Sanxion (original by Rob Hubbard, remix by Makke, from the album It’s Binary Baby)
Album Page – https://remix64.com/albums/makke-its-binary-baby/
Listen to the track for free – https://remix64.com/track/makke/sanxion-2/
If you know Makke, he does not do convention when it comes to remixes. And that is more power to him. His unique vocal style adds something different, and here for Sanxion, it proves to be the case. All the main melody is still very much intact, and the added lyrics and vocal as the track develops shows placement perfection. Add to that the use of the flute to do the main Hubbard riffs perfectly and that adds a different dimension, complete with a hugely early 1980s synth section to handle the middle part of the original tune and give it a fresh sense of pace before the verse comes in and brings back that synth once more, with the final section bringing forth the iconic opening riffs and showcasing just how good the original was melody wise. This was Makke at the top of his game even then and listening now I still do so with a massive smile on my face, due to the originality shown.
Further remixes of Sanxion – https://remix64.com/track/more-of/sid/MUSICIANS/H/Hubbard_Rob/Sanxion.sid/index.html
Did You Know?
The Sanxion loading theme (known as Thalamusik) was re-recorded by Rob Hubbard in 1987 as an audio track for the first ever Zzap! 64 cover tape, called the Zzap! Sampler. It was an iconic piece and thankfully has been preserved here – https://www.gamestone.co.uk/zzap_world64/music_cassettes.php
Shockway Rider (original by Rob Hubbard, remix by Matt Gray, from the album ReFOURmation)
Album Page – https://remix64.com/albums/matt-gray-refourmation/
Listen on Bandcamp – https://mattgray1.bandcamp.com/track/shockway-rider
Matt Gray had very much hit a groove by now where he would be able to import his style into a remix, mainly keeping the theme of the original well with some good use of synth instruments and even the odd use of the original Rob Hubbard SID drums to keep things on time. Here it is all very bright and breezy, which might sound a bit up front for some, but nonetheless it has all the timing and tuning spot on, and the bass synth does underpin things nicely. The middle section in particular shows some nice deep low sections and a bit more of a driving beat than the original had, which does work very well. The change of key and that interlude section without the drums is an interesting choice to keep that softer, but then it kicks in for the ending which sounds lush and warm to continue that bright breezy feeling.
Further remixes of Shockway Rider – https://remix64.com/track/more-of/sid/MUSICIANS/H/Hubbard_Rob/Shockway_Rider.sid/index.html
Tetris (original by Wally Beben, remix by Barry Leitch, from the album Encore 64 Volume 2)
Album Page – https://remix64.com/albums/encore64-v2/
Listen to the track for free – https://remix64.com/track/barry-leitch/tetris-marikos-tale-encore64-v2/
For anyone to take on all twenty-five plus minutes of Tetris is a massive undertaking. But this is a gorgeous rendition, with so much love and care that has gone into it. From the opening Oriental sounds, you are immediately transported to those lands, with some utterly beautiful choices of instruments and recreation of the likes of the C64’s organ sample that is around three minutes in blending perfectly together. There are so many twists and turns with its thunderous drums that in essence really underpins the whole thing so well, and when you build up to the middle section ten minutes in with those cymbal crashes – it is a purely wow moment that takes your breath away and then some. You simply must listen to the whole thing appreciate the love and craft that has gone into this, with so many more surprises at every turn which make you feel uplifted when the next segment beautifully blends in – and that time you listen just goes on by without you realising just how much effort has gone in, with not an instrument wasted and all contributing to the sense of being in a film soundtrack. Totally outstanding.
Further remixes of Tetris – https://remix64.com/track/more-of/sid/MUSICIANS/B/Beben_Wally/Tetris.sid/index.html
Way of the Exploding Fist (original by Neil Brennan, remix by FTC, from the album 1:04 Eternal)
Album Page – https://remix64.com/albums/ftc-1-04-eternal/
Listen to the track for free – https://drive.google.com/file/d/19bFOjqkv-NzExI4pA5iprrfKOrnyXQIK/view?usp=drive_link
This was one of the extra tracks given away when FTC released the 1:04 album. It is the main theme (aka Dance of the Yao People) but done with some elegant synth placement, and uses a blend of both the original SID sounds and some catchy drums and handclaps, added with some warm washing synths that bring forward a nice warmth to the whole thing. The main lead may sound a little synth flute for some, but just brings forth a different feel to it as the added instruments come in more and just build over time. It uses its time to sound more of a 1980s synth rendition and would not look out of place as an instrumental for bands of its time. It is one that will grow on you, as it has done me, and there are plenty more lovely tracks in this manner.
Further remixes of Way of the Exploding Fist – https://remix64.com/track/more-of/sid/MUSICIANS/B/Brennan_Neil/Way_of_the_Exploding_Fist.sid/index.html
Asian Legends (originals by Neil Brennan, Ben Daglish, Martin Galway, Fred Gray, Rob Hubbard, Reyn Ouwehand, and Matt Gray, remixed by Reyn Ouwehand, from the album Nexus 6581)
Album Page – https://remix64.com/albums/reyn-ouwehand-nexus-6581/
I have saved the best until last, and for a very good reason. This for me is one of the finest C64 remixes on any commercial album, and showcased the very best of Reyn’s Nexus 6581 album at that – a remix that has stood the test of time and then some. Both Fist II: The Legend Continues and the in-game piece to Way of the Exploding Fist are included here as part of a medley which includes (in order of appearance) Fist II: The Legend Continues, The Last Ninja (Wastelands in-game), Yie Ar Kung Fu II, Legend of Kage, Yie Ar Kung Fu, Way of the Exploding Fist (in-game), International Karate, Last Ninja 3 (Water), IK+ and Last Ninja 2 (Central Park in-game) – and all using the groove from IK+ as suitable backing to underpin the whole thing.
The way that the whole mix perfectly segues together and switches between each part and having a different Oriental style within shows so much care and attention, and on top of that, the timing and placement just means that it does not seem like any odd join, but a piece of music that flows, changes in its pitch and key, and keeps you interested throughout as to which song you’ll hear done next. It is testament to Reyn’s skill that the musicality and production values are pure, and just with so much love for the original songs shining through. Needless to say, if you do not own this album, then you really should – even if only for this superlative piece of work.
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Final Thoughts
Hopefully the ten remixes above have really given you an insight into what happens when you take a game soundtrack, whether it be a lengthy epic or a short and sweet piece, and give it the treatment that they all do deserve. Hopefully you will have discovered something new, and indeed something that you can listen to and enjoy too. There are so many other great remixes out there and we would love to hear from you if any really did strike a chord.
Thanks Warren, for a fascinating series. I have heard quite a few of these remixes over the years and really enjoyed them.