Oh brother - this is very, very nice work. Glad to see this side of you again - it's playful, has a addictive groove and terrific production where all the individual sounds are crisp and clean.

I absolutely love it. In fact, I love it so much that I plan to elope with it.

comment added to HaveMercy's Remix on 2009-09-14 16:24:31

Ahh now. I find myself diametrically opposed to naturalinferior in the sense that I absolutely love the part leading _up_ to 2:15, and being OK with the rest.

The intro. Now how do I say this the right way? The intro is quite something. I very, very much like the blend of grungey and clean elements - ethereal and grounding sounds. Very clean, very purposeful, and very effective.

Yes. I like this very much.

comment added to blue Cat Cinema's Remix on 2009-08-14 05:15:53

Oh mama mia - this is just a beautiful version. The piano clinking is heartbreakingly beautiful. Very lovely version - very real, very emotional.

comment added to HaveMercy's Remix on 2009-08-10 20:15:57

Hiya. Sorry for the delay in getting here. Train service is terrible around these parts.

I love what you've done with this track. The style suits you really well - elements are beautifully blended. Funnily enough, the PG vocals are my least favourite part - everything else feels like it fits together really well, and those sort of sound added on.

Love the track though. Nice job.

comment added to HaveMercy's Remix on 2009-08-10 20:12:28

Oh yes. This is very good. Very pleasant atmosphere you've created, and an excellent beat to drive it forward.

I like this very much - great work.

comment added to Deaconesque's Remix on 2009-04-06 14:35:38

This is thoroughly enjoyable. Oddly melancholic and uplifting at the same time.

The sounds are crisp and clean and manage to both stand out and stay out of the way of the vocals at the same time - just like any good backing track should.

Nice work. How nice? _Very_ nice.

comment added to HaveMercy's Remix on 2009-04-06 14:26:39

@SI - thanks! Honestly I had sort of forgotten about this track - I haven't been around here much recently, so thanks for the reminder and the kind words.

Might be time to do something with the new sample packs.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2009-03-20 14:09:27

I love it. It's a bit like an extended mix of the parts I loved in the previous version.

One thing though - this version lost a bit of "oomph" in the mastering - the previous version was both deeper in bass and had slightly more width and presence to it. Not that it's a bad thing - this is a lighter more ambient version anyway.

Nice job.

comment added to Synthetic1's Remix on 2009-02-20 14:26:25

I like what you've done here. You've really evolved your use of time stretching to where it really complements the music and gives it a new flavour.

Great build-up throughout the track, and the ending harmonies are just stellar.

Nice work.

comment added to Synthetic1's Remix on 2009-02-20 14:17:55

Well now, this is something very different, isn't it? You very strange fellow you.

I do see where you're going with this - but for my taste it's a bit too loose for me - for instance the attack of the bass is a few microseconds too long so at times the beat doesn't feel tight enough.

To my ears there are also a few places where the vocals sound too low compared to the high frequencies.

So - full marks for doing something new - but for my taste this is a 4.

comment added to HaveMercy's Remix on 2009-01-06 14:58:07

The weirdness keeps on coming. Never stop doing that.

comment added to youyou's Remix on 2008-12-16 19:52:10

Wow. The intro just blew me away. The soundscape you created for the intro could have carried the entire track - no kidding.

Beautiful track though - the instrumentals are just great. Thanks for sharing this one.

comment added to fielding's Remix on 2008-12-16 19:51:14

This was a nice surprise and a half.

You know my style is to completely rearrange tracks so that you can no longer hear the original - but this is absolutely terrific - a labour of love if I ever heard one.

Nice job and thanks for sharing. Have a terrific 2009.

comment added to OXXO's Remix on 2008-12-16 19:49:02

Nice work. Good direction for you to go in. All the elements come across really well - just a nicely balanced piece. Thumbs way up.

comment added to stram's Remix on 2008-12-16 19:47:10

Hey you. This was a surprise. Nice surprise. The chord progression is _outstanding_.

I think you can find better vocals to go with the piano, though (cough, cough). Find a nice set over at CCM (or even better - send me the piano and I'll get it started for you!!!)

comment added to TheJoe's Remix on 2008-12-16 19:45:28

Hey Bitley - thanks for your comments.

Yeah, I sort of went into a whole vintage phase after the Abbey Road refill and started trying out all kinds of genre mash-ups. Kinda overdosed, actually. :)

Anyway - this was a fun project. Thanks for reminding me of this track since it's been a while now.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2008-11-17 02:01:02

Hello all - Synthetic, Cremonensis, Naturalinferior, Susy and Milann - thanks for stopping by to comment - really nice to hear from you.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2008-10-21 19:14:13

Outstanding. Absolutely outstanding.

comment added to maccelt1's Remix on 2008-10-08 16:32:22

@Susy/Schraes - thanks for your comments.

As to "fresh", that's a good word for a track that uses only _vintage_ instruments.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2008-10-06 14:51:49

@youyou: Thanks for your _three_ comments. Put a smile on my face.

Re: Abbey Road - you know my previous tracks have often been very electronic; but I've recently been playing with vintage sounds - one of which has very accurate samples of the instruments in Abbey Road Studios.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2008-09-30 21:47:53

@klangbruse: Ahh yes - you guessed my secret rhodes-playing technique - pounding the keyboard with a bottle of wine! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment - appreciate it.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2008-09-30 17:00:57

Ahh - very nice. Excellent work piecing all of this together - and my full respect for the "old-school" approach to creating music.

comment added to AFK's Remix on 2008-09-30 16:05:41

It's funny to me to hear you mention 1:43 - for me the section leading up to there is my favourite!

Either way, it's a good track. Good thing you decided to upload it.

comment added to AndreasF's Remix on 2008-09-30 16:03:23

Ahh yes. Very well constructed. Lots of activity and energy without it becoming messy or overwhelming. Great work.

comment added to popco's Remix on 2008-09-30 14:20:58

Oh yes, this makes sense. Especially the piano chords which are absolutely lovely.

Great take on this sample pack.

comment added to Cremonensis's Remix on 2008-09-30 14:17:52

@Cremonensis - thanks for your comment on both - I appreciate it.

@HM/N - I like the new signature. Slowly moving away from the "alter" and towards the "ego". Thanks for the earlier suggestion to go with the vintage sound. I'm glad the result paid off.

@tethia - re: elevator music - well, he gets a bit funny when he's had a few beers. I'd just ignore it.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2008-09-30 13:58:30

This is a beautiful version. Very respectful to the original while layering very personal touches on it.

Nice, nice work.

comment added to klangbrause's Remix on 2008-09-29 22:16:50

Oh mama; this is a very nice take on this track. I'm not sure about the break at 1:02 and elsewhere; but the arpeggio pad is excellent - very nice work.

Mmm. The treats just keep coming. The section at 3 mins or so is great.

Excellent version.

comment added to audiofunken's Remix on 2008-09-29 22:14:20

Well, my son; a bit late to the party, but I'm glad you could join us. Nice work. Overly sentimental, perhaps, but good for an elevator ride from the 42nd floor. Cheers.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2008-09-29 22:10:53

Agh. RWR is set on driving me nuts today, it seems. First my track was posted a few days late; and now I posted a comment to your track which was lost. Ugh.

Anyway - here's the short version. I really, really like this track. It's complicated, demanding and doesn't give away anything for free.

It's music that forces you to listen and pay attention, and something I could listen to if it was twice as long - you could just keep doing small changes and I would be a happy guy.

Good work.

comment added to HaveMercy's Remix on 2008-09-29 22:06:05

Umm. The section at 2:48 or so is absolutely outstanding. You should have led with that.

And looped it.

Ten times.

comment added to sammlung santosi's Remix on 2008-09-24 20:06:48

_Nice_.

comment added to smiltzo dj - Liberal Carme's Remix on 2008-09-24 19:56:35

I actually like this. I have a feeling I shouldn't; but can't help it.

There are a few volume balancing issues that bring it down a notch, but the idea is absolutely excellent - very "Hilt" in their odder moments.

Good on you for taking it this direction. Much respect for that.

comment added to wxyz's Remix on 2008-09-24 19:50:48

I think L-D is bang on - on every point. And I can't quite believe I said that, but there you go.

There are some excellent elements in here - and it just needs some volume balancing to bring it all together.

Good one though. When everyone else seems to go in a dance / rhythmic direction this is a really welcome take.

comment added to tethia's Remix on 2008-09-24 19:47:44

Hello and good to see you again too!

Nice take on this one. The transition into a two-step version works really well; but the track may be a bit long to carry the feeling the entire time.

Great vocal treatment though - almost pad-like in how you've layered it. Good work.

comment added to lemurian's Remix on 2008-09-24 19:44:59

Just for fun I Google translated Oxxo's comment, and here's what I think he said:

"Since we do pap of lust he, and I'm glad you came back fully from the party are here, our hollandertjes are quite thin sown here, so toi toi toi."

Yes. Toi toi toi indeed.

comment added to HaveMercy's Remix on 2008-09-17 20:18:44

This is a very nice way for you to return to RWR - very elegant, very emotional, and a very skillful production.

The transition between the various parts of the track is really nicely handled - seamless and never forced.

This is a lovely way to start off my day today. Thanks for that.

comment added to HaveMercy's Remix on 2008-09-17 14:07:08

Yeah, I'll take that.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2008-07-29 21:44:00

Wow - I had sort of forgotten about this track, but it's very nice to read your comments.

Although I have to say a statement like "one of the greatest tracks ever" only works to carefully paints the line between praise and hyperbole; and then unabashedly jump straight across.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2008-07-28 21:10:42

Great that you uploaded a new version - this one is a great improvement on an already great track. Very, very nice work.

comment added to e.m.p's Remix on 2008-07-07 21:52:36

I am with Maxwell here - the tempo/vocal synch takes away from it for me - but the backing instrumentals are absolutely top notch.

comment added to AFK's Remix on 2008-07-07 21:44:45

Ahh yes. This has an excellent core groove going - just a great hook for this track. There are some very neat things going on under the surface.

Really good first track from you - hope you stick around to do a few more.

comment added to esdeto's Remix on 2008-07-07 21:41:36

@Andreas, milann, Magran, youyou and D K - thanks for stopping by and for leaving comments - I really do appreciate the feedback!

comment added to colab's Remix on 2008-07-07 21:36:13

Yes - the chords are very, very good. At first I thought it was the wrong harmony, but that's only because it was so unexpected. Really nicely done.

I wonder if the track is a bit overly maximized though - I think I can hear a few strange artefacts/pops here and there - especially during the PG section.

Nevertheless - this is an absolutely terrific take on this sample pack. Great job.

comment added to e.m.p's Remix on 2008-06-26 20:47:27

Now this is very good. You have found a very, very nice way to keep the original more or less intact, yet put a very personal stamp on it.

The section at around 3:20 is very, very nice (although I think it's strong enough to manage without the higher-pitched vocals).

Either way - this is a great version. Would have been interesting if you had expanded in the notes section about what you found difficult with it, because it sounds great.

comment added to Lanigans Van's Remix on 2008-06-26 15:15:05

Hey Richard and welcome to RWR.

What you have here is a very promising beginning of a remix that just needs to be developed more. For instance, by adding a rhythm and a bass line, or going into a verse with the vocals, etc.

I would "tame" the reverse chords just a bit since they are a bit overpowering right now - but you have a good idea that you could do a lot with.

Hope you send another version soon.

comment added to richarderben's Remix on 2008-06-26 15:05:54

@greenhill - yep, it's me playing. I am a piano player at root, but have had to adapt my playing style to only having 37 keys on my Novation keyboard.

Thanks for your comment.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2008-06-26 14:33:28

Samm/Max/OX . thanks for your comments. It's great to be back in such good company - feels like most of the old gang is still around in some way, which is a very nice thing.

Thanks for your comments - I appreciate it.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2008-06-25 18:28:19

Hey Stevie and welcome to RWR.

I think you've come to the right place for starting to share music - there are a few people here who have started very the same as you and who have stuck around and contributed quite a few tracks over the years. Hope you do the same.

Re: your track - I think you've found a very nice take on this sample pack - nice chords and good build-up. It's very enjoyable to listen to - will be interesting to hear what you come with next.

As a minor point, the bass notes early on (0:44) could be tempered just a bit to blend in better with the otherwise very nice and calm intro. But that's a minor thing - great work.

comment added to StevieW's Remix on 2008-06-25 18:27:05

Nice variation on this track. The plug-in sounds amazing - sort of a flute-ish feel to the vocals. Really excellent.

I agree that the track could have been even better with a few variations/additions at the half-way point - but that's for next time around.

comment added to The Darkening Scale's Remix on 2008-06-24 13:46:55

@AT - No, my friend; your points were still compeltely valid, and still much appreciated - any and all times.

@Susy - thanks - I was worried the blippy/bubbly pad sound would send people into a nervous fit.

@Schraes - Haha - thanks. And I just need to learn to create your signature grooves. Thanks for your comment.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2008-06-24 13:41:21

@ARKER: Thanks for stopping by to leave a comment - I appreciate it.

@TheJoe: Thanks for your comments, especially since I have often erred on the side of high frequencies rather than low ones. And re: Veuve vs. Pinot Grigio you are probably correct. _Something_ happened in the transition to Veuve, and it may very possibly be responsible.

At any rate, I would strongly recommend the demi-sec version if you can find it (white-ish label).

comment added to colab's Remix on 2008-06-23 18:48:02

I agree re: continuing to do mixes - it starts out a bit too close to the original for my liking; but around 2 mins you really get into your own, and has an absolutely terrific groove.

Continue to do these and upload a few more remixes.

comment added to Trave's Remix on 2008-06-23 16:19:49

Hey and welcome to RWR!

I think your rating is undeserved - there's a definite idea behind this track and I think you've carried it out well.

I would have liked to hear some vocal elements - even if they were broken up and/or processed to be more rhythmic (if you didn't want to use the acapellas).

Still, it's a clever take, and it grew on me. Good stuff.

comment added to TeeCosieRosie's Remix on 2008-06-23 16:16:15

Very well done, and a great surprise. There are some excellent touches in here and subtle elements that really elevate this version.

My only minor issue is that the vocals sometimes disappear behind the instruments, and could stand out more.

Really nice work though.

comment added to Lanigans Van's Remix on 2008-06-23 16:13:32

Hello Arker and welcome to RWR!

Good first take on this sample pack - you have put a personal stamp on the track which is great to hear.

I think the delay on the vocals could be limited to key phrases since it sort of takes over at times (especially the PG vocals).

I hope you stick around to do a few more mixes of this sample pack.

comment added to Arker81's Remix on 2008-06-23 15:13:06

Nice surprise. Really clean, clear sound. The bass, beat and background pads work excellent together. Very enjoyable track, and excellent production. Great work.

comment added to KlausJOlsen's Remix on 2008-06-23 15:05:23

Hello and welcome to RWR.

My personal preference for this track would be to hear more new things added to it. Of course, that's partially because I've heard so many variations of this track by now! Still, it would be interesting to hear more of you in it - by changing up the bass or a pad or something like that.

Cheers.

comment added to vandenHiggins80's Remix on 2008-06-23 15:04:07

Hello and welcome to RWR.

I'm a bit torn about this track, because the background beat is very good; yet I think it's let down by the key you selected for this track, which results in a few of the notes sounding odd.

But the beat is really strong. Look forward to hearing more of your takes here.

comment added to KlausJOlsen's Remix on 2008-06-23 15:00:09

Holy crap, Batboy; this is such a great version. The build-up is very, very good, and you have a terrific sense of both harmonies and production, because the sounds are crisp and have such volume. Great, great stuff.

comment added to Maxwell's Remix on 2008-06-20 13:58:55

Hey now; this was a surprise. Very good track.

To my ears the Joi samples don't add any value to the track and could have been left out; but the track itself is really good (the two breaks are very good).

comment added to OXXO's Remix on 2008-06-20 13:55:32

Sweet. My headphones had no problem with this track - both high and low frequencies came through crystal clear and presented a _thoroughly_ enjoyable track.

Nice.

comment added to Schräs's Remix on 2008-06-20 13:48:52

Now this is one hell of a take on this track - very inventive and very professionally produced. This is right up my alley - just an excellent version.

I like how you used the vocals; but would have been even better if they weren't so blurred - maybe could have used sort of abstract stretched out phrases that kept the pitch intact.

But that's such a minor issue - this is an excellent version. Welcome to RWR!

comment added to Monkphat's Remix on 2008-03-27 13:54:46

Hello Dima, and welcome to RWR!

I think your track has a number of really good ideas - you've added a few parts that gives the track new character - but I think it's just a bit too long in this version, so that it loses a bit of its focus.

Looking forward to hearing what you can come up with next.

comment added to Dima Lileev's Remix on 2008-03-27 13:40:06

I agree with youyou. Really pumped up, but bloody well done since you didn't overcrowd the mix or lose the brightness in the original track.

On the other hand, the drums are too loud for the vocals.

Still, great idea and well executed. Welcome to RWR!

comment added to hijack's Remix on 2008-03-20 13:28:24

Hey now. 20 seconds into the track, and I'm hooked; and at 0:45 you seal the deal.

The core groove you've come up with; with the lightly picked guitar that sort of grows is just outstanding.

No - as usual I'm not saying it right: it's _outstanding_.

You have a terrific feeling for balancing individual elements, and for building up a track.

Now in terms of sound quality; the good news is that it's not really an issue. On the other hand, there's a bit of a skill in doing a radio edit and getting it down to about 4 mins - maybe next time?

Anyway - great, great job. Really enjoyed this one.

comment added to anotherbleedinmuso's Remix on 2008-03-20 13:24:51

Personal disclaimer - the music style really isn't my taste. Having said that, I think you've really pulled it off well with great variations (1:48 is really well thought through).

I think some of the sound levels could be tuned; and I got the sense that the hall reverbs are a bit too wide/all-encompassing - but those are minor nags.

Great original idea and very well executed. Cheers.

comment added to nothing's Remix on 2008-03-20 13:18:32

This is thoroughly enjoyable - a very nice surprise treat. I really respect how much you have been able to use from the sample pack while creating something new.

The result is something very natural sounding; as if the song had always meant to sound this way. Very very well done - both from a composition and producing perspective. 5/5 from me.

comment added to naturalinferior's Remix on 2008-03-18 19:09:42

I agree with Savas. The idea of doing a minimalistic version is good, but it then sort of requires you to add something of yourself to make it stand out.

I would also go back to look at how the vocals and rhodes are synchronized - because there's some work to be done there.

comment added to greenhill's Remix on 2008-03-14 13:45:05

Hey Riz. This is simultaneously very good, and just short of being complete. I get the impression that you didn't want to fiddle around any more with the vocals, and sort of said hey, that's enough for now.

Shame, that; because the music and core groove is as good as you have ever done. Really nice stuff. But the vocals are too distracting (the long section starting at 1:54 and ending with the "hah" in particular).

But the core idea is stellar. Good one.

comment added to RizkeyG's Remix on 2008-03-13 19:50:53

Jeez Louise, my good man. The production is just outstanding - the build-up from the second half on is fantastic. It's so smooth you don't even realize what's happening - that my only complaint is that it's too short (it only has time to hint of a bass drum before closing)

This is the type of track that could go on forever, keep building, keep drifting, keep changing . in fact, I'm so angry you cut it short that I should give you a "1" just because of that.

comment added to HaveMercy's Remix on 2008-03-13 17:13:30

I agree with Max - the groove really works to give this a completely new feel, even when using so many of the original samples.

For my personal taste, I've heard this song to death, so I would like to hear a more personal interpretation of this track - but from a remix perspective, you completely nailed it. Great work, and welcome to RWR.

comment added to Josh Aarons's Remix on 2008-02-27 18:16:24

Ahh. What a nice surprise. Here's another example of where the love for music just shines through - having fun with the track, but in a very respectful way. Great, great version.

