TOP GAMING: Donkey Kong

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

TOP Track #10 - "Stickerbush Symphony"

Track: "Stickerbush Symphony"
Composer: David Wise
Game: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest
System: Super Nintendo
Release: December, 1995

We are now in the TOP Ten!

This is a unique song in our countdown for a number of reasons. Firstly, I'm not a big fan of Donkey Kong Country 2 and so I probably wouldn't have scoured its soundtrack looking for this song, but I do remember it. It really stuck out. When Deez pitched it, I realized I'd been looking for it in the wrong place, namely the Donkey Kong Country soundtrack. My fond memories of this song were mixed up with my fond memories of the original DKC. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed DKC2 for all the same reasons, but I really missed that big ape. Donkey Kong and Diddy are the original duo and I really can't accept any imitations or substitutions. I played DKC2 and enjoyed it alongside my brother (who loves it tremendously) but for me it didn't hold that same magical appeal.

This song is also interesting because it's not really an epic track. It's not some final boss battle, or sweet catchy tune. It doesn't fill me with a zest for all things awesome, or make me feel like I'm on top of the world. It's just a really calming, relaxing song tucked in a game I'm not particularly fond of on stages of the game I barely remember. It is one of our most obscure pieces of music, and to think it made it all the way into the TOP Ten is quite remarkable. Deez has talked quite a lot about songs in this list that really get him pumped up, but this is definitely one that brings me back down. It mellows me out. I feel like I'm drifting on a slow river in a gentle breeze. It's a wonderful piece of music and stands out in our countdown for its contrast to the other, more upbeat and invigorating pieces of music.

- TOP

@TOPGamingBlog

I loved Donkey Kong Country 2 almost as much as its predecessor, and I played it twice as much. It was another instant classic, despite the replacement of Donkey Kong with Dixie Kong. The addition of the Hero Coins and the Lost World meant I would return to this game again and again. I'm not sure if it was just me, but I found Diddy's Kong Quest to be noticeably harder than the original. One level comes to mind: Bramble Blast. Tis is the first stage to feature David Wise's "Stickerbush Symphony."

The soothing notes of this song lulled me into a real false sense of security. It's the type of melody that a ranging child would fall asleep to. I'm not sure why Wise chose such a soothing melody for a level teeming with giant spikes and aggressive hornets, but I love it. I didn't even mind dying in these stages! I can't remember, but I think there are only two levels that play "Stickerbush Symphony" and each one is a real treat. This is naother one of those songs that I listen to at work when I need to calm myself down, and it's easily my favorite piece from David Wise.

All this time, I've thought it was "Stickerbrush" not "Stickerbush" and I'm still a bit unclear on the details.

- Deez

@Deezer509

Derivative Tracks

Fresh Prince of Bramble Blast (Mash-Up) - http://youtu.be/Rcrmckntm0A

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

TOP Track #11 - "Gang-Plank Galleon"

Donkey Kong Country is more my brother's thing than mine, but with that said, I am a great fan of the original game. I loved the characters, the setting, and especially the music. It is one of the great platforming games of its age. I don't think I have any memory of Donkey Kong Country or its sequels that don't include my brother either playing along-side me, tag-teaming maps for great efficiency, or watching by my side. That's actually quite rare, when I think about it. So many games I played on my own and handed down to him with the TOP seal of approval, rather than a game we explored together as a team.

This song is really the icing on the cake of a great game. It took me a quite a few attempts to beat King K. Rool, so I got to listen to this song quite a few times until I got down all his little patterns. It's really unconventional for a boss fight, but it really blends the spirit of the game, and the themes of the soundtrack into a really catchy tune. I think what obviously stands out is the nautical, pirate opening which swiftly transitions into the jungle beats that have been constant throughout the Donkey Kong Country experience. It all comes together really well. It's honestly the best piece of music on a soundtrack that is entirely comprised of extremely good music. Donkey Kong Country remains my favorite in the franchise, and has yet to be outshone in quality.

- TOP
@TOPGamingBlog

I remember Christmas '94 quite vividly. I was 7 years old and it was the best Christmas ever. My mom had spoiled me rotten with everything I requested on my Christmas list. Now, I can only remember what #1 and #2 were on that list: a White Ranger action figure, and Donkey Kong Country for SNES. TOP and I popped that game in and must have played through three or four worlds before stopping. The game that revived Donkey Kong's image as a Nintendo icon (and turned him from villain to hero) remains one of my all-time favorites. Till the day I die, I have an open offer for anyone who wants to throw money down on the "Two Player Challenge" mode.

"Gang-Plank Galleon" is the perfect mix of pirate whimsy and interspecies warfare. A battle between a gorilla and a crocodile deserves nothing less, am I right? In my book, David Wise is second only to Mitsuda Yasunori, beating out even the great Uematsu Nobuo. In the pantheon of video game composers, I dub him Poseidon. He can make soothing, trance inducing tracks that put you at ease. He also creates intense, heavy metal melodies that put you at the edge of your seat. This song blends both sounds together for an unforgettable finale to the game.

- Deez
@Deezer509

Derivative Tracks

Galleon Rumble - http://youtu.be/QerQylSRNQk

Gang-Plank Galleon (Metal) - http://youtu.be/kMnxgMR4MSw

iLuvKats89 Remix - http://youtu.be/d4REt7iz_vA