Reviews by Tomsk

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Cauldron II - I am a Pumpkin Man - arranged by trauma

Review by Tomsk, 24/11/2003

When I first listened to this, I must admit it was a little too 'strange' for me. Original and with an incredibly unique approach the tune soon began to grow on me, and as I listened more I slowly became hooked. The whole thing gells together so well, and this is a testiment to the artistic quality of trauma - he really has created a genuinely original and hugely listenable remix of a fairly weak C64 tune. The lyrics help enormously, but the musical merit of this remix should not be overlooked. If you've downloaded this and found it (as I did) a little to 'odd' - please give it a chance. Sometimes the finest tunes are the ones that you grow to love - and not just instantly like.
This is indeed, a fine tune! Top rated Trauma - showing his individual class - well done.
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Commando (2001 mix) - arranged by Jarno Beumer

Review by Tomsk, 11/10/2003

There's something about this mix. Ask me if i'd thought the style suited commando and I'd have said no way. But this tune just bops along, and soon you'll bop with it. Special mention to the drums and bass, very original and I suspect they hook a lot of people into this jolly version. It's old now, but still it gets a play from time to time because it's one of those tunes that I can't help but enjoy. In 2001 this would warrant an orange smiley, but standards have increased so much - maybe I should have reviewed this back then. Having said that I'm still listening to it - that's a great acheivement as a lot of tunes show their age with-in a year or so. Good work!
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Lightforce (Existenz Mix) - arranged by MistaDistah

Review by Tomsk, 11/10/2003

I luv Lightforce me! Reet luv it. Which I why I felt compelled to write this review of one of my favorite sids. If you took all of the good stuff out of this mix and cut it down to a more respectable length then I don't think this would be half bad. As it is, it's certainly not unlistenable - there are well done bits, but not enough to make this a smiley i'm afraid. I have to pick on the drums in particular which do sound… well, crap.
Most of the synth in this tune is quite good, but the remix element (i. e. the original non Hubbard bits) sound like they were thrown in as an after thought.
A shame really. Oh, and the samples at the beginning/end add nothing - perhaps another after thought? Loose the midi stuff and get more creative MistaDistah, I'm sure you'll crack it in the end, as there does seem to be potential there.
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Suicide Express - arranged by BaR

Review by Tomsk, 11/10/2003

Most professional and most pleasing to listen to. What suprised me most is that this really isn't my type of music, but the whole package is so sweetly put together it's difficult not to like it. The backing in particular, stands out for me as a high point of the tune. This could have easily been 'overdone' and spoiled the mix, but it's perfectly placed, with varying effects so not to become tedious.
Suicide express like you're never likely to hear it done again - and if you don't like trance type music, have no fear. It's quite mellow and melodic despite the style suggesting otherwise - I think you'll enjoy it as much as I.
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Out Run (2 Acoustic) - arranged by dor-x

Review by Tomsk, 11/10/2003

Very good. I love the warm sound of acoustic guitar, and there's no doubt this is played by a hugely competent individual. A little on the short side, leaving you wanting an extra minute or so, this mix sounds great and is possibly the best acoustic attempt on R64 so far. More like this please!
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Firelord - Symphonic - arranged by Glyn R Brown

Review by Tomsk, 11/10/2003

Gosh, I remember downloading this with a very negative attitude. Having enjoyed other mixes by Glyn I was sceptical about this one mainly because I hadn't heard the sid. After hearing it, I was not only astonished with this piece of music, but it also changed my attitude in regards to listening to sid tunes I'd never heard of before. Quite a dramatic effect to have on some one I remember thinking. The tune itself is quite simply the most beautifully crafted piece of Sid remixing on Remix 64 thus far. Initially you have no idea what's going to hit you - the first couple of notes or so, then… well, you know what happens. There's just so much professionalism to every element of this mix. Listen to the backing and pick out all those beautifull voices - wonderfully woven together. Startling.
The reason this review comes in so late is because I hadn't heard this mix for so long. My girlfriend was out at work, I had the volume pumped up and I fired it up. If you haven't heard it yet, please do yourself a favour and get it now.
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Cauldron II (claustrophobic edit) - arranged by Infamous