Of course, I also strongly approve of anyone who uses the "bottle of red wine" approach to making music. And Amarone is a most excellent choice.

comment added to Maxwell's Remix on 2008-02-26 20:38:07

Re: lyrics - see this forum thread - http://www.realworldremixed.com/forums_list_thread.php?parent_id=215625

This is a great version - plays it very close to the original, but adds a personal touch to it - giving it a bit more edge. Nicely done.

comment added to KennyCartman's Remix on 2008-01-15 14:50:02

Hey. Good to see you're still working.

Great use of the original sample pack while taking it somewhere different rhythm-wise. Much more of a traditional remix than some of your earlier versions, but it works very well here.

comment added to stram's Remix on 2008-01-15 14:47:52

Listen through the whole track and it will reward patience. There's absolutely _nothing_ wrong with the tempo or sync - yes, it's a tricky rhythm track, but brother does it ever reward you for sticking with it.

Don't let the previous comment give you the wrong impression. This is a fantastic version - very inventive, really really well produced, and just a great take on this track.

5/5 from me, and welcome to RWR.

comment added to Freedatabank's Remix on 2008-01-15 14:42:25

This is almost excellent. The instrumentation and rhythms are _great_ - very organic and alive, and you have a very good sense for how to use space in your music.

The thing that pulls it down a notch for my taste is PG's vocals which have a hard time fitting in with the music in places.

My advice (and something I've been told a few times) is to take this track and continue to develop it as a personal track - it's a really strong idea and something you definitely should continue to work on.

Great work though - terrific first cut at this one. Hope you stick around and try a few other sample packs.

comment added to mullion's Remix on 2008-01-15 13:58:58

Max, Max, Max. This is just a beautiful track. Very nicely done. It's a comforting sound - very relaxing and enjoyable; sort of melancholic but uplifting at the same time.

Really glad you shared this - both because it's really good, and because it's such a nice way to celebrate an anniversary.

comment added to Maxwell's Remix on 2007-12-13 18:42:15

Now this is a nice surprise. There are a few trademark youyou touches here - the 80s nostalgia, the sort of controlled chaos in the second half; and outstanding production skills.

Very glad you shared this track. Thanks.

comment added to youyou's Remix on 2007-12-13 18:24:04

Sweet. I mean; this is _so_ good.

The 80s references are all there right front and centre - but with a modern touch - just such elegant production.

Very inspiring and enjoyable track. Thanks.

comment added to caml's Remix on 2007-12-13 18:17:56

Ugh. I sympathise. I had a near-crash experience about a year ago, and for a couple of hours I thought I had lost several years worth of data.

Needless to say, next day I got an external back-up drive. :)

I like this. Good version, clean production and great bass. My headphones emphasize the higher frequencies, which may explain some sharpness here or there - especially towards the end - but not really enough to take away from the core idea which is very good.

comment added to camdensound 's Remix on 2007-11-21 15:50:58

Well, technical issues aside - and you know what they are because you clearly did some work to adjust to the tempo in specific places - it's a great musical piece.

Personally, I can't get past the vocal parts that are out of sync. If you had finished the vocal cutting/splicing/syncing I think this would have been a stunning track, because the instrumentals/rhythms are just excellent.

comment added to D K's Remix on 2007-11-08 19:17:39

Nice. It's not soppy, but just really enjoyable to listen to. Very well crafted (the transition back to the calm, quiet portion around 3:20 for instance).

Now, I wish you had access to a singer to lay down some original vocals on this (oh, you do, hint, hint - we have a mutual friend who could do wonders with this) - because I think your music is quite strong enough for an original track.

Great stuff.

comment added to Maxwell's Remix on 2007-10-22 14:34:32

Now why would you go around asking what other people think? And, more importantly, why did you let that affect your decision in the first place?

This is one hell of an idea, and it's really bloody well executed.

Nice shift at 2:27 - beautifully done.

Now, if you could have gotten away with only using Eliza's "oh let me in" and the "tick tock" vocals, this would have been a "praise the Lord and pass the ammunition" kind of track.

Methinks you should definitely make use of this track in some way shape or form over at your new hang-out.

comment added to Loveshadow's Remix on 2007-10-19 14:35:13

Re: added water. I've done that quite a few times myself; sometimes the result is great, and sometimes, well, the sum of the two parts, etc., etc.

I think you should continue to work on this track as a non-RWR track - the instrumentation and rhythms are really, really good - absolutely beautiful atmosphere, and just a terrific production.

comment added to MixMeta4's Remix on 2007-10-19 14:26:03

Djenzù - congrats on a very nice version. I fully agree with the comments above re: mastering - you have a really nice touch here in balancing all elements and giving them an opportunity to come out, rather than compete for attention.

Nice version. Thanks for sharing.

comment added to djenzù's Remix on 2007-10-12 15:48:40

I agree with the comment about the 80s keyboard; brings back memories of Ultravox and others.

This is so beautifully produced - the rhythm effects and the interplay between the various elements are very well managed.

Great version, great new take on it, and I'm really glad you shared it.

comment added to Ghostnation's Remix on 2007-10-12 15:44:55

I agree with FronZek - when you approach a track, you should bring your own perspective to it, because that's what makes you unique.

Re: this track - I think the second half is stronger than the first - it starts scattered and becomes quite strong later. Good first attempt though, and welcome to RWR.

comment added to Paax's Remix on 2007-10-10 15:16:06

Ohh, this is a pleasure. You've picked some beautiful segue half-notes - this is just beautiful to listen to.

OK - so the half notes don't _always_ hit the right mark, and the vocals sometimes feel like they get lost behind the piano and the drums (at least on my very crisp headphones) - but it's a beautiful version, and I'm very glad you shared it.

comment added to Headphone's Remix on 2007-10-10 15:13:14

Ohh mama. This threw a curveball at me - I wasn't expecting that to happen (kids - you'll just have to listen through the whole thing to see what I'm talking about - no skipping through early)

The first half is really good - very well balanced, and really nice take on this track. The second half begins in an absolutely outstanding way - the way you've managed that build-up is just fantastic.

Great version. Really well done.

comment added to Koopa Trooper's Remix on 2007-10-05 14:50:16

LS: thanks for the detailed feedback - I do appreciate being challenged on this, because I know my comments don't always come across as consistent. Part of the issue is that it's not based on musical theory - just a gut sense of what I enjoy or don't enjoy. For this track, similar to my "unapologetic" version earlier, it just _felt_ right to my taste - accepting that it's probably not going to be shared by everyone else. Then again - I don't make music hoping that _everyone_ else will love it as much as I do. Which is very, very much.

TheJoe: yes, Thor is behind the bass, the initial two-tone arp sound (which by the way used the new Reason 4 arpeggiator) and the "geiger" pad sound. It really was more of a quick and dirty way to start to play with the new devices than anything else.

To both of your comments - I think the answer for this track is to continue to work on this as a non-RWR version and do something separate with it.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-10-04 21:47:30

Hey - I don't know how I overlooked this version. This is stellar - fantastic blend of traditional jazzy/funky harmonies with very current production techniques.

I understand why you wanted to have a break - it's a very respectful nod to the original track - but the rest of your track is frankly a lot stronger than the original.

Really good version - thanks for sharing.

comment added to timelessounds's Remix on 2007-10-03 14:48:02

AT: the "29 listens and no comments" were likely all me listening to this from work. See, I love this track.

No, seriously. It's a very good remix. It's clearly musical genius at work.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-10-03 14:39:36

Hello and welcome to RWR!

I think you've got quite a good sound here. There are a few issues with the sound levels - for instance, the vocals sound too low at times and sort of drown behind the instruments. Also, the vocals don't really sync up with the rhythms after about 2 mins or so - but both points could easily be fixed.

You've found a great new sound on this one, and I hope you stick around to play around with a couple more versions.

comment added to ruairi's Remix on 2007-10-02 03:36:03

I agree with the comments about space and atmosphere - very, very nice sound. To me the triggering of the lead vocals don't match up that well with the rhodes, and it's a bit jarring to me. But the atmosphere is just bang on, and I think you've found one heck of a sound here.

comment added to essesq's Remix on 2007-10-02 03:33:33

Hello Kluther and welcome to RWR. It's good to see that you're trying on this track. For my taste, it's too close to the original, and doesn't really show off your own personality so much.

Hope you stick around and continue to play around with this sample pack. Cheers.

comment added to Kluther's Remix on 2007-10-02 03:30:56

Hmm. This time I'm with RT - it feels like some potential was left on the table here - the track doesn't really reach the full potential. The idea is stellar, and the second half of the track (after 1:40 or thereabouts) is quite good, but this time around I feel like there's some element missing.

Having said all of that, it's still a very solid 4/5. Very nice version.

comment added to youyou's Remix on 2007-10-02 03:27:16

Took a minute or two for the penny to drop. This is a rework of the version you submitted as "mo-dus".

I think the changes you've done are quite good - the break really helps to introduce new tension (in a good way) so that when the track restarts again it feels fresh.

I liked the first version, and I think the minor tweaking you've done have helped make it better. Good stuff. Now get working on your next version!

comment added to kinomoto999's Remix on 2007-09-27 14:33:41

Hey and great job reuploading this, as the sound quality is a lot better.

For my taste, the section starting at 1:25 is just superior to the intro, because it has such excellent balance between instruments and noises - really letting them complement each other rather than compete for attention.

Still - great musical and production skills in this, and a very enjoyable direction for this pack. Look forward to hearing what you can do with the other packs.

comment added to timelessounds's Remix on 2007-09-25 15:51:02

I like this take very much, and I don't think you need to worry about sweetness - it's just sweet enough.

I think the accordion/guitar together with the drums are just spot on - quite lovely. You've found a good chord progression to fit the vocals - sounds very natural (and the guitar sound beautiful - good purchase!)

The only thing that doesn't fit my taste are the drums - I think it would work better without a bassdrum, because it would be more like having a guy sitting on a stool playing a simple drum together with the guitarist and the accordion player.

Great version though - thanks for sharing.

comment added to Maxwell's Remix on 2007-09-24 17:35:01

Hmm - I'm a bit torn here, because on the one hand the instrumentals are really quite excellent, and the sound engineering/effects are just spot on.

My issue is that I don't always feel that the vocals belong with the music, and that the music easily could stand on its own.

Still, it's a very enjoyable take on this one, so I'm glad you shared it.

comment added to Kuri's Remix on 2007-09-24 17:22:25

This is a very good version - great build-up and then release - very good use of sounds drifting in and out - great atmosphere.

I really like the amount of space you give the sounds - very enjoyable result.

Great work, and welcome to RWR!

comment added to FiR's Remix on 2007-09-24 17:19:25

Hey now - this is a really nice surprise. Great harmonies, and a _really_ interesting take on this track.

The length has forced you to use some pretty bad file compression though, and it hurts the track as result. The production is a bit busy at times too - just a lot of sounds competing for attention at times.

Still, this is one heck of a version - great work, and thanks for sharing. Hope you stick around at RWR for a while.

comment added to timelessounds's Remix on 2007-09-24 17:16:51

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented - it was really a nice surprise to read your comments over the weekend (which was spend sick and miserable)!

I appreciate the straight comments - I've been working on TheJoe and HM for the past little while to let it all out, and it's good to see you opening up.

This was a departure for me back to starting a track around a musical idea rather than a specific sound, so it was a nice exercise.

@HM - I had two bars of the Wurlitzer and then just repeated them. _Laaazy_

@AT - I believe the one you're looking for is G#.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-09-24 15:06:12

This is a very nice surprise. I've had a very long weekend with the whole family being sick, and am back at work for this very nice experience.

I think HM described it really well - there's a core that keeps the track together; and as opposed to Bitley, I think the drums help keeping that flow going.

Great idea that's carried through by very good production. Thanks for sharing this one.

comment added to static&silence's Remix on 2007-09-24 14:49:36

Ugh - you're 100% right re: the sound. I'm listening on my fav in-your-ear headphones right now, and some of the syllables are sharp enough to cut the screen in half.

Ah well. C'est la vie.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-09-21 18:33:41

I agree with HM - you have a really, really strong core beat - just dry enough for me.

I would do something with filter automation to have the bass and drums sort of fade out to a break and then introduce something new and restart again - the core beat could certainly support a longer mix.

Very enjoyable though - so thanks for sharing. I find my curiousity peaks now when I see a "JuJu" remix - just to see what you've done this time.

comment added to JuJu's Remix on 2007-09-21 14:32:03

Both very good comments - you have a good idea here, and pretty good build-up; but right now it's a bit let down by details (sound levels, variation, vocal timings, .)

Right now at just over 3:30 mins it feels long, which it shouldn't - perhaps you could build in a break in the middle, introduce a new sound element, and then start to rebuild towards a climax - I think you could have a terrific track here.

Thanks for sharing!

comment added to jamdidei's Remix on 2007-09-21 14:26:41

I agree with HM - this is a nice surprise - really carefully balanced and quite restrained - doesn't let the drum track become a gimmick, but a natural complement to the music.

Really nicely done - great take on this track.

comment added to Adnan's Remix on 2007-09-21 14:22:32

-Arr, 'tis drivin' me nuts, as the pirate said of the wheel stuck in his pants.

The musical arrangement is _beautiful_ - you have such capacity for elegant, emotional and dramatic soundtracks (just look at your Milann remix, for instance!) - so I really think the vocals ruin my enjoyment here. I understand the idea, but for my taste, the result doesn't work.

Stellar music though. I mean, really really good.

comment added to audiotechnica's Remix on 2007-09-21 14:06:40

I love Joe's style of language - ". unusual, interessting and a little irritating"

I think the section around 3:20 or so when the electric piano goes into glam rock territory is a bit off-putting; but you've done well with the core piano melody and really succeeded with going off in a different direction.

BTW - did anyone else think of Human League's "Being Boiled" when hearing the noise right at the beginning? I was almost expecting to hear Philip Oakey say "OK, ready, let's do it".

comment added to Pegasus's Remix on 2007-09-19 14:21:32

I agree with Joe - for such a uptempo track it would have been great to see you work in the break again. As it stands, it's a really strong first showing - hope you stick around to share some more of your tracks!

comment added to mo-dus's Remix on 2007-09-18 14:31:55

Well, I for one think the result works well. Not necessarily as well as your top stuff, but the core groove is really good - good blend of sounds and rhythms.

comment added to Schräs's Remix on 2007-09-18 14:27:49

Damn you. I'm back listening to this when I should be working.

comment added to youyou's Remix on 2007-09-18 14:22:15

_Very_ nice version. Sort of funny to listen to after your comment over on Paul's version - this is a track that wouldn't work nearly as well if each individual sound wasn't so well engineered.

As it stands, it's a real treat - the rhythm works really, really well - and despite the repetitive nature, it grabbed me throughout.

Great work.

comment added to Loveshadow's Remix on 2007-09-17 15:17:27

I agree with Paul re: space - the idea is stellar, and sometimes it works beautifully. I do think though that you could have added some musical elements without ruining your intent - sort of like sprinkling salt into a pot - it could do with _just_ a bit more taste.

comment added to Lasha's Remix on 2007-09-17 15:08:50

Ahh now - you're on a roll here, both your "Ailleurs" and "Panique ." versions trodded down nostalgia avenue; and this does a similar thing - triggering a bunch of my memories while taking it radically forward.

Very nicely done - just a great mix of frantic notes while keeping it all grounded. The bass and arpy blips work beautifully together.

Mmm.

comment added to youyou's Remix on 2007-09-17 15:03:55

I agree with LS - you've had a laser-sharp focus on pulling off a specific idea, and it really shows.

I don't love all the sounds - especially the brass, which to me really takes away from the otherwise stellar sound - but the _feel_ is just perfect for what you've set out to do - and the bass is just out there - amazingly good.

Thanks for sharing.

comment added to sammlung santosi's Remix on 2007-09-17 14:58:52

Ahh now. See, when you play it straight and don't allow humour to outweight the musical side, you can create some stellar work. This is one hell of a version.

I do agree with Schras - that was a really cool effect, and you could easily have used that in a few more places without overdoing it.

The sax is terrific - an absolutely perfect fit for this. Also, the title works really well - there's a sort of tension despite the seemingly laid back pace.

Great, great track. I am really glad you shared this.

comment added to radiotimes's Remix on 2007-09-14 14:31:57

Hahah. I greatly prefer your "Putin" version. I think you do too, since you uploaded it after this one. I won't rate this one, since I gave the real version a full score - this would be at the other side of the spectrum.

(How ironic that "Life" has been beaten by "Putin". )

comment added to PIPIPI's Remix on 2007-09-14 14:26:57

Ohh - I like this - the drums are really alive in a way that most computer/keyboard musicians could only dream of.

Great transitions between sped up drums and a slower beat - great use of effects - and just an overall very good production.

comment added to earodynamics's Remix on 2007-09-14 14:12:37

Hahah - this is a treat, really. I couldn't agree more with 4M3 - it's certainly not unpleasant on the ear.

The production is quite excellent - very contemporary yet at the same time blends in these 50's sliding Sci-Fi sounds to excellent effect.

I'm guessing you slowed down the vocals in order to do a faster rhythm - good choice for the instrumentals; but I prefer her original vocal recording.

Excellent new take on this either way - thanks for sharing.

comment added to PIPIPI's Remix on 2007-09-14 14:09:09

Re: age and working with computers - hey, welcome to the club. :) For me it's been about 5 years, and I'm still learning.

I agree with FronZek 100% - the sounds/rhythms are quite excellent, and could work really well as a basis for a standalone project.

The tempo change doesn't work for me though - the speed is _terrific_, but the vocals don't come out sounding that well to me as result.

Having said that - it's a really strong first cut - so I hope you stick around and share more takes. Cheers.

comment added to johndec's Remix on 2007-09-13 14:24:49

I have to agree with Hotballoon - during the early part the vocals are playing a bit of a cat and mouse game with the strings and it's sometimes a bit jarring for me. Having said that, I'm really glad you didn't go the direction of altering Sevara's vocals, so it's a good tradeoff.

Also - by 1:50 things start to turn around, and by 2:20 all is forgiven.

Very nice direction for this sample pack. Not a top score for me, but a very good 4/5.

comment added to Loveshadow's Remix on 2007-09-12 16:02:02

Ahh - now here we go - the sound is crisp and clean, and the music really comes through beautifully.

Again, I love what you've done with the strings/pad sounds - you've created some lovely instrumentals.

As a minor nagging point, it would be nice if the rhythms would evolve a bit through the track - but I think you have a nice version here otherwise. Good work, and worth resubmitting.

comment added to Carlo Delicati's Remix on 2007-09-12 15:37:15

Hello Carlo - there are parts here that I really like - the strings and pads for instance are quite lovely.

The overall compression of the track sort of bewilders me though, because at 4 mins you shouldn't have to have such bad sound quality - really makes the mix suffer, unfortunately.

comment added to Carlo Delicati's Remix on 2007-09-11 14:20:34

I think this is a good take - your personal style of having a lot of activity going on comes through again - however, this time I think that the vocal treatment overwhelms Sevara's singing - it sort of drowns behind the waves of ambient sounds.

Nice work, but as it stands right now it doesn't really live up to its potential.

comment added to lemurian's Remix on 2007-09-11 14:16:08

This is very, very good. And now I understand why you've been busy recently - there's a lot of work in this version - great number of fine touches.

The 2:40 section is . well, it's outstanding. Absolutely stunning. To be honest, I think you made us wait a bit too long for that reward.

Thanks for sharing this one - really nice take on this pack.

comment added to HaveMercy's Remix on 2007-09-11 14:11:27

Well, I'm surprised that this only has one star. I do have a couple of issues with the timing of the vocals - end up feeling sort of stuttering at times - but the instrumentals are great - there's a lot of stuff going on underneat the surface here.

I think you have a great idea here, and it's an interesting new take on this track.

comment added to maxxiantu's Remix on 2007-09-11 14:06:51

This is a really nice direction for you. The sweeping pad and the rhythms (bass/drum) sound great.

On a negative note - the tempo doesn't mesh well for me - even though the vocals are sort of abstract it still clashes a bit for my taste.

