ReMix:The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time "Dark Shores of Hyrule" 3:13

By Jonah-B

Arranging the music of one song...

"Title Theme"

Primary Game: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo , 1998, N64), music by Koji Kondo

Posted 2011-07-26, evaluated by the judges panel


Minimalist, transporting debut Zelda 64 title theme mix from newcomer Jonah-B, timed particularly well for those who recently purchased the 3DS version of OoT. Acoustic & electric guitar anchor the arrangement, but there are lots of softer accompanying parts & FX that really create a very specific atmosphere. It's not COMPLETELY mellow or relaxed - there's definitely dynamic variations and parts that are more strained or darker - but the overall aesthetic really achieves the feeling of being alone on a vast shore, staring out at the sea, with perhaps a combination of longing & uncertainty. The artist writes:

"This marks my first video game remix! I don't know what exactly made me choose this particular piece. I think it was the combination of beauty and simplicity in the original. Its such a relaxing song, which is right up my alley. Nothing like sitting in a dimly lit room and recording a nice relaxing song.

My version doesn't deviate a whole lot from the structure of the original. Its still a short and simple song. The main change is in the choice of instruments. Inspired by Steve Pordon's Mystic Forest mix (also on OC ReMix), I decided to go with a soft acoustic guitar playing the chord progression and an opposing distorted electric guitar for the lead. I'm pleased with the way it turned out. The primary choice of software for this piece (and most of my other compositions as well) was Sony Acid Pro for live recording and Reason with Rewire for just about everything else. The guitars were recorded with a Pod X3. I hope everyone enjoys it!!"

The relatively conservative intro didn't escape the judges' attention, to be sure, but compensating factors included the diversions from source after the first minute, and the overall change in tone - the original piece was more sedate, pastoral even, whereas Jonah's darkened things up, modified the tempo & pacing, and imbued the whole mix with tons of atmosphere. Vinnie writes:

"Not an easy call. The arrangement started very conservatively and only started doing something different from the source at the one-minute mark. But the feel is a lot different, a lot more stark and dream-like and it feels very personalized on that front. Even though the mix was pretty simple and the playing wasn't dead-on, neither seemed to hurt the piece; it almost enhanced the concept. It was reminiscent of this mix in that way. The little background textures were good."

Agreed; Jonah could have diverged a bit more, and I'd like to see him try that next time, but as not only a first OC ReMix, but a first video game mix of ANY kind, this is a great, promising meditation on a classic theme, and it makes up in ambiance & atmosphere what it might lack in arrangement.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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Crulex
on 2012-11-05 11:15:52

So the wind and waves sound effects were something I don't think I've heard play through most of ReMix before, and it was a nice setting setter. The acoustic guitar made this very relaxing combined with the wind and tides, so this is totally something that would do for those moments when you just need some peace. These are some dark shores I'd love to visit for sure.

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Sarad_Thamia
on 2012-03-02 01:11:24

This is such a wonderfully calming mix. Elaborate doesn't neccesarily equal good and this is an excellent example of this. Simple yet well done. It invokes a feeling of calm not found much in music anymore. I use this song as part of my yoga mix and meditation music. I certainly hope to hear more songs like this from you in the future. Thanks! :)

May the Force be with you.

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Tuberz McGee
on 2011-12-25 00:25:06

The acoustic guitar tone is excellent, not for it's clarity... but for it's emotion.

The fact that it feels very slightly out of tune is even more moving.

The lead guitar is contrasting, providing a nice melody line for the ReMix.

The waves that play throughout give an excellent feel of relaxation.

The ReMix is a great one to wake up to in the mornings. It makes me feel calm.

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Bahamut
on 2011-12-15 10:22:09

This is a short peaceful mix that captures a picture of resting on the beach with the waves swaying back and forth. It doesn't pretend to do anything other than set a peaceful mood that drifts on, which makes this a perfect mix for the shortness. A nice addition to the collection, I hope to hear more of a similarly peaceful nature! (or surprise everyone :) )

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Rexy
on 2011-12-01 17:02:53

I remember being kind of torn over this track when it came out.

Part of it was namely because it's hard to do anything with the Ocarina of Time title music because of its blandness, and part of it seemed to be down to the basic production behind it; I recall the recording still having that trace of hiss, which seems to bring it down in regards to a clean level, not to mention the awkward dynamic shaping during the buildup and a rather straightforward arrangement outside from the nice solo work past the 1 minute mark.

But getting away from the criticisms there, the resemblance to Steve Pordon's work is there, and the soundscape work managed to capture a more ethereal take on the source material. It has that pretty approach, it works, and I appreciate it at face value for what it is.

Don't be too discouraged with the feedback; while I do indeed see more that could be done, I really hope that you'd come back for more. From what I'm seeing here, this is still a promising debut :)

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Martin Penwald
on 2011-08-24 15:01:10
Relaxing, ambient, peaceful. At the edge of a vast sea, staring from a lonely shore, perhaps just after dusk, describes it perfectly.

This is pretty spot-on, though I'd add "melancholic" to the list of adjectives.

Guitar has a nice sound to it.

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Rom Tom
on 2011-08-14 23:27:40

Ground Control to Major Tom. I like this :]

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eshman
on 2011-08-07 16:35:38

After listening to this one I have to say that it is great just the way it is. Anything more would have detracted from the piece as a whole and taken away the more simplistic theme that it seemed like the remixer was going for in the first place. I like it, I love it, and I can't wait to listen to more in the future!

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Jonah-B
on 2011-07-28 22:24:08

Wow! I just now realized that my mix got accepted! What a pleasant surprise! I know the mix is far from perfect so I was expecting it to be rejected. I can't thank everyone enough for their encouraging words. I'll try working on some new game mixes soon.

Thanks everyone!

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Benjamin Briggs
on 2011-07-28 13:33:51

this is fantastic

could be my speakers, but I feel like the acoustic guitar might be overly compressed? that's just after two listens though

great work regardless :D

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ZealPath
on 2011-07-26 23:25:47

Always been a fan of this source, it's about the same thing as the ending theme from LttP, and this is definitely a different take on it. Definitely enjoying the low key take, it's not entirely... uplifting, or completely negative, it's kind of got that ebb and flow of life to it.

It's also quite short, not unlike the original, which I guess makes sense given the relative simplicity of the source. In any case, I'm digging it!

Edit: I also just realized what soundtrack this really reminds me of, NightSky! This could totally randomly come on in the middle of that game and fit right in!

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halc
on 2011-07-26 21:29:04

this is one classy mix. nice work, Jonah. :D

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Bacon Boy
on 2011-07-26 20:29:57

It's pretty risky to pick such an unused track for one of your first remixes, but I'd say he hit the nail on the head with this one. One of the better OoT songs on here (it also helps that it's not Gerudo Valley).

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WesternZypher
on 2011-07-26 16:27:34

Relaxing, ambient, peaceful. At the edge of a vast sea, staring from a lonely shore, perhaps just after dusk, describes it perfectly.

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djpretzel
on 2011-07-26 11:18:39

What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo , 1998, N64)
Music by Koji Kondo
Songs:
"Title Theme"

Tags (5)


Genre:
Mood:
Dark,Mellow
Instrumentation:
Acoustic Guitar,Electric Guitar,Sound FX
Additional:

File Information


Name:
Legend_of_Zelda_Ocarina_of_Time_Dark_Shores_of_Hyrule_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
3,173,177 bytes
MD5:
74f670a76b8e1bcbd774fc25acac9067
Bitrate:
128Kbps
Duration:
3:13

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