ReMix:NiGHTS into dreams... "The Polar Express" 4:19

By DCT

Arranging the music of one song...

"Take The Snow Train"

Primary Game: NiGHTS into dreams... (Sega , 1996, SAT), music by Fumie Kumatani, Naofumi Hataya, Tomoko Sasaki

Posted 2010-12-01, evaluated by djpretzel


DCT contributes our second OILD ReMix, this time from cult classic NiGHTS into Dreams..., which should make the Saturn faithful among you happy. Even if you've never had the pleasure, Duane's cooked up a chill-yet-warm R&B jam with major-key Winter Holiday feelin' that's pretty darn accessible. Electric piano is front and center, with wide, ambient pads that stretch across the soundscape juxtaposed against clean, close percussion, snaps, and acoustic piano. The contrast between all the closer elements and the wide, distant, expansive & frosty pads is beautiful, and the overall arrangement just feels very comfortable - definitely the welcoming, festive type of ice stage, as opposed to the frustratingly difficult, barren wasteland of platforming challenge. Not much more to say, really - solid arrangement, approachable and enjoyable production... this is basically a jam that's right on time: seasonal, upbeat, unoffensive, and smooth. Excellent stuff from DCT, great follow-up to his MMX5 ReMix, and a wonderful contribution to Obligatory Ice Level Day!

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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Necrox
on 2015-12-08 19:10:59

Really dreamy stuff at 0:21, great sound design. Also, the train sample is superb. Very laid-back and somewhat surreal, yet the funky solos still feel in place. Great vibes.

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Crulex
on 2012-09-25 09:59:26

This is a perfect track for Ice Day, and really, what more can you ask for with light, whimsical themes than NiGHTS? This really could be used for a wide overhead view of the polar express or just a vast winter wonderland at night. So smooth and calming, and a nice melody along with it. Terrific.

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42
on 2010-12-28 23:51:36

This has a nice, airy, snowy, laid back atmosphere; it really strongly evokes a nice image of a vast, pristine snowfield. The echoing sleigh bells and snaps really do add a lot to this mix; especially like djp said, the contrast between the clarity of the beats versus the muted synths really make this fun to listen to. My only issue with this is that the beats are just a little too loud/prominent and overshadow the melody slightly (or the melody is too quiet, same difference). Other than that this is just good music

*puts on sunglasses*

to chill out to.

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Martin Penwald
on 2010-12-26 04:45:51

Smooth, relaxed, chill, laid-back, peaceful...there are my adjectives that can be used to describe this remix.

Loving the train fx in the beginning. Piano sounds fine to me, btw.

A perfect fit for winter and christmas.

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LunaYoshi
on 2010-12-14 14:53:05

Holy holy holy crud, I have been waiting SO LONG for a NiGHTS remix that wasn't of Gate of your Dreams (or... think there was one other one, but I didn't like it for some reason? Eh, I'll have to re-check)! I fell in love with Frozen Bell when I first heard it on the demo disc that came with our Saturn, and the full game itself and its entire soundtrack has been among my top 3 for years.

This remix totally does it justice, too. It stays close enough to the source to make it just as enjoyable, but adds a real mellow twist to it. Instant download, instant favorite. Thank you SO MUCH for remixing this AND for putting it up on the site, you guys! 3

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Emunator
on 2010-12-09 12:19:09

This arrangement is deceptively simple, so the groove and the vibe really carries this song. Honestly, when you're going for this kind of chillout feel, you don't need to go all-out with the instrumentation. I do feel like the piano is a little weak and could use some more tightening on the humanization level, but that's a minor quibble that doesn't interfere with my enjoyment of the song at the end of the day.

This one's gonna be getting a lot of airplay on my end this holiday season, I love what you did! :-D

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Kaxon
on 2010-12-09 01:26:28

I completely love this mix. There have been a bunch of good mixes in the last couple months but this one's my favorite, it's just nice and relaxing to listen to. Makes me want to try NiGHTs.

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Bahamut
on 2010-12-05 18:53:41

This is a nice relaxing mix that has a bit of a holiday vibe to it, in part from the soft synths the bells. It isn't too surprising considering the name of the song, but it is good all the same. I do wish it had a more fuller sound to it, but that's a minor gripe.

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Kadosho
on 2010-12-04 13:25:18

Quite a haunting melody, although it reminds me more of a subway train line.

But to hear the instruments come together. Its more of a holiday vibe, and just vibrant.

Loving this one.

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DCT
on 2010-12-03 18:35:19

Thanks everybody!

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DiggiDis
on 2010-12-03 08:22:41

Really slick my man .. Really enjoying this!

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WesternZypher
on 2010-12-03 01:53:54

Aww..every year brings a crop of lovely holiday mixes, and I actually play things like Holiday Frappe and Super Mario's Sleigh Ride during this time of year : )...well they'll have good company in rotation on my player alongside this track! Great work :D!!

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zykO
on 2010-12-02 22:15:53

smooooooove

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MechaFone
on 2010-12-02 09:53:45

We need more NiGHTS remixes, seriously. ESPECIALLY if they're of this quality.

I love me some NiGHTS music, and this remix makes me want to take the snow train.

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The Radical Sifu
on 2010-12-02 04:27:44

It is snowing outside my window. It never snows here. The fact that this track has been released today of all days is awesome, and you know what? It fits perfectly. This is the perfect thing for me to listen to right now.

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
NiGHTS into dreams... (Sega , 1996, SAT)
Music by Fumie Kumatani,Naofumi Hataya,Tomoko Sasaki
Songs:
"Take The Snow Train"

Tags (7)


Genre:
Pop
Mood:
Mellow
Instrumentation:
Bells,Electric Piano,Synth
Additional:
Time > Tempo: Fast
Usage > Winter Holiday

File Information


Name:
NiGHTS_into_dreams_The_Polar_Express_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
7,397,982 bytes
MD5:
0ea9dec4217bc7ced88a13647165e555
Bitrate:
225Kbps
Duration:
4:19

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