The Sound TestRecorded straight from a PS5, my third complete run through of Radiohead's Kid A Mnesia Exhibition.
This concludes ALMOST the full exhibition. This ends at a point that makes sense, but there's still one more little secret area to explore. See that in an upcoming third part!
Radiohead - KID A MNESIA EXHIBITION - Part Two (PS5 - 60fps)The Sound Test2021-11-24 | Recorded straight from a PS5, my third complete run through of Radiohead's Kid A Mnesia Exhibition.
This concludes ALMOST the full exhibition. This ends at a point that makes sense, but there's still one more little secret area to explore. See that in an upcoming third part!
Part Three: youtu.be/BIJ3V5yFrsETHE SOUND TEST 3 - Vincent Diamante (thatgamecompany, Cloud, Flower and Sky: Children of the Light)The Sound Test2024-04-12 | An insightful and wide-reaching talk with Vincent Diamante about his work for thatgamecompany, and so much more!
and many more...THE SOUND TEST 3 - Austin Wintory Interview (thatgamecompany, Flow, Journey, Abzû and Banner Saga)The Sound Test2023-10-28 | An in-depth conversation with legendary composer, Austin Wintory, about his work for thatgamecompany (Flow & Journey), Abzû and The Banner Saga.
and many more...THE SOUND TEST Trailer - Austin Wintory (thatgamecompany, Flow, Journey, Abzû and The Banner Saga)The Sound Test2023-10-05 | THE SOUND TEST Season 3 Coming soon...THE SOUND TEST Bonus - Grand Theft Auto (w/Jonathan Wilson aka Robert De Negro) [INTERVIEW/PODCAST]The Sound Test2022-10-28 | This fun, casual talk with Jonathan Wilson - the man behind GTA's Robert De Negro - is also a comprehensive look at his contributions to the franchise. Along with insights from the man himself, this podcast features every single track he performed for in full (and even a gem from his early days).
Besides GTA, Jon and I discuss hip hop, music in general, the concept of a Robert De Negro comeback and more!
Pledge to patreon.com/_secretcave to help support The Sound Test's second season, and unlock backdated episodes of its LIVE version (and other content)!
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #GrandTheftAutoST2 - #15 - LucasArts: iMUSE (w/George Sanger, Clint Bajakian & Peter McConnell) [INTERVIEW/PODCAST]The Sound Test2022-09-08 | This final part of my LucasArts trilogy takes an in-depth look at the innovative iMUSE system. iMUSE was instrumental to the development of dynamic and interactive music through the 90s, and I welcome back Peter McConnell and Clint Bajakian to discuss its impact. I'm also pleased to present more insight from the incomparable George Sanger, who wrote dynamic soundtracks for games like Capture the Flag and Wing Commander (before the creation of iMUSE). Along the way, all three guests take an extended look at PC sound chips, and how they evolved across the digital audio revolution.
I'm very pleased to present this jam-packed conclusion to a long and rewarding series of LucasArts podcasts. It's been some time in the making, but I'm back! Expect more Sound Test documentaries in the future, including further insight from George and Clint. My next episode will concentrate on the music of thatgamecompany, with their principle composers - Vincent Diamante and Austin Wintory.
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #LucasArts #SoundTest #iMUSEST LIVE / LucasArts Special Part THREE - iMUSE (w/George Sanger, Peter McConnell & Clint Bajakian)The Sound Test2022-09-05 | Off-the-cuff and rusty VGM podcasting from Richard Branson's greatest enemy; yours truly!
THEN! The debut of my first documentary podcast in nearly two years; a look at iMUSE, the MT-32, other PC sound chips, the Miles Sound System and so much more - all through the insight of three legendary LucasArts composers: George Sanger, Peter McConnell and Clint Bajakian.The Sound Test LIVE RETURNS!The Sound Test2022-06-24 | Off-the-cuff and rusty VGM podcasting from Richard Branson's greatest enemy; yours truly!
What's going to happen? Even I don't know...THE SOUND TEST Bonus - Grand Theft Auto (w/Colin Anderson) [INTERVIEW / PODCAST]The Sound Test2021-12-12 | For this bonus, it's my great honour to welcome Colin Anderson onto The Sound Test for a lengthy talk about Grand Theft Auto. Colin was heavily involved in the music and audio of the franchise in its early days, and we talk in-depth about his contributions to both GTA 1 and 2. At the end, we even fit in a little discussion of Crackdown - another game Colin worked on, which we both consider to have more than a few connections to Grand Theft Auto.
This is a real dream interview for me, as I consider the GTA franchise to be just about my favourite of all time; especially thanks to some of my earliest memories playing the original top-down classics that started it all. If you're familiar with their innovative radio stations and impressive bespoke tracks, this episode is guaranteed to please. We cover it all, from The Ballad of Chapped Lips Calhoun to the infectious funk of Stylus Exodus; from forgotten prog. rock stations to that pedestrian who shouts, "Dickwad!" whenever you drive past.
My inner child can hardly believe I'm releasing this particular episode, and I hope you enjoy it too!
Pledge to patreon.com/_secretcave to help support The Sound Test's second season, and unlock backdated episodes of its LIVE version (and other content)!
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #GrandTheftAutoRadiohead - KID A MNESIA EXHIBITION - Part Three (PS5 - 60fps) [inc. Little Cinema]The Sound Test2021-11-25 | Recorded straight from a PS5, my third complete run through of Radiohead's Kid A Mnesia Exhibition.
Although I'm pretty sure you're supposed to find this section as part of a regular playthrough, I also think it's pretty easy to miss. At least, I missed it until right at the end of my stream. Enjoy what I'm calling the "Lyric Room"!
Additionally, the end of this video features a big chunk of the "Little Cinema" bonus room, which feels like a perfect ending point. Apologies for the slightly jaunty cut though; Canal+ claimed a section.
Part Two: youtu.be/P_HS23LbS58Radiohead - KID A MNESIA EXHIBITION - Part One (PS5 - 60fps)The Sound Test2021-11-23 | Recorded straight from a PS5, my third complete run through of Radiohead's Kid A Mnesia Exhibition.
Apologies for the abrupt ending - I hit the PS5 recording limit, but resumed recording instantly for the remainder of the exhibition.
Part Three: youtu.be/BIJ3V5yFrsEThe Sound Test: Top Fives - Puzzle Special (w/The Witness Audio Director - Andrew Lackey!)The Sound Test2021-11-21 | A brand new iteration of The Sound Test, in which I explore my top five VGM tunes from any particular topic.
In this second episode, I take a good long look at probably my favourite gaming genre - puzzles. As a result, I get caught up in the windmills of nostalgia while presenting a rich playlist of great VGM. And that's not all! I'm also more than happy to welcome Wabi Sabi Sound's Andrew Lackey onto the show for one of my most fascinating interviews, all about the audio of The Witness. Finally, keep your ears pricked for a bespoke mini-puzzle I've snuck into the audio!
FULL PLAYLIST COMING SOON!
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #PuzzlesThe Sound Test: Top Fives - Gangster Special (w/Godfather [2006] Audio Director - Ken Felton!)The Sound Test2021-10-10 | A brand new iteration of The Sound Test, in which I explore my top five VGM tunes from any particular topic.
For my first episode back in months, the topic I've chosen is gangsters; mostly thanks to the release of "The Many Saints of Newark".
This episode is packed with fantastic music, trivia and even a few surprises along the way. The podcast is guaranteed to please longtime listeners, and hopefully convert a few new ones!
FULL PLAYLIST COMING SOON!
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #GangstersTHE SOUND TEST Bonus - Psychonauts (w/Peter McConnell) [INTERVIEW / PODCAST]The Sound Test2021-07-09 | In this Sound Test BONUS, I'm joined by Peter McConnell for a detailed look at the music of Psychonauts - just ahead of the release of its long-awaited sequel!
