Metroid Database.com

Just released is Play for Japan: The Album, a special charity project to benefit Japanese tsunami and earthquake victims through Play for Japan. All proceeds of the album will go directly to the Red Cross Japan. The album project was started by Akira Yamaoka (composer of the Silent Hill series and No More Heroes 2), who has been leading earthquake relief effort projects from game developers and was coordinated through Play for Japan, who helped us auction off a signed copy of Metroid Prime Trilogy. The album features music from a wide range of videogame composers, including Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy series), Koji Kondo (Mario, Zelda), Laura Shigihara (Plants vs. Zombies), Yasunori Mitsuda (Chrono Trigger), and Tommy Tallarico (Earthworm Jim). The album also features Metroid composer Hirokazu Tanaka (aka Hip Tanaka) under the artist name Hirokazu Tanaka.ß.

Hip Tanaka's entry, the cryptically-titled "Hvc-1384", is a joyous trip with the 8-bit Nintendo sound chip using sound effects and musical loops (coupled with a modern bass-beat) to generate an acoustic landscape reminiscent of Tanaka-san's old game soundtracks. It's a pure realization of Tanaka-san's philosophy of mixing music and sound effects together to create a living, breathing organism. In fact, I think some of the SFX sound reminiscent of Tanaka-san's early games like Wrecking Crew and Gyromite. Part of the title seems to refer to HVC from the model number of the Famicom, but Tanaka-san says the title's full meaning remains a secret, so we'll leave it at that!

Anyway, even if chiptunes aren't your style (and I suggest you at least give them a try), there are plenty of other styles and fantastic pieces on this album from vocal to rock to classical instrumental (there's even a piano medley of Super Mario Bros. by Koji Kondo!). So play more music to play for Japan! The album is already available for purchase on iTunes, with an Amazon release scheduled for July 15.

Until next time...
Captain Commando