Uploaded November 2019 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
This BONUS episode of ST2 is actually the second part of a Lionhead Studios double bill, with the first focusing on Fable (available here: youtu.be/BK0q68J5S4Q).
After Peter Molyneux left Bullfrog Productions in 1997, he soon started his new venture - Lionhead Studios. Though they were unfortunately ill-fated with money across their run, they were nonetheless responsible for a number of interesting and imaginative games. Their first, Black & White, was an innovative take on the God genre, featuring music from Bullfrog's own Russell Shaw.
The soundtrack itself is as forward-thinking as it is mercilessly ambient. Though mostly resting on a variety of sparse backing tracks, it also makes clever use of many smaller elements, and aspects that change depending on your playstyle. Throughout this BONUS episode, Russell outlines some of the thought processes behind Black & White, which occupies an interesting space in both his career and VGM in general.
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
twitter.com/GreenT128
Russell Shaw on Twitter:
twitter.com/_GoesLikeThis_
Also available through:
Audioboom
audioboom.com/posts/7415440-st2-bonus-black-white-w-russell-shaw
Spotify
open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC
iTunes
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2
Stitcher
stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr
and many more...
Support, early access, unedited interviews, backdated LIVE shows and more:
patreon.com/_secretcave
This BONUS episode of ST2 is actually the second part of a Lionhead Studios double bill, with the first focusing on Fable (available here: youtu.be/BK0q68J5S4Q).
After Peter Molyneux left Bullfrog Productions in 1997, he soon started his new venture - Lionhead Studios. Though they were unfortunately ill-fated with money across their run, they were nonetheless responsible for a number of interesting and imaginative games. Their first, Black & White, was an innovative take on the God genre, featuring music from Bullfrog's own Russell Shaw.
The soundtrack itself is as forward-thinking as it is mercilessly ambient. Though mostly resting on a variety of sparse backing tracks, it also makes clever use of many smaller elements, and aspects that change depending on your playstyle. Throughout this BONUS episode, Russell outlines some of the thought processes behind Black & White, which occupies an interesting space in both his career and VGM in general.
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
twitter.com/GreenT128
Russell Shaw on Twitter:
twitter.com/_GoesLikeThis_
Also available through:
Audioboom
audioboom.com/posts/7415440-st2-bonus-black-white-w-russell-shaw
Spotify
open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC
iTunes
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2
Stitcher
stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr
and many more...
Support, early access, unedited interviews, backdated LIVE shows and more:
patreon.com/_secretcave
![THE SOUND TEST Season 2 Trailer - (Yamaha YM2612 w/Nathan McCree)
SERIES STARTS NOVEMBER 1st 2019
A returning guest from season one, Im more than happy to announce Nathan McCree as making further appearances in season two! Last time, Nathan and I looked in-depth into his most famous work on the Tomb Raider series, though we did spend some time discussing his work on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis.
In ST2, Nathan will be taking a much closer look at his Mega Drive music, which includes titles like Bubba n Stix, Asterix and the Great Rescue and Skeleton Krew (all of which feature in this video). Along with fellow composers Matt Furniss and Mike Morasky, Nathan will explore the capabilities of Yamahas YM2612 chip - otherwise known as the FM Chip. Additionally, hell provide some thoughts to an upcoming Redbook episode, which covers how CD audio changed everything.
Music used:
Volcano by Nathan McCree [Bubba n Stix]
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GreenT128
Nathan McCree on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nrpmccree
The Sound Test Season 1: https://audioboom.com/channels/4966905 THE SOUND TEST Season 2 Trailer - (Yamaha YM2612 w/Nathan McCree)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5m2C7Rq2t-w/mqdefault.jpg)


![The Batman - CHAPTER 3: The Mark of the Zombies (w/Commentary) [1943]
The third chapter of a 15-part serial released in 1943.
Batman and Robin set a trap for Dakas men, still on the hunt for their lost radium gun. Meanwhile, Daka himself continues his torment of Lindas Uncle Martin.
This is Batmans live-action debut, and it was especially important for creating and popularising Alfred Pennyworth as we know him. Before this, he was more of a chubby cockney wideboy. Otherwise, its known for doing away with Batman & Robins vigilantism and casting them as government agents at the height of World War II. As such, the entire Batman serial from 1943 is as xenophobic as youd expect. But, theres more than enough intrigue here for a modern fan whos able to ignore some of the outdated attitudes on display.
Ill be live streaming a new Batman commentary every week until the serials completed. You can join me for them on this bat-channel at 8pm UK, Sundays.
CHAPTER 1: https://youtu.be/rNV57xCY46A
CHAPTER 2: https://youtu.be/p5zHBe-SrIg
MORE INFORMATION:
https://tinyurl.com/yxcjotd4
WITHOUT COMMENTARY:
https://archive.org/details/Batman1943Chapter01TheElectricalBrain/Batman+1943+Chapter+03+The+Mark+Of+The+Zombies.avi
Contact:
https://twitter.com/GreenT128
Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/_secretcave The Batman - CHAPTER 3: The Mark of the Zombies (w/Commentary) [1943]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6yOSw-CLBG8/mqdefault.jpg)
![CSR Racing OST - Theme - Steve Collett (aka Steve Rockett) [ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK]
HIGH-QUALITY DOWNLOAD:
https://greentearooms.bandcamp.com/track/csr-racing-theme
Composed and performed by Steve Collett (aka Steve Rockett).