Within, you'll hear details about Psychonauts' cinematic and gameplay scores, their use of live instrumentation and plenty of insightful thoughts on specific, well-loved tracks. We also discuss the game's VR sequel - Rhombus of Ruin - and the implications of composing for virtual reality.
This is a must-hear for all Psychonauts fans, and keep your eye out for another talk with Peter about Psychonauts 2 following its release!
Pledge to patreon.com/_secretcave to help support The Sound Test's second season, and unlock backdated episodes of its LIVE version (and other content)!
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #PsychonautsThe Sound Test LIVE - 04/01/19 [REMASTERED]The Sound Test2021-05-14 | Unfortunately, The Sound Test has been forced into a lengthy hiatus due to a very difficult personal situation I'm going through. Not only has my situation stopped me from working, but I don't even have access to my old equipment. It's not nice, and I wish I could keep the VGM going like I used to - but I'm far from done with The Sound Test. I miss it dearly, and still have many interviews to publish. So, I used my step-mother's laptop (yes!) to remaster this old show with Dale from the very beginning of 2019. That's why there are no pictures or anything fancy going on here - nevertheless, I hope you enjoy this time machine back to the past and I hope to see some of the old regulars in the LIVE chat!
Original description:
"Happy New Year! It's been one of the most insane festive periods for me this year, so I hope you guys understand as I land kind of slowly into the new year. From this episode, Dale and I will be a lot more regular and reliable with this show, and I have plenty of content planned for 2019. I will, of course, be keeping you updated through here, but until things develop, I hope you enjoy this latest episode of The Sound Test LIVE!"
This week's playlist [SPOILERS AHEAD!]:
Lee Tyrrell - Yellow [Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy] Micheal Hunter - Soviet Connection [Grand Theft Auto IV] Manaka Kataoka, Yasuaki Iwata & Hajime Wakai - Kakariko Village (Day) [The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild] The National - Exile Vilify [Portal 2] Neil Biggin - On The Go [Loaded] Mari Yamaguchi - Dark Forest [The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse] Nobuo Uematsu - Cait Sith's Theme [Final Fantasy VII] Nobuo Uematsu - Aerith's Theme [Distant Worlds] Greg Weber & Steve Henifin - Cemetery Stage [Gex] Masaya Matsuura & Yoshihisa Suzuki - Chop Chop (Master Onion's Rap) [PaRappa the Rapper] New Japan Philharmonic - The Great Medley [Smashing...Live!] Nathan McCree & Johann Strauss Sr. - Radetzky March [Asterix and the Power of the Gods] Katsuhiko Suzuki, Yasuko, Kouji, Aki & Non - Headdy the Hero [Dynamite Headdy] Christopher Tyng - Credits [Futurama: The Video Game] Christopher Lennertz - Main Theme [Gun] Tatsuyuki Maeda & Yutaka Minobe - Neo Green Hill Zone [Sonic Advance] Austin Wintory - The Road of Trials [Journey] C418 - Dreiton [Minecraft] Masato Onishi & Daisuke Matsuoka - Arcade Bunny's Theme [Nintendo Badge Arcade] Eric Chevalier - The Fairy Glade [Rayman 2] Kei Morioka, Masafumi Ogata & Rei Shimizu - CAW [WWF SmackDown!]
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
Original episodes of The Sound Test LIVE, with Dale Fowler, are available through Patreon: patreon.com/_secretcave
NOTE: Due to using unfamiliar hardware, the audio on this YouTube upload is of a lower standard than I usually deliver. However, this episode can be streamed in (slightly) higher quality through the following platforms:
#VGM #VideoGameMusicThe Sound Test LIVE - 26/02/21 [Wildcard Edition!]The Sound Test2021-02-27 | NOTE: This is the very messy original live stream. For a more cleaned up version, please see the links to other platforms below!
In this completely off-the-cuff episode, I address some of the concerns that may have built up around The Sound Test in the past month or so. It's not all serious though, as pretty much all of this is the usual serving of VGM goodness, tinged with a little optimistic looking ahead.
It's been a tough time for the show, and myself lately, and I've occasionally posted some rather daft things that I regret. But, we're all surviving through a worldwide pandemic, and here I try to put a lot of that behind me and just get on with the game music glory.
Despite the fact that NONE of this show was planned, I hope you enjoy it!
This week's playlist:
The Vogon Hold - Lee Tyrrell [Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (One-Night VGM, Vol. 2)] In Space (Metal Twolegs Remix) - Jeroen Tel [The Sound of SceneSat, Vol. 2] Max Returns - Rod Thacker [The Sound of SceneSat, Vol. 1] Magical Sound Shower (from "Outrun") - Chris Abbott [Arcade Classics, Vol. 1] Battle! Champion - Go Ichinose, Junichi Masuda and/or Hitomi Sato [Pokemon Diamond & Pearl] Exponential Entropy - Masayoshi Soken [Final Fantasy XIV] Besaid - Masashi Hamauzu [Final Fantasy X] Eternal Youth - RUDE Secret Course, Yoshi Drums (UNUSED) - Koji Kondo & Shinobu Tanaka [Super Mario Sunshine] Gyruss Medley - Masahiro Inoue (?) Crystal World - Paul Tonge [Tinhead] The Red Woods - Matt Furniss [Puggsy] 15 Acres of Broken Glass - Mike Morasky [Portal 2] I Saw a Deer Today - Mike Morasky [Portal 2] Out of Tartarus - Darren Korb [Hades] City of Tears - Christopher Larkin [Hollow Knight] The Redwood Steppe - Austin Wintory [The Pathless] The Woodland (Oleander's Stage) - Whitetail [Them's Fightin' Herds] Wanda Wanda - Yuu Miyake, Asuka Sakai, Akitaka Tohyama, Hideki Tobeta, Yoshito Yano and/or Yuri Misumi [Katamari Damacy] Polaroid - Laugh and Peace & Yoko Fujita [Vib-Ribbon] Push - RedStryke & Jay Tholen [Hypnospace Outlaw] Chop Chop (Master Onion's Rap) - Masaya Matsuura & Yoshihisa Suzuki [PaRappa the Rapper] End Titles - Michael Land [The Curse of Monkey Island] BGM - George Sanger [Capture the Flag] Don't Panic (Main Theme) - Lee Tyrrell [Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (One-Night VGM, Vol. 2)]
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
#VGM #VideoGameMusicYellow [ONE-NIGHT VGM, Vol. 2: Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy]The Sound Test2021-02-13 | God what a terrible hangover it had earned him. He looked at himself in the wardrobe mirror. He stuck out his tongue.
'Yellow,' he thought. The word "yellow" wandered through his mind in search of something to connect with...
---
A preview of my upcoming second volume of One-Night VGM recordings; an entire fantasy OST for the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy text adventure!
Patreon: patreon.com/_secretcaveStar Trek: Judgment Rites - Episode Two: Sentinel [TOS SEASON FOUR!]The Sound Test2021-02-04 | The second episode of Star Trek: Judgment Rites!
Released in 1993, Judgment Rites is a faithful continuation of Star Trek's original series. Not only is it full of moral dilemmas, temporal anomalies and tricorders, but it's also the very last time that the main cast all performed together in a single project. Unfortunately, DeForest Kelley died later in the decade, making this the final hurrah of the USS Enterprise team.
Watch live at twitch.tv/greentearoomsThe Sound Test LIVE - 29/01/21 [VGM Radio - LucasArts Special]The Sound Test2021-01-30 | Since my latest ST2 eps have been all about LucasArts, I decided to broadcast a LIVE special all about them too! For my first show of 2021, I present tracks from some of their earliest releases, right up to the very last game they developed that wasn't based on Star Wars. As a result, this playlist is stacked with some of the very best VGM ever composed, and it was a lot of fun to be back with the show.
In addition, don't miss this episode's new SFX Showdown, where you can win your own physical copy of "Lost Astronaut" by Empty Tables; a great album from a fresh new talent, which you can hear a couple of tracks from in this playlist!