I really like the instrumentals though - the core groove is really outstanding. Hope you continue to develop that.

comment added to Bitley's Remix on 2007-09-11 14:04:15

I think I know where AT is coming from - the rhythm has nice intensity towards the end, but the guitar could go even crazier - sort of to fit the gypsy bonfire image.

Nevermind - it's a great hook - the guitar play is beautiful, and you've found a really nice take on this. Congratulations.

comment added to hotballoon's Remix on 2007-09-11 14:01:34

Hello everyone. I'm so glad to see the usual old gang comment, because you know I really respect your opinions.

(Never mind the fact that I know most of you are bold-faced liars on this forum/don't want to upset anyone - I'll be happy to accept positive feedback anywhere I can find it.)

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-09-10 15:48:51

This is is almost a perfect fit to my taste. Just outstanding sound treatment/rhythm section.

The switch between rhythm modes is both jarring to me and just an excellent idea. Mostly though it's a fantastic take on this, so I shall hand out a generous helping of Prosecco as a thank you for giving me lots of ideas.

comment added to antipode's Remix on 2007-09-10 15:46:40

Oh, brother. I pressed "send" too early. The break at 2:35 or so just hit, and I wish I could give you six stars instead of five.

This is so skillfully handled. You just made my morning.

comment added to Blues Runner's Remix on 2007-09-10 15:39:12

Holy sun-dried mackerels; this is an outstanding way to reinterpret this otherwise very uninteresting track.

You have found an absolutely _beautiful_ orchestration to go with this - it's simply stunning.

Great work, and thanks for sharing.

comment added to Blues Runner's Remix on 2007-09-10 15:37:42

Oh, but I _do_ enjoy. Again, you've taken a fairly boring original track and found a new harmony that fits much better.

I'm not a huge fan of the break after 1 min; but your main hook in this track is outstanding. Really enjoyable listening.

comment added to POSHOOK's Remix on 2007-09-10 15:34:48

Beautiful production - you've found just a perfect groove for this, and the execution is just great. The sounds fit perfectly - light ambient sounds with crisp drums.

My minor issue is the chord transition when going back from the bridge to the normal (1:40 or so) - but it's still a full score for me. Really nice work.

comment added to Maxwell's Remix on 2007-09-10 15:32:04

I think the instruments/rhythms work really well - it's a great sound. The tempo is sort of weird for me though - most of the time it blends well because the vocals are so ambient anyway - but whenever you use instrumentals from the sample pack the two tempos don't sound right together to my ears.

Did you look for a bpm that might be more simpatico with the original 87bpm, or just went for it?

Good idea regardless, and thanks for sharing.

comment added to Kxmode's Remix on 2007-09-04 17:02:06

Ahh, but m'sieur; it is _very much_ to my taste.

You've really struck gold with this one - not just in finding a dark and ominous atmosphere, but also in the production - the use of effects and in balancing each element is very skillful.

Great piece of work. Thanks for sharing.

comment added to JuJu's Remix on 2007-09-04 16:50:04

I'm in full agreement with 4M3 - this does reward patience, and I think a lot of people (myself included at times) breeze through here quickly and don't get to hear the full evolution in this track.

Very well done - great production, and you've found a unique take on this sample pack.

comment added to Kid Cholera's Remix on 2007-09-04 15:02:41

Hey - this is pretty good. I got a sense though that the rhythm isn't 87bpm - every now and then it sounds like the vocals/rhythms don't line up??

comment added to Dhisk Jointed's Remix on 2007-09-04 14:59:14

I sort of agree with HM, except I think it's a volume balancing issue in general. When the ouds first came in I barely heard them, and the vocals are a bit too low.

I think you have a strong hook in there, but it's sort of lost right now.

Finally, I would recommend you trying to cut it down to a radio edit length to be able to upload with better compression quality. Right now it's a bit muddy.

Sigh. Sounds like a negative comment - but it's really a catchy track, and with minor changes it would be great.

comment added to NewBreeze's Remix on 2007-09-04 14:51:29

I agree with HM - it's not necessarily a traditional pop song, but instead you found a really strong new direction for this track.

This is really well done - you throw some surprising twists at us, but never in a way that feels out of place - the transitions are beautiful.

Just a great, great piece of work. Thanks for sharing.

comment added to Koopa Trooper's Remix on 2007-09-04 14:47:54

I think you have really found a new direction musically for this one, and it's really, really good. Really, the new harmonies are just fantastic.

For my taste the drums don't hold up as well - they sound terrific up to 1:40 or so, but I would have loved to see a variation or a break somewhere after that.

Still, great work, and thanks for sharing.

comment added to romzil's Remix on 2007-09-04 14:40:53

AT - very nicely done version. Lots of very interesting touches, and the rhythms/effects are quite excellent.

I would have liked to see you take the harmonies a bit further to really drive home the darker atmosphere, but that's nit-picking. It's really well produced, and an excellent first take.

comment added to audiotechnica's Remix on 2007-09-04 14:35:41

Ahh. Now that I have become more familiar with the original, I can really appreciate the changes - really elegantly handled - infused with lots of fine touches throughout.

Great buildup, very skillful production, and just an excellent version. Thanks for sharing.

comment added to Infinite Fidelity's Remix on 2007-08-31 18:39:25

Ahh, my friend; this is a really enjoyable trip. Very skillful touches (like the build-up to 3:00 and then to the end . _nice_)

It's funny that where you say "space", I think it's very earth-bound; just in a light-headed, happy way. Puts a big smile on my face. Thanks for sharing.

comment added to TheJoe's Remix on 2007-08-31 15:35:18

This is _almost_ outstanding. The music, for sure, is fantastic. It's beautifully composed and performed.

I understand why you needed to pitch-shift the vocals - but Chris' vocals really suffer at times - really sounds forced in places.

For my taste, the guitar solo/heavier drums feel out of place in this song since it's so brief - but that's a minor point.

5 for the music and -1 for making Chris cry.

comment added to musicjunkie's Remix on 2007-08-31 14:01:02

I agree with both comments above - this is such a nice surprise - what a nice blend of melancholy and happiness. Beautiful piano/string combination, great bass, outstanding rhythms.

This is so good. I mean, this is _so_ good. Thanks for sharing and putting one heck of a smile on my face.

comment added to POSHOOK's Remix on 2007-08-31 13:54:38

Synth phrase . this will date me. It's from "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984), and it's the Axel Foley theme. There.

You _did_ have me hooked immediately - that intro starting at 0:16 or so is one heck of a hook.

The Foley theme clashes in my ears, and since it doesn't come back a second time it just stands out in a sort of weird way. But the beat is good, the energy is great, and I think you managed to pull off what you had intended to. Cheers.

comment added to Priceless Productions's Remix on 2007-08-31 13:51:42

Hello, and welcome to RWR!

Your approach of just being guided by the vocals worked well here in coming up with a version - sounds very natural.

Production-wise, I felt a bit let down by the drums - they could really do with some variation - but it's a good first take. Thanks for sharing.

comment added to sparlate's Remix on 2007-08-31 13:42:21

Hahah - this is a great addition. I also smiled reading the comments from OXXO - because we went through something similar on one of your earlier tracks.

But here's the thing: it's an excellent all-out energy track with an expert touch. It builds up so seamlessly that by 2:00 you barely know how it happened. Really good balance between vocals and music - just a great mix. Good to have you back.

comment added to Backstage Superstarz's Remix on 2007-08-31 13:37:55

Really good version - great work behind it.

I don't agree with your comment about MP3 compression though - in my experience you can save a 4:30 long track as 128kbps and still get a terrific sound.

I've found that as long as you create a very high-quality WAV file and then convert down to 128 when you create the MP3, the sound comes out just fine.

Anyway - sorry for the long note. Great track regardless.

comment added to D K's Remix on 2007-08-29 20:15:17

Good take on this - great rhythm, chord transition - bass . it's really good.

The only sort of nagging point is that the vocals feel a bit muted against the drums, xylo-sounding beat and the drums.

With just a bit of volume tuning I think you have a really strong piece here

comment added to romzil's Remix on 2007-08-29 20:01:32

Oh yes - this is a beautiful version - very natural sounding - just like it was always intended to sound like this. Builds up very naturally throughout the song. Very nicely done.

comment added to POSHOOK's Remix on 2007-08-29 18:35:01

Beautiful version - really respectful to the original - and nicely added new touches.

It's not so much a hurried pace, but more an issue of transition. Right now the break feels to much like a split rather than a smooth motion.

Still, both the first and the second half are great in their own right. Great work.

comment added to Altarsix's Remix on 2007-08-29 18:30:21

I like your approach on this one - I think it worked out beautifully, because it feels very natural.

I would have liked to see even more progression after the second half, just to evolve the piece a bit. But it's very nicely done. Thanks for sharing.

comment added to JuJu's Remix on 2007-08-29 18:26:13

Great new direction for this pack. Very nicely done - really well balanced mix.

comment added to Marco Rosano's Remix on 2007-08-29 17:34:53

Hey and welcome to RWR. This is an interesting one, because it's so full of ideas - a bit too many things going on at the same time for me at times.

Also, the timing of the vocals and fiddle feels a bit off in places.

Having said that, there are some really strong ideas in here, and I think you could create one heck of a version with a bit more work on the production.

Good work. Hope to see more of your stuff here.

comment added to DanTynan's Remix on 2007-08-29 17:31:23

I agree with HM - had to have a bit of patience with this one, but then it's greatly rewarded. Thanks for sharing.

comment added to Blues Runner's Remix on 2007-08-29 16:59:40

Oh yes - most excellent track. Great up-tempo version - really enjoyable.

comment added to Aeroplanes's Remix on 2007-08-29 16:55:15

Moonbase Alpha? Holy cannoli, Boy Wonder - you get a full score just because of that reference. Those spacecraft are _iconic_.

But seriously - this is an excellent track. Perfectly balanced and very smooth buildup. This is one hell of a sample pack, and your version is an excellent fit for it. Ohhh yes. I am a happy guy now. Thanks for sharing.

comment added to Schräs's Remix on 2007-08-29 14:41:02

Great work - really enjoyable blend of rhythms and harmonies. To my ears, you've really elevated your music over the past year - songs are nicely balanced and really consistent where some of the early tracks were a bit jumpy/more all over the place.

Really nicely done.

comment added to stram's Remix on 2007-08-28 19:36:42

I am very glad to see that this finally saw the light of day - great example of a wide collaboration between some excellent musicians.

_However_ - I have to sort of go against the rest of the people here and say that I think that the result is actually less than the sum of the individuals that contributed to it. For my taste, the result is a bit jumbled and chaotic in places (the backing vocals, for instance). I think you all invididually are stronger than the end result.

Still, there are some beautiful parts here, and it's inspiring as hell, so I'm really pleased that you shared this version. Great work, my friend.

Oh, and I'm also really happy to see another person continuing the trend of applying wine to the process of music making.

comment added to TheJoe's Remix on 2007-08-26 04:58:48

Greco di Tufo, eh? I fully approve of this method of working on music. Just for _that_ you have my full support.

Re: this remix - I have to say that the music vastly outdoes the vocals. I wish you will take this and do a non-RWR version - I think it would be a very good result.

Great work, and thanks for sharing.

comment added to Maxwell's Remix on 2007-08-26 04:52:09

I am going to go against the rest here and say that the synth brass sort of ruins it for me. Everything else is spotless - just bang on - and for my taste the brass feels out of place.

_However_ - the production is stellar - the music is really enjoyable, and the result is one heck of an inspiring piece, so there you go.

comment added to Loveshadow's Remix on 2007-08-26 04:48:20

Ahhh - now this is _nice_. This is such a homage to the edgier early 80s music I grew up with - wonderful non-stop frantic pace with playful pads and sounds laying on top.

Man, this is a great, great version. Has the same nostalgic feel to me as your "Panique Au Village" version, but has staked out completely new ground.

I. Am. _Envious_.

I give you 5/5 Parisian moon-lit rooftops; and thanks for sharing.

comment added to youyou's Remix on 2007-08-15 19:08:42

Absolutely stellar execution. Beautiful production and often very lovely music. For my taste the heavy guitar/drum combinations don't work well - but I'm willing to overlook that for the amazing work and talent that's gone into this.

Great work - show fantastic respect for the material and the intent of releasing the sample pack.

5/5 nuns on stilts from me

comment added to Patrick Sean Oneil's Remix on 2007-08-15 18:59:37

I think that this version is a bit too similar to your previous version - e.g., the structure/bass is identical - would have been great to hear you take this in a more drastically different direction.

Also, much as your last remix, I think it's got some great ideas, but that they are a bit scattered at this point and need a bit tuning to really come through.

comment added to PIPIPI's Remix on 2007-08-09 15:44:22

Really good work with Melodyne - very natural sounding - especially with the two vocals going together.

The extravagant strings/piano in the refrain walk a delicate tightrope between 80s pop-rock and completely current sounds - and it works wonders for me.

Fem stora till dig med. Stora starka, dvs. :)

comment added to nothing's Remix on 2007-08-09 13:46:38

Oh, brother, am I glad to see you having finished a second version after your "Falling Stars" remix.

This is a terrific remix - lots of excellent small touches and delicate things going on below the surface.

On a minor nagging point, I think the HH/cymbals drown out some of the other sounds at times (ouds, bass, vocals in places) - but I'll overlook it this time.

Great work. Thanks for sharing.

comment added to mSide tafkay's Remix on 2007-08-09 13:41:31

Hello Cesar, and welcome to RWR. This is a great version - really fits with the original intent as well as with the original track, while clearly staking new ground.

Very, very well produced, and just overall great work.

comment added to César Díaz's Remix on 2007-08-09 13:35:31

Hello, and welcome to RWR!

I think you have a really interesting and unique take on this track - congrats!

I think that Reason 3 should offer the tools you need to reign this track in - the MClass suite is pretty comprehensive if you use it both on the overall mix (inserted between the mixer and the h/w interface) as well as for individual instruments.

More importantly though is just to balance some of the sound levels - right now the vocals are too low and the drums pretty much squash them out - but that's a relatively easy fix.

Sorry for the long post. You have a great idea here, and thanks for sharing!

comment added to The Digital Chess Session's Remix on 2007-08-07 17:27:50

Hey now - this is pretty darn good. You have found a heck of core groove here - really good fit.

The refrain doesn't do as much for me - but the basic verse structure is really, really good.

Great work. Thanks for sharing.

comment added to e.m.p's Remix on 2007-08-07 17:21:45

Very enjoyable - great balance between tongue-in-cheek and some really serious musical workings.

The length is perfectly appropriate and very true to its style. To paraphrase Einstein: "Shorten your music as much as possible, but no more".

Thanks for uploading - made me smile - not in a ha-ha, funny guy type of way, but because it pushed all the right buttons in week when it was well needed.

comment added to Loveshadow's Remix on 2007-08-02 20:01:49

I think it's a pretty strong first take. The triggering of the vocals seems like it's (deliberately?) late at times - which could be used to great effect, but for me is a bit confusing in places.

For your next version, I think the sounds could be balanced a bit more - right now the riff guitar is pretty loud compared to the bass - but that's nit-picking! Great work, and welcome to the site!

comment added to camdensound 's Remix on 2007-08-02 19:45:27

As said above, kudos on going ahead with the first mix - it's a big step, and it will just be easier from now on.

Also - great track, and a really good achievement. I agree with 4M3 re: the progression - you have a really good hook there that makes your track stand out, but as it stands right now, it's a bit late to introduce it.

But that's a good challenge for your next version! Good work, and welcome to the site.

comment added to Overyonder's Remix on 2007-08-02 16:11:48

No need to worry re: leniency; this is a very good production. The musical choices are great, and I think you have a good understanding of (and respect for) the original materials.

I think an area you could focus a bit on is to balance sound levels - perhaps by listening to the track on different equipment (computer, stereo and headphones) - but that's a small point and something for the future. Great first attempt.

comment added to Antoine Leran's Remix on 2007-08-02 16:04:55

Very, very good. All elements fit together just about perfectly. Really nicely done.

The sound quality isn't that great to my ears - sounds like audio clipping throughout, and some of the sound levels aren't completely balanced, causing some elements to get drowned in places - but the idea is really fantastic, so kudos for that.

comment added to Othniel Simmons's Remix on 2007-08-02 15:57:59

Oh boy - I find myself right smack in the middle of a whatchamacall _dilemma_.

I pushed the whole disharmonic envelope on my earlier "unapologetic" mix, myself, essentially not giving a toss whether individual notes would match or not.

On the other hand, I am finding it very difficult to listen to this. Sorry, mate. I respect the heck out of you going for it, but I have to pass on rating this.

Ah what the heck - I'll give you three jars of pickled herring (_garlic_ sauce, not tomato).

comment added to Fien:D's Remix on 2007-07-18 19:20:51

Hello and welcome to the site. Great first mix - very nicely done. I only sort of agree with Fien:D's comments in the sense that the drums currently seem to be a bit too loud and drown out the vocals and ambient sounds.

Nice harmonies though, and really enjoyable mix. 4/5 from me.

comment added to pbrandx's Remix on 2007-07-17 16:06:26

This is probably my favourite track of yours. Very good. Great use of (I am guessing) loops - really nicely put together.

The vocals sort of bother me - the extreme L R channels - and some of the sound levels don't sound right to me on my headphones - but the track is pretty darn good.

4/5 from me.

comment added to Susy1214's Remix on 2007-07-17 16:02:36

See, I've always assumed that it's humour, but maybe I'm doing Radiotimes a disservice. Maybe it's played very straight and in a serious fashion.

And then again, maybe it doesn't make a difference in the world.

I don't care much for this music, but heck, you're one hell of a consistent musician, and appear to be completely true to yourself. So that's got to be worth something, yes?

Worth five jars of last summer's apple jelly, methinks.

comment added to radiotimes's Remix on 2007-07-17 15:59:49

I actually like how it keeps drifting in and out of conciousness. Nice musical touches, and a very "alive" feel to the rhythms.

Keep inhaling those fumes. 4/5 from me.

comment added to Cronix's Remix on 2007-07-17 15:55:25

I'm with Fien:D on this. I feel like you're taking the piss with this one. But the thing to realize is that as much as I don't get this, there are going to be tons of people that say that about my music too, so . that's how it is.

Good work, I suppose. Although I'm not sure what the work was.

Still, I'll rate this track 11 out of 14 possible knitting ladies in rocking chairs.

comment added to Sjonnie Rottn's Remix on 2007-07-17 15:53:14

I agree with ol' Doughauser. The laser-like focus on carrying out your idea is worth a full set of stars.

I am, however, going to smack down a star for making it so long that you had to suffer sound quality, making it near impossible for me to listen to. Yes, I have very delicate ears.

Great work though. Congrats.

comment added to moonmodule's Remix on 2007-07-16 15:32:44

Hahah. I completely agree with Spin. Pretty incredible for a 6 month old track.

There's nothing old about the music, though; it's a stellar production, and I'm just a bit puzzled how I never came across this before. There's a lot of neat surprises in here (the section starting at 3:50 is just a fantastic piece), and the joy of playing music comes through clearly.

This is happy music for me. Thanks for that. 5/5 and favs.

comment added to TheJoe's Remix on 2007-07-11 21:36:52

Ahh yes, this is very beautiful. Very nice to listen to. It's a really respectful take on this source material, where you keep the song intact yet put a very personal stamp on it.

Nicely done. 5/5 from me.

comment added to Maxwell's Remix on 2007-07-10 16:01:09

Don't second-guess yourself! It's an absolutely terrific mix, and the music is just beautiful in it.

By "staggered" vocals I meant starting the vocal sample a beat later than the original - the section at 2:05 has the same timing as the original track; then at 2:38 the vocals start later.

It's a perfectly good technique to make the rhythms more interesting; I just _personally_ liked the other parts better.

comment added to didierbardin's Remix on 2007-07-09 17:52:11

Oh, brother; this is very, very good. Great monotonous beat that sort of just brews under the surface. Fantastic build-up. One of the most natural progressions I've heard in a long time.

This is so bloody good that I'm going to steal every idea in it.

5/5 and favourites from me.

comment added to Wolf Dee's Remix on 2007-07-09 15:14:21

The intro is one of the best things I've heard in a while - and the same when the section at 1:45 or so hits - it's simply outstanding.

