11-29 21:23:51

Well, I asked for Lemmings remixes, and they're starting to roll in. Big Tip(ee)!

avatar
Martin Penwald
on 2008-11-28 16:31:22

I remember this from the WIP board. You really nailed that 90's HHC sound; I recognize pretty much every single "instrument" you used in this remix. Wouldn't have felt out of place on any Charly Lownoise Mental Theo album back then, hehe.

avatar
Mr igloo
on 2008-11-25 18:12:03

Good tune, from what I have seen there is not much hardcore on here so this was a treat. :razz:

avatar
OneUp
on 2008-11-24 17:00:39
You know, I talked to WAVE [Jeroen Tel] a bit after we compo'd on IRC a few months ago - I told him about OC Remix and he was quick to tell me he hated the remixes of his stuff because they got all the notes wrong :P but this is the first remix of a Tel tune in a long long time, the other ones are all old and horrible sounding, unfortunately. If he ever comes on IRC again I'll tell him about this one and see if he changes his mind.

He probably won't though because that's just how he is D:

Well, the notes aren't wrong I think, but I doubt he'd like it actually... :D

|| : Boom Chick/Clap Boom Chick/Clap : ||

Ahh, that's some sweet HHC you got cooking there!

avatar
The Runaway Five
on 2008-11-24 03:13:57

|| : Boom Chick/Clap Boom Chick/Clap : ||

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Lemmings (Psygnosis , 1994, C64)
Music by Jeroen Tel,Tim Wright
Songs:
"Lemming 1"

Tags (3)


Genre:
Mood:
Happy
Instrumentation:
Electronic,Synth
Additional:

File Information


Name:
Lemmings_Dig_This_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
5,824,526 bytes
MD5:
5a882639dd998401cd0679d7faae2151
Bitrate:
192Kbps
Duration:
3:59

Promotion

8-bit Jazz Heroes - Press Start
View All

Latest Albums

View All

Latest ReMixes