This week's playlist:
Ballblazer (feat. Beastie Boys) – Romeo Knight (originally composed by Peter Langston & Russell Lieblich) Fear is the Mind Killer – Adam Freeland [Rez] Not in Control – Empty Tables [Lost Astronaut] Hostile Space – Empty Tables [Lost Astronaut] Dave’s Theme – David Warhol, George Sanger, David Hayes and/or Dave Govett [Maniac Mansion] BGM #02 – Mark Cooksey [Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Action Game] Hetchel and the Elders – George Sanger (originally composed by Tchaikovsky) [Loom] Opening Themes & Intro – Michael Land and/or Patrick Mundy [The Secret of Monkey Island] Beach – Michael Land, Peter McConnell and/or Clint Bajakian [Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge, Special Edition] Jawa Sandcrawler – Paul Webb (originally composed by John Williams) [Super Star Wars] Mission Debriefing – Michael Land, Peter McConnell and/or Clint Bajakian [Star Wars: X-Wing] Tentacle Disco – Michael Land, Peter McConnell and/or Clint Bajakian [Day of the Tentacle] Zombie Panic – Eric Swanson (originally composed by Joe McDermott) [Zombies Ate My Neighbors] Highway Surfing – Michael Land, Peter McConnell and/or Clint Bajakian [Sam & Max Hit the Road] Born Bad – Gone Jackals [Full Throttle] Mission to the Asteroid – Michael Land [The Dig] The Ballad of Dr. Death – Clint Bajakian [Outlaws] Wing Commander Surf – Team Fat (originally composed by Dave Govett) A Cartographer Reformed – Michael Land [The Curse of Monkey Island] The Enlightened Florist – Peter McConnell [Grim Fandango] Imperial Rage (Leviathan Remix) – Peter McConnell and/or David Levison (originally composed by John Williams) [Star Wars: Force Commander] Nazi Infiltration 1 ALT – Clint Bajakian [Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb] Star Wars Disco – David Whittaker (originally composed by John Williams) [LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game] ??? – Yohann Boudreault, Steve Szczepkowski and/or Jean-Sebastien LeBlanc[Thrillville: Off the Rails, DS] Main Title – Chris Tilton and/or Chad Seiter [Fracture] Off On a Comet – Jesse Harlin [Lucidity] Coolpunk Paradise – Lee Tyrrell [One-Night VGM]
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #LucasArtsST2 -#14- LucasArts: History (w/George Sanger, Clint Bajakian & Peter McConnell) [INTERVIEW/PODCAST]The Sound Test2021-01-29 | Founded in 1982, LucasArts are among the best known and best loved game developers of the past four decades. Following on from my previous episode, this podcast is the second part of a dedicated LucasArts triple-bill. This time, I explore the company’s history, with returning guests Clint Bajakian and Peter McConnell. While Clint and Peter both proved invaluable to LucasArts through the 90s, and beyond, it’s an honour to also be joined by George “The Fat Man” Sanger, a true VGM veteran with many more appearances to come in this season.
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #LucasArts #SoundTestFRIENDS - The One With the Guinea Pig (starring Douglas Crombles)The Sound Test2021-01-25 | One of the greatest and most daring episodes of Friends, in which Central Perk is attacked by a kaiju guinea pig.
Rest in peace, Douglas Crombles (2013-2021); possibly the finest guinea pig actor of his time.Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Video Game (30th Anniversary Edition) [#1] / Text Adventure, 1984The Sound Test2021-01-25 | The first part of my live Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy playthrough!
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy started out as a radio series in the 70s, before soon being followed by a number of adaptations in other mediums. Most versions, including the books, TV series and (to an extent) the film were written by Douglas Adams, who's also known for his work on Doctor Who and with Monty Python. Each iteration of the guide followed the exploits of Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, Zaphod Beeblebrox and Trillian as they get hurled around the galaxy for a classic sci-fi comedy adventure, following the destruction of Earth to make room for a hyperspace bypass.
One of the most intriguing versions of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is its video game adaptation, which is styled as a text adventure. In fact, it was one of the best received and top selling text adventures of the 80s and remains an intriguing look at the story. Designed and written by Douglas Adams himself (along with Steve Meretzky), it manages to be both incredibly authentic as well as wildly original. The plot and events differ quite strongly from what fans may know, particularly in their structuring, but they always manage to cleverly (and hilariously) hark back to much-loved jokes and passages. Most excitingly, the game introduces a plethora of new material and lore that sits comfortably in the established universe, and is all penned - importantly - by a particularly inspired Douglas Adams.
Throughout this stream, I played music by: Joby Talbot, Boards of Canada, Pink Floyd, C418, Vangelis & DJ Shadow
This playthrough is dedicated to the memory of Douglas Crombles; partly named after Douglas Adams.Star Trek: Judgment Rites - Episode One: Federation [TOS SEASON FOUR!]The Sound Test2021-01-22 | The first episode of Star Trek: Judgment Rites!
Released in 1993, Judgment Rites is a faithful continuation of Star Trek's original series. Not only is it full of moral dilemmas, temporal anomalies and tricorders, but it's also the very last time that the main cast all performed together in a single project. Unfortunately, DeForest Kelley died later in the decade, making this the final hurrah of the USS Enterprise team.
Watch live at twitch.tv/greentearoomsCoolpunk Paradise [ONE-NIGHT VGM]The Sound Test2021-01-03 | In 1999, as mankind prepared to enter a new millennium, Hypnospace was the height of cool. Not only did it allow you to surf a network of interesting and creative pages, but it also operated as you slept. Such amazing technology has only slipped into obscurity today thanks to the infamously tragic Mindcrash event and, since, we've had to be content with dreams as our only source of sleeptime entertainment.
When it was thriving, Hypnospace was home to a number of fleeting cultural phenomenons. Everyone who grew up in the 90s remembers Coolpunk; the icy, soda-fuelled musical genre that froze all our hearts as Y2K loomed. Of course, we all know what happened to Fre3zer, but I never stopped believing in the power of Coolpunk. Sure, I got into the Fungus Scene and still like to drip when I can, but this is my reminder of a simpler time, when all you've gotta gotta worry about is being colder than the rest, and making sure to chill it right.
#Coolpunk #HypnospaceOutlaw #HypnospaceGrabthars Hammer [ONE-NIGHT VGM]The Sound Test2020-12-21 | The first in a (hopefully) ongoing series of one-night compositions.
This piece is heavily inspired by Amiga MODs; particularly the work of Ben Daglish and TDK. Although clearly made in a modern DAW, and using all sorts of effects that were impossible on the Amiga, I did attempt to bare the four monophonic channels limit in mind throughout the whole piece. There's a lot of layering going on, but really this could be convincingly translated to the Amiga!
Notably, except for some hi-hats creeping in at the end, I was particular eager to have a single, simple snare as the only percussion. There aren't even any kicks; just two basses!
Patreon: patreon.com/_secretcaveThe Sound Test LIVE - 18/12/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast] (w/Matthew Smith)The Sound Test2020-12-19 | For my very final show of 2020, I go big with an absolute iceberg of a broadcast. Thanks to the listeners, the playlist is full of cold, icy, christmassy tunes, but I put a little twist on my personal choices this week. You'll meet various ghosts of my Christmases past, as I introduce you to the games that have been particularly exciting presents over the years.
Excitingly, I'm also joined for a LIVE chat by Matthew Smith; journalist, and producer of "Amiga Power: The Album with Attitude", which pays tribute to one of Britain's best loved gaming magazines and the Amiga VGM scene as a whole. It's a great talk, and this show also includes a couple of samples from the album itself!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone, and see you for more VGM celebration in 2021!
