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The Impact of Jungle Music in 90s Video Game Development

(pikuma.com)
699 points atan2 | 31 comments | 13 Nov 24 18:43 UTC | HN request time: 1.995s | source | bottom
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louthy ◴[13 Nov 24 20:16 UTC] No.42129500[source]▶
If anyone's interested and wants to hear more, I have a mix of 92/93 era Jungle [1]

Some rough mixes here and there (especially the first one) because it was live from a NYE event. But it suits the style of music, that era was so raw and fresh, the future was being invented right there! Very happy days :)

1) DJ SS - Intro

2) Higher Sense - Cold Fresh Air

3) Deep Blue - The Helicopter Tune

4) Roni Size - Time Stretch (93 Mix)

5) DMS & The Boneman X - Sweet Vibrations

6) Engineers Without Fears - Spiritual Aura

7) Omni Trio - Soul Promenade

8) Codename John - Kindred

9) Brainkillers - Screwface

10) Dubtronix - Fantasy (Remix)

11) M-Beat - Incredible

12) DJ Rap - Your Mind (Gimp/Steve Mix)

13) Asend & Ultravibe - What Kind Of World

14) LTJ Bukem – Horizons

15) Bruck Wild - Silent Dub

[1] https://on.soundcloud.com/WjQVyJRfYMyQLP3f8

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dylan604 ◴[13 Nov 24 21:17 UTC] No.42130087[source]▶
> that era was so raw and fresh, the future was being invented right there! Very happy days

I've been told by several Gen-Z that they've never been to a "rave", and I feel sorry for them. In my town, we had quite the underground scene, but then times changed and it is so much smaller now. Now, "kids" just call it all EDM instead of the specific genre that we know and love.

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louthy ◴[13 Nov 24 21:35 UTC] No.42130256[source]▶
There's still plenty of fresh underground music and the 'kids' are doing just fine. Yeah there's loads of mainstream garbage out there, but there always was. The main difference is that this stuff was being invented, whereas most electronic music now is derived from those early 90s invented genres, but even saying that there's still plenty of creativity.

There's a night in London called Cartulis (which is usually at Fold), when I go there it feels very much like the early rave scene to me (this is just one example, of course). I think there's a tendency when we get older to not be as exposed to the bubbling undercurrent of music, so it's easy to just say "it's not as good as it used to be", but that would be a mistake imho. It's there if you look for it.

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1. CuriouslyC ◴[13 Nov 24 23:07 UTC] No.42131229[source]▶
I'm interested in a lot of subculture music, and it really isn't there like it was for the most part. Most families of music seem to have stagnated or regressed. The early 90s gangster rap is definitely superior to mumble rap/emo rap, the 90s IDM/jungle/trance is superior to modern EDM/house/trap and the pop mainstream now is just garbage compared to the the mainstream from the late 80s/90s.

Mixing and production are worlds better and musicianship has improved compared to where it was for genres where people care about musicianship, but the actual music is mostly either painfully derivative or actively worse because it's trying too hard to be "different."

Modern metal is amazing compared to the stuff from the 90s though.

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2. dylan604 ◴[13 Nov 24 23:47 UTC] No.42131513[source]▶
> Mixing and production are worlds better

Long gone are the days of "shoes in the dryer" mixes where guys were just slamming two DATs together with no pitch control. Sadly, I think we've gotten to the point of those tight mixes being less of the skill of the DJ and the result of software. With everything being done on laptops with cool software, I really wonder how many DJs are even mixing and just performing while a premixed file plays.

But as you say, the production quality has definitely improved. The music is just clean with no quality loss from layering/multi-tracking/bouncing. The concept of the space between notes has never been so distinguished.

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3. hyggetrold ◴[14 Nov 24 00:13 UTC] No.42131716[source]▶
> Modern metal is amazing compared to the stuff from the 90s though.

I know what you mean but Metallica, Pantera, and Emperor (black metal) are still all-time classic staples in my discography.

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4. jorvi ◴[14 Nov 24 01:01 UTC] No.42132028[source]▶
I agree with you as far as Hip-Hop quality goes (assuming that "gangster" encompasses things like Old School East Coast, G-Funk, etc). There was a beauty in how limited the production assets of Hip-Hop were in those days, which fostered a very special kind of creativity. Not to mention how it intermixed with the afro-zeitgeist of that time.

But for example techno and house these days have such a gargantuan amount of variety. And because those genres were digital-ish to begin with, they didn't suffer as much from the evolution of DAWs compared to some other genres.

This would have done well at a 90s rave (especially from 4:45 onward): https://open.spotify.com/track/5v2NmAWURnM260nd2acPLr

I guess for "90s" Metal it strongly varies how much studio backing there was and if it is early or late 90s. Late 90s sounds great: https://open.spotify.com/track/0JBQnLKfLXmlkquabLtAgd?