Review by Tomsk, 11/10/2003

I'll start off by saying I like this mix - quite alot actually. The build up of the tune and the way the drums develope is most enjoyable and professional. I also think this tune has a lot of originality going for it, and that even included the ripped 'Prodigy' sound. Infact the only thing that spoils this mix a bit is the harshness of the drums when they fully develope at 1:43. And again later in the mix. Just a bit too rough sounding and they tend to overshadow the tune when they play. However, judging by the title Infamous might have them just the way he wants them - so don't let my small gripe put you off what is essentially an extremely professional and enjoyable mix.
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Crazy Comets (Komet Non-Stop mix) - arranged by Makke

Review by Tomsk, 24/09/2003

Now here's a little gem. Somehow I missed this originally but having recently downloaded it, and I'm sure glad I found it. As the title suggests, this is a Kraftwerk style remix, and it's very effective as that. But the really clever thing about this mix, is the actual mixing of this tune itself. Taking the Comets bass and lead and then adding and enhancing them into the Kraftwerk styled drums is really well accomplished, but it's the lyrics and the way Makke has fitted them in! Stunning. Compulsive listening, even if you're not into Kraftwerk. If I didn't know it was a R64 remix, I might even have suspected that my German heroes had gone all retro C64! Great fun, great mix!
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Nemesis the Warlock - arranged by o2

Review by Tomsk, 18/01/2003

By his own admission O2 points out this tune starts slowly. But the way it builds up is part of the magic for me. The original was more hard hitting but this slightly more mellow version still captures the essence of the tune. Fantastic stuff.
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Out Run - arranged by Instant Remedy

Review by Tomsk, 17/01/2003

This remix is stunning. From the moment you hear the original sid tune blend into the remix, and that wonderful engine roar past from right speaker to left you just know what's coming. Special mention to Instant for keeping this remix very C64 and yet also technically outstanding. I do love it when remixers pay homage to the original by including/enhancing the original sid sounds - and this has plenty of them. Don't worry - this ain't no sid with drums mix, just download it and hear for yourself.
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Druid 2 - arranged by Instant Remedy

Review by Tomsk, 17/01/2003

This tune probably became more popular as a remixed intro than as actual game music. Fairly plain and melodic, but still quite charming in it's own way. Then along comes Instant Remedy. This remix still manages to remix cool and laid back but adds so much more. A fantastic remix and the built up drum beat make this an Instant 'Classic'. Simply very listenable and with the added chord backing and wonderfull bass sound make this a really smart mix.
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Platoon Title Remix - arranged by CZ Tunes

Review by Tomsk, 17/01/2003

I'd never heard this tune before listening to remixes of it. Sometimes this is an advantage when listening to a remix - other times not. But something about this 'tracker' based remix really caught my ear. CZ has done an excellent job keeping faithfull to the original but adding those extra elements that make his Platoon remix extremely enjoyable to listen to - even though it's quite old I still rate it as one of my favorite remixes ever! Techinally not brilliant, but musically I love it. The 'beefy' bass line is one of those that you'll either love or hate. Me personally. Love it.
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Arkanoid (Title Screen) - arranged by Richard Westall

Review by Tomsk, 17/01/2003

Often the 'sid chip' gets forgotten about when an artist decides to remix a sid tune. In the early days of R64 many tunes were simply sid tunes with drums. I'd class this as a Sid remix with sid drums and some! Keeping the distinctive style of drum and sid this remix is just a dream to listen to. Not spoiling the original but enhancing it to a very professional level. Excellent!
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Gyroscope (Eels Driving the Hovercraft) - arranged by Rauli & Wobbler

Review by Tomsk, 17/01/2003

I remember first hearing this. Having allready been a fan of this short and simple tune I didn't think this huge style change would work. But it does. And it works bloody well. Having managed to arrange the tune to last a bit longer without becoming too repetitive is one of the master strokes. Then comes the very original element of the remix - one that really enhances a fairly simple sid tune and turn it into a melodic masterpiece. Great sounds, effects, and enhencement. Excellent!
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