For my taste though the sections with staggered vocals don't work so well.

But your music production skills are top-notch - and at times this track is fantastic. Great, great work. 4/5 from me.

comment added to didierbardin's Remix on 2007-07-09 15:08:22

Fantastic sounding guitars. The minute after the break is simply outstanding. This is a great idea, and just beautifully executed. The airy-sounding pick guitar melody really gives this a unique sound.

Nice, nice, nice.

Following my tradition of handing out a lump of coal with the sugar, I'll have to tell you that the track is _too short_. Fix that next time, OK?

5/5 from a very happy listener.

comment added to audiotechnica's Remix on 2007-07-09 15:00:46

Thanks for the comments.

re: vocoder, Reel you're actually quite right. It could have been really cool to emphasize certain phrases/segments with having the natural melody fade in/out . and I could have set it in the same general key but honestly, by the time I figured that out, I was too lazy to change it.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-07-05 14:26:15

Hahaha.

Umm.

Well, I clearly thought the sax sound was _so real_ that it _had_ to be a fake.

Yeah, I shouldn't be allowed out much.

So.

Thanks anyway.

comment added to Doghouse Riley's Remix on 2007-07-04 20:46:23

Dougie, Dougie. This is a very nice piece of work. Your customary humour is (mostly) put in check, leaving room for some excellent music.

This is a very respectful take on Ol' Hailey, and it just makes me very happy to listen to.

BTW - to me it's not just old beach surfing music, but also echoes of XTC/Prefab Sprout - especially at 1:55.

My only nags are that when you use synthezised realistic instruments (strings, sax, .) and they don't sound 100% realistic, it sort of takes away some of the enjoyment for me.

But you know me. I'm just saying that to balance the universe a bit, and to justify giving you a 5/5.

comment added to Doghouse Riley's Remix on 2007-07-04 18:22:26

I actually like this (what there is of it, anyway), because there's a really good core idea in here. I also like that you submitted it even in its short form, because it's always better to share.

I won't rate the mix this time, but really do look forward to hearing it in a more complete form.

comment added to Dj Reel's Remix on 2007-07-04 16:53:24

After my previous stunt with vocals/harmony mis-matching, I am hardly in a position to complain.

This is a _fun_, energetic remix that got my blood going. The refrain is outstanding. Really good work. 5/5 from me.

comment added to nothing's Remix on 2007-07-04 16:29:57

Hahah - this for some reason hits each of my sweet spots. Really, really enjoyable. Incredibly monotonous - yes; but just a fantastic romp down a very interesting road.

5/5 from me, and keep them coming.

comment added to ajax's Remix on 2007-07-03 14:02:23

The production is stellar in this version - absolutely outstanding touches with great variation. Some of the musical choices felt a bit hurried, but overall, it's one heck of a version.

comment added to Multiman's Remix on 2007-07-03 13:57:13

Well, despite how much I truly appreciate the positive feedback, I have to tell you this: if I came across this version, I would be bloody brutal about it.

Call me Cap'n Ahab, if you must, but this was my white whale. Now I can move on.

Upwards and onwards, me mateys.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-07-01 02:53:11

Yowza. This is very good. Superb atmosphere and just raw energy.

I'm not too keen on the harmonica in the beginning - only because of the "slide", which makes it sound really artificial - but 0:32 all is forgiven.

Another great version. For what it's worth, I think you're on a good direction with a couple of tight, well-crafted versions that put the humour second to great musical ideas. 5/5 from me.

comment added to radiotimes's Remix on 2007-06-29 18:05:26

So just to head off the question of "why submit a version that you know has some questionnable harmonies?"

Well.

I sort of started to obsess about using F# for this version when I was working on my "Itchy hole" remix, and I stubbornly took it to its extreme conclusion here.

That is all.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-06-29 17:51:04

Tricky, tricky version. At first the 7/4 really didn't work for me; but the more I listen to it the more it feels just about right. Perhaps the drums feel a bit too static at times for this type of time format.

The idea is great, the music is great and the guitar is great. And that ain't half bad.

5/5 from me because I've had my first coffee and feel great.

comment added to MixterRader's Remix on 2007-06-28 14:33:48

Hahah - I appreciate the comment back, seriously. Sorry to turn this page into a debate, it just had me riled up for a while.

Believe it or not, I do look forward to your next version. Ciao.

comment added to Lee Hell's Remix on 2007-06-27 16:52:16

No, it's not an "interesting" question; it's a bloody fundamental point re: what this site is.

Listen, if we want to share our personal compositions, then create a myspace or MI7 profile, and mention it in the forum.

If you want to show your personal musical style as part of a remix (which a bunch of us do with every version), then at least _pretend_ for it to be related to the original sample pack by including one or two words from the vocals or whatever.

Otherwise you're just taking the piss.

comment added to Lee Hell's Remix on 2007-06-27 14:44:02

OK, OK - re: title. I suppose I could have called it "lost and forlorn" or "starlit skies" or "as gaia watches over her children", but here's the thing:

- it doesn't hurt to take yourself less than completely seriously at times

I mean, I sit down for a couple of hours to work on a remix, which is really enjoyable, but I'm not going to stress about it or worry about the outcome. It's a little musical draft, and that's it.

But thanks for all of the feedback on musical moods, alcohol and titles.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-06-27 14:39:09

Hmm. Tricky one to rate. On the one hand, it really grew on me musically as I'm listening to it - I completely agree with Schras re: bassline and groove - works exceedinly well. The bass sort of brings to mind really early Cure - around "Faith" and "Pornography". Very good.

I also really like what you did at 2:22 - by changing the starting point of Eliza's vocals - great effect. But then at 2:36 then whole thing falls apart, and I'm really surprised it got through to the final mix.

Either way - it's a great direction for this sample pack. May your path be lined with many stars.

4/5 from me.

comment added to sammlung santosi's Remix on 2007-06-27 14:30:21

BTW - 3/5 rating from me.

comment added to Lee Hell's Remix on 2007-06-26 19:59:21

I think you have a couple of very strong ideas in here - the rhythm is unique and really gripping, and the chords playing are really quite good.

Right now though it's a bit scattered for my taste - feels a bit all over the place (choir sound levels sometimes way too low, .).

There's an outstanding version in here, but it's just _hiding_ right now.

comment added to PIPIPI's Remix on 2007-06-26 19:53:42

At 1:08 I think you have a strong idea that really could work as a basis for a remix; but the track leading up to it feels like a gimmick driven by a specific idea.

Based on this one and your Pakistani version, you clearly have the skills to pull it off - I'd just personally really like to see a bit more focus, and you could have one hell of a remix on your hands.

comment added to Lee Hell's Remix on 2007-06-26 19:49:00

So this must be proof that ol' Simon Emmerson came through on his promise: do whatever the heck musical composition you want to do, and call it "inspired by the Imagined Village", and anything goes.

I normally like it when people do radically different takes on a remix; but this is a bit extreme, yes?

I give this a zero, not because it's _bad_ (because you clearly had something in mind and executed on it quite well), but rather because it is completely and utterly unrelated to "Cold Hailey Rainy Night"

comment added to Lee Hell's Remix on 2007-06-26 19:45:34

Very, very good. Shows fantastic restraint in applying the small sounds and effects here and there - really well balanced.

Just an outstanding core groove. Great work. 5/5 from me.

comment added to Grandbrother's Remix on 2007-06-26 19:39:55

This is just up my alley. Ohhh, indeed. This is one hell of a mix. I love the intro - the fiddle has a very sweet shuffle to it - almost a 1/8T feel - and then smoothly transitions to a straight beat.

The chord/bass structure is great - fantastic sound you've created.

5/5 and my favs.

P.S. Could the person who stopped by earlier and dropped off a 1-star rating without leaving a note check in with the security desk for a thorough beating?

comment added to Schräs's Remix on 2007-06-26 14:21:09

This is weird for me, because I can't stand the original; but this version has some stunning pieces in it. For instance, I just listened to the section at 1:34 - 2:22 and it literally blew me away.

The production value of this version is off the chart - you show off some really neat tricks here, and it just oozes with quality.

My issue is with the original pack - sometimes the vocals just don't work for me - but I'm going to go overlook all of that.

But just this one time, you hear?

5/5 from me.

comment added to youyou's Remix on 2007-06-26 14:14:58

Absolutely agree with HM re: convincing version - this is very enjoyable and beautifully done. All elements are very well balanced and give each other room to play - just very well done. Congrats.

5/5 from me.

comment added to MixterRader's Remix on 2007-06-26 14:07:31

Mmm. There are some really interesting ideas in here, and the guitar work is certainly very good.

However, the intro/mid section has nothing in common with the part starting at 1:35. It's almost as if you got bored with the first part and improvised a change. Then at 2:35 we're listening to a new track again. It's a bit too schizophrenic for my liking.

I think the music leading up to 1:35 is outstanding, and could easily be the basis for a version if cleaned up a bit.

comment added to Peter Varsavik's Remix on 2007-06-25 14:12:01

Pretty good. To my taste, the production is better than the musical ideas - the actual chords/harmonies could do a lot more with this version; but you have strong production skills, and it's enjoyable enough to listen to.

4/5 from me.

comment added to TomC's Remix on 2007-06-25 14:02:57

Very interesting idea - really good one, actually. There are some issues with the execution for me, but you definitely deserve kudos for coming up with this approach.

Positives - I think you really captured the feel of the song, and the music is mostly quite good.

On the negative side, I think that this is a track that lives or dies on the production values, and I think there's room for improvement here (some sound level issues - Chris' vocals, for instance; tuning the transition from Eliza's/Chris' sections; some sound selections, etc.).

Still, all in all - great take on it. 4/5 from me.

comment added to smiltzo dj - Liberal Carme's Remix on 2007-06-25 13:58:34

Hej hej - don't let the ratings worry you - this is a fantastic version - most impressively done. Great musical ideas with lots of small but clever touches; and just fantastic production - this is a really, really good version.

5/5 from me.

comment added to Infinite Fidelity's Remix on 2007-06-25 13:47:51

Well, this is quite a competent version; but I don't feel like you're showing that much of yourself in this remix. I would have really wanted to see you take it a step further and add a couple of elements to make it unique/make it yours.

Well done though.

comment added to andreasoberholz's Remix on 2007-06-22 14:31:33

This is quite good. I _really_ like the break sections (1:06 and others) - the verse is nicely done, but for me the rhodes is a bit too mushy.

The break, however, ahh - now that's nice.

Great work. 4/5 from me.

comment added to reximer's Remix on 2007-06-21 18:13:44

Ohh, mama. Now we're talking. Or rather, _not_ talking, but grooving. This is one heck of a version.

Don't worry - to my ears there's a really nice balance between roudy and delicate - some beautiful sounds and treatments going on in the background - when the second half kicks in it's just a treat.

I s'pose there's something to be said for actually completing a remix and giving it that extra treatment. The effort and care really shows here.

Congrats.

Crap, I'm jealous. Fancy that.

comment added to audiotechnica's Remix on 2007-06-21 18:10:48

Great job on the piano during the verse; however, the choir presents some harmonics challenges - I would have just left them out to make it easier to manage the harmonies.

I think this is one of your best mixes here. I sometimes get the sense that you use humour to sort of have a bit of a distance from the mix; but this is a genuine musical piece, and I think you've pulled it off well. Congrats. 4/5 from me.

comment added to radiotimes's Remix on 2007-06-20 14:29:35

Great, powerful work - but for me, the intro with the blip is the best part of this version - I would have loved to hear that theme continue throughout in some way or form.

4/5 from me though. Good work.

comment added to reximer's Remix on 2007-06-19 18:47:34

I agree - this is a very good take on this track - really stuck with a traditional approach while completely reinterpreting it. You've done a great job with the timing of the vocals and the musical arrangements.

Very, very well done. Congrats. 5/5 from me.

comment added to nothing's Remix on 2007-06-19 18:45:01

OK, here are a few pointers/comments:

- 20 secs of silence in the beginning - just remove

- the drums are actually pretty good - they have a live feel to them, but on their own just together with the vocals (see 2:25) it's a bit too chaotic

- perhaps another sound, like a bass, or pad could really help breaking the monotony

Good luck with your next version. Hopefully then your software will be more "cake" and less "caka".

Ciao.

comment added to 's Remix on 2007-06-18 17:50:25

Well, it is _entirely_ possible that I was drunk at the time.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-06-18 17:30:34

Jools Holland? That's a blast from the past - his work on "Uncertain Smile" by "The The" is still pretty much best-in-class.

On this one I'm thinking less Jools and more Flying Lizards' "Dizzy Miss Lizzie".

comment added to radiotimes's Remix on 2007-06-18 16:24:06

Riz - methinks you have PM turned off, so I couldn't write back - but thanks for the note.

comment added to RizkeyG's Remix on 2007-06-18 15:36:15

Re: why doing two versions at the same time - because I wanted to.

Slightly more accurate answer - because I only get a couple of hours at most each night to work on music, so rather than taking a long time to finish completed work, I've chosen to put out more ideas even if they're not as polished.

There. The secret's out.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-06-18 15:14:38

Bitley - thanks for the honest comments - always appreciate the good with the bad.

Re: energy drop - I was working on just doing a gradual build-up, but it was taking too long to get to the fast part, so I changed the structure to start with the drums, taper off, and restart again.

It's a bit of a gamble, but I'm personally pleased with how it turned out.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-06-18 15:11:47

This feels very much like you had an existing track and fit the vocals in with it. Nothing wrong with that - I've done it many times - but in this case it just doesn't feel like one coherent song.

The music is terrific - really good - but you should have slowed it down to match the vocals rather than the other way around; and could have made some tradeoffs for PG's vocals to better match the music in places.

5/5 for the music; 1/5 for the vocal work . 3/5 as a whole!

comment added to djrefugeeSW's Remix on 2007-06-18 15:04:40

Holy cans of sardines, Fast Jimmy; this is one outstanding version. The vocals fit perfectly with the music, which is challenging but rewarding. There's so much going on in this version - absolutely stellar work.

It's great to find tracks like this that don't insult the listeners' intelligence and dumb it down. Really nice work.

5/5 and favs.

comment added to fast45's Remix on 2007-06-18 15:01:09

I agree with Nikon - this has real charm to it - very enjoyable listening. You found a great key/base chord for this tune - unexpected, but it fits really well.

For some reason the sound quality of Eliza's vocals is not good - not sure what it is, but there's a distortion that sort of clashes with the otherwise very clean sound.

Very nice version. 4/5 from me.

comment added to RizkeyG's Remix on 2007-06-18 14:56:07

This has some very nice parts in it - I think you have a great feel for the song, as well as making great use of Reason (ugh - that phrase would make John Locke roll over in his grave!).

On the downside, to me the choir sample stands out like a sore thumb - it's a nice enough melody, but the sound is not great, and it really drags down the enjoyment for me. I would have substituted with a nice Malstrom pad or something.

Good version though. I'm going to overlook the choir, but just this one time.

comment added to smiltzo dj - Liberal Carme's Remix on 2007-06-18 14:52:05

I agree with the above - this is really enjoyable - laid back, relaxed; and despite the sort of low-energy feel to it, I was happy to listen through the full track - really nice touches throughout. Great work.

comment added to D K's Remix on 2007-06-18 14:44:24

Riz - tricky one to rate, because I think you have an excellent core groove - including the "blip" melody that enters at 0:16 for the first time - but for my taste the track doesn't evolve enough.

Would have been great to see something start to happen around the mid-point - a fat bass, perhaps; or a wide pad?

Either way - great idea. It's 3/5 from me though.

comment added to RizkeyG's Remix on 2007-06-18 14:35:52

Very nice - I especially like the intro section and the part beginning after 1:30 - very nicely done.

The middle part to me feels a bit out of place - but is still very well produced.

Great first cut at this - look forward to hearing more. 4/5 from me.

comment added to reximer's Remix on 2007-06-18 14:32:12

Very nice - you really managed to add your personal touches to this while staying true to the original mix. Very nicely done - great production. 4/5 from me.

comment added to radiotimes's Remix on 2007-06-18 14:14:07

Umm. Go to about 2 mins into it and tell me that Ry Cooder would sound like this. At 2:57 it's back to being synchronized - all I'm saying is this:

- it's a great groove, really nice sound, _and_ it's an easy fix.

comment added to zaphop's Remix on 2007-06-06 20:24:36

Hahah - good explanation Smiltzo! I know the feeling exactly.

Look forward to hearing more. All the best.

comment added to smiltzo dj - Liberal Carme's Remix on 2007-06-06 18:01:15

Hahah. When you said "Chaka" you really meant it. I mean, you _really_ meant it. It's quite an excellent idea.

Bloody well done.

comment added to Bitley's Remix on 2007-06-06 15:36:31

OK, quick comments you shall have.

It's a pretty good core groove. Not sure you need the cut up vocals for the first part, because it gets to be a bit hectic - but the reverse effect on the guitars is pretty good.

There are also a couple of sound level issues - tracks are too loud or too low - but you already mentioned it's not mastered, so there you go.

I definitely think it's worth finishing and uploading again.

comment added to nickp's Remix on 2007-06-06 15:30:51

Not bad, not bad. I would suggest you go back to listen to it again though, using a couple of different speakers/headphones. Right now the track is a bit unbalanced (example, PG's vocals at 0.58 are too low).

Good version though - shows good respect for the original.

comment added to maccelt1's Remix on 2007-06-06 15:28:23

Hmm. Methinks you've taken a track you've had laying about and added the vocal track. Nothing wrong with that - I've done it with a bunch of my remixes here - but you need to have a good ear for what key it's playing in.

Unfortunately, you've missed the key here - the core groove for the intro is good - but the vocals throw the whole thing off.

comment added to smiltzo dj - Liberal Carme's Remix on 2007-06-06 15:26:12

I agree with Zoop re: the length. Not sure you need the full eight minutes - it would sure help the sound of the track by uploading at higher bitrate (even at 128 it would sound great)

The idea is excellent though, and the core groove you have created is outstanding. Good work.

comment added to ladies on mars's Remix on 2007-06-06 15:23:05

Hmm. The idea is not bad, but the vocals are way off sync in places, and one of the guitar tracks suffers just as badly.

I think you have a good feel for the track, so it's a shame it's not tighter. Perhaps worth tuning up and submitting again?

comment added to zaphop's Remix on 2007-06-06 15:21:18

Very, very good music. The high-pitched vocals I'm not so sure about - but the chords and the ambient sounds are excellent. Very strong track.

comment added to tethia's Remix on 2007-06-06 15:18:32

Hey now - this is really quite good. I think you have a great balance between a straight rhythm track and the more atmospheric elements - very, very nicely done.

The break is good - however, for a 12" version, I would have loved to see some more variation for the second half.

Having said that, though, it's a heck of a mix. Great work. 4/5 from me.

comment added to chrissiesinatra's Remix on 2007-06-06 15:15:58

Schras - congratulations on the win! I'm happy to say that your track was in my competition top five, and am really pleased the judges agreed.

comment added to Schräs's Remix on 2007-06-01 20:35:00

Hey Spin - just making sure to be the first to congratulate you for the runner-up mention. Really bloody well deserved - I loved it from day one, and had it in my competition list - and am glad the judges agreed.

comment added to spinmeister's Remix on 2007-06-01 20:33:39

Actually, I'm finding myself really liking the core groove in the verse. The change that happens at 2:34 I'm not so crazy about - sort of feels like a step backwards musically - but the core atmosphere is really, really good in this track.

I don't have a big issue with the vocals - actually sound pretty good - but if anything they might be a bit too low (then again, I forgot my headphones at home today and am using a pair of really crappy ones, so that might be it).

