I've been a fan of Hirokazu "Hip"--now apparently "Chip"--Tanaka ever since I discovered he was responsible for Kid Icarus' glorious soundtrack.
My admiration of and belief in his talents blossomed when I found out he also had a hand in crafting the music for classic Famicom and NES games like Balloon Fight, Wrecking Crew, Metroid, and the first two Mother (aka EarthBound) titles.
Tanaka now serves as the president of Creatures Inc., although that lofty position clearly hasn't caused him to turn his back on his first career.
His just-released (not to mention first-ever) album, Django, is the perfect case in point.
Its 13 tracks are everything a "Hip"--or "Chip"--Tanaka fan could want. My favorites: the chunky "Beaver" (listen to it and watch its video here), the jazzy, laid-back title tune, the ethereal "EMGR," and the blippy, breezy "Prizm."
Really, though, you can't go wrong with any of the game-inspired soundscapes offered up by Django. Speaking of which, you can listen to the whole album at chiptanaka.bandcamp.com.
How's this for a silly, game-related tidbit that's likely to shock at least a few of you: back when I was a junior or senior in high school, I was completely obsessed with the Saturn version of Sega's Daytona USA.
I suggest that may surprise some of you because I'm hardly known for my love of racing games. In fact, the only examples of the genre I've ever given much attention here are F-Zero and Super Mario Kart, if memory serves. (Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.)
At any rate, I became more than a bit smitten with Daytona USA after picking it up on a whim during my days as a Saturn owner.
That game's slick, exhilarating gameplay obviously had a little something to do with my aforementioned infatuation, but there were other instigators, too--with its energetic, effervescent soundtrack being a particularly noteworthy case in point.
I bring up all of this because I've had one of Daytona USA's songs ("Sky High," listen to it by clicking on the video above) stuck in my head for the last few days.
Also, reminiscing about the Daytona USA period of my life--and the hold a number of its ditties had on me at that time--prompted me to think about some of the other "game tunes" from my youth that left similar marks on my memory.
For example, there's the "Map Theme" from Yoshi's Island:
I remember humming that one on the regular while I obsessively worked my way through the pastel-filled platformer that has since become one of my all-time favorite games.
There isn't much "grey area" when it comes to Madonna. You either love her, or hate her.
Me, I love her. Always have, probably always will.
Which should go a long way toward explaining why I'm posting the following "8-bit remix" of one of the Michigan-born popstar's latest songs, the fabulously titled "Bitch, I'm Madonna." (Actually, I believe the official title of this "Rebel Heart" tune is "Bitch I'm Madonna," but I refuse to refer to it in its comma-free form.)
Of course, it's not like showcasing this remix here is a total stretch. The person who produced it was inspired by "classic Nintendo songs," after all.
Plus, its YouTube cover art (or whatever you're supposed to call the imagery that fronts the rest its content) features a pixelated Madonna.
Anyway, check it out if you're a fan, and obviously feel free to ignore it if you're not. Oh, and if you'd prefer to hear version of this remix with vocals (from someone other than the "Vogue" songstress), here you go. (Personally, I think the latter iteration sounds a bit too much like a Kidz Bop recording, but that's just me.)
I know what at least a few of you are thinking right now: "How do you buy the hell out of something?"
I don't know, to tell you the truth, but I'm going to figure it out between now and Nov. 7, which is when the folks at Game Freak, makers of those Pokémon games you've probably heard about (along with a number of other gems), will release a soundtrack for Solitiba--aka Soliti Horse, aka the game that's currently eating up most of my precious free time.
Anyway, I'm guessing the two or three of you who also are feeling this Japan-only eShop game will be happy to hear copies of its soundtrack are being sold for just 2,700 Yen (about $25) via shop.2083.jp--although it seems Amazon Japan will sell them eventually as well.
Want to hear a bit of said soundtrack before committing your hard-earned dollars to it? Here you go:
By the way, if any of you are curious to learn more about this addictive digital title, which wackily combines elements of solitaire with those of an adorable horse-racing sim, keep your eyes peeled for a post I'll be publishing early next week.
