Karsten Koch

Take a trip back in time, and listen to some of the work of Karsten Koch.

On your way around the web, you’ll stumble across all sorts of cover versions of chip music, of a very variable quality. Back in the middle of the 90’s we came across a cover version that even today, still amazes me. It was a cover/remix of Chronologie, part 4 made by Karsten Koch.

I do believe that this version once was played in the background in a TV program on Danish television, and everybody thought that this was the original version by Jean Michel Jarre. But no, this was the Karsten Koch Stream Tracker version.

Source of inspiration and material: Hornet Archive

Chris Abbott

Take a trip back in time, and listen to some of the work of Chris Abbott.

I’ve heard the name Chris Abbott associated with C64 songs before, but not as a composer. The CD, Back in Time (BIT), from C64Audio, which contains brand new (from 1998) alternate versions, of old famous chiptunes, are 13 out of 15 arranged by Chris Abbott – and it’s a pretty good job!

I’ve added the comments from the mp3 songs, I’ve have uploaded.

Sanxion‘ (2000): “Uploaded by Chris Abbott. Actually the BIT++ version, this was the version of Sanxion that was later “butchered” into the Karma64 version (great dance version, we always thought!). It’s pretty authentic, and as such represents the ultimate evolution of the BIT1 version of Sanxion. The floating lead at the beginning comes from the Korg Z1 which I sold to Michael Delaney :) The Jarre Zoolook bits were borrowed from Moog’s version, which had this bit in. Inspired, Moog!”

Thing on a Spring‘ (1999): “Actually, a version of the original Back in Time 1 track file, improved sonically. As there’s no Thing on a Spring on RKO, it seemed a shame this nice version was hanging around on Kenz’s great BIT3 CD-ROM. Plus some of the other files attached to my name aren’t attracting great marks (time has, unfortunately taken its toll on them, though I still think they’re comfortable rather than flashy). Anyway, enjoy this seminal piece. There’s really only one way to cover it, and this is it.”

Machinae Supremacy

Take a trip back in time, and listen to some of the work of Machinae Supremacy.

This cover version is a bit different from the original version by the great Chris Hülsbeck.

I especially like the beginning of the song. At first it sounds as a regular chiptune, but then it continues a bit harder – SID Metal – what a great concept.

Instant Remedy

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Take a trip back in time, and listen to some of the work of Martin Noriander (Instant Remedy). I have stumbled upon a guy, whom understand my point of view (continued from here), when he makes a cover, tribute or … Continue reading

An Ode to Tribute

When you do a tribute, cover or even a remix of an other artists song, I believe that, you have to honor and respect the originality, feel and expression of that track. By this I mean, that you have to take it to another level, and not just “do your own shit” of it.

All to many cover versions and tributes butchers the originality in those songs. Not just in your everyday music but also in the chiptune community.

That being said … I have gathered some cover songs from different artists, which I believe live up to being a great cover version and a tribute to the original song. Your opinion may differ