ReMix:Xenogears "(You Give Me) Wings" 3:26

More Hakštok!! This mixflood is 40% Hakštok!! Ivan hits us up again with another revision to a previously submitted ReMix - really cool that after his process improved, he's gone back and applied that knowledge to past efforts! With a mix title that sounds like a modified ad for Red Bull and/or a Contemporary Christian hit (e.g. "You Raise Me Up"), this anthemic Xenogears rock track IS inspiring, PLUS he works in some "Baba Yetu," which is always damn rousing stuff. Bottom line is that if you've been feeling demotivated, lethargic, or otherwise bleh, you need this jam pumped intravenously into your EARS. Which makes no sense. But that just conveys how exhilarating it is, since I'm writing this as I listen.

"I noticed today that this song was rejected, and since my workflow is completely different now than what it was back when I submitted it, I decided to make it from scratch instead of going back and trying to fix the old version. Took me only a few hours. :) The source breakdown remains the same as in the original submission. Changes include better drum samples, better synth sound, improved mixing (thanks to Sixto for some helpful suggestions about the mixing!), and a different rhythm guitar line at some parts, like the 2nd chorus. I've also re-recorded all instruments. Hope you like it! :D"

Source breakdown:
0:00-0:43 - synth is based on the short break from 0:56 to 1:03 of "Wings"
0:44-1:27 - based on the verse from "Wings" with some additional guitar wankery
1:28-1:49 - based on the chorus from "Wings"
1:50-2:03 - again based on the short break from "Wings"
2:04-2:24 - "Baba Yetu" 1st verse, should be pretty recognizable
2:25-2:47 - again the verse from "Wings" with some more guitar wankery
2:48-3:08 - "Dream of the Shore," it's sped up from the source but should be easy to recognize
3:09-3:25 - outro based on that short break from "Wings"

So much better, and such a great mix! Really gets the blood pumping, makes you feel like you can do anything - fight the power, stick it to the man, raise the roof, rock the dream, realize your ken, etc.; the sky's the limit. Or not EVEN, actually. Palpable picked up on the pervasive positivity, which is itself palpable:

"Ivan's first version of the track was rejected, but he really polished up this second version. After a retro synth opening, it bursts way into a very upbeat, 80's rock track reminiscent of OA. At 1:27, when the lead gets harmonized and chipper synths chime in the background, it's hard not to have a smile on your face."

OA adds:

"I love the mood of this and really think that the summery driving feel you gave the arrangement is perfect for this time of year. The guitar harmonization and backing elements are great, and the transition to Baba Yetu for the B section was an unexpected and welcome surprise. The variation on the rhythm section is well thought out and interesting, and the only thing I could really ask for from this is that it was longer. I want to hear more."

So BOTH of Ivan's mixes seem to have a summery, rockin' roadtrip vibe going on; certainly not complaining. I love both, but of the two I think this Xeno jam is my favorite; your mileage may vary, but for me it's really motivational stuff, makes we want to DO and MAKE and what not, and the "Baba" cameo - which could have been a trainwreck of cheese - really just widened my existing smile. Two great mixes that should show listeners what Ivan's been up to & how he's grown!