In honor of the recent release of Yoshi's New Island, the members of Boston's Videri String Quartet decided to arrange, perform, record and share a medley of tunes pulled from the soundtrack of that game's Super Famicom (or SNES, if that's your thing) predecessor.
The entire composition is so wonderful I can't even point to a particular section as my favorite--although I guess if I were pressed I'd have to go with the quartet's sublime rendition of the game's "castle and fortress" theme. How about you?
Seriously, take a listen to it in all its '80s-sitcom-inspired, porn-tastic glory and then try to tell me it isn't the most fabulous tune in all of gaming:
That's not to suggest the other special-move themes that appear in Bravely Default stink, of course. On the contrary, I think all of them are pretty rad. (You can listen to them here, if you'd like.)
Edea's really takes the cake, though, in my opinion. (Even this vocalized version.) Or maybe I should say it takes the cheesecake?
I know I've shared this video before, but it's so darn good that I can't help but share it again--especially since it's been bouncing around in my brain ever since I finished EarthBound a couple of weeks ago.
Do any of you have favorite EarthBound tunes? If so, what are they?
"This is far better than it has any right to be."
That's what one particular YouTube user said earlier today about the following Animal Crossing x Daft Punk mash-up, and I couldn't agree with him (or her) more.
A download link to (a louder version of) the track is included in the video's description, so go here if you'd like to listen to it whenever and wherever your heart desires.
On a related note, is anyone else going absolutely nuts waiting for Animal Crossing: New Leaf to be released in their neck of the woods?
The header above is the gist of my reaction to hearing, for the first time, the song "Circus" by SEXY-SYNTHESIZER (featuring Chihiro).
Which, of course, means I enjoyed the hell out of that initial encounter--as, really, who wouldn't love to hear a song that sounds like the main backing track of an imaginary follow-up to the Namco-made, mouse-fronted arcade classic of yesteryear?
I can't claim to have come across this gem myself, by the way. That honor belongs to Bill Sannwald (aka Mister Raroo), who turned me on to it a few days ago. Thanks, Bill!
As those of you who read this recent post already know, I started playing EarthBound again just over a week ago. I say "again" because I've played this classic SNES RPG on a number of occasions in the past--with the first time occurring shortly after its 1995 release. (I rented it from one of the local grocery stores.)
Although I (believe I) experienced a fair bit of EarthBound during that initial playthrough attempt, I'm pretty sure I've bested that effort during my current one. Regardless, there's no way I'm walking away from the game before the end credits roll this time around.
What are the things that keep me coming back for more (and more and more, if this past week is any indication)? EarthBound's heartfelt story, of course, but also its unique setting and charming graphics. Oh and, last but not least, its amazing soundtrack.
Speaking of which, I'm so in love with this game's soundtrack that I've decided to pen not just one but two blog posts about my 10 favorite EarthBound tunes (thus far). Here are the first five (in alphabetical order):
1. "Boy Meets Girl"--Is there a song that's more emblematic of EarthBound than this one? I'd be hard-pressed to name one. After all, not only is it imbued with a breezy, carefree energy, but it's also infused with a sense of determination--thanks in large part to its ever-present drum beat--and a healthy dose of wistfulness.
2. "Humoresque of a Little Dog" (aka "Buy Somethin' Will Ya!")--If there's a tune on the EarthBound soundtrack that I'll likely never tire of, it's this spirited one. As lovely as the in-game composition is, though, it has nothing on the arrangement performed (above) by YouTube user impathesheikah.
3. "Sunrise & Onett Theme"--Here's another feel-good EarthBound track. This one has a winsome quality to it that really appeals to me for a number of reasons. I also like that it's kind of a call to adventure. None of those traits are all that present in the version included in the video above, but they're definitely on display in the iteration that can be heard here.
