ReMix:Diddy Kong Racing "Diddy Kong Luau Party" 3:11

MORE GUIFROG!! Guifrog sends us his third (and also the site's third) arrangement of Dave Wise's festive score to Diddy Kong Racing - "If winter weather is getting you down, it's time to head somewhere hot where the party runs all day and all night!"™ ...or something like that! GF's got a global sound & upbeat style that tends to bring smiles to faces, while still bringing the musicality with often ornate and always flamboyant sequencing. This mix is no exception, as a tropical groove - a bit more Caribbean than Hawaiian, in spite of the title! - sets the stage for plenty of steel drum, organ, piano, & sax! The latter is definitely on the fakey side, as sampled sax usually is, but that's offset by some hot piano soloing, offbeat funk guitar chords, and yes... some rather RAD TIMBALE LICKS!! The ReMixer writes:

"Y'know what, I'm not really a fan of traveling, especially when it's outside of Brazil. But man, talk about an exception: BARBADOS! A true Caribbean paradise, with plenty of hearty people, blue crystalline water and, of course, some laid-back, warm music. Also, it's the theme of my new mix ;)

The story is simple. It's a beautiful afternoon, and the sun is setting. Diddy Kong has just finished challenging his friends in another car race on Timber's island. He would normally go back to home with Donkey Kong, but tonight's plans are different: everyone was invited to join a colorful, Hawaiian-based party, to celebrate Diddy's birthday! Dixie, Taj, Conker, Funky, etc - just try to imagine them all together, so you can foresee the whole mess. I wonder how this thing ends...? XD Well, it will surely be fun!

Instrumentists:

• Donkey Kong - Bongos, bass drums
• Diddy Kong - Rhythm guitar
• Dixie Kong - Bongos, timbales
• Kiddy Kong - Shakers
• Tiny Kong - Saxophone
• Funky Kong - Organ
• Candy Kong - Piano
• Cranky Kong - Synths, DJing (bass included)
• Taj - Steel pan (surprise? :P)

Anyway, I'm so proud of this mix, that I promise: if it gets accepted, I will have a try at making a music video of this story. If possible, choreographies included. ;)"

I love how Guifrog constructs these entire narratives in his mind; it's a very creative approach to arranging & I think the energy from his imagination translates into music more effectively as a result. Also, now he owes us a music video :) Although... that's a LOT of Kongs to choreograph - maybe he can give a MIDI to someone who can sync it all up in Houdini or something; I'd love to see Funky cover those organ licks with impeccable timing. Another fun, exuberant, & detailed DKR mix from Guifrog - enjoy & stay warm!