Good work. 4/5 from me.

comment added to Dush-Dk's Remix on 2007-05-31 14:31:47

Not bad. I think there are a couple of parts that feel like they're out of sync (like the rhodes loop, for instance); but overall you have a good core groove going.

comment added to Deaconesque's Remix on 2007-05-29 14:57:14

Hey hey. Great groove - very good groove. The pitch shifting idea is really good and is (mostly) really well pulled off. Good use of filters - very Daft Punk-ish - just overall a good dance mix.

comment added to d.dreams's Remix on 2007-05-29 14:51:18

Hey now. Ok, so this track does reward patience - at 0.38 or so this really kicks off, and had my full attention for the next couple of minutes - it has some things in here that are just outstanding (the break at 1.05 is sort of Thomas Dolby-ish), and it's just non-stop.

I think it could benefit from being pulled back and sort of restrained in places just to catch a proper breather; and at 5 mins it's one heck of a panic attack - but at the end of the day, it's such a unique take on this that I'm willing to let all criticism go.

comment added to youyou's Remix on 2007-05-29 14:43:41

This is really good; the bass and pads have a Human League feel to them, and the snare is just classic; however, the vocal levels need a bit of tuning - especially PG's at 1.05 - sort of drowns in the rest of the track.

Excellent core groove, and really good vocal treatments.

comment added to DJ Rkod's Remix on 2007-05-29 14:35:23

Sweet. I like this a lot - very playful and simple.

The synth brass section and the Ibiza house piano don't really work for me personally; but it's got a great beat, good harmonies, and is just a lot of fun to listen to. Good stuff.

comment added to Bitley's Remix on 2007-05-29 14:31:57

I agree with Bitley - the core groove works really well - but the vocals are (sometimes) distractingly off.

Nice feel, great guitar, and a very interesting take on this one. 4/5 from me. Could be a full house with tighter vocals and some tuning (sound levels, frequencies, .)

comment added to Terrill's Remix on 2007-05-29 14:26:39

Hey - I can't believe I didn't comment on this earlier - it's been in my favs for a while, and I came back to listen through today. It's an absolutely beautiful track - just an excellent job.

comment added to milann's Remix on 2007-05-25 18:27:31

I agree with baba - sounds quite good - clean and crisp and no real balancing issues.

Quite nice, actually - enjoying listening to this. Great take on it.

comment added to Dj Reel's Remix on 2007-05-25 14:39:43

I like this a lot. Great build-up and progression in the track, and it shows great respect for the original track while taking it somewhere new.

I'm personally not thrilled by the piano starting at 3 mins - feels a bit melodramatic to me - but you've got a great core sound, and the effects are really good. 4/5 from me.

comment added to Suburbian's Remix on 2007-05-25 14:34:44

Hey hey - this is very nice. Lots of things going on under the surface - love all the atmospheric details. Great combination of the guitars and your core beat - really enjoyable mix.

I agree that PG's vocals could be pulled in a bit - but it's really an excellent mix. 5/5 from me.

comment added to D K's Remix on 2007-05-22 15:14:56

Tjena, och valkommen till RWR-sajten.

It's a pretty good version - my only real issue is that it plays it _very_ close to the original. It would be really interesting to hear you take it in a different direction and add your personal flavour to it.

Hope you stick around at RWR for a while and experiment with the different remix packs. Would be interesting to hear you do another take on this.

comment added to nothing's Remix on 2007-05-11 14:50:40

I like it. Yeah, it's a bit raw - but quite good. Like the vocal treatments most of the time - and there's a really cool feeling of urgency through it.

Ahh. Nice break after 3 mins. Good one. :)

Hope you stick around for a while even though the competition's over. Will be very interested in hearing your next version.

comment added to impro maker's Remix on 2007-05-11 14:46:22

Hey - nice rhythms. Sort of made me think of Naked Music label (Lisa Shaw / Blue Six / .); but I feel like there was a bit of letdown with lack of additional elements. It would have been great to hear some other instruments enter the fray earlier to keep it evolving.

Good attempt though, and welcome to the site.

comment added to LibraClassic's Remix on 2007-05-11 14:42:15

Pretty darn good; however, at times I think it's more impressive than fun to listen to. I mean, I think it's really impressive that you've managed to create something just using the original sample pack - but if you're going to create such a new version anyway, why not go ahead and pick new sounds - like a different rhythm kit or string sound?

Still, it's an impressive piece, and very well made. 4/5 from me.

comment added to Xail's Remix on 2007-05-09 16:27:20

Add a couple of people screaming and you'd have Throbbing Gristle.

It's too conceptual for me - if you used this as an element of a more musical mix, I'd stay to listen through the full thing, but as it stands, it's not for me.

You really have a good handle on your production skills though. You just have to remember to use it for good, and not for evil.

comment added to sutkcw's Remix on 2007-05-08 15:23:13

Oh, mamacita, this is very good. You have a very delicate approach to rhythms (both drums and rhythmic sounds). The chord changes are really good - this is just a great version. Thanks for sharing.

comment added to Maxwell's Remix on 2007-05-08 15:20:35

Hey, and welcome to the site. First off, congrats on doing a version - you have to start somewhere - and if you look at some of the regulars here, they've done a number of different ones, and learn something new each time.

Now for some comments. You have a bunch of ideas in here - maybe too many, because at times it feels a bit disjointed. The core groove - especially the speed-step - works really well. You just need to control things like volume so that the vocals don't end up being drowned.

I'd also (personally) make a shorter/more focused version - maybe around 3 mins.

Having said that - good effort and a unique fast take on this track. All the best, and keep sending stuff.

comment added to Horizon's Remix on 2007-05-08 15:11:08

I think the string arrangement is very good, but I would personally prefer not to have the added vocals.

Having said that - it's a very _real_ version, and has lots of emotion - so well done. 4/5.

comment added to klangwolcke's Remix on 2007-05-07 15:17:49

The intro is very, very good; and I think you have some very good parts in it (the "Salala" vocal portions sound great).

For my taste, though, there's just a bit too many things happening at times, and some of the sounds are a bit overpowering (acoustic guitar and the strings).

I think with a bit of tuning this could be a classic; but it's 4/5 from me for now.

(Accuracy of rating /-1 for having a nasty cold right now, and being in a crappy mood)

comment added to SonicGravity's Remix on 2007-05-07 15:15:24

Ahh yes. I like. You really got a nice balance between high-energy pumping beats and small elegant musical touches.

You know I love to give constructive criticism; but I'm really hard pressed to find anything.

OK - let's try this: the last five seconds could be _just_ a bit tighter.

There. Something to work on while you enjoy your 5/5.

comment added to tunamelt's Remix on 2007-05-06 03:09:34

Alright - here's one where my appreciation for the quality of the work, the originality of the idea, and just the outstanding execution take precedence over the very minor issue that this just isn't my type of music. :)

You're one hell of a musician, and this is a really, really good version. 5/5 from me.

comment added to Doghouse Riley's Remix on 2007-05-04 16:16:35

Some great ideas - but the bass (and later the HH) completely overpower the vocals, which are muted way in the background.

The base groove is very, very good though.

comment added to d.dreams's Remix on 2007-05-04 16:10:57

Alright, you're back in business after the previous epilepsy-inducing version. :)

The vocal treatment is really bloody good, and I think you've got a great sense of how to manage the build-up of the track. Great work.

I'm going to echo my comments from the previous version - that I think you could do a radio edit under 5 mins and still keep all the strong elements. At 128kbps it would help the overall mix, because the sound is just a bit muddled right now.

Great version though. 5/5 from me.

comment added to DJ Rkod's Remix on 2007-05-04 16:07:14

I get the Pacific Coast feeling, actually; this is very 808 State combined with your personal unique style (which is a good thing).

The break at 2:08 with AK's vocals really doesn't work for me, personally - feels like it really clashes with the harmonies you've built up to that point. Having said that, at 2:56 everything is forgiven, and you're back on track.

Seriously, that's one hell of a track, and I'm more than willing to overlook my issue for the sake of the rest of it.

5/5 from me.

comment added to Synthetic1's Remix on 2007-05-04 15:22:23

Wow. I didn't hear this one the first time around, but just came across it on Radio Remixed. _Very_, very good listening. It's a really tight version - really well produced, and good control to make sure it never spins out of control.

Excellent version.

comment added to radiotimes's Remix on 2007-05-03 20:15:16

Oh boy - I just came across this version - don't know how it slipped past me when it was first posted, but I was listening to Radio Remixed, and was very pleasantly surprised.

It's not very easy listening, but it's never dull, and has some stunning moments in it. I think you have a great love for music, which comes through in this. Great vision, and really well pulled off.

comment added to antares's Remix on 2007-05-03 19:46:27

So I have to admit that this morning when I listened to it, I didn't have patience to listen to it properly, and sort of dismissed it. Shame on me, because it's actually quite good. Like the rhythms and the ambient atmosphere.

What I'm not so keen on is the volume of the vocals - they sort of pop out too agressively at times. Perhaps some compression to "tame" them?

Good work though.

comment added to Susy1214's Remix on 2007-05-03 18:41:53

You know, at first I thought that you had made a mistake in the upload because of the tempo and the vocals - but I guess you intended exactly this - vocals are like early Prodigy.

I think you could do a radio edit < 5 mins and still squeeze in at 128 kbps - would help the overall mix, because the sound right now isn't ideal.

Good version though. Weird and vaguely spasmolytic, but good.

comment added to DJ Rkod's Remix on 2007-05-03 16:14:30

You know what - I really enjoyed this. It's actually very . _sweet_. And I mean that in a positive way. No sarcasm or irony intended.

Listening to it just made me smile, and think about my family. Good work.

comment added to Stef61's Remix on 2007-05-03 16:10:48

Oh - and I didn't read your remix notes - sorry, I ususally listen to tracks first and read after.

Hope you have a great time off - it's been a real pleasure. All the best.

comment added to hernine's Remix on 2007-05-02 13:35:12

Ahhh - this is great. Beautiful buildup, and lots of nice small surprises in here - the small blip sound that pops in here and there - the excellent chord progression. This is one of the few versions that have gone all out in recreating a full song complete with verse, bridge and refrain. Very nicely done.

Just beautifully done - great production and very enjoyable to listen to. 5/5 from me.

comment added to hernine's Remix on 2007-05-02 13:33:12

Honestly, I can't hear that much of a difference - _but_, I also think I was a bit too critical last time around. It's a great track, and really nice to listen to. Great work. 5/5.

comment added to Popdorian's Remix on 2007-05-01 14:56:09

Well, you have a pretty darn good core beat going; but it sort of drowns out the other instruments, to the point where the vocals and acoustic guitar take second stage to the drums.

Nothing that a bit of tweaking couldn't fix though - it's a really good and interesting version. 4/5.

comment added to astroboy's Remix on 2007-04-30 15:55:38

Hahah - very, very nice. This is a great example of how to use Melodyne - with specific purpose in mind.

I agree with HaveMercy that you throw some surprising chord at us, and with great effect. It's just a beautiful ballad, and I can't find a single fault with it. Damn you.

5/5 from me.

comment added to Maxwell's Remix on 2007-04-30 15:48:13

Very cool idea - great flowing groove going.

I'm (personally) not that keen on the sort of tinny PG voice effect, and for me the track is a bit too similar throughout; but the core groove is really quite good. 4/5 from me.

comment added to ximeR's Remix on 2007-04-30 15:39:46

Hey - I think you've got some really good ideas in here, and picked a beautiful chord progression.

The overall mix is a bit tame - some of the instruments appear to get lost in the overall mix - nothing that a bit of EQ tweaking can't fix. I would also personally like to see the rhythms evolve as you go; but overall, a great first attempt. 4/5 from me.

comment added to Popdorian's Remix on 2007-04-30 15:34:57

Hey again - couldn't reply through PM because you have it turned off; but just wanted to add that I hope you'll stick around on RWR for a bit and send a couple of different takes, even after the competitions are over.

One of the more interesting things about RWR has been to see the range of individual people, so I hope you'll hang around for a bit.

comment added to mSide tafkay's Remix on 2007-04-27 15:31:25

Playful and laid back. Really like the music of this version - very enjoyable.

On the downside (for my taste), the minor scale of the vocals clash with the major chords too often (example: "there's no _smile_ ."). Could be fixed either with Melodyne, or (more interestingly), by having the piano do quick alternates between minor and major chords to match the vocals.

Good take though. Very enjoyable listening.

comment added to radiotimes's Remix on 2007-04-27 15:18:20

Nicely done. I particularly like the strings and bass - very nicely done.

4/5 from me.

comment added to Cremonensis's Remix on 2007-04-27 15:11:43

In this case, the Singing Detective, methinks.

This is a lot better than I first thought - got some some really neat things going on in here. Very well balanced mix, and you managed to keep it interesting throughout. Good work. 4/5 from me.

comment added to Harlow's Remix on 2007-04-26 14:40:18

Very nicely done. Great bass, great atmosphere. Very interesting version.

For my taste, I would have loved to see the rhythm develop towards the second half, and maybe introduce a melodic element; but it's a powerful piece as it is. 4/5 from me.

comment added to ven's Remix on 2007-04-25 16:08:42

Hmm - to my ears it's still 4/4, but using 5 bars before repeating, but who cares. You've created a pretty damn neat sound with the arp blipping sound mixed with the guitar.

Only gripe is that the final sound mix lacks a certain punch, and it comes across a bit muted. But aside from that, it's a great version. 4/5 from me.

comment added to klangbrause's Remix on 2007-04-25 16:04:23

OK - here's the good (and by which I mean _very_ good news) - you pulled off making a very long version really interesting. With your short version, I could have sworn that attempting a 9 minute version would be insanity at best, and hubris at worst; but it's really bloody good.

Now here's for the bad part. The low bitrate makes it all but impossible to listen to. The HH/cymbal sound which should be a pleasant upper-end sound becomes a hissing annoyance. I know you didn't have a choice what with file size restriction and all; but it's a bloody shame, since the track itself is really good.

Ah well. I'll have to ignore that. You know. Just this one time.

5/5 from me.

comment added to Brian L's Remix on 2007-04-25 15:59:26

I'm with Joe on this - definitely only needs one listening. Great stuff. This is the weirdest stuff though - some truly modern treatments on effects and whatnot; and at the same time the guitar chaos feels like a gig featuring Hilt and Snakefinger.

This is some seriously hot sh%t. You definitely have my full vote on this. Good one.

comment added to MixMeta4's Remix on 2007-04-25 15:54:13

Hey hey hey. This track rewards patience - at first it plays it (for my taste) a bit too close to the original version, but then hey presto the break at 1:45 hits, and hits the spot just so. Very nice.

Good rhythms, nice treatment on the "salala" vocals - beautifully stretched.

I would have loved to see you make more use of the harmonies at 1:45 - it sets the track apart from the rest, and could have been more prominently featured. 4/5 from me.

comment added to wildnoise's Remix on 2007-04-25 15:48:42

Hahah - this is really nice. The interplay with the bass and the crowd laughing is a great touch, and the bass play itself is just outstanding.

Congrats. It's a very nicely constructed track - gives each part lots of room to play. Not too dark at all, for my taste.

My only complaint is where the heck you've been earlier in this competition? Would have loved to hear a few more versions from you.

comment added to mSide tafkay's Remix on 2007-04-25 15:43:40

The section at 1:36 is outstanding, but because I'm a pretty suspicoious sort of guy, I would love to know how much of that you're playing yourself. I'm going to guess _all of it_, and will secretly hate you for it.

I think you've got a great handle of this type of music. It doesn't really fit with the original vocals in my mind, which is a complement, because it means that your music is stronger than that.

I would also lead in with the 1:36 part, to really kick off the track, but now I'm really nit-picking.

OK - so since I can't rate, I will give you the following grade: 7 out of 9 possible tubes of creamed cod roe.

That's a really good review, for you non-Swedes.

comment added to mccello's Remix on 2007-04-25 14:57:56

I think you've paid a lot of respect to the original track, while adding a uniquely personal touch to it.

My only negative comment is that the final mixing could do with some minor tuning to make the elements really come alive - right now it feels a bit boxed in for such an acoustic track. Great work. 5/5 from me.

comment added to musicjunkie's Remix on 2007-04-25 14:53:20

Sorry, but I'm a bit torn about this. The music and rhythms really do fit very well with the African roots, and the track has great energy going; but the vocals just don't work well for me - they feel force-fitted to this track (with the exception of AK's adlib towards the three-minute mark, which actually works well).

I think you should hold on to the track and make your own song - it's certainly strong enough that if you add vocals written for this music, it'll be a really good one.

comment added to rustyjam's Remix on 2007-04-25 14:50:02

Hey hey hey. This is really quite good. Has a really good beat, and some really nice details like a sort of Crystal Method/Fluke-ish screaming sound, nice synth melody sounds playing, and a great energy without drowning the individual sounds.

Personally, I think it's a bit long, and could benefit from changing up the drums once or twice to keep it alive; but aside from that, bloody well done. 4/5.

comment added to ram99's Remix on 2007-04-25 14:45:32

Very nicely pulled off. I had thought about doing an all-sample pack track, but honestly, I could never get it to work.

The track feels a bit long for my taste, but has parts that are really outstanding (section starting at 4:45 or so, for instance). Great work. 4/5 from me.

comment added to Xail's Remix on 2007-04-25 14:41:16

Not bloody bad. Except I kinda feel like the bangalore version has the upper hand. Still - it's a really good version, great buildup, great pause before the second half, and great use of the original vocals. 4/5 from me.

comment added to L-D's Remix on 2007-04-25 14:37:49

Pretty darn nice atmosphere - the pad chords work really well - damn if I can remember the influence. Ugh. It will come to me.

The rhythms are outstanding - you've created one heck of a version - the buildup is really good, and you've resisted the temptation of creating a 7 minute version when 4 minutes is just perfect.

Great work. 5/5 from me.

comment added to Mirko Nogherot's Remix on 2007-04-24 16:22:40

Whoa. The bass and rhodes are pretty damn sweet. Pretty good work on the time shifting - there have been many examples of slowing the vocals down and exposing some, umm, quality issues with the originals; but it sounds great here.

Nice version - the rhodes and bass really do it for me. For my personal taste, the rhythm is too static - could do with changing up for the second half or so; but it's a strong entry. Good one.

comment added to Macstar's Remix on 2007-04-24 14:38:36

Sweet rhythms - very well done. Goes really well with the bass. You also have a good feel for how to build up a track and introduce new little touches. Good stuff.

I agree with you re: the part starting at 2:54. It's a strong hook - and perhaps you could have used that at the very start?

Good version though. 4/5 from me.

comment added to Mudchild's Remix on 2007-04-24 14:35:33

Ahh . you know, this is really quite lovely. The music is just beautiful - great harmonies and just a touching version.

Very nice way to start the morning. 5/5 from me.

Hope your family is doing well.

comment added to lemurian's Remix on 2007-04-24 14:19:07

Umm. This is sort of tricky to rate, because you have some good ideas in here - but the pitch and time shifting has resulted in some bizarre tempo mis-matches that just don't work for me.

Nice acoustic atmosphere though; just needs some tweaking to make it less busy with the vocals and to tighten up the syncing.

comment added to niteshift's Remix on 2007-04-24 14:14:10

Soundtrack defines it well - it has that grandness to it which could work very well as a movie score.

On the downside, I think the section starting at 3:43 gets a bit too busy with the three vocals going at the same time; but that's a fairly minor gripe.

Good version. 4/5 from me.

comment added to Galais's Remix on 2007-04-24 14:10:32

Ahh well now; since I was one of the more critical folks here, I will be the first to caution you to not take the feedback too seriously.

Yes, there's good reason to practice, practice, practice some basic things like being comfortable using your instrument of choice (keyboard, for instance); and certainly it makes sense to know something about harmonies/chord structures/whatnot .

_BUT_

don't ever start to overanalyze or overthink it; never theorize to the point where you'll start to second-guess your instincs because music theory such and such says one thing - because that's the very worst type of artist.

So - don't sweat it, and don't overthink it. OK?

comment added to essesq's Remix on 2007-04-23 15:01:57

Very, very nice dark dub atmosphere. I'm not a fan of the vocals - especially the "what you are to me"; but you've done one _heck_ of a job with the core groove which is outstanding.

4/5.

comment added to sammlung santosi's Remix on 2007-04-23 14:56:30

This is quite good, actually. The vocal treatment is really interesting, and the rhythms work really well with the pad sound.