I know this isn't completely game-related, but most westerners know of Japanese singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada because of the tunes she contributed to Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II--"Simple and Clean" (aka "Hikari") and "Sanctuary" (aka "Passion"), respectively--so I also wouldn't say it's not at all game-related.
Anyway, the reason I'm a bad, bad Utada (as she's heretofore been known outside of Japan) fan is that I didn't realize until a few days ago that she released a new single, "Sakura Nagashi," which serves as the theme song for Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo, in late November.
Unfortunately, only a snippet of the Naomi Kawase-directed video for "Sakura Nagashi" can be found on Utada's official YouTube channel (and above) at the moment, although the entire song can be downloaded from iTunes. (Also, its officially translated lyrics can be found here.)
Interestingly, both questions are applicable in this case, since I'm both in love with a what (the flute-and-trumpet-centric cover of Rhythm Heaven's "Munchy Monk 2" that can be found below and here) and a who (the adorkable guy who created it).
Don't worry, I'm not seriously considering leaving my husband for this guy (who calls himself The 8-Bit Dreamer, by the way). For the sake of our marriage, though, let's hope he doesn't decide to take things down a notch, so to speak, and cover Rhythm Tengoku's "Bon Odori."
If I hadn't made up my mind some time ago to buy Kirby's Dream Collection as soon as it lands on our shores this autumn (on Sept. 19, to be exact), I'd certainly have done so after watching the video below--of an orchestra performing a special Kirby medley that will appear on the music CD included with this Wii compilation--earlier today.
Thanks to the video above, I've also made up my mind about something else Kirby-related--with that "something else" being that, as soon as I've got the time, I'm going to play through Kirby's Epic Yarn once again. I absolutely adored that title's orchestral-esque soundtrack.
Do you ever wish real life were a bit more like Animal Crossing (Dōbutsu no Mori, if you're Japanese)? You know, instead than toiling away in a cubicle--if you're lucky--for 40-plus hours a week you could spend that time catching fish, designing clothes, digging up fossils and picking fruit?
Well, I do. Sure, living next to a bunch of anthropomorphic cats, dogs, horses and other animals is likely to be an odd (read: kind of creepy) experience, but I think I'd give it the old college try--as long as the hubs agreed to join me--if I were offered the opportunity.
Thankfully, I don't have to waste too much of my time daydreaming about any part of the above-mentioned scenario coming true. That's because I just discovered, via neogaf.com, the real-time Animal Crossing music player that can be found at http://tane.us/ac/ and that makes pretty much any mundane chore or job a bit more enjoyable.
Note: You can switch between listening to the GameCube version's soundtrack and the DS/Wii versions' soundtracks (were the latter two soundtracks the same? I've never noticed...) by clicking the "ww/cf" button found in the lower-left corner of the site.
I'm sure this admission will surprise no one, but I've been playing a lot of Mario Kart 7 lately. How much is "a lot"? Well, I've played it for over 23 hours so far. That may not sound like a lot to some of you, but it's rare for me to play a game for that amount of time these days.
Anyway, all of that racing has produced a rather annoying side effect: I can't get the game's soundtrack out of my head! The worst offender: The song that plays while racing on the Coconut Mall course.
It isn't unusual for this jangly, piano-driven tune to be stuck in my head for hours at a time. Thankfully, I like the song about as much as I like the course (it's one of my all-time favorites), so there's no need to worry about my sanity. Yet.
That's not the only Mario Kart 7 track that has perked my ears, mind you. I'm also quite fond of the tunes that accompany the Daisy Hills, Music Park and Rainbow Road courses. (Listen to the last one by playing the following video.)
As much as I like all of the above-mentioned themes, I think they're a bit subdued when compared to the series' most classic tunes, don't you think?
Also, what do all of you think about Mario Kart 7's soundtrack in general? How do you think it compares to its predecessors? Finally, which songs are your favorites?
When I first read that a girl named Lana Del Rey was earning rave reviews for a song called "Video Games," I expected said song to be both a lyrical and sonic throwback to the 1980s.