This track is available on disc four of The Collett Collection, which brings together Steve Colletts music for six different driving games, and more!
https://greentearooms.bandcamp.com/album/the-collett-collection-motogp-2-speed-kings-the-italian-job-crash-n-burn-more
The Sound Tests Racing Special, an in-depth documentary podcast with Steve Collett, Ian Livingstone and TDK:
https://audioboom.com/posts/7675236-st2-12-racing-special-w-steve-collett-ian-livingstone-and-tdk-composer-interview-podcast
#VGM #CSRRacing CSR Racing OST - Theme - Steve Collett (aka Steve Rockett) [ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/806Aj7FMd0U/mqdefault.jpg)
![SOUND TEST #12 - Left 4 Dead (w/Mike Morasky, Jonathan Coulton and Ellen McLain)[COMPOSER INTERVIEW]
Left 4 Dead, a zombie infested first-person shooter, went into new territory for Valve in 2008. Hinging on a dynamic AI Director, the game reacts to your skill and movements by procedurally generating enemies, events and several other elements. Importantly, music is a huge part of that unpredictability. Mike Morasky eschewed a traditional score in order to play to the games strengths, constructing a complex system that organically constructs personalised soundtracks for each session. I spoke to Mike for this L4D 1 & 2 special, which also features the Witch herself (Ellen McLain) and Jonathan Coulton - a popular songwriter who contributed to L4D2.
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter
(https://twitter.com/GreenT128)
Mike Morasky on Twitter
(https://twitter.com/MikeMorasky)
Jonathan Coulton on Twitter
(https://twitter.com/jonathancoulton)
Ellen McLain on Wikipedia
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_McLain)
Also available on:
iTunes
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2)
Spotify
(https://open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC)
Audioboom
(https://audioboom.com/posts/7025004-left-4-dead-w-mike-morasky-jonathan-coulton-and-ellen-mclain)
Twitch
(https://www.twitch.tv/videos/320995951)
Stitcher
(https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr)
…and many more!
Pledge to my Patreon to help support The Sound Test, and next years second series.
(https://www.patreon.com/_secretcave) SOUND TEST #12 - Left 4 Dead (w/Mike Morasky, Jonathan Coulton and Ellen McLain)[COMPOSER INTERVIEW]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/823F5mF8A4M/mqdefault.jpg)
![THE SOUND TEST #03 - Oddworld (w/Michael Bross) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]
This episode has been touched by the Hand of Odd itself, as we invite Michael Bross to guide us through the music of Abes Oddysee, Abes Exoddus, Munchs Oddysee, Strangers Wrath, New n Tasty and even the as-yet-unreleased Soulstorm!
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GreenT128
Michael Bross on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/brossmusic
Oddworld on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/OddworldInc
Also available on:
AudioBoom
(https://audioboom.com/posts/6943901-oddworld-w-michael-bross)
Spotify
(https://open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC)
iTunes
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2)
Twitch
(https://www.twitch.tv/videos/289627962)
Stitcher
(https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr)
...and many more!
Pledge to my Patreon to help support The Sound Test, and next years second series.
(https://www.patreon.com/_secretcave) THE SOUND TEST #03 - Oddworld (w/Michael Bross) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8I1e1bHCvxw/mqdefault.jpg)


![THE SOUND TEST 2 - #07 - The Banner Saga (w/Austin Wintory) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]
After composing one of the best loved game OSTs of all time with Journey, Austin Wintory was left wondering what could inspire him with the same intensity. Known as a top authority when it comes to composing modern VGM, every project he scores offers a new opportunity to explore and innovate. But, when Stoic – a team of developers led by a trio of ex-Bioware staff – contacted him about their upcoming, crowdfunded game – The Banner Saga – Austin found a veritable wellspring of inspiration.
Following the mythic narrative surrounding a variety of Viking influenced nomads and warriors, the saga is a genuinely epic tale that adapts to player choice as it unfolds. At its heart, the world is one of legend, where the sun itself has frozen in place and dead gods litter the landscape. The story is mostly told through turn-based combat and branching dialogue, while the whole experience is constantly brought to life by strong writing, distinctive art and, most importantly for this podcast, a beautiful soundtrack that shimmers with subtext.
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GreenT128
Austin Wintory on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/awintory
Also available through:
Audioboom
https://audioboom.com/channels/4966905
iTunes
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC
Stitcher
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr
and many more...
Early access, unedited interviews, LIVE shows and more:
http://patreon.com/_secretcave THE SOUND TEST 2 - #07 - The Banner Saga (w/Austin Wintory) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9NVtG4jxH5M/mqdefault.jpg)
![THE SOUND TEST 2 - #05 - Hollow Knight (w/Christopher Larkin) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]
Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight, funded by a Kickstarter in 2017, is a prime example of the ongoing strength of indie games. Players quickly became enamoured with its masterful Metroidvania gameplay, brought to life at every turn by a strikingly unique visual style. It’s a title you can truly lose yourself in, through its dark, atmospheric environments and dense sound design.
Besides some individual character voices, the entirety of Hollow Knight’s audio is the work of Christopher Larkin. His soundtrack for the game is a perfect reflection of the dank surroundings you explore, and it becomes all the more immersive as it subtly changes depending on your movements. This episode features Christopher in his first Sound Test appearance, discussing Hollow Knight’s audio at length. His next episode, set for release in 2020, will cover Outfolded and Expand, two smaller games with their own fascinating tales to tell.
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GreenT128
Christopher Larkin on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/composerlarkin
Team Cherry on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TeamCherryGames
Also available through:
Audioboom
https://audioboom.com/posts/7436244-st2-05-hollow-knight-w-christopher-larkin
iTunes
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC
Stitcher
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr
and many more...
Support, early access, unedited interviews, backdated LIVE shows and more:
http://patreon.com/_secretcave THE SOUND TEST 2 - #05 - Hollow Knight (w/Christopher Larkin) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9bFWUn3DhBk/mqdefault.jpg)