Good work uploading in its current form - it's a really interesting take on it. Good one.

comment added to Brian L's Remix on 2007-04-23 14:49:03

Some _really_ good ideas in here, but the drums sound like they're mixed way too loud, which takes it down a notch (listening on B&O headphones, which have a pretty good range).

The rhythm and bass are both very good, and I think the track would really benefit from some tuning.

comment added to Massimo Voci's Remix on 2007-04-23 14:34:09

OK, the good stuff first - the lack of structure works like a charm in places, and really makes it an ambient track. I really like the xylophone-like sound tag-teaming it with the rhodes in the first part - has sort of a live performance feel to it.

Although I completely get what you're aiming for with the song vs. experience statement, I personally prefer to listen to things with more of a traditional song structure - even when they're (seemingly) all over the place like the recent Tunamelt and HaveMercy/Synthetic/Loveshadow mixes.

_But_ - all of that aside - you've done really well to have an idea and realize it, and you've gone about it with a personal style, and that is something pretty cool. Congrats.

comment added to essesq's Remix on 2007-04-20 20:47:12

Sorry, I should have written something earlier when I first listened to it. I really like the drums - makes me think of some Fad Gadget stuff.

I think you've managed to pull of a version that stays true to the original but also made it stand out. For my personal taste though, I would have loved to see some more drastic changes - but that's just me.

Great version, well executed. Cheers.

comment added to MixterRader's Remix on 2007-04-20 20:36:37

Now _that's_ the bass sound I was shooting for with my most recent mix. Somehow it manages to press almost all of my mid-to-late-80s industrial-synth buttons at once, which is not a mean feat. :)

You have the makings of one hell of a dance track which if you build on it could easily stand on its own merits without the tongue-in-cheek intro/extro.

Great stuff.

comment added to caml's Remix on 2007-04-20 20:32:20

Alright - re: the age thing, that was more to say that I can't really change at this point (I'm 35 now, and although I _really_ still like to dance, I also like to go to a place that allows you to sit down in a Barcelona chair with a drink and just lounge).

My deep, deep thanks to all of you. It's been great to share a bunch of musical ideas here for the past couple of months or so, and I've really appreciated the support and feedback.

I'll continue to check in to hear what you're all doing, but will lay low on the remix side until RWR posts the next thing. All the best.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-04-20 16:56:24

Hahaha. Hey guys, seriously, take it down a notch. You're making PG/AK look bad.

I've already raved about the previous version, but will say that the inclusion of LS - however unlikely - managed to add something new without cutting away the identity of the original piece.

Congrats. It's a stunning piece, and I'm glad to have started my day with this (just before 10am here).

comment added to Synthetic1's Remix on 2007-04-20 14:46:06

Hey hey hey. This is a sweet version. Wait, I'm not saying it right. This is a _sweeet_ version.

Your first mix here on RWR had so much promise, but was sort of let down by the production; this on the other hand is carefully mixed, and each element gets lots of room to breathe and to play around. Man. So much to comment on; the keys, the lazy but haunting bass, the brass, . very very good.

I think the refrain doesn't blend as well with the rest of the track, but it's a very minor issue.

It's a great track. Congrats.

comment added to wolfgang's Remix on 2007-04-20 14:39:40

Oh, brother. This is one hell of a version. Just beautiful. And it tells one heck of a story; this made my mind overflow with a sort of Ghost in the shell-meets-Bladerunner movie clip.

Stunning piece.

Congrats on the collaboration. This is goes in both my favs, and is a clear 5*.

comment added to HaveMercy's Remix on 2007-04-20 14:34:56

Umm. Not sure what happened to your rating for it to be a 2 average, but my vote was 4/5. ??

comment added to ashugh's Remix on 2007-04-20 14:16:03

Yep - very harmonious coexistance. Great stuff. You've balanced it just right to avoid it being a gimmick. Nice version that manages to play it close to the original and at the same time put a personal stamp on it.

comment added to ashugh's Remix on 2007-04-20 14:15:29

FYI for those who don't know Ryuichi Sakamoto's early stuff - "Tibetan Dance" and "Stepping into Asia" (especially a track w/Thomas Dolby called "Field Work") are well worth looking into.

Also, YMO's "Taiso" is one of my all-time favs. Just the lyrics are worth the price of admission. Thanks for the reminder.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-04-19 20:05:38

Splice and dice? As in tapes?

The version is too short. I really like the base groove you've built, and would love to see you expand on it. Great work.

comment added to Mike Stockford's Remix on 2007-04-19 19:20:16

Thanks everyone - this was sort of a blatantly introspective retro thing for me to do, because years ago I used to sit by the piano for hours just pounding on the keys and wailing away nonsense lyrics.

Robert Smith said that during the early years, "A forest" used to be close to 20 minutes when they played live because they would just stand there hammering away on their guitars.

I thought the rhodes during the break were almost too playful, but it turns out it balanced out the dark-ish mood pretty well.

- The_Joe - yeah, I know. I've got something percolating since last night that I might end up posting. Will see.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-04-19 19:17:10

100% agree with Synthetic - this is one heck of a sound, and you should really go ahead and expand on it. Absolutely great stuff.

comment added to RizkeyG's Remix on 2007-04-19 19:07:34

Ahh. So I'm sort of casually listening to this, really enjoying it, and the section at 1:40 hits - just sort of drops in, unexpected but thoroughly welcome.

I like how you've taken a fairly simple and repetitive structure, and still be able to clearly distinguish between the verse/chorus. Really enjoyable.

I do think though that this version plays it more safe than your "Karma" JOI track; but that's pretty easy to get over when it sounds this good.

comment added to Loveshadow's Remix on 2007-04-19 19:05:39

Yowza. I like. This isn't the most accessible or inviting intro; but boy does it ever reward you for sticking with it. By the time the heavy beat kicked in, I knew I was in for a treat - and once the bass hit, well, that was it. One hell of a version.

Yeah. I'll shut up now and just listen. Thanks for sharing this version.

comment added to tunamelt's Remix on 2007-04-19 18:57:02

I'm a bit torn here; the track itself is great - beautiful orchestration, really nice rhythms and harmonies, and slowing it down works really well. It's just the "you guide me through" that doesn't work for me being slowed down, so for my taste that's a -1.

Still, beautiful music and really well constructed; and I'm all for pursuing an idea once you get it in your head. 4*

comment added to audiotechnica's Remix on 2007-04-19 18:46:36

Hmm. This is very good; you've managed to "liberate" the song - it's now full of air to breathe and move. Very nice. Really well mastered, too, because it's as crisp as anything, and has lots of range.

comment added to Acustica's Remix on 2007-04-19 18:36:01

This is one crazy version, carefully tip-toeing that line between music and noise. Well, maybe not carefully; maybe _purposely_ jumping straight into chaos at times.

The production screams quality, so I don't think there's anything in here you didn't intend to put in, and my respect for taking an all-out approach. For my taste, it's not always _enjoyable_ listening, but I respect the heck out of it. Good work.

comment added to youyou's Remix on 2007-04-18 16:27:46

Hahah - vemod. Very good. "Stort aer vaart moerker, men inte oaendligt."

Gillar den haer versionen skarpt. Snyggt gjort.

comment added to Burnin Sven's Remix on 2007-04-18 14:49:52

Well, well, well. Your production skills are bloody incredible - show off some excellent vocal effects, and you manage to keep a 5-minute track constantly changing, which is no mean feat.

It's not really my taste - the chord progression is very standard for this type of music, and the track doesn't really break new ground as such - but it's high-energy and got me going, so who cares?

Good work.

comment added to Backstage Superstarz's Remix on 2007-04-17 16:28:41

You show off some pretty impressive skills with Garage Band - I had sort of dismissed it as a music tool up to this point - shame on me!

Not too fond of the vocal effects on the intro, but I think overall you have a great take on this. Congrats.

comment added to acm's Remix on 2007-04-17 16:21:45

Rizkey - I admit it, I didn't vote. I felt that an opus of this quality and magnitude would speak for itself. Work like this does not go unnoticed, and will naturally rise to the top, with or without help.

comment added to sammlung santosi's Remix on 2007-04-17 16:17:30

Oh, mama; this is one heck of a track. The chord progression is outstanding - really nailed a new take on this without making the vocals seem out of place or force-fitted.

You show some outstanding skills here - musically and production-wise. The keys are great, the constantly changing soundscape (without losing sight of the common thread) . this is easliy one of the best Joi mixes I have heard, and just a top track in general.

5. Stars. Right. To. The. Top.

comment added to TheJoe's Remix on 2007-04-17 15:13:45

Yes. I think you have a very strong intro. The mid-section was really interesting, and I think the ending was really strong too. Overall, a great high-energy loungy track to just let run in the background.

comment added to sammlung santosi's Remix on 2007-04-17 15:10:01

I completely agree with rustyjam on this - the section at 2:00-3:30 has something truly unique to offer - honestly, that segment is better than the source materials, in my opinion.

I like the non-quantized tones - there's a live performance to it that's really nice; and the simple synth sounds really take me back.

My only issue is how it ends - sort of 4:00 on; which is weaker than the intro and mid part.

Great take on it though. Congrats.

comment added to Susy1214's Remix on 2007-04-17 15:07:11

Spin - just as an FYI, the PG/AK harmony vocals were cut into segments and then triggered to fit with the 3/4 beat.

I built it with PG's vocals in mind - I sort of had it playing in my head for a couple of days before putting it down.

Thanks for the comments, everyone. Much appreciated.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-04-16 22:12:07

Hey - sorry I didn't drop a comment earlier, but was listening over coffee at work. OK - this is actually much better than it sounds like at first - I've listened to so many versions of this track that at first it seems like another "me-too" that plays really close to the original; but at 0:53 something pretty cool happens, and it builds its own unique character.

The track still sort of goes in too many directions for me, but I think you have an individual style, and you seem to know what you're doing. I'd personally like to see some of the unique parts as the intro as an early hook, and maybe tune/focus the track a bit more; but this certainly has something good going for it. Cheers.

comment added to MixMeta4's Remix on 2007-04-16 22:07:39

Nicely done. The rhythms are very well constructed, and you certainly know how to manage a track to ensure that it is varied but doesn't spiral out of control (keeping the TB-303 in check, for instance).

The trumpets are a great addition. Congrats to you both on this one.

comment added to Jason Golley's Remix on 2007-04-16 15:35:00

Very, very nice, my good man. It's great to see you let your humorous shield down long enough for a stunner like this to sneak past. It's a sweet, elegant and moving version. Very well done.

comment added to Doghouse Riley's Remix on 2007-04-16 15:31:21

Hmm. Yes, I think you should continue to work on this. The speed works really, really well; but there's something with the ethereal-sounding vocals that makes them not mesh that well with the rhythms (for me, anyway).

You could have an outstanding track here. Right now it's a 4 for me though.

comment added to Wolf Dee's Remix on 2007-04-16 15:29:15

Well, well, well. I find myself liking this a lot more than I thought I would. Normally don't like versions that play it close to the original; but I sort of like this against my will. There's small touches like the melody playing against the vocals at 2:02 , and it works really bloody well.

comment added to L-D's Remix on 2007-04-16 15:27:11

Well, jojk demonstrated that he doesn't really get the concept of hotpicks - that's fair. I think the piping work is really good, and you've managed to fuse traditional piping with traditional african singing, which is great (have you come across Michael Grey's "Shimla Hum"?)

You should really finish this, because as it stands it really leaves potential on the table.

Great version though. Congrats.

comment added to Droning By Numbers's Remix on 2007-04-16 15:23:44

Ahh - beautiful wah-wah guitar and elec piano work.

I normally prefer versions that are drastically different from the original; but here you've managed to show great respect to the original while breathing new life into it.

The rhythms and keys are outstanding. Great work.

comment added to Spadina's Remix on 2007-04-16 15:20:53

Hey - welcome to the site. I think it's a well-made version, but for my personal taste it's a bit too similar to the original. I am a fan of people really putting their personal stamp on a remix. Having said that though, it's a good take, and you've injected some new energy into it, which is very welcome.

comment added to Mirko Nogherot's Remix on 2007-04-16 15:18:21

Hey hey hey. Another great groove. Very nicely constructed. Great example of using the original samples while tearing apart/reconstructing it to be something unique. It's more consistent and less all over the place than some of your earlier versions, and it really helps the track. Great work.

comment added to stram's Remix on 2007-04-16 15:15:08

Ahh - now this is great. This is sort of what I was getting at with my comments on your previous version, where I felt you took a joke a bit far.

In this version, it's nicely restrained, each element gets room to breathe, and as result there's a very unique and interesting take.

Very nicely done.

comment added to radiotimes's Remix on 2007-04-16 15:07:29

Spin - I'm a bit torn over this. There are parts that I admire more than like (pretty much all the parts with the organ, like 1:43 ); because it's a bit too theatrical for me.

But it's really well executed, and the good parts are _really_ good, so it's easily a 4* for me.

comment added to spinmeister's Remix on 2007-04-16 15:04:19

I agree with Kappi - my taste craves this version with some really trippy drums and post-processing, and it would burst through the 5 rating system.

As it stands, it's _nice_, and the harmonies are beautiful (as usual, with your tracks), but I'm left thinking it's a demo, or that something is missing. 4* for me.

comment added to fielding's Remix on 2007-04-16 14:58:03

Hmm. On the one hand, you've _really_ nailed the sound you were going for. I mean, the music is bang on. On the other hand, the vocals sometimes just don't fit - there are times when they feel force-fit (especially the PG/AK duo parts).

All in all though, great take, and just full of _life_.

comment added to sammlung santosi's Remix on 2007-04-16 14:55:17

Oh, mama - you really held on to the best stuff to pretty late in the track - at 2:11 you have one heck of a groove going. I wish you had introduced that earlier - maybe use that as an intro, then scale down for a breather in the middle part, then exit with more energy again. It's a powerful hook, and right now it sort of enters too late for my taste.

Great beat though. Now I'm energized.

comment added to lemurian's Remix on 2007-04-16 14:51:54

This is really nice - another piece with beautiful harmonies from you. I think you showed great restraint with the vocals this time - lots of treatment, but very nicely done.

comment added to fielding's Remix on 2007-04-16 14:48:44

This is pretty nice, but the volume is _really_ low. I think it's a good conceptual piece, and the harmonies are nice, but for my taste, I would love to see something more happening towards the second half - introduce a bass or a melodic sound or something like that.

Good take though.

comment added to Pasha's Remix on 2007-04-16 14:41:33

I really like the music; but there are some weird parts where the vocals don't seem to fit that well (2:28, for instance).

I'd also like to see you make more use of the beautiful guitar play at the bars starting at 0:43 - it would counter-act some of the heavier sounds later on.

Having said all of that, I really like the track. Great version.

comment added to rustyjam's Remix on 2007-04-16 14:38:11

I'm actually sort of with L-D on this - it feels like a joke that was taken a bit too far.

Then again, I know what it's like to get an idea in your head and you just have to see it through to conclusion; so I can't blame you for that.

comment added to radiotimes's Remix on 2007-04-13 16:31:58

Thanks for redoing - I think the track is outstanding - the piano is so simple, but excellent and doesn't get feel repetitive, and works really well with the rhythms and the guitar.

Oh, and the glitching/reverse processing towards the end? Works for me.

comment added to Eurosausage's Remix on 2007-04-12 21:44:29

This is actually quite good - there's a relentlessness about it that really works for me. I don't disagree that it could probably evolve more, but you have a really good base groove here. Good work.

comment added to MASSIV3's Remix on 2007-04-12 16:48:59

Hey - I come back to this track, because the overall atmosphere is excellent, and the use of effects towards the second half is just outstanding. Couldn't send you a PM with suggestions on timeshifting on the cheap because you don't have it enabled, so here goes:

- Good but limited = download the Melodyne Uno demo and use it to timeshift the vocals, and save the result to a WAV file using an audio out-to-file recorder (I used it on the vocals and the guitar on my "I am happy now" remix and described it there)

- OK and lots of work = use your sampler (software or hardware) and manually create slices of the original WAV files - one for practially each syllable, and play back in the right position. Could have wonky results though.

Really hope you redo this one, because it could be a winner.

comment added to Eurosausage's Remix on 2007-04-10 20:28:30

Well, technically it's thanks to Mr. Ikutaro Kakehashi for his TB-303, but I get your point.

I really like the base groove in this; but think that you could evolve it and just let it grow with heavier BD and a more fat bass - you could have a dancefloor winner with this one. Good work.

comment added to RizkeyG's Remix on 2007-04-10 16:55:05

Very good example of speeding the track up - the rhythms are fast without being schizofrenic and the vocals fit just perfectly. Great job.

comment added to pepperman's Remix on 2007-04-10 16:50:50

Very nice - I really like the rhythms - deceptively complex and very well balanced. I agree with LS' comments re: reverbs - kept in check nicely on this. Good version.

comment added to Maxwell's Remix on 2007-04-10 16:49:01

Good take on this - sort of a tribal dance version. Good work. The only thing I'm missing is an even fatter bass to enter towards the second half (although it might just be my laptop headphones)

comment added to Jay Brannan's Remix on 2007-04-10 15:49:25

Beautiful vocal treatments to build a new catchy hook. Great work. The instrumentation and the beat go together beautifully with the vocals. Just a great version - congrats.

comment added to sicgoe's Remix on 2007-04-10 15:45:59

Very tight, and quite excellent. There's something about it that immediately made me think of a Mijk Van Dijk track from the "Ghost in the shell" album. Great, heavy track. Snyggt gjort.

comment added to Johannes's Remix on 2007-04-08 03:58:52

I have to disagree with Synthetic here - the voices completely take away from my enjoyment - I think it's unnecessary, and feels gimmicky.

The music of the mix is a stunner, and the effects build up amazingly (the treatment on the vocals and rhythms towards the last part are absolutely top notch - I just wish you had used the original vocals for it).

comment added to Eurosausage's Remix on 2007-04-05 19:39:11

Great, great work. There's just so much going on, but it's so carefully balanced that no part takes too much room, and they all get to breathe. It's a pleasure to listen to. The ending part starting at 3:07 just beautiful - an absolute stunner.

comment added to caml's Remix on 2007-04-05 19:33:55

Congrats on your baby - that's great! My one year old just started daycare this week, which hasn't been the easiest thing for us (more so than him).

Great version - very interesting, and have some neat surprises (the shift from 1/8T to 1/16 and back).

The ending builds up a bit too much for my taste - becomes a bit melodramatic - but overall, a really strong and unique take on this. Great work.

comment added to HaveMercy's Remix on 2007-04-05 19:28:40

Oh, mama. How I wish you had stayed with the style of the first two minutes. That smokey 50s jazz-club feel worked very well for me, and I was so happy to hear it - very well restrained.

The second half is, well, _OK_; but I would have _loved_ if you had built on the first piece more subtly rather than restarting in a more generic fashion.

Still, great piece of work, very well done - but for my personal taste, I preferred the first half.

comment added to Doghouse Riley's Remix on 2007-04-05 19:23:51

Ahh - very nice. Perhaps the "uhh" sound is just a bit overdone, but I really like the combination of the playful organ sound and the somber mood.

I wish you had given more playtime to the guitar (0:44, for instance) - it's a beautiful partner to the other sounds.

Great mix.

comment added to audiotechnica's Remix on 2007-04-05 19:16:11

Compared to the joi remix you just submitted, I find this to be less interesting; albeit flawlessly put together. The guitar is beautiful, the rhythms break at just the right point, but it's got less character to me than, say, your lighthouse remix.

Beautiful mix at any rate, I just won't really remember it tomorrow. But a good 4/5 for the musical and production work.

comment added to Loveshadow's Remix on 2007-04-05 19:12:08

Very, very nice. The looping pad sounds are excellent - very orchestral - build up just beautifully, and mute at just the right time. This is so up my alley - very good version.

The only issue I have has less to do with your work, and more to do with the original "so I trust in you" vocals - they simply don't sound good when timestretched - the "youuu" part particularly has a nasty vibrato that becomes butt ugly when stretched.