Three related playlist:

- Very underground 90s Hip-Hop cuts: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1LhtrTYYMKu8G33paRWFIL

- Rave-y Techno: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7ktoUGruqYdoY3vLhDDtaB

- All sorts of Metal with melodic elements: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Wec2pdudcDyIHvOu4fL7b

5. steezeburger ◴[14 Nov 24 01:22 UTC] No.42132166[source]▶
I don't agree. There are so many niche genres now that have never existed before, e.g. vaporwave, phonk, outrun, twee, etc. Gotta dig deeper. There is tons of fresh and original underground music being made still.
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6. miek ◴[14 Nov 24 03:02 UTC] No.42132710[source]▶
+1 for phonk, for easy access there are some great playlists on spotify, just search phonk
7. wileydragonfly ◴[14 Nov 24 04:22 UTC] No.42133148[source]▶
99.99999% of DJs have been performing a premade mix since iPods have become popular. The knob twiddling DJs are hilarious. Ukraine, oddly, seems to be pumping out tons of attractive women dancing off beat behind setups that aren’t even powered on half the time on YouTube. I enjoy the mixes in the background while working and occasionally watch some footage for the laughs. Shake it if you’ve got it.
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8. dbspin ◴[14 Nov 24 09:54 UTC] No.42134608[source]▶
As a fan of both, I have to admit vaporwave and twee are both dead genres - although vaporwave has spawned a host of successor stuff, the great innovation there all happened a decade and more ago. Twee will always exist, but it's hardly a great example of a lively scene.
9. rorytbyrne ◴[14 Nov 24 10:03 UTC] No.42134661[source]▶
> the 90s IDM/jungle/trance is superior to modern EDM/house/trap

This is your own fault for going to EDM/house/trap parties. Go to better parties, then you'll find better music.

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10. Nursie ◴[14 Nov 24 10:09 UTC] No.42134689[source]▶
> Modern metal is amazing compared to the stuff from the 90s though.

Eh, I've still got a lot of time for 80s/early 90s thrash. Megadeth mostly, it must be said.

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11. magic123_ ◴[14 Nov 24 10:24 UTC] No.42134789{3}[source]▶
As always, it depends on what style you're talking about. For mainstream EDM? Sure I won't fight your figure. But for underground techno (among many others), you're delusional if you think the majority of djs play pre-recorded mixes.
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12. a57721 ◴[14 Nov 24 11:05 UTC] No.42135055[source]▶
I still enjoy the trve kvlt black metal like Darkthrone, Burzum, Mayhem, so it's mostly the early 90s for me.
13. helboi4 ◴[14 Nov 24 11:53 UTC] No.42135336[source]▶
Tell me you're out of the loop without telling me you're out of the loop. As someone in my mid 20s, techno music is booming and it has zero EDM/house/trap influences. Everyone my age thinks EDM is cringe, it was a trend of 10 years ago. Go to actually underground sound clubs if you know where they are. I'm guessing you don't, because you're showing how ignorant you are of the scene. Some recently released tracks I picked up as a young techno DJ just in the last few weeks/months:

https://soundcloud.com/kmyle/kmyle-empire-bns089?si=0ce480e4...

https://soundcloud.com/kmyle/kmyle-cocoon-original-mix?si=73...

https://soundcloud.com/hate_music/premiere-introversion-sea-...

https://soundcloud.com/regalmusic/regal-undisputed?si=a6bdf3...

https://soundcloud.com/darko-esser/darko-esser-zondag-2008?s...

https://soundcloud.com/hate_music/premiere-wtchcrft-new-frie...

https://soundcloud.com/hate_music/premiere-marco-bailey-trai...

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14. helboi4 ◴[14 Nov 24 12:02 UTC] No.42135388[source]▶
Fr. Don't know why you're getting downvoted. The bitter people in this comment section who think electronic music died in the 90s clearly wouldn't know a good club if it slapped them in the face and it shows.
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15. MrScruff ◴[14 Nov 24 13:27 UTC] No.42135960[source]▶
Honestly as someone that learnt to mix many years ago on vinyl, the technical skill required to do this well doesn't translate into a better experience for the people dancing. It's not a rock concert with a performer, there's no need to look at the DJ anyway. I care infinitely more about the DJs creative sensibility than their beatmatching skill.
16. CuriouslyC ◴[14 Nov 24 14:31 UTC] No.42136433{3}[source]▶
I go to burns/festivals, that's what's typically on offer, don't blame me for society's lack of taste.

I enjoy Berlin minimal techno but it's not exactly popular.

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17. CuriouslyC ◴[14 Nov 24 14:40 UTC] No.42136512[source]▶
I was listening to minimal techno before you were born friend (check out drumcode/derrick may). I go to festivals and you will never hear it.
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18. helboi4 ◴[14 Nov 24 15:00 UTC] No.42136747{3}[source]▶
Bro talks to me like I don't know what Drumcode is. The biggest titan in techno music to the point that people literally call it "business techno" because it's so oversaturated. Yeah I know drumcode. I know who Derrick May is, I don't know what sort of thumb-sucking 14 year old you think you're talking to. Derrick May is not by any stretch of the imagination a purely minimal techno artist. He literally made Strings of Life which is one of the least fucking minimal things I've ever heard.

