This Saturday is Extra Life, the 24 hour gaming marathon for Children’s Miracle Network, so it seemed only fitting to post a video game throwback. (Please consider donating – it’s for a good cause!)
As I’ve been playing mostly creepy/darker games lately I felt compelled to dig up this classic from Super Metroid. Metroid Prime 2 featured a remix of this tune but I find the instrumentation in the original a little bit better, despite having that typical “tracker music” sound I associate with SNES games.
Super Metroid, Brinstar level, c. 1994:
Okay, now I’m off to play with the copy of Donkey Kong 64 I just scored!
Quick throwback today as I get ready to hit the road with The WAX for a show in Charlottetown tonight.
This week’s throwback, surprisingly, is the first track I’ve posted by Teebee. I’d definitely rank him towards the top as far as influential and versatile drum & bass producers go.
He’s written tracks ranging from deep & soulful (Capable/Guilty) right through to creepy tech-step (Distorted Information EP, the first Teebee vinyl I owned)
Here’s something that sits right in the middle, which seems to be his sweet spot.
Though I was never really a fan of vocal house this week’s throwback is a bit of an exception.
As I’ve mentioned before I was a fan of Esthero’s early work and I immediately fell in love with this song when I heard first heard it. It’s got a warm summery vibe to it and it seems fitting for this dreary Fall day. Hopefully it brightens your day a little bit!
Ian Pooley feat. Esthero – Balmes (A Better Life) c. 2001:
Going to keep it on the chill side again this week.
I’ve always been a big fan of Looking Good/Good Looking/etc. (LTJ Bukem’s labels) and while they’re not nearly as prolific these days a lot of the releases have stood the test of time quite well in my opinion.
I remember when I first discovered intelligent/atmospheric drum & bass – probably one of the first genres of drum & bass that I got into, and heavily. Hell I used to listen to the stuff when going to sleep, heh.
I listen to a track like this and it still gives me the same feeling that it did 15 years. And every time that pad sweeps across the frequency range it still sends chills down my spine!
I’m raising money and awareness for my local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
On Oct. 15, 2011, I’ll attempt to play video games for 24 hours straight in hopes you’ll support me by giving just $1 per hour ($24 total).
Your donation is tax-deductible and 100 percent of your gift goes to help kids.
My fellow Extra Life gamers and I are going to make miracles happen for kids. I can’t reach my goal without your support. Any contribution will help, and all donations are tax deductible. Donating online is safe and easy! To make an online donation please click the “Make a Donation” button below.
Thank you for your time, support and participation.
Update: you can track what I’m up to throughout the event on this Facebook group
So this will be the last throwback before I officially start my new job. I’ve been with my current employer, Lixar, for almost 8 years now. When I started it was maybe a dozen or so people in a smallish office in Westboro (Ottawa). It’s now quadruple that with a satellite office in Halifax and key clients in the US and UK.
As I said in my letter of notice I’ve learned a lot over the past nearly 8 years. I’ve also made a lot of friends. It’s funny how leaving a job after this long feels a lot like moving away. The only difference being that you’re still in the same city! Hopefully I’m able to keep in touch with everyone.
This week’s throwback is a tune that brings back a lot of memories of my first summer at Lixar. I vividly remember listening to it on a sunny summer day – blue sky, the sunlight streaming in. I remember feeling comfortable; at ease. This track still gives me that feeling and also fills me with positive vibes for the future.
This is also the tune that really hooked me on Sonic & Silver (AKA Accidental Heroes) and I’ve loved just about everything they’ve done in this style since.
Sonic & Silver “Space Cadet” c. 2003:
FYI if you’re curious the company I’m going to is Livelenz. I’ve been appointed the new Director of Software Development. I think it’s a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
As I’ve mentioned a couple times over the past month or so my wife and I are celebrating our first wedding anniversary this weekend. I thought it would be only fitting to post something that might bring back some memories of our first year together.
Dom & Roland “Can’t Punish Me” c. 2000:
While she listens to this I just want to tell her that I love her. I know I don’t say it often enough.
The Nova Scotia Music Week nominees have been announced. My album Time travel has been nominated for Electronic Recording of the year. If you haven’t heard it already you can download it or buy it here. If you’re an active member of Music Nova Scotia please consider voting for me 🙂
Okay so it’s Thursday, and it’s my birthday, so I’m going to do something different, perhaps slightly predictable, and use a lot of commas in the process.
So first, the #1 song on my date of birth:
Meh, okay.
Next, some other interesting facts about this day in 1980:
The average cost of a new house was $68,700.00
Pierre Trudeau was Prime Minister of Canada
Jimmy Carter was President of the United States
Terry Fox abandoned the Marathon of Hope 135 days and over 5,000 km after it started at St. John’s, Newfoundland, on April 12; cancer had returned and spread to his lungs.
Something very interesting, perhaps a bit dark and depressing, that my wife and I have in common on that last point: Terry Fox died the following year, on her birthday. So I made him stop and she finished him off! Damn.
I just realized I have yet to post any ASC, so I’ll do one better: ASC & Subwave “Bio-rhythm” c. 2006
This is pretty much the epitome of “techmospheric” drum & bass, at least in my opinion.
ASC has been a huge influence on me and this is one track that’s stuck with me through the years. For any producers out there, he’s recently released a sample pack available on LoopMasters. And if you want to hear (lots) more ASC check out this mix by one of my favourite DJs at the moment, Mav. (Check check… yes yes! )