I didn't expect the song to sound like something Fiona Apple would write and release.
That's not a complaint, by the way. I quite like Lana's Marina and the Diamonds-esque delivery. I'm also fond of her tune's dirge-like quality.
All that said, I wouldn't mind hearing a blippy, chippy remix of "Video Games" that brings the song more in line with my early expectations.
Stay away from my house around Oct. 26 unless you want to hear some absolutely horrible renditions (courtesy of moi) of Takenobu Mitsuyoshi's "Let's Go Away," "Rolling Start" and "Sky High."
All of those songs are sure to be blaring from our basement windows that week thanks to the XBLA release of Sega's Daytona USA. (This "enhanced port" of the company's arcade classic from 1993 will hit the PlayStation Network the day before, on Oct. 25.)
I played the hell out of the rather hideous-looking Saturn version of Daytona USA back in the day, so I can only imagine how much I'll enjoy this gorgeously high-def update of the game.
The question is: How much time will I spend playing the title's arcade, time trial and (online) multiplayer modes, and how much time will I spend playing with its karaoke mode?
By adeptly playing one of this precious platformer's signature tunes on a pair of pianos, that's how.
The "Butter Building Theme" played in the clip above was transcribed and arranged by Gary Swerdlow, by the way. Listen more of his work on his YouTube channel. Don't expect to hear any more Kirby's Epic Yarn tunes, though--this is the only one he's done (thus far).
Speaking of Kirby, did you know that little pink puff's latest portable title, Kirby Mass Attack, is now available for purchase? Pick up a copy of it here. Also, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, for Wii, will hit store shelves soon, too. (On Oct. 24, to be exact.) Pre-order it here.
What's more fabulous than the "Boss Battle Theme" Nobuo Uematsu created for Final Fantasy IV? A choreographed dance routine set to said theme, that's what.
I highly doubt the dance routine above originally was set to Uematsu's undulating tune, of course, but who cares? It's wonderful all the same--especially those hip thrusts that start at the 11-second mark.
The focus of this two-part post: The fabulous, System Prisma-developed, NIS America-published Cladun: This is an RPG.
I've spent more than 10 hours playing this pixelated gem since I bought it last week and I have to say, if you like dungeon crawlers, roguelikes and RPGs (this game includes elements of all three genres), own a PSP and can afford to blow $19.99, you're sure to enjoy this game as much as I have so far.
Anyway, the point of this post isn't to talk about how much I'm loving Cladun; the point is to talk about how much I'm loving its soundtrack.
You see, when I first started playing Cladun, I opted to listen to its 8-bit-esque tunes rather than its standard ("real," according to the folks at NIS America) tunes. The former are appreciably chunky, but I'd be hard pressed to say they blew me away. Hoping to change things up a bit, I switched over to the game's standard tunes yesterday--and was astounded.
I'm especially fond of the following track, titled "Slicing the Wind":
For the sake of comparison, here's the 8-bit version of the song.
So, the focus of the first part of this post is Cladun's awesome soundtrack; what's the focus of the second part? NIS America's recently released trailer for the game's sequel, Cladun x2,which willhit the North American PlayStation Store sometime in August.
Sounds pretty fantastic, doesn't it? I mean, according to the trailer, Cladun x2, staying true to its title, will offer players more characters, more classes, more dungeons, more monsters and more weapons than its predecessors. It'll also give them more customization options by allowing them to alter their character's weapons and armor as well as their character's appearance.
The only thing that could make me look forward to this game more than I am already would be for the folks at NIS American to announce a physical, retail release that includes both Cladun and Cladun x2.
Yep, I'm gay. And I like video games. Old Japanese games and systems are my favorites--the Famicom, PC Engine, original PlayStation and GameBoy, especially--but I like plenty of newer ones, too. If you have similar interests and you don't mind perusing a blog that's got the word gay in its name and is practically slathered in pink, you'll probably enjoy your time here. I'm also on Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter, by the way. Oh, and my Switch Friend Code = SW-5852-5514-6897.