You're right, minimal techno is not the most popular form of techno right now. That's not a new thing that happened in this decade though. Techno has been going through trends of being faster and more maximalist vs slower and minimalist since it began. I'm sorry that you're struggling to find minimal techno nights to your liking, I'm sure there are some out there and I'm sure the trend will come back around. But the techno of my generation is not all EDM or trap influenced so I know you're talking out your ass. You may have been to many techno events in your life, but what you're saying here just proves you're out of the loop like many nostalgic oldheads. So maybe just take a step back and consider that you may have lost touch with the underground. You certainly have if you think drumcode is an underground reference these days.

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19. CuriouslyC ◴[14 Nov 24 15:03 UTC] No.42136789{4}[source]▶
I can tell you're an angry person. You should try punching a bag instead of raging at people online.

If I have to go to a club in new york or berlin to hear music it's not culturally relevant. The stuff you linked gets zero play at festivals.

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20. helboi4 ◴[14 Nov 24 15:04 UTC] No.42136808{4}[source]▶
Again. Going to a festival does not mean you're going to a good one. Most of the best music happens in clubs in the underground circuit anyway not at "burns", which sounds like the most gentrified, millenial techbro yuppie garbage I've ever heard and I'm unsurprised you're not finding the bleeding edge of underground rave music there.

The key word is GOOD. Not that you just go places bro. You're clearly unsatisfied with the music you're hearing at these events. SO FIND BETTER ONES.

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21. helboi4 ◴[14 Nov 24 15:05 UTC] No.42136828{5}[source]▶
When you're condescending and make bad faith arguments, people will find you frustrating. I'm not sure why you want to emulate your grandparents by dismissing younger people's creativity just like they did to you. Open your mind a bit and try not to become the people you hated.

Edit: Festivals have never been the beating heart of the techno scene my friend. I'm sorry to break it to you. And again, I've been to good festivals which do play this stuff - you clearly don't know where to go and you're taking it out on my generation when its on YOU.

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22. Tsiklon ◴[14 Nov 24 17:08 UTC] No.42138333[source]▶
I miss the days of the regional scenes in music. These seem to be long past us now.

Using metal as an example; the 80’s and 90’s as an example had several distinct vibrant scenes, Bergen’s Black Metal, Gothenburg’s Melodeath, Tampa Bay’s Death Metal, as examples. All distinct and vibrant with a period of sustained development with a cluster of artists who seemed to circulate and work off each other.

Today it feels easier to connect with others globally with music genres we like, but it’s almost as if this homogenises the art we produce in a sense.

A core collection of 20-40 artists and musicians working and operating in isolation (comparative to now), sharing what they enjoy, spinning it and innovating it to something new.

To genericise it and bring it back to the core of this place - In a sense one relate these scenes in a way to areas with a particularly strong start-up scene, albeit more freeform and wholly artistic in their endeavours.

23. CamperBob2 ◴[14 Nov 24 17:31 UTC] No.42138675{6}[source]▶
This thread is an artform in itself. Anthropology students will dig it up a thousand years from now and walk away with inadequately-paying degrees.
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24. ahartmetz ◴[14 Nov 24 18:39 UTC] No.42139559[source]▶
May not be your favorite, but Blind Guardian's 90s material is seriously good, too.
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25. hyggetrold ◴[14 Nov 24 22:00 UTC] No.42141679{3}[source]▶
I'm down with Blind Guardian, they're fun!
26. wileydragonfly ◴[15 Nov 24 04:32 UTC] No.42143988{4}[source]▶
Would love to hear the names of your unicorns…
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27. wileydragonfly ◴[15 Nov 24 04:33 UTC] No.42143992{4}[source]▶
Ok, let’s see some links..
28. helboi4 ◴[15 Nov 24 10:02 UTC] No.42145445{5}[source]▶
I'm not going spend my time collating links to help you when you say it like that. They're not unicorns. Nobody in the techno scene plays pre recorded sets and women are no more liable to do it than men. I'm sorry that you're uninformed and sexist. Maybe change your attitude a bit and we can talk.
29. soylentcola ◴[15 Nov 24 18:01 UTC] No.42149280{5}[source]▶
To be fair, regional burns are basically Burning Man without the techbro yuppie contingent. A lot more randos, hippies, and weirdos. More like summer camp for grownups than a place to show off on IG or whatever people use these days.

*(Caveat, haven't been to one in the last 5 or 6 years so things may have changed. As always, "it was better next year!")

30. henjodottech ◴[16 Nov 24 21:54 UTC] No.42159682{7}[source]▶
I’m taking notes
31. AI_beffr ◴[17 Nov 24 23:08 UTC] No.42168172[source]▶
you need to relax dude