This week's playlist:
War of the Woolies – Matthew Berardo [Bubsy in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind] Zangief – Yoko Shimomura and/or Isao Abe [Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting] Chill Penguin – Setsuo Yamamoto, Makoto Tomozawa, Yuki Iwai, Yuko Takehara and/or Toshihiko Horiyama [Mega Man X] Have an Ice Day – Adam Bond [RuneScape] Icy Girl (Fre3zer) – Jay Tholen [Hypnospace Outlaw] Fade Away – Craig Gray [Grand Theft Auto III] Tabloid Jargon (Press Garden Act 1) – Tee Lopes [Sonic Mania] Ice Climber (Brawl) – Originally composed by Akito Nakatsuka [Super Smash Bros. Brawl] Flying Battery Zone 1 – Howard Drossin, Sachio Ogawa, Tatsuyuki Maeda and/or Jun Senoue [Sonic & Knuckles] Medals – Jeroen Tel [Winter Gold] In a Snow-Bound Land – David Wise [Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest] Europa – Michael Salvatori, Skye Lewin, Rotem Moav, Josh Mosser and/or Michael Sechrist [Destiny 2: Beyond Light] Giant’s Cry – Houryu Samejima [La-Mulana (Remake)] Severnaya Installation – Graeme Norgate [GoldenEye 007] Cannon Fodder: Narcissus – Jon Hare, Andrew Barnabas, Louis Thorne, Alex Reeves, Gareth Williams, Mark Knight & Ben Daglish [Amiga Power: The Album with Attitude] Stardust Tunnel – Tim Wright (originally composed by Risto Vuori) [Amiga Power: The Album with Attitude] Sea of Ice – Yasuaki Fujita [The Little Mermaid] Alaska – Takane Okubo and/or Katsunari Kitajima [Marvel Super Heroes in War of the Gems] The Palace of Ice – Tsuyoshi Sekito [Brave Fencer Musashi] Underground – Koji Kondo [Super Mario World] Snow Joke – Stuart Ross [Space Station Silicon Valley] Secret Course – Koji Kondo [Super Mario Sunshine] Three Circuits – Kenichi Nishimaki, Masanobu Matsunaga and/or Minako Hamano [Mario Kart: Super Circuit] Crescent Moon Village – Ryoji Yoshitomi [Wario Land 4] Snow Go-Snow Biz-Cold Hard Crash – Josh Mancell [Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back] Frosty Fruits (In a Snow-Bound Land Returns) – David Wise [Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze] Awake – Lena Raine [Celeste] Kingdom’s Edge – Christopher Larkin [Hollow Knight] Winter (The Wind Can Be Still) – ConcernedApe [Stardew Valley] Ice Zone - Spencer Nilsen, Brian Coburn and/or Andras Magyari [Ecco the Dolphin] Frozen Solid and Chilled - Tomoya Tomita, Misaki Asada and/or Kazumi Totaka [Yoshi's Woolly World] X-MAS MEDLEY - Jay Tholen [Hypnospace Outlaw]
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
#VGM #Christmas #AmigaPowerThe Sound Test LIVE - 11/12/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast]The Sound Test2020-12-12 | FREEZE!
Following on from my Hypnospace Outlaw bonus, I decided to make this show all about gaming police officers, law enforcers, coppers and bobbies. There are a lot to choose from too, as these themed episodes could easily have second parts one day. For now though, this playlist is more than stacked with some of the very best tunes that the boys in blue have to offer.
I SAID FREEZE, ASSHOLE!
This week's playlist:
The Streets of Rage - Yuzo Koshiro [Streets of Rage] The Rooftops - Matt Furniss [Predator 2] Title - Jonathan Dunn [RoboCop] Intro - Jeroen Tel [RoboCop III] Electric Night - Model 500 [Detroit: Become Human] Bounce - Frank Klepacki [Blade Runner] Opening Title 'Old L.A. 2040' - Tappi Iwase, Masahiro Ikariko and/or Motoaki Furukawa [Policenauts] Torched Song - Claudia Brucken & The Real Tuesday Weld [L.A. Noire] The Ecstasy of Gold (Bandini Remix) - Ennio Morricone [Blur (trailer)] Shriek and Ori - Forsaken Panda (originally composed by Gareth Coker) Shatterhail - Mick Gordon [Killer Instinct Season 1] Gunslinger - Michael Salvatori, Skye Lewin, Rotem Moav and/or Pieter Schlosser [Destiny 2: Forsaken] Polyhedrons - British Sea Power [Disco Elysium] Dead - Health [Max Payne 3] Menu - Graeme Norgate [TimeSplitters: Future Perfect] Menu Theme - David O'Neal [Future Cop] Title - Alexander Brandon, Dan Gardopee and/or Michiel van den Bos [Deus Ex] BGM 3 - Takayuki Nakamura and/or You Takada [E-SWAT: City Under Siege] Colder Than the Rest (Fre3zer) - Jay Tholen [Hypnospace Outlaw] Short Change - EZ Rollers [Grand Theft Auto 2] Tension (Outtakes) - Tom Bible [Judge Dredd: Dredd vs. Death]
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #Police #CopsTHE SOUND TEST Bonus - Hypnospace Outlaw (w/Jay Tholen) [INTERVIEW / PODCAST]The Sound Test2020-12-11 | In this BONUS, I'm joined by Jay Tholen for an in-depth look at the music and audio of Hypnospace Outlaw.
An internet simulator set at the turn of the 21st century, Hypnospace Outlaw is one of my favourite games that I played in 2020. It's dripping in 90s nostalgia, and its keen sense of humour is colourful as you're invited into a faithful parody of online tropes from the time.
Most importantly for The Sound Test, the experience is utterly packed with original music. From MIDI-esque sample sets to entirely new genres, like Coolpunk, Hypnospace Outlaw never ceases to amaze with the sheer level of detail in its music. Through this podcast, you'll get more acquainted with The Chowder Man, jam out to some Klyfta and tap your toe to Redstryke - all while learning more about the lengths Jay Tholen went to in order to fill his game with musical life.
Pledge to patreon.com/_secretcave to help support The Sound Test's second season, and unlock backdated episodes of its LIVE version (and other content)!
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #HypnospaceOutlaw #HypnospaceThe Sound Test LIVE - 04/12/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast]The Sound Test2020-12-04 | This episode revs into December with a look at some of the best known and best loved vehicles in games! From the Blue Falcon to Bowser's airships and everything between, this was a topic that could easily have several broadcasts dedicated to it. Let me know in the comments if you thought of something I didn't include!
Outside of planes, trains and automobiles, I take a step back from many of the show's regular features this week. As we approach 2021, I'm thinking of several ways I can reshuffle the format of The Sound Test; with one key word in mind - simplify. The features have been fun, but really we're all just here for great music. We'll see how things evolve!
