ReMix:Xenogears "Semper Saltare" 6:22

A happy belated birthday to OCR, as we're 23 years young this month! While anticipating our celebration of another celestial rotation, I've had OCU's Spring Break DJ Set instrumental rock anthem by OceansAndrew and Level 99 in the hopper. Originally conceived by Andrew and Stevo during the 2015 Dwelling of Duels Dance Party compo, this blend of themes from Xenogears, NiGHTS into dreams..., and Tales of Innocence may be celebrating the spring, but the bright tones, warm thoughts, and community celebration fit quite nicely during the holiday season. Let OceansAndrew's thoughts guide the way:

"This is Stevo and I taking all our favorite songs and putting them together in a single ReMix. "Semper Saltare" is probably my favorite arrangement we've done together, where it captures so much of both of our outlooks on music, and our personal touches are everywhere. Like the best collaborations, ends up being something more than either of us could do on our own.

I've listened to this song hundreds of times myself, and it never fails to make me feel grateful for not only my friendship with Stevo, but also for OCR itself, and how it was able to bring me into a great community of friends.

Thanks, everyone. Here's to 20 more years of music!"

Hear, hear, and thank you to both Andrew and Stevo for their steadfast efforts and energy in lifting up the VGM arrangement community-at-large; I am, along with so many others in this scene, so proud to call them both friends. :-) Emunator was among the judges signing off, and he was also feeling the spirit:

"Triumphant, euphoric, and unapologetically upbeat, just as I've come to expect from the artists involved! The combination of sources was adapted flawlessly to the genre, and although it's been correctly pointed out that this is essentially 6+ minutes of non-stop melodies, there's still enough strategically-placed slowdowns to give the listener a moment to catch their breath. I've got to give a special shoutout to the Suburban Museum cameo at 4:10... what an absolute banger of a breakdown to shake things up before you drive it home with the final build and chorus. From an arrangement and performance standpoint, I truly believe this is some of your finest work to date, gents!"

Boy, I can't agree more with how infectiously fun this feels. It's a high point of the Spring Break DJ Set album (which you need to go buy), and a milestone mix for OCU as they now reach their baker's dozen on OCR. Whether it's the wailing guitars, wistful vocals, steady beats, or soaring textures, if you're not smiling during this one, just re-rack it and hit play again! An easy contender for the happiest arrangement in our history, don't be shy about spreading these good feelings around! Go out of your way to let OA and Level 99 know if YOU eventually give this one hundreds of rotations yourself. ;-)