Most excellent version. 5/5 from me.

comment added to Loveshadow's Remix on 2007-04-05 19:08:42

It's pretty good; but I'd like to hear a really good, fat house bass enter at some point just to really drive it home.

comment added to DJRetska's Remix on 2007-04-05 18:59:02

Hahah. I saw an interview of Beck once where he said that the record company had commissioned a remix from Tricky; but when Beck listened to it, he thought that Tricky was dissing him.

That's a bit what I'm feeling here. Not sure what the heck to do with this version. I respect that you pulled this off, but, seriously, it's a heck of a workout to listen to.

comment added to Fien:D's Remix on 2007-04-03 18:02:04

The sections right at 1 minute, and then again at 2:20-something are really bloody good. The teen spirit overfloweth a bit too much for my taste, but the guitar fits really well with the agressive track otherwise.

Oh, and a welcome return of the VL-1.

comment added to Synthetic1's Remix on 2007-04-03 17:46:44

The good news is that there's a _lot_ of good stuff in this version - it's just hidden.

You have found an excellent core groove, but at times it becomes a bit overwhelming with a number of sounds playing at the same time.

If you could find a way to tune this a bit, it could easily be a winner, because you've stumbled on a very unique sound.

comment added to Steffarno's Remix on 2007-04-03 17:40:58

Sorry, to my ears a couple of the samples just don't play well together - for instance, the section at 2:36 mixes and matches sample starting points so that they all play at the same speed, but to their own beat, so to speak.

I think the length is another potential issue - if you could create a more focused version, I think you could have something pretty strong.

comment added to gabrielized's Remix on 2007-04-03 17:24:57

Hey - not the easiest thing to rate, because on the one hand the music that comes through is quite good - but at the same time, the overlapping vocals really become "crowded" at times. It's simply a bit too much in areas.

You have some really good ideas in here though, and I think it could really become something.

comment added to Briareus's Remix on 2007-04-01 03:19:58

Ugh - the hidden beats are actually a mistake - a leftover from cropping down the intro and not adjusting the end-marker.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-03-28 11:29:22

Very elegant take on this - lots of things going on under the surface. Very nicely done.

comment added to Pnapper's Remix on 2007-03-27 03:13:10

Very good. I really got a kick out of this - just a simple (but complex) trance-y dance track. Really, really well done. Great take on this.

comment added to Johannes's Remix on 2007-03-27 03:08:16

Hey and welcome to the site. I'd really like to hear a more personal take on a remix rather than rearranging the original pieces - I think it could benefit from some original instrumentation or rhythm here or there to really stand out.

Good first attempt though!

comment added to Fien:D's Remix on 2007-03-27 03:03:20

Not bad - there are some great ideas in here, but to me the sound mix is really making it difficult to listen to - a bit like your "Maharani" version before you reengingeered it. I'd strongly recommend going back to look at what's making it sound so muffled and see if you can fix.

Great version though - just would love to hear it more cleanly.

comment added to lemurian's Remix on 2007-03-25 03:09:14

Sweet soundscape. Very nicely done. Excellent use of the original vocals - great mix of slow dub and drum-and-bass rhythms. Great work.

comment added to saikodisco's Remix on 2007-03-25 03:06:13

Great take on this, and I agree that the synth in the background really breathes life into the mix. I'm also a sucker for the rhodes, but could never incorporate them into my own versions, so kudos on making them fit so well with a track that's clearly your personal take. Great version.

comment added to the rev's Remix on 2007-03-22 15:31:17

I think you did the right thing to submit - the core harmonies are very good, and give a new perspective on how the vocals can be incorporated. Very nice.

I can sort of see where you're coming from with putting it to rest - it's like there are parts that could benefit from a second pass, and could push this from a 4 to a 5; but all in all, it's a good, inspiring peace.

comment added to audiotechnica's Remix on 2007-03-22 15:28:39

I actually really like this - the core beat is excellent. On the downside - the volume on the voices is a bit low, but that could easily be because of my iMac speakers.

Great, unique mix. Very individual sound that sets you apart. Great work.

comment added to ajax's Remix on 2007-03-22 15:25:31

Excellent effects on the guitar. Unfortunately for me the rest of the track doesn't really live up to that same potential - the drums are a bit simple for me. Good ideas though. Congrats.

comment added to Leper!'s Remix on 2007-03-22 02:06:59

I agree with stram - really unfortunate about the quality, but I can't blame you - the length is just right for this - for me it never feels too long. Great, great work keeping it so dynamic and alive. _Irie_.

comment added to saikodisco's Remix on 2007-03-22 02:04:57

Very, very good. This shows great restraint - never taking it too far - just very skillfully done. Great harmonies and rhythms; great buildup.

comment added to Schräs's Remix on 2007-03-22 02:01:46

I'm really enjoying this - very playful, and some beautiful harmonies/rhythms going on. Really a lot of very neat things going on under the surface. Great stuff.

comment added to Multiman's Remix on 2007-03-22 01:57:27

Hello everyone, and thanks. You know there's that time when I send off a mix that I sort of wonder if anyone will "get" what I wanted to do with a particular version, and it's pretty fantastic to see that there are other people out there who like this type of music. I really apprecite your feedback - thanks for taking the time to write something.

ProudMother: the chords driving the vocoder are never heard outside of the effect they have on the voice. It's a simple progression (C-G, A-E, F-C, D-A), and they're the same chords I used its other version - my "deep slumber" remix).

I also mute the chords in places so that the vocoder effect isn't used all the time - only to emphasize certain syllables/words.

The sound that comes in the last part of the track is a factory sound from Propellerhead Reason, and it's called Radio Sphex (Malstrom sound), which also has a multi-tap reverb on it to make it more dynamic.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-03-20 15:39:43

Oh, brother - beautiful, beautiful harmonies to match with AK's voice. Stunning.

I didn't get the break at 1:18 at all until I heard it again at 2:38 - for me it worked _much_ better with the rhythms the second time around.

The core melody you've put together is just outstanding though. Excellent work.

comment added to fielding's Remix on 2007-03-20 13:35:54

Yes - _much_ too short. I could see this potentially going off in so many different directions - it would be so much fun to work on!

The ending really leaves you wonding what could have happened next.

Excellent concept piece. Congrats.

comment added to Lee Hell's Remix on 2007-03-19 13:37:11

Hello and welcome to the site!

Good first attempt. It's a bit too plain for my personal liking - it would be great to see more of you in the mix - by adding an instrument or two to make it stand out more.

comment added to sintil8's Remix on 2007-03-19 13:33:22

I really respect the fact that you collaborated on a mix - great thing to do. In this case, though, I think that you individually are better than this resulting mix - I think that it's an OK mix, but it takes a bit too long to get to the 4 min mark where it leaps from sort of generic to really carving out its own identity.

comment added to Doghouse Riley's Remix on 2007-03-19 13:30:51

I really like bass playing; my problem is with some of the original samples - I actually think that they take away from your bass. It would be great to see your take on redoing more of the other instruments (like the section at 3:24 - it's really, really good).

comment added to sammlung santosi's Remix on 2007-03-19 13:27:24

Excellent. I have to admit that I prefer the parts like the opening and the section starting at 2:12 - you show a great restraint in both those areas, and the track really comes alive. Very strong track.

comment added to youyou's Remix on 2007-03-19 12:43:15

Well done. I understand your reluctance to do a cello recording, since I gather you're on the RWR site to get _away_ from cellos . but I think it was well worth it. Thanks for sharing this version, and best of luck with your upcoming performances.

comment added to mccello's Remix on 2007-03-19 12:40:17

Hey everyone - just in case you stop by to catch this comment, I'd just like to say that I really do appreciate all the feedback. There's a bunch of you that I really respect, and it's great to get a chance to get your input on these tracks.

Thanks again.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-03-19 03:48:33

Most incredible. Very, very, impressive. The bass drum is just perfectly balanced against the guitar treatment and the voice f/x. Just a fantastic piece.

comment added to Schräs's Remix on 2007-03-16 03:46:12

George - I think this is very well made. It's not necessarily my favourite music to listen to, but I can appreciate the quality behind it, and especially how much respect it shows for the source materials. Great work blending modern and old roots.

BTW - just read about the Ledra Street wall. My best wishes for all of you there.

comment added to Backstage Superstarz's Remix on 2007-03-09 15:33:19

hernine/HaveMercy - in the previous competition, Loveshadow said: "all my mixes are demos of an idea not masters", and I really agree with that.

I'm not going for perfection - I just want to share an idea/concept for others to listen to so that maybe they get ideas of their own. That's it.

At the end of all of this, I'm going to take the best parts of the different drafts and continue to work on them (minus the RWR samples), and turn it into something different, and something of my own.

_Then_ I'll be putting in a lot of effort.

Thanks again for the feedback. I'm really happy to read your comments.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-03-07 16:27:48

Fantastic work. Beautiful chord progression - and as HaveMercy mentioned - the lazy piano timing is great - adds such a living feel to this. I tend to over-quantize when I work on the computer; but this is exactly the type of music I love to play when I sit down on the piano.

What really comes through in this version is a love for music. Congrats, and thanks for uploading.

comment added to mccello's Remix on 2007-03-07 14:24:06

Antares - great work.

I agree with HaveMercy though that you have enough pieces in there to create an outstanding version; but right now, the melody and beat probaby change too often.

If you decide to go back to this remix for another attempt, I think you could have a winner (the parts at 1:37, 2:21, 2:38 and the ending are _superb_)

Either way, I respect you for posting the ideas you have - it is a very generous attitude, because it really helps to inspire and give ideas to others.

comment added to antares's Remix on 2007-03-07 14:14:23

Stram - nope, not unfinished, just . well, not completely finished.

Two things: the abrupt ending sounded better at the time (but that may have been because of the beer), and, it was getting so late that I didn't want to spend any additional time on it.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-03-05 14:18:10

Thanks for all the comments. This really started as a way to test something out, and the rest of the track pretty much just followed.

Re: why posting a draft - by the time I was done with a basic structure around the chopped ouds, I was so sick and tired of the overall sound of it that I really didn't want to touch it again.

Still, I figured that someone could get something out of it, so I uploaded it anyway.

I might come back to it later, but I strongly doubt it.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-03-05 14:15:57

Good first mix, and welcome to the site.

The mix would probably benefit from some level tuning - the voice samples don't come through very well on my headphones - they sort of drown against the bass.

For my taste, I would probably cut it down in length a bit - if it was a "radio edit" version, you could have more variation as you go.

Good attempt at this pack.

comment added to the mixoligist's Remix on 2007-03-05 13:37:16

Stram - another one of your mixes - similar to "Empires of crime" - that I'm completely torn about. Except for the break at 0:40, which for my taste doesn't fit in at all, this is simply _outstanding_.

The sliding melody works really well as contrast with the drums/bass, and is very Aphex Twin like. The rhythms are really, really, good. There's so much going on in this one. Man, this is one heck of a version. Great stuff.

comment added to stram's Remix on 2007-03-05 13:31:38

The vocals at 3:27 on absolutely sound jagged - there's some clipping artefacts that drag down an otherwise very enjoyable beat/harmony.

comment added to Loveshadow's Remix on 2007-03-01 16:25:03

Beautiful. This _precisely_ illustrates the point I was trying to make on radiotimes' last mix - here you have a version that stakes completely new ground, but at the same time shows great respect for and understanding of the original materials - nothing feels forced or like it doesn't fit in.

This is excellent work. Beautifully played and arranged. Congrats.

comment added to hernine's Remix on 2007-03-01 16:18:29

I couldn't agree more with Loveshadow - it's like the "you guide me" vocals are literally smacked into submission to fit in (1:35), making the whole experience a bit, umm, _odd_.

I've taken a bit of heat in the past on straying too far from the original mix, but this one literally takes the prize.

Nice music though. Just don't know how the heck to rate it. ???

comment added to radiotimes's Remix on 2007-03-01 16:14:25

Ottie - nice change in pace.

I'll be honest and say that this song would be better without the vocals for the first two minutes. The vocals actually drag your music down (sorry, Joi!)

The cut ouds are really good, and sound great against the ambient sounds.

When the ouds enter, the track really starts, and by the time the rhythms kick in it's some of the best harmonies you'll find here. I could listen to that segment of the song for a very long time. Really, really nice work.

If it was me, I wouldn't have the first minute, and I would extend the second half; but then again, I'm the guy sitting here wishing I had come up with this track, so there you go.

comment added to Ottie's Remix on 2007-02-27 10:59:00

What a thoroughly pleasant surprise, for several reasons:

- it's an old sample pack, just in time to counter some of the Joi overload effect :)

- it's a _really_ good and solid mix. Great stuff.

(Small detail, but there's a rhodes chord progression ending with a chime that feels right at home on a United Future Organization album. _Love_ it.)

comment added to wolfgang's Remix on 2007-02-27 10:50:57

OK - have to rush to a meeting, but very quickly - you've just raised the bar on doing a remix with only the original samples. I am impressed, humbled and will need to go do something thinking. :)

Excellent work.

comment added to Schräs's Remix on 2007-02-21 11:25:56

I agree re: originality - new ideas are worth a whole heck of a lot. There are parts where the sound levels sound a bit unbalanced; and the musical choices don't always fit my personal taste, but you found a unique take on this and pulled it off pretty darn well.

comment added to Bojo's Remix on 2007-02-21 05:57:18

Fantastic beat - the bass and drums work extremely well together.

Yeah, I'll shut up now and just listen. Really bloody well done.

comment added to k-lab's Remix on 2007-02-21 05:54:27

Good first attempt. The filtered tabla sounds great, and there's a really good beat throughout.

Sometimes the samples don't sound like they're lined up though - and it comes across a bit scattered for my liking.

It would also be great to hear you add some instrumentation and maybe make a more unique take on it.

Good attempt though!

comment added to drumbeat's Remix on 2007-02-21 05:48:12

The Casio parts are beautiful - easily making the second and last parts my favourites. The last part in particular has some really neat small details going on - great work.

And for anyone out there who's too young to know about the Casio VL-1, look it up. It's a piece of synth music history.

comment added to Synthetic1's Remix on 2007-02-21 05:39:10

Christof - beautiful execution. I think that the short and spontaneous process really helped in this case - it's great the way it is, and any extra time spent on it could easily have been to add unnecessary pieces.

Beautiful harmonies, really well played - just great work.

comment added to mccello's Remix on 2007-02-20 06:01:29

This is absolutely beautiful. I agree with the repetitive nature of the "I trust in you" sample; but it barely takes away from what is an absolute top-notch track.

The guitar melody and background chords perfectly accompany the ouds and the voice track. Just stunning. Excellent idea and execution.

comment added to audiotechnica's Remix on 2007-02-20 05:58:45

Ahh. At first this sounded like another copy/paste track that doesn't stray away from the original pack - and I almost didn't get to the good parts (02:20 on). Shame on me for doubting, but also, shame on you for making us wait. The break is _beautiful_, and it is clearly what makes this track unique. I would love to see you make more obvious use of those harmonies earlier in the track.

Seriously. The minute and change starting at the 2:20 mark is outstanding. Package that up in a different package, and you can sell it as crack.

comment added to too-old's Remix on 2007-02-20 05:55:07

I like the "wah-pad" progression - it fits very well with the sample pack - especially during the break at 2 mins - great interplay with the vocals and the two pad sounds.

On the downside the sound levels aren't that well balanced - the pad is much too loud in the beginning, and some of the sounds sound a bit muted. Also (but this is just a taste thing) - the cymbals are way too Ibiza dance party for me.

comment added to fielding's Remix on 2007-02-19 09:51:41

I agree it might not be the most original, but I also agree there's a lot of hard work behind this mix - a lot of things going on that you might not hear at first, but really points to very high production skills.

I also think it's a well-needed shift in a more playful direction (like Spin's "Common Roots", or Schras' "Concorde Lounge .") - much needed and appreciated for this site.

Good work.

comment added to Loveshadow's Remix on 2007-02-19 07:23:34

Great energy in this mix, but it's a bit too muddled for my liking - perhaps the reverb is a bit too overpowering - sounds almost like the reverb is on everything rather than being individually set on specific sounds.

I think you have a good, solid concept though - just feels like some of the details get lost.

comment added to lemurian's Remix on 2007-02-19 07:09:39

I agree you should follow through, hopefully with some more "meat" to the mix. Right now it's very close in sound and form to the original sample pack (with the exception of the break around 2 mins) - and it would be great to hear you expand on that to really make it your own mix.

comment added to Influxus's Remix on 2007-02-19 07:02:56

Technically very interesting and impressive version. Reversing the samples works extremely well for many of the samples, and your instrumentation sounds really good; but by insisting on reversing _all_ samples rather than being selective, it comes across as somewhat of a gimmick.

Having said that, though, it's still a very well crafted mix, and gutsy for taking the idea all the way. Good work.

comment added to MaCRoMaRCo's Remix on 2007-02-19 07:00:13

I think this is a very strong version. Frankly, it's tricky listening, and at first, I almost skipped it; but there's a really good track in there.

I couldn't agree more with marsh re: the vocals at 3 mins - really don't fit with this music, and sort of drag the experience down.

I also think that the intro is a bit unnecessary - the core of your idea starts at 45 seconds, and is strong enough to stand on its own.

So - Swedish Jazz, hmm? Would be interesting to hear a Jan Johansson take on this.

Bra jobbat.

comment added to MasterPeo's Remix on 2007-02-19 05:51:43

I agree with Schras re: the drumsounds. The rest of the track has such a unique character that it's a bit of a shame to have such natural sounds (snare, cowbell, woodblock, etc.) - sometimes it's a hassle to sit down to work on individual sounds, but this is a track where it could really send it soaring.

I also agree with the positive comments though - excellent idea and execution - much needed change of direction for this competition, and really good listening.

comment added to mfus's Remix on 2007-02-19 05:40:34

I really agree with the previous comments - you have a great core idea, and with minor tuning (reverb, sound levels/compression, possibly rearranging the pieces to start at the two-minute mark) it could be excellent.

Good version, but it could be great.

comment added to joescheirich's Remix on 2007-02-19 05:36:00

Ernie - mir verzeihen, aber ich schreibe nicht Deutsches sehr gut. Für deine Anmerkung danke - ich denke, dass 01:00 nachts eine sehr gute Zeit ist, Musik zu hören.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-02-15 08:09:28

Very enjoyable. The repetitive nature works well for me, because it's pretty much always in motion - something small happens all the time . and just as I'm writing this I got hit with the beat change at 2:54 - _very_ nice.

I don't think this pushes the envelope or stakes out new ground - but who bloody cares, because it's just well made and really nice to listen to. Great work.

comment added to Ottie's Remix on 2007-02-15 08:05:28

Synthetic - yes, I agree. This would fit in nicely on David Holmes' "Out of sight" soundtrack, or his "Let's get killed". Good reference.

comment added to wolfgang's Remix on 2007-02-14 08:27:21

First off - great work adding your personal touch to this track - that was the one thing missing from your previous mix.

I think it's a nice, smooth track starting at 1:30 - still has room for you to add something additional to it, but it's a _great_ base to build on.

To me, the piano sounds a bit out of place when it re-emerges towards the end - clashes a bit with the other harmonies.

Good work!

comment added to South Sound Productions's Remix on 2007-02-14 07:07:06

Thanks for all the comments. We've had a mother of a snow-storm here in Toronto, and it was a good start to the day to read some positive feedback.

The title started out as a bit of an ironic joke, but as I was done I realized that I was serious, because I'm really the happiest in this type of balance between melancholy and hope. It's not the coolest or most out-there version, but it was fun to do something pretty simple.

Thanks again all - it's always great to read thoughtful comments (good or bad) - because that's what this site is all about for me. Cheers.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-02-14 06:49:27

Your Residents comment comes right back home, eh? There are parts in the first two minutes that feel right at home on Eskimo or Mark of the Mole - I get images of a walrus hunt or the final confrontation jumping right out at me.

But OK - so you said ugly, and it's hardly what you would call "pleasant" listening. It is, however, ballsy as hell.