This week's playlist:
Airwolf Theme (In the Air) – Tsukasa Masuko (Originally composed by Sylvester Levay) [CrossFire] Darkness – Mike Ault & Christian De La Torre [Rocket League] Big Blue – Yumiko Kanki and/or Naoto Ishida [F-Zero] Judgment (Stage 1-1) – Takushi Hiyamuta [Metal Slug 2] Born to Be Wild – Tim & Geoff Follin (originally composed by Steppenwolf) [Rock ‘n’ Roll Racing] Storm Eagle – Setsuo Yamamoto, Makoto Yomozawa, Yuki Iwai, Yuko Takehara and/or Toshihiko Horiyama [Mega Man X] Impact Zone – Rainbowdragoneyes [The Messenger: Picnic Panic] Title – Ryoji Yoshitomi [Wario Land 4] On the Move – Ghetto Fingers [Grand Theft Auto] W.A.R. – Rob Hubbard [8-Bit Symphony Pro] Kaerichi to Kayaku no Nioi no Naka – Kow Otani [SD Gundam G Generation Cross Rays] For All Mankind – Jon Everist [BattleTech] Airship Armada – Koji Kondo [Super Mario Galaxy] Venice – Nathan McCree [Tomb Raider 2] Balamb Garden – Nobuo Uematsu [Final Fantasy VIII] Sailing (Another World) – Yasunori Mitsuda [Chrono Cross] Turbulence Cassette – Masafumi Takada [Steel Battalion: Line of Contact] Overworld Adventure – Toru Miniegishi, Manaka Tominaga, Asuka Ota and/or Koji Kondo [The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks] Working Man – Takenobu Mitsuyoshi, Yuzo Koshiro, Ryuji Iuchi, Takeshi Tanagawa, Satoshi Miyashita and/or Osamu Murata [Shenmue] Meteor – Hajime Hirasawa [Star Fox] Azure Lake – Brad Buxer, Cirocco Jones, Bobby Brooks, Darryl Ross, Geoff Grace, Doug Grigsby, Sachio Ogawa, Tatsuyuki Maeda and/or Jun Senoue [Sonic the Hedgehog 3] Luigi Circuit/Mario Circuit – Asuka Ota and/or Ryo Nagamatsu [Mario Kart Wii] Cave – Atsuhiro Motoyama [Kuru Kuru Kururin] High Above the Land (The Flying Machine) – Jake Kaufman [Shovel Knight] Body in Motion – CoLD SToRAGE [WipeOut 2097] Redwood Forest – Michael Bartlow [Road Rash]
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #VehiclesSOUND TEST 2 -#13- LucasArts: Star Wars (w/Paul Webb, Clint Bajakian & Peter McConnell) [INTERVIEW]The Sound Test2020-11-27 | No movie franchise has made a bigger impact on gaming than Star Wars, which boasts well over a hundred separate releases for practically every system that has ever existed. Adaptations of the much loved original trilogy, and its later sequels, have grown in sophistication with each passing year.
Since LucasArts was founded in 1982 by George Lucas himself, its connection to Star Wars runs deep. Therefore, their releases have always been celebrated as authentic and rich expansions on established lore, through loving storylines, varied gameplay and, naturally, incredible audio.
To help explore the franchise’s early days, I spoke to Paul Webb – best known for his work on Super Star Wars. From there, you can’t discuss the further growth of LucasArts through the 90s, and on into the naughties, without Clint Bajakian – and Peter McConnell – who both also composed for Indiana Jones. Between the four of us, we’ll cover the sound of Star Wars adaptations from the Nintendo Entertainment System up to the PlayStation 1 and PCs, when CD audio took over from chiptune.
Steel Banana youtube.com/watch?v=LgTTMsj-K38The Sound Test LIVE - 20/11/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast]The Sound Test2020-11-20 | No interview this week, but we do have a stacked playlist of sidekick celebration! I explore some of gaming's most well-known tagalongs, player 2s and assistants; all with the help of my wonderful regular listeners. You'll hear my own Top 5, along with a whole host of other great choices!
Besides the theme, this episode finally brings some concrete (and complex) answers to the VGM SongFight battle. Hopefully, it'll make more sense as the story unfurls, but you can rely on three strong news points this week, and a devilish round of the Sound Effects Showdown. Additionally, there's a sample of next week's ST2 Star Wars special right at the end!
This week's playlist:
Opening (William Tell Overture) – Gioachino Rossini (arranged by Team Kuuneruasobu) [Lone Ranger] Colonius – Alexander Brandon [Jazz Jackrabbit 2] Disco Train – David Wise [Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest] Force Your Way – Nobuo Uematsu [Final Fantasy VIII] Theme – Lex Horton [Grand Theft Auto: Vice City] 80s Annelid – Tommy Tallarico [Earthworm Jim] (Pirate Stronghold) Globox – Claude Samard [Rayman M/Arena] Dog – C418 [Minecraft] Old Town – Russell Shaw [Fable 2] All Who Follow You – Nick Arundel [Batman: Arkham Knight] Discovering Banjoland – Grant Kirkhope [Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts] Jawa Sandcrawler – John Williams (arranged by Paul Webb) [Super Star Wars] Corneria – Hajime Wakai and/or Koji Kondo [Star Fox 64] Underground BGM – Koji Kondo [Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island] Gerudo Valley – Koji Kondo [The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time] Love as a Construct – Mike Morasky [Portal 2] Detonate – Tommy Tallarico [Tomorrow Never Dies] Covenant Dance – Martin O’Donnell and/or Michael Salvatori [Halo] Sentinel Beach – Josh Mancell[Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy] Jowai Resort, Pokitaru – David Bergeaud [Ratchet & Clank] In-Flight – Tomihito Nishiura and/or Yasumasa Kitagawa [Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney] Memories of Hal – Norihiko Hibino [Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty] Master Hand – ??? [Super Smash Bros. for 3DS] Battle (Chaos) – Jamie Dunlap [South Park: The Fractured But Whole] Mystic Cave Zone – Masato Nakamura [Sonic the Hedgehog 2] Training – Kazumi Totaka and/or Shinobu Tanaka [Luigi’s Mansion] God Only Knows – Brian Wilson & Tony Asher (arranged by Garry Schyman) [Bioshock Infinite]
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #SidekicksThe Sound Test LIVE - 13/11/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast] (feat. Barry Leitch)The Sound Test2020-11-13 | The Sound Test welcomes yet another big interview guest this week, as Barry Leitch joins me for a chat about his whole legendary career. From his music and sound for a string of popular racing games to his intriguing work on children's toys, we cover a lot of interesting ground. It was fantastic to have Barry on the show, and I hope we talk again soon!
The theme for this week otherwise, though, is final bosses; main antagonists. Along with my own top five, we of course hear some great choices from listeners as we explore some of the most iconic and interesting end baddies of all time.
This week's playlist:
Part 3 – Mike Richmond [Cocoa and the Time Machine 2: 24 Hour Parsley People] Dracula’s Castle – Michiru Yamane [Castlevania: Symphony of the Night] Imaginary Places – Busdriver [Tony Hawk’s Underground] Escape – Jonah Senzel [Pony Island] Bigfoot Party – Clint Bajakian, Michael Land and/or Peter McConnell [Sam & Max: Hit the Road] Eeeeeeeeeeeeee – Terry Scott Taylor [Skullmonkeys] Buttville – Tommy Tallarico [Earthworm Jim] Final Zone – Masato Nakamura [Sonic the Hedgehog] EOL Boss 2 – Marten Joustra and Andy Blythe, Michael Giacchino or Matt Furniss [Mickey Mania] Gang-Plank Galleon – David Wise [Donkey Kong Country] Undercaves – Spencer Nilsen, Brian Coburn and/or Andras Magyari [Ecco the Dolphin] Snake Eater – Norihiko Hibino and Cynthia Harrell [Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater] Flame of the Ancient World – Mark Morgan [Fallout] Laniakiea – Valentine Parkhomenko [Cradle] Las Vegas – Barry Leitch [Top Gear] A Very Final Finale – Barry Leitch [Horizon Chase Turbo] Deadbeard’s Battle Theme – Motoi Sakuraba [Golden Sun] Formidable Oak (Exterior, Interior, Plasm Wraith Battle!) – Asuka Hayazaki, Atsuko Asahi and/or Hajime Wakai [Pikmin 3] Escape – Kazuki Muraoka, Hiroyuki Togo, Takanari Ishiyama, Lee Jeon Myung and/or Maki Kirioka [Metal Gear Solid] The Prince of Darkness – Koji Kondo [The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past] Battle in Japan – Akira Yamaoka and Andrius Klimka [World of Tanks] Terracotta Army (The End) – Gareth Coker [Minecraft: Chinese Mythology] Select – Junk Ozawa and/or Jesahm [Donkey Konga] Master Hand – ??? [Super Smash Bros. for 3DS] Theme of M. Bison – Masahiro Aoki, Hideyuki Fukasawa, Keiki Kobayashi, Takatsugu Wakabayashi and/or Zac Zinger [Street Fighter V] One-Winged Angel – Nobuo Uematsu [Distant Worlds] Ultimate Koopa – Koji Kondo [Super Mario 64]
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #FinalBossesTHE SOUND TEST Bonus - LIVE Mark TDK Knight Interview (06/11/20) [RETROSPECT]The Sound Test2020-11-09 | TDK's a regular name on my show, and one of the contributors to ST2, so it's fantastic to welcome him back to The Sound Test. This time, we catch up about his latest album - "Retrospect" - currently available through marktdkknight.bandcamp.com !
This interview was part of a larger LIVE show, which was unfortunately blocked from YouTube. You can find it in full through the platforms below:
Original episodes of The Sound Test LIVE, with Dale Fowler, are available through Patreon: patreon.com/_secretcavePS1 Classics [Bishi Bashi Special]The Sound Test2020-10-26 | I play through every single minigame on this forgotten PS1 gem. This one's a real favourite from my childhood!
#BishiBashiSpecial #BishiBashi #PlayStation #PS1Hypnospace Outlaw [LETS PLAY] - Part 2The Sound Test2020-10-24 | Part two of a first impressions Hypnospace Outlaw stream!
Through The Sound Test, I've fallen deeply in love with this game's soundtrack. But, I'd never actually played it until now. Join me on my journey through this nostalgic internet sim!
Broadcasted live on Twitch -- Watch live at twitch.tv/greentearoomsThe Sound Test LIVE - 23/10/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast] (Halloween Special!)The Sound Test2020-10-23 | I won't be here next week because of a holiday, so this episode gets all kinds of spooky in advance of Halloween. We skulk from the shadows of one creepy track to another as we explore the ghoulish sounds of various horror-themed games.
Despite the darkness, regular features light the way! From news about a new Mario movie, Gotham Knights and more on the horizon from TDK to another twist in the tale of the SongFight, this show is truly packed. And let's not forget about a whole new, haunted edition of the SFX Showdown...
This week's playlist:
Manhunt – Craig Conner [Manhunt] Skeletons in my Closet – The Fat Man and Team Fat [The 7th Guest] Mad Monster Mansion – Grant Kirkhope [Banjo-Kazooie] Spooks of Halloween Town – Yoko Shimomura [Kingdom Hearts II] Sadness (arranged) – Junko Tamiya [Sweet Home] India Docks; Smithfield – Frederic Motte [Nightmare Creatures] Haunted Mansion – Graeme Norgate [TimeSplitters] Inner Demon – Nick Arundel [Batman: Arkham Knight] Employment Center – Peter Due [Forgotton Anne] Blackbosom – Masayoshi Soken [Final Fantasy XIV] Their Faces Still Haunt Us – Ben Crossbones [Organ Trail] Skull Man – Minae Fujii and/or Yasuaki Fujita [Mega Man 4] Graveyard – Kazumi Totaka [Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins] Boss Theme 1 – Toshiko Tasaki (Anzaki Waraco) [Magical Hat’s Turbo Flight! Adventure] Journey – TDK [Retrospect] Blood Swamps – Andrew Hulshult (arranged by Uncle Boobs) [Doom: Eternal] End Credits – Samuel Laflamme [Outlast] Shifty Boo Mansion – Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo and/or Yasuaki Iwata [Super Mario 3D World] Hail the Nightmare – Ryan Amon, Tsukasa Saitoh, Yuka Kitamura, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Cris Velasco and/or Michael Wandmacher [Bloodborne] Dark Dungeons – Keith Tinman [Addams Family Values] Sandy Wasteland – Keith Tinman [Addams Family Values] Café Cubano – Scott Martin [Tropico 5] Ghosts (Gloomy Manor Ver C) – Chad York, Darren Radtke and/or Mike Peacock [Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon] Credit Line of Whole Staff – Masami Ueda, Shusaku Uchiyama and/or Shyun Nishigaki [Resident Evil 2] MX Credits Mandable – Jeff van Dyck [Alien: Isolation] Main Theme – Ryo Nagamatsu [Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit]
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #HalloweenHypnospace Outlaw [LETS PLAY] - Part 1The Sound Test2020-10-18 | Part one of a first impressions Hypnospace Outlaw stream!
Through The Sound Test, I've fallen deeply in love with this game's soundtrack. But, I'd never actually played it until now. Join me on my journey through this nostalgic internet sim!
Broadcasted live on Twitch -- Watch live at twitch.tv/greentearoomsThe Sound Test LIVE - 16/10/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast]The Sound Test2020-10-16 | Get sat comfortably, class, and prepare for this week's lesson - history! Whether it's Vikings, Ancient Egyptians, the Swinging Sixties or 15th Century Bohemia, this episode dips into a variety of historical video games.
Besides my own Top 5, and choices from my regulars, we hear all sorts of history-inspired fantasy titles and, of course, check in on all the regular features. Test yourself with a new round of the SFX Showdown, get up to date with three more Quickfire News segments and continue the confusion with the ever-mysterious VGM SongFight!
This week's playlist:
Funk You! – Robert Prince [Wolfenstein 3D] Saturday Night at Dirty McNasty’s – Chris Sears, Jim Browski, Dr. Gilo Allen & Duncan “limpdick” Scott [Grant Theft Auto: London 1969] Cannon Fodder (Guns on the Beach Remix) – Amok (originally composed by Richard Joseph] Hell March – Frank Klepacki [Command & Conquer: Red Alert] North Yankton Memories – Tangerine Dream, The Alchemist, Oh No, Woody Jackson and DJ Shadow [Grant Theft Auto V] Shared Dig – Mothership Loudspeakerz (originally composed by Alexander Brandon, Michiel van den Bos, Andrew G. Sega and/or Dan Gardopee) [Unreal] Title – Tim Follin [Solstice: The Quest for the Staff of Demnos] New Dawn – Neil Baldwin [Erik the Viking] Viking Warlord – Jim B-Reay, Michael Larson and/or Rom Di Prisco [Rune] Judges of the Dead – Gareth Coker [Minecraft: Egyptian Mythology] Title Screen – TDK [Mario’s Time Machine] Jungle Trek – ??? [Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego?] Vagrant Song [Deep South] – Ryan Ike & Joshua Du Chene [Where the Water Tastes Like Wine] Snake River Crossing – Larry Phenow [Oregon Trail] Smell of the Game – Daisuke Ishiwatari and Naoki Hashimoto [Guilty Gear Strive] Micromanagement Failure – Ultrasyd [Chipsters EP Remastered] Enemy Attack (Enemy Phase 2) – Noriyuki Iwadare, Isao Mizoguchi and/or Hiroshi Fujioka [Warsong] Stage Theme 01 – Yasuko Yamada and/or Naoto Yagishita [The Flintstones: The Rescue of Dino & Hoppy] Imagine Ocean – Martin Galway (arranged and orchestrated by Chris Abbott, Alisdair J. Pickering, Rob Hubbard and Robin Tait) [8-Bit Symphony Pro] Costa del Sol – Nobuo Uematsu [Final Fantasy VII] Café Cubano – Scott Martin [Tropico 5] Fist Fight – Jan Valta and/or Adam Sporka [Kingdom Come: Deliverance] Spear Rhythm (Fretless Salsa) – Stephen Rippy & David Rippy [Age of Empires: Definitive Edition] A Hat in Time: Peace and Tranquility but Buck Bumble theme is spliced in.
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
#VGM #VideoGameMusicThe Sound Test LIVE - 09/10/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast]The Sound Test2020-10-09 | Snacks at the ready, because this episode takes a look at some of gaming's tastiest delectables. From Pac-Man's fruit to the glorious culinary delights of Final Fantasy XV, you're sure to feel hungry as the show rolls on.
Besides the gastronomic glory, I take a look at three interesting developments for Quickfire News and the SFX Showdown continues with an ever-growing scoreboard. An untrustworthy interloper gets involved in the VGM SongFight, and Daisy spends the majority of the broadcast asleep on me.