It's probably intentional - but the sound clipping/overload drives me bloody bonkers - and not in a great way. But then again, it would be less ugly that way.

comment added to Synthetic1's Remix on 2007-02-13 11:24:25

Pretty neat work on the ouds. Makes it a lot more interesting than the original, and is a great variation. The bass I could live without - is a bit too monotone for my taste - but the core idea of the sort of pieced together ouds is great.

comment added to g.romay's Remix on 2007-02-13 11:11:07

This is very nice. The pads are great - a sort of mix between 808 state and Sylvian on Gone to Earth.

At times the "you guide me ." sample is much too loud compared to the other sound (at least in my headphones) - but the overall mix is clean and balanced. Great track.

comment added to Dopedemand 71's Remix on 2007-02-13 11:08:28

I like.

I like the simplicity of remix like this. Nice pad sounds. Bass sounds great. Just a solid, enjoyable ambient/trance track. There's a throwback to early 90s in the bass/drum/blip-sound combination that feels very nostalgic to me.

The section at 2:30 is very well constructed - _really_ great sound.

I'm going to paraphrase something that radiotimes said that this may not stand out in this arena - but as I vote for myself and not for the arena, I give this a 5.

comment added to playground's Remix on 2007-02-13 11:04:11

Haha! Very good. Reminds me of some of the early Yello songs from the Solid Pleasure era - just missing Dieter Meier vocals on top.

This is a solidly entertaining _and_ musically pleasant version. Very, very good.

I rate it twelve untarnished silver spoons.

comment added to spinmeister's Remix on 2007-02-13 10:55:51

Honestly, I don't know how to rate this. You've got some excellent production techniques, and the use of effects and ambient sounds are outstanding.

On the other hand, I feel like I need to crack open a bottle of Amarone and be half-way into it before really appreciating this version.

It's 4/5 for me more for the technical execution and skill than the mix itself. Which is sort of a compliment, if you look closely.

comment added to pensandonada's Remix on 2007-02-12 16:11:45

Interesting experiment - but the time stretching / pitch-shifting on the voices feels like it's been taken a bit too far in places (long note at ". so I trust in you" is, umm, _off_).

Overall though the music is good - and it's a good concept to take the original song down a notch or two - reminds me of early Cure albums. Good work.

comment added to 835's Remix on 2007-02-12 16:06:18

Not sure what to make of this. On the one hand I think the section betwen 0:20 and 1:21 is very bloody impressive; but the chorus section that follows feels force-fitted and out of place.

I rate this 8 jars of pickled herring for the idea. (which, if you're from Scandinavia, is pretty good)

comment added to radiotimes's Remix on 2007-02-12 15:56:46

Re: vocals - I can't argue with that. Immediately after posting I kinda kicked myself for overdoing it, and went ahead and made a modified version with less distortion.

Still - this version is out there now, and I'm not a huge fan of resubmitting versions with very slight changes.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-02-12 15:51:12

Again, I'm speechless. This is how you reinterpret a song. It's just an outstanding idea, and your execution is incredible. Great, great work.

comment added to MaCRoMaRCo's Remix on 2007-02-12 14:31:33

Welcome to the site - good to see you posting a first remix. It's good to see you get started with a project - it's good practice just to rearrange a track this way.

I'd recommend you to experiment with adding your own touches though - maybe another sound or a unique beat - will help your remix stand out.

comment added to South Sound Productions's Remix on 2007-02-12 14:12:11

Yep - harmonica and ukulele are excellent touches, and you have something very unique there that really sets you apart. (Harmonica actually reminds me of old The The songs).

The sound levels are uneven, and really need to be tuned. There's also parts that feel really crowded - where the samples fight to stand out - but that doesn't take away from the fact that it's a great idea, and you really have found a unique sound. Great work.

comment added to mfus's Remix on 2007-02-12 14:03:25

Wow. The keys and the core beat work amazingly well together. There's a 5-star song in here, but right now it's sort of hidden. The song is a bit too even - the drums don't change, and there's no real variation or build up.

But the concept and the way you play the keys are absolutely top-notch. If tuned a bit, this could be a winner.

comment added to wolfgang's Remix on 2007-02-12 13:59:45

I love this. The backing harmonies are a pleasure to listen to, and you've balanced the mix just so. PG's voice gets just the right attention, and is backed up perfectly by the individual sounds.

This is just an outstanding mix. Good work.

comment added to Maxwell's Remix on 2007-02-09 16:21:19

Great mix. Very well executed - sounds are tight and clean. Great mix.

I still think that the brass part is your main draw, and that you should hit us with it sooner. The harmonies of the first half (which BTW is quite good) don't really lead into the second half effectively, so the two end up feeling a bit disjointed.

Having said that, it's fun to listen to, sounds great, and is well produced. Not too shabby.

comment added to foreplay's Remix on 2007-02-09 16:19:05

Lemurian - I think it's a better version. Obviously, the main hook is the same, but the mix is better - more clarity in the sounds (someone had mentioned earlier that we shouldn't rate the quality of the MP3, but I sort of disagree - if the sound is muddled it drags down the whole experience) - and it comes through much better now.

Great work!

comment added to lemurian's Remix on 2007-02-09 14:19:41

I am _floored_ by the idea and the execution. First off - just to come up with the idea is a huge deal, but to imagine what it takes to actually pull it off is just incredible.

Full marks for idea and effort.

BTW - the "ouds" melody is very, _very_ good. It would be great to hear something like a folk music version based on that piece.

comment added to MaCRoMaRCo's Remix on 2007-02-09 14:15:22

Pegasus - yep, I'm half-Swedish/half-Finnish, and have a natural affinity for the north.

I was going to call the remix "Ilmarinen's return" or something similar (and for those who get that reference, there's a very good English translation by Keith Bosley), but settled for this.

I'm really surprised of the response to this mix - didn't think that anyone would "get" where I was going with it, especially with the fairly assymetrical bass and melody at 2:02 - but am very happy with the feedback.

We'll see where I go with the next remix - into the cold north again, or somewhere warmer.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-02-08 16:04:31

Absolutely agree with introducing the brass earlier - it's definitely the core of your remix, and it's what makes it a unique piece. Very catchy, very elegant, and just bloody good fun to listen to.

I'll be looking forward to the second version of this track. Really, really good mix.

comment added to foreplay's Remix on 2007-02-08 14:19:34

If I could rate you on the 4 bars at 0:21, it would be the easiest five stars I ever gave - very Boards of Canada - most excellent.

But it's a gutsy take on this track - very well produced. Beautiful effects on the drums / great interplay between the vibraphone and the "electric flute" . great stuff.

comment added to stram's Remix on 2007-02-07 20:22:43

Mmm. Alright, beautiful harmonies/music; most excellent production, but honestly, the vocals drag down the overall feel of the track for me. The music doesn't need either of the voice tracks.

I think you've pulled off a great trick mashing the two songs, but it still feels like a trick or sleigh of hand, and not a choice based on making the music better.

But hey - that's my personal taste, and you'd be nuts to worry about what other people think. Keep pushing the envelope like this. Only good things will come out of it.

comment added to stram's Remix on 2007-02-07 19:32:34

Well, yeah, Paul has made a great stretching utility all right, so a good amount of credit should go to him.

But in terms of the remix, there's not a whole heck of a lot of new things going on here. With source material like this, especially with the guitars and voices, it's bound to sound beautiful. But I would love to see something _added_ to it - like an original rhythm track, or a new melody on top, or, well, you get my drift.

Sorry, but this felt like doing the PG mix all over again - and there wasn't enough new in it for me; or enough to cover three parts.

comment added to Synthetic1's Remix on 2007-02-07 19:19:11

Ahh - thanks. I'm very pleased to see someone taking a less-than-completely-serious approach to this remix. It's as refreshing as the Veuve Clicquot they serve in your Concorde lounge.

I can't say that I enjoy listening to all of the parts of your remix, but I bloody well admire all of it. And you have a seriously catchy bridge (2:40, for instance) to make up for any other parts.

Keep it going, and serve me another glass of the bubbly stuff. I think I'll be staying in this lounge for a bit.

comment added to Schräs's Remix on 2007-02-07 19:12:57

I agree with Loveshadow - it's a pretty common thing for remixers to take so long to build up to something that you sort of lose people on the way.

I think the two components you have at 2:07 and 3:08 respectively could make excellent building blocks for a song - I would love to hear a second take on this track varying the two and seeing where you can take it from there.

Great first mix though. Excellent first attempt.

comment added to Mycroft's Remix on 2007-02-07 15:09:03

Ugh - you had me worried with the long text intro - a mix shouldn't require visual aids to stand on its own two legs . but I'm happy to say that it wasn't the case. It's a beautiful version, and the way that you managed to layer the guitar(s) on top of the original sample in a completely non-intrusive way to create new harmonies is brilliant - absolutely brilliant.

I would be very interested in hearing you build on this with added rhythms, because I have a feeling that it could make a great dance/lounge track.

Beautiful work.

comment added to Loveshadow's Remix on 2007-02-07 15:03:40

I actually disagree with Schras on this - I think it's just smooth enough for what you set out to do. Beautiful version - something for a bunch of us to use as a reference mix for production techniques - very well balanced and executed.

The bass / strings and rhodes work very well together. Really enjoying this.

comment added to Loveshadow's Remix on 2007-02-07 14:58:28

Hmm. Very interesting mix. This is almost an "inspired by Joi" original song rather than a remix. I think the track past the first two minutes or so is outstanding. Beautiful harmonies, very cleverly arranged sounds that complement each other.

On the downside, I think the intro is too long, and I'm also a bit torn about what to think about the fact that you can't recognize the original track at all .

At the end of the day - excellent concept piece.

comment added to Loveshadow's Remix on 2007-02-07 14:54:04

I agree with HaveMercy - musically the mix is sort of all over the place and lacks a clear thread - however, the production values are high, and I think you have something you could build on and continue to develop.

comment added to kreartur's Remix on 2007-02-07 14:47:18

I have to agree with Loveshadow that the reverbs sort of take away from the mix. However, I really have to credit you for going with a 3/4 mix - very cleverly done.

Some of the vocals (1:20) don't work well for me, and the vibraphone sound gets to be a bit monotone; but overall it's an interesting remix, and smart move on the 3/4.

comment added to audiotechnica's Remix on 2007-02-07 14:43:36

Oh, and congrats on the new baby!!

comment added to lemurian's Remix on 2007-02-07 14:40:49

I was about to give this a "meh" rating, but then the portion at 1:26 kicked in, and just grabbed me. The bass/snare/guitar combination really hit the right spot for me - absolutely brilliant.

I think the overall mix is a bit long - buildup takes a while, and you could possibly do more EQ tuning to bring out some higher frequencies - but really, great core groove, and good remix.

comment added to lemurian's Remix on 2007-02-07 14:40:38

I couldn't agree more with Schraes (sorry - the site doesn't handle "ä" very well! ) - there's literally nothing new here except for rearranging where the samples play.

Also, if you're going to do that, make sure the sample locations make sense - the vocal section at 2:30 feels very off and out of sync.

Would love to see you add something new to the mix other than arrangement.

comment added to Esje's Remix on 2007-02-06 15:06:34

Yup - should tighten this up a bit in terms of length. I would also like to see you add some original sounds / harmonies - using the original sample pack is good, but it would be interesting to see you add a personal touch besides effects.

comment added to Jibril's Remix on 2007-02-06 15:03:42

I agree that this isn't a great showcase for the looping utility - there's a fair amount of clipping going on in the vocals. I also think it's in need of overall EQ tuning - but perhaps this is a result of the MP3 quality? I'm guessing that at 5 mins, you had to sacrifice some of the quality to upload the mix.

comment added to Sam Downie / Dsoundz Media's Remix on 2007-02-06 15:00:45

There's a really good progression in this mix, but it takes too long to get to certain key pieces. I also agree with the comments re: vox treatment - the two first vocals actually take away from the mix.

You should also listen to the mix on different speakers / use different headphones - there's some EQ tuning you can do to tighten the mix - but now I'm nit-picking - it's actually a very good mix.

comment added to Ottie's Remix on 2007-02-06 14:55:41

I think you have found a brilliant beat here - it works extremely well for me - catchy as anything out there. The break at 1:00 I could live without, and probably cost a point, but it's a well-crafted, very good remix.

Also, I really like how the mix kicks off again at 2:40 - the break just before was a bit too drastic for me - but overall - great work.

comment added to brilliantfish's Remix on 2007-02-06 14:49:15

Hmm. Very well executed, but for my taste there's more focus on pulling off cool production tricks than on creating a mix that I want to listen to.

Skillful, but some of the vocal choices feel off.

comment added to Pegasus's Remix on 2007-02-06 14:44:38

Good update of the previous version. The bass sound is great; and all of the sounds work well together.

Still, I think that the mix could evolve past the beatbox break - could keep the chords and rhythm but introduce another element - the way is sits right now is that it goes back to repeat the first half, which feels like a lost opportunity.

It's still a great mix though. Good one.

comment added to RizkeyG's Remix on 2007-02-06 14:40:39

Thanks for all the feedback - really appreciate it.

FYI - the piano sound is from the Reason soundbank (NN-XT grand piano) through a RV7k hall reverb.

I ended up improvising the piano - was sort of tricky to do, because I only have 30 keys on my MIDI keyboard. :)

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-02-05 21:13:40

Yeah, this is more like it. I really like how the track changes character around the 1 min mark - beautifully deconstructed sounds.

Two gripes - the voice effect gets to be a bit old after the full track - maybe you could automate the f/x control to gradually ease off towards the end?

Also, it sounds like a lot of clipping in the track like the sound level was too high - or maybe this was intentional?

Really impressive remix though. Good one.

comment added to le pré noir's Remix on 2007-02-05 18:32:23

I agree with marsh re: the vox - I think it gets to be too much in this remix. Also, I definitely agree that the best parts show up towards the end - from 2:02 on.

I think a lot of remixers here would agree that we often take too long to build up to the best part. You could restructure the whole thing - start strong, then have a break towards the middle and start adding pieces again - see how that turns out.

comment added to seattleguitarman's Remix on 2007-02-05 14:12:16

Excellent piano and bass, and the guitar treatment is really good. Personally, I think it's a bit long, but it's got some really nice touches to it, and is just a great first remix.

comment added to RevG's Remix on 2007-02-05 14:05:21

The core groove is outstanding; you really found something there. I agree with marsh that what's missing is an evolution of some kind - a change/addition to the rhythm / an instrument layer / something like that. 1:46 would be a perfect place for a change to kick in.

It really got my attention early on, but you lost me in the second part because of lack of variation.

comment added to RizkeyG's Remix on 2007-02-05 13:59:31

Here's my personal issue with this remix - there's just too many different things going on - tempo change, changes from 3/4 to 4/4, drastic style changes, . it's like Rizkey says - it's either a soundtrack for an installation at MoMA or a demo real to demonstrate producing skills.

Having said that, the early part(s), especially when the beat kicks in, could stand on their own if you took that and made a more focused remix based on that.

comment added to 's Remix on 2007-02-05 13:53:04

Hmm. If you want to mesh something you've already done with someone else's materials, you need to really pay attention to what scales the two tracks are in, and transpose if required. Your original track is really well produced, but it just doesn't match the guitar and bass of the Joi track. Should be an easy fix though.

comment added to le pré noir's Remix on 2007-02-05 04:02:21

Thanks everyone - I appreciate the comments. I struggled with what to do with the voice samples; sort of wrestled with how much of the original samples I could _exlude_ and still pretend it was a "Joi" remix, rather than a net-new song.

My next remix (due Monday, I hope) takes that concept to the extreme - e.g., should be very difficult to recognize the original materials.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-02-05 03:59:22

Thanks for the comments - I actually had a bit of a struggle with the vcls on this sample pack - not my personal favourite, but sort of felt obliged to include them in the remix.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2007-02-05 03:55:53

Hey Myring - I think you achieved with what you set out to do - works very well as clean dance track. Not sure what equipment you use, but if you have access to software synths, I would recommend replacing the original string sample with a different, less "sharp" pad sound just to soften it a bit.

Good production otherwise.

comment added to Myring's Remix on 2007-02-02 13:20:59

I'm bloody torn about this, man; one the one hand the opening is absolutely _stellar_, and the overall mix gets full points for originality as well as technical execution. However, there are some choices that don't work for me (the voices at 1:30, for instance)

I would have loved to hear some kind of drums, even if they were low-key (HF filter/digital distorition, perhaps?) and with some bass to keep it company. Something like a ghost-version of your "Journeys Through Glitch" remix, perhaps?

But those are based on my personal taste, so I'm going to have to think about how to rate this for a while and get back to you. Either way, really impressive take on this song.

comment added to DJ Rkod's Remix on 2007-02-02 13:16:41

Stram - I'm a bit torn on this - it's well made, and I think it's great how you changed the overall tempo / approach in it; however, some of the choices don't sit that well with me, like the bass line that doesn't really work with the harmonies, and the string sound (could benefit from softening down) - but overall, a well-needed example of slowing down the original song.

comment added to stram's Remix on 2007-02-01 17:43:29

Hiya Marsh - hadn't come across this remix before, but it's really something. The harmonies are really interesting to listen to, and it takes the original track in such a different direction. Nice.

Re: volume - if you can spare the cash, I strongly recommend upgrading to Reason 3.0 - its mastering suite can really help with the post-production, including bringing the volume up a couple of notches.

comment added to marshpeople's Remix on 2007-02-01 15:43:55

Very impressive. Really turns the original on its head. That's not to say that I _like_ all of it, but I bloody admire it.

Something happened to your production after the new year - both Joi mixes have been excellent - very inventive approaches. Keep serving them up.

comment added to Schräs's Remix on 2007-01-31 20:59:18

Very good mix. No worries re: making it groove - you nailed it. The rhythms work extremely well.

I particularly like that you've "modernized" the track - really balancing the line between commercial and niche production.

Small issue - the rhythm in the intro is very tough to get the first time around - wasn't until the BD kicked in that I realized I was off by 1/4. :)

Great mix.

comment added to Schräs's Remix on 2007-01-29 18:25:13

Agree with previous comments. You should redo the drums - the HH, cymbal and one of the toms are overpowering, and the bass gets lost in the background.

comment added to HysteriKen's Remix on 2007-01-29 16:48:55

I agree with Schräs - I think it's a really good mix, but it would have been even better with more consistency. The intro part is very good - bass works very well - and if you kept that bass for the section starting at 2:06, I think you'd have quite something going.

Good mix either way.

comment added to Hybrid's Remix on 2007-01-29 16:46:41

Very bloody impressive. Not only is it technically very well executed, but I really like how you have taken a verse and turned it into the chorus - really seamlessly done.

Minor nitpick: the snare-rolls (1/16 ->1/32) feel overused, and also don't fit the rest of the track. Doesn't take away from the 5* rating though.

comment added to Loveshadow's Remix on 2006-11-01 14:05:25

Good work doing something very different, and your description works very well; for me the result just isn't that, umm, enjoyable.

comment added to youyou's Remix on 2006-10-31 19:34:52

Sorry, but the multiple voices really don't work for me, since the resulting harmonies feel very out of place with the rest of the music - which has a more realistic feel to it.

comment added to Synthetic1's Remix on 2006-10-31 19:31:02

Tricky, tricky mix. Did you record the bass track completely without quantizing it? And if so, was that on purpose? The first thing that came to mind was The Residents, actually. Either way, it takes away from the overall mix.

The voice treatment and atmospheric effects are pretty damn incredible though.

comment added to tunamelt's Remix on 2006-10-31 19:28:29

There are some really elegant tricks going on in here, but somehow the overall music picture is disjointed (I sort of _respect_ it more than _enjoy_ it! )

comment added to Michaell's Remix on 2006-10-31 19:24:36

HaveMercy - yep, very intentional: it's the Reason effect Scream4 - (digital - low res, high rate); plus slight RV7k reverb applied (RevSpaceRepeat). Didn't want to overdo it, but wanted enough to make it slightly artificial.

comment added to colab's Remix on 2006-10-30 01:07:13