This week's playlist:
Main Menu – Masayoshi Ishi [Cooking Mama] Pepsiman – James & Gang [Pepsiman] Recipe For The Perfect Afro – Featurcast [Jet Set Radio] Sunny Drive Downtown – Jonathan Geer [Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3] Pac-Man Remix – Arsenic 1987 RVTK-1 – Hiroyuki Shimizu [beatmania GB: Gotcha Mix 2] Pools of Poison – Jeroen Tel Black Dragon Fight Club – Nathan Grigg [Mortal Kombat 11] Golden Axe – Fastloaders [Amiga Rocks] Final Fight – Fastloaders [Amiga Rocks] Mount Volbono – Naoto Kubo, Shiho Fujii and/or Koji Kondo [Super Mario Odyssey] The Honeyhive – Mahito Yokota and/or Koji Kondo [Super Mario Galaxy] Choco Island – Soyo Oka [Mario Kart: Super Circuit] Chef – Noriko Nishizaka, Saburo Sasaki and/or Yoko Mizuta [Game & Watch Gallery 2] Federation of Free Traders – Ben Daglish [Federation of Free Traders] San Andreas Theme Song – Young Maylay [GTA: San Andreas] ??? – Yasuhisa Ito [Bishi Bashi Special] Credits – Murugan Thiruchelvam, Joe Paine and/or Oliver Hindle [I Am Bread] Big Belly – Grant Kirkhope [Project Dream] GRA-A-ANDMA! – Kenta Nagata, Hajime Wakai, Toru Minegishi and/or Koji Kondo [The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker] Gameboy Horror Theme – Kazumi Totaka and/or Shinobu Tanaka [Luigi’s Mansion] Costa Del Sol – Nobuo Uematsu [Final Fantasy VII] CINDY – Yoko Shimomura [Final Fantasy XV] Home – Toby Fox [Undertale] Clotho (Edit) – Kazuo Wakihara, Hisaki Nimiya and/or Kazimoto [Columns]
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
After a respectable career in VGM, Steve Collett eventually had some of his music licensed for use in MotoGP: Ultimate Racing Technology 2. His band, V8 Pack, had a perfect sound for hi-octane racing games, and their album - "At the Earth's Core" - worked brilliantly with the fast-paced action. So, in a very short space of time, Steve composed music in the same style for Crash 'n' Burn; this time written specifically for the game.
Check the chat replay for LIVE unique insight from Steve himself!
1. My Life as an Airbag (0:00) 2. Way to Go, Way to Die (3:40) 3. Under the Hood (7:04) 4. Born to Lose It (9:58) 5. Incinerator (13:20) 6. Spitting Teeth (16:49) 7. Truck Load of Freaks (20:33) 8. Gimme Speed (24:01) 9. Stoned (26:55) 10. M.O.F.O. Son of a Bitch (30:19) 11. M.O.FO. [Censored] (32:43)
All tracks composed and performed by Steve Collett (aka Steve Rockett).
#VGM #CrashnBurnMutant Camels [MOBILE OPPRESSION PALACE]The Sound Test2020-10-07 | Mobile Oppression Palace's cover of "Return of the Mutant Camels" by Ben Daglish, itself an arrangement of a traditional Peruvian composition.
Ben Daglish interview: youtu.be/EsQXihcNUM4The Sound Test LIVE - 02/10/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast]The Sound Test2020-10-02 | As VGM lovers, we all come across tunes and soundtracks from games we've never played. In this episode, I explore my personal Top 5 games that, despite never playing, have excellent music. My regular listeners get in on the theme too, and plenty of recommendations are thrown around.
Otherwise, Quickfire News continues on strong with three new segments, while bookending rounds of the SFX Showdown should keep you on your feet. I also need the help of a new TTS guardian angel to pronounce one particular legend's name right. But only in the edited version; this original stream retains my idiotic mistake!
In the VGM SongFight, Mario agrees that Rosalina's odd space signal is a worry, and suggests the help of an old family friend...
This week's playlist:
Track 2 – Alberto J. GONZALEZ (sorry Alberto...) [Die Maus] Another Winter – Anamanaguchi [Scott Pilgrim vs. The World] Tokyo Daylight – Shoji Meguro [Persona 5] Power Plant (Sparkling Scorpio Stage) – Dominic Ninmark [Mega Man X: Corrupted] Distant Space – Toshiya Yamanaka and/or Osamu Nagano [Star Cruiser] Moon Over the Castle [Gran Turismo 2] Stal – C418 [Minecraft] Chill it Right (Fre3zer) – Jay Tholen [Hypnospace Outlaw] Ghost of the Grotto (Basidia) – Jay Tholen [Hypnospace Outlaw] The Sinister Six – John Paesano [Marvel’s Spider-Man] Infernum (Sheol) – RIDICULON [The Binding of Isaac: Mutations] Greenvale – Riyou Kinugasa, Takuya Kobayashi and/or Hiromi Mizutani [Deadly Premonition] Akrillic – Tim & Geoff Follin [Plok] Theme 7 – Matt Furniss [Bill’s Tomato Game] Helmet Level 3 – Noriko Nishizaka, Saburo Sasaki and/or Yoko Mizuta[Game and Watch Gallery 2] Pennant Mode Bad End – ??? [Jikkyou Poweful Pro Yakyuu 3] Theme – ??? (potentially Steve Kirk) [Farmville 2] Daytime 1 – Grant Kirkhope [CityVille 2] Nighttime 4 – Grant Kirkhope [CityVille 2] Serenity – Masayoshi Soken[Final Fantasy XIV] Buoy Base Galaxy – Koji Kondo and/or Mahito Yokota [Super Mario Galaxy] Gameboy Horror Theme – Kazumi Totaka and/or Shinobu Tanaka [Luigi’s Mansion] Title – Martin Galway [Green Beret] Terra’s Theme – Nobuo Uematsu [Final Fantasy VI] 03 – Gerd Gunter Hoffman, Jurgen Rebhann, Joachim Shafer, Steffen Schungel and/or Klaus Staendike [Knights & Merchants] Becalmed – Robin Beanland [Sea of Thieves]
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
All of Steve Collett's music for The Italian Job: L.A. Heist!
Steve Collett (aka Steve Rockett) is well-known in the VGM world for a string of interesting SNES and Game Boy soundtracks. But, he later worked extensively on driving games, kicking off with his band - V8 Pack - contributing licensed music to MotoGP: Ultimate Racing Technology 2. Unlike his rock and metal inspired tracks for MotoGP, and eventually Crash 'n' Burn, he took a funkier route for 2003's The Italian Job: L.A. Heist. Matching the mood of the game itself, Steve's Italian Job OST is a clever mix of guitars and electronics, with a distinctly 70s flavour!
Check the chat replay for LIVE unique insight from Steve himself!
1. Opening (0:00) 2. Menu (3:15) 3. My Name is Charlie Croker (4:38) 4. Midtown Meet (7:38) 5. The IDs Looked Beautiful (9:46) 6. Revenge is Such a Powerful Motivator (12:01)
All tracks composed and performed by Steve Collett (aka Steve Rockett).
Steve Collett (aka Steve Rockett) is well-known in the VGM world for a string of interesting SNES and Game Boy soundtracks. But, he later worked extensively on racing games, kicking off with his band - V8 Pack - contributing licensed music to MotoGP: Ultimate Racing Technology 2. Unlike his rock and metal inspired tracks for MotoGP, and eventually Crash 'n' Burn, he took a more electronic route for 2003's Speed Kings. Matching the intensity of the game itself, Steve's Speed Kings OST is a energetic journey through a wide variety of sounds.
1. Chemical Strain (0:00) 2. Speed Kings (2:26) 3. Hambusters (3:42) 4. Live and Let Break (6:24) 5. Across the Sea (8:43) 6. Country Beats (10:57) 7. Funk Express (13:18) 8. Brass Beats (15:39) 9. Bridge Spin (18:07) 10. Mountain Pass (21:28) 11. Fresh Air (24:00) 12. Death Valley (25:55) 13. Dune Drive (29:11)
All tracks composed and performed by Steve Collett (aka Steve Rockett).
#VGM #SpeedKingsTHE SOUND TEST 2 -#12- Racing Special (w/Steve Collett, Ian Livingstone & TDK) [INTERVIEW / PODCAST]The Sound Test2020-09-30 | EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a new upload to correct issues with the previous video's audio. If you'd like to access the LIVE chat from this podcast's original broadcast (featuring Steve, Ian, TDK and other game audio legends), you can find it here: youtu.be/WIglCYb6vHg
From the oldest arcade cabinets, racing games have been incredibly popular. They’ve revved their way through just about every console and computer chip imaginable, and drifted around every audio innovation with ease. What was once a dedicated and focused profession has widened in scope, especially since the introduction of licensed music and the ever-increasing prevalence of orchestral instrumentation.
For this racing special, I spoke to three of the genre’s most prolific professionals. Firstly, from Lowrider Sound, I’m joined by Steve Collett, an industry legend, who has composed for series like MotoGP, curated licensed soundtracks and worked extensively in sound design. However, MotoGP later had bespoke soundtracks by Ian Livingstone, first credited in the racing genre on Formula 1 1999. Since then, Ian has received an Ivor Novello award, and helped set the tone for five further games in the series, alongside many others. While Ian wrote music for F1 through the first half of the 2010s, sound effects were handled by none other than Mark Knight – also known as TDK. Yet, Mark is no stranger to providing his own compositions for various racers, starting in 1995 with Cyberspeed before taking the F1 reigns himself twenty years later.
#VGM #Racing #MotoGP #F1 #VideoGameMusicThe Sound Test LIVE - 25/09/20 (feat. Jammin Sam Miller) [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast]The Sound Test2020-09-25 | Besides a mic-levels blunder at the very beginning, this is one of my favourite Sound Test broadcasts ever.
Within, we celebrate incredible video game music largely brought to the table by my Discord members. Across the course of this episode, you'll hear how many of my regular listeners came to love VGM and the tunes that started their passion. Of course, I've got a Top 5 of my own formative choices, alongside new rounds of Quickfire News and the SFX Showdown.
Particularly special this week is a LIVE call-in interview from Jammin' Sam Miller; the man behind a string of impressive Donkey Kong Country restorations. We discuss his history with the franchise and music, dig a little into his restoration process and even hear about his composing work for an adaptation of War of the Worlds!
In the VGM SongFight battle, we discover that - just like an oft-ridiculed spin-off - Mario is Missing! And it's up to you if Rosalina can track him down or not for next week. Until then, I hope you enjoy this extra-stuffed playlist of VGM goodness and thank you to everyone who contributed choices!
This week's playlist:
Title – Hiroshige Tonomura [DuckTales] Staff Roll – Rainbowdragoneyes [The Messenger] Ice Cap Zone 2 – Brad Buxer [Sonic the Hedgehog 3] Carrera Rapida – Apollo 440 [Rapid Racer] This Life – Slumpussy [Grand Theft Auto] Stickerbrush Symphony – Jammin’ Sam Miller (originally composed by David Wise) [Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest] Nuts & Bolts – Jammin’ Sam Miller (originally composed by Eveline Novakovic) [Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble!] Treasure Trove Cove (Smash Remix) – Originally composed by Grant Kirkhope [Super Smash Bros. Ultimate] Death by Glamour – Toby Fox [Undertale] Rainbow Road – Kenta Nagata [Mario Kart 64] Rainbow Road – Soyo Oka [Super Mario Kart] Stealthy Steps – Yuzo Koshiro [Streets of Rage] (Jibberish Jungle) Danger Ahead + The Darktoon Chase – Christophe Heral [Rayman Origins] Snide’s HQ – Grant Kirkhope [Donkey Kong 64] Page One (Menu Theme) [RESTORED] – Motoi Sakuraba [Golden Sun] Breezy – Nobuo Uematsu [Final Fantasy VIII] Safety in the Sanctuary – Koji Kondo [The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past] Palace Theme – Akito Nakatsuka [Zelda II: The Adventure of Link] Title – Jun Funahashi [Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles] Title – Ben Daglish [Dark Fusion] Midnight Ride – Midnight Riders [Left 4 Dead 2] Rip & Tear – Mick Gordon [DOOM] C.H.A.D.’s Broken Wind (Ch 2 Dark World) – Danny Baranowsky [Super Meat Boy] Simple & Clean (PLANITb Remix) – Hikaru Utada and Russell McNamara [Kingdom Hearts] Opening – Shogo Sakai [Super Smash Bros. Melee] Bowser – Hironobu Yahata and/or Shinya Outouge [Mario Party 6] Clash! Gourmet Race - Pumpkin Grand – Jun Ishikawa [Kirby Super Star] Forest Interlude – David Wise [Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest] Boss Battle – Koji Kondo [Super Mario World] Buoy Base Galaxy – Koji Kondo and/or Mahito Yokota [Super Mario Galaxy] Overworld – Koji Kondo [Super Mario Bros.]
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
#VGM #VideoGameMusicThe Sound Test LIVE - 18/09/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast]The Sound Test2020-09-18 | The show gets a polish up this week, with a whole new QuickFire News segment and a special COVID-inspired Top 5!
What video game characters would you feel most comfortable bumping into in the supermarket during this pandemic? I take a look at my Top 5 masked characters, all while fumbling my way through all the usual features and a nice, chunky playlist.
This week's playlist:
Cocoa and the Time Machine – Mike Richmond [Cocoa and the Time Machine] Title Screen – Tim & Mike Follin [LED Storm] Intro – Jeroen Tel & Reyn Ouwehand [Rubicon] Intro – Allister Brimble [Alien Breed II] Rio at Day – Allister Brimble [The Driver Syndicate] Vs. Mecha Bowser – Koji Kondo and/or Shinobu Tanaka [Super Mario Sunshine] Gusty Garden Galaxy – Koji Kondo and/or Mahito Yokota [Super Mario Galaxy] Theme of Vega – Originally composed by Yoko Shimomura and/or Isao Abe [Street Fighter V] The Subway – Dan Forden [Mortal Kombat Trilogy] Bridge Spin – Steve Collett [Speed Kings] Opening – Steve Collett [The Italian Job: LA Heist] Dry ‘n’ Juicy – Million Dollar Emperors [Million Dollar Emperors] Blue Line [Instrumental] – Masahiro Andoh [Gran Turismo 2] Vintage Warmer – Nathan Boddy [GRID] {VERY incorrectly labeled in the live "now playing", sorry Nathan!} Level 0 – Jim Andron [Tetris, CD-i] A Trader’s Life – Mark Morgan [Fallout] Boss Battle – Koji Kondo [Super Mario World] VR Training – Kazuki Muraoka, Hiroyuki Togo, Takanari Ishiyama, Lee Jeon Myung and/or Maki Kirioka [Metal Gear Solid] Irate Eight – David Wise [Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze] Staff Roll – Paul Webb [Day Dreamin’ Davey]
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
V8 Pack's entire album, "At the Earth's Core", which was licensed for use in MotoGP: Ultimate Racing Technology 2.
Steve Collett - V8 Pack's lead singer, guitarist and songwriter - was already a respected VGM composer, writing for numerous SNES and Game Boy classics. At the time, he was best known as Steve Rockett, and licensing music from his band was an interesting twist on his established career. After MotoGP 2, Steve went on to provide wholly original music to other Climax Racing titles, and many more, even going so far as to take on a similar rock/metal sound for 2004's Crash 'n' Burn.
Check the chat replay for LIVE unique insight from Steve himself!
Steve Collett (aka Steve Rockett) - Guitars and Vocals Luke Smith - Guitars Adam Dean - Bass Steve Jones - Drums Steve Mahoney - Bass on album Neil Cooper - Drums on album