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Square Enix has opened, and added details to, the official website [2] for the upcoming album MYTH: The Xenogears Orchestral Album.
The catalog number is SQEX-10230. The release date is February 23, 2011. So far, the only place to preorder is Square Enix’s own shop, but they list Sony Music Japan and Amazon Japan buttons (currently grayed-out). Like most SQEX releases, however, this will probably be pre-order-able at most online import shops in a couple of weeks.
The music has been performed by the Bulgarian National Radio Orchestra, and at this point the only arranger we know of is Mitsuda himself. Whether or not additional arrangement or orchestration was provided by outside sources remains to be seen.
The tracklist is available on the official website, as is a loop of a sample of the opening track (which, not very coincidentally, happens to be the opening track of the game itself). Here’s the full tracklist in English, thanks to Zanasea @ vgmdb.net [3]:
01 Dark Daybreak -Orchestra Version-
02 My Village is Number One -Orchestra Version-
03 Flight -Orchestra Version-
04 Unstealable Jewel -Orchestra Version-
05 Stage of Death -Orchestra Version-
06 The Wind Calls to Shevat in the Blue Sky -Orchestra Version-
07 October Mermaid -Piano Version-
08 Bonds of Sea and Flame -Orchestra Version-
09 The Gentle Breeze Sings -Orchestra Version-
10 In a Prison of Peace and Regret -Orchestra Version-
11 lost… Broken Shards -Orchestra Version-
12 The Beginning and the End -Orchestra Version-
13 SMALL TWO OF PIECES -Orchestra Version-
14 Faraway Promise -Piano Version-
Get psyched, people. This thing is really happening. Maybe that other project, which holds a sort of Duke Nukem Forever stigma about it, will happen next. C’mon Chrono Cross!
Comments Disabled To "It’s No Mere “Myth,” It’s Really Happening! Xenogears Orchestra!"
#1 Comment By Dave On December 30, 2010 @ 2:32 pm
YES!
#2 Comment By Brandon Robison On December 30, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
!!!!
#3 Comment By Don On December 30, 2010 @ 3:09 pm
Needs more “Awakening.” Come on…why didn’t you listen to your fan’s poll results!!!
#4 Comment By Jayson Napolitano On December 31, 2010 @ 1:47 am
This one’s really out of left field. While Shiraishi and Tsukushi mentioned at Comic Con that they wanted to do an orchestral album with Mitsuda next (when discussing drammatica), I would have expected that forever-in-the-making Chrono Cross album first.
I’m not overly impressed with the sample, and agree that “Awakening” is needed. That was definitely my favorite orchestral track on the album. I was never a huge fan of the Xenogears soundtrack in general, so I’m curious to see if this is going to get me into it.
#5 Comment By Foppish Dandy On December 31, 2010 @ 3:36 am
the choice of track 12 really baffles me, as it was easily the worst cue in the OST. I really regret lack of “Emotions,” which I was sure would be represented after the vocal version was originally chosen as background music for this album’s website. Having faraway promise and Small Two of Pieces is also a bit redundant. Otherwise, the track selection is pretty darn good.
Awakening would have also been nice.
#6 Comment By Stephen Meyerink On December 31, 2010 @ 4:49 am
I actually like the sample. However, I am incredibly irritated by this album– not because I don’t like or find the idea of a Xenogears arrange album to be great, but because it’s completely unnecessary. How about that Chrono Cross album that has been in the making for like… ever? I’ve said this before, we’ve had something like two (now three) Xenogears arrange albums now? Light, Creid, and this. Square Enix must be looking to make a sequel or start milking the franchise.
#7 Comment By Adam On December 31, 2010 @ 10:55 am
Anticipating CREID levels of musical bliss
#8 Comment By cesca On January 2, 2011 @ 3:00 pm
Hmmm….needs Blue Traveler! Most under-appreciated song in the game.
#9 Comment By Patrick Gann On January 3, 2011 @ 10:18 am
Agreed on all the “needs *this track*” comments.
Stephen, hey there! Howdy and whatnot.
First, “Light” isn’t a Square Enix deal. That’s a fan arrangement disc. Second, Chrono Cross *has* seen arrangement from Mitsuda, it just never got recorded. see…
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I have a friend who owns the guitar solo/duet book (which these two tracks are based on). If someone recorded that whole book, it would be friggin’ beautiful. Alas, hasn’t happened yet.
The Chrono Cross arranged album will happen. Someday.
#10 Comment By Foppish Dandy On January 3, 2011 @ 10:49 pm
To date, Xenogears has gotten ZERO orchestral treatment, while Chrono Cross has been featured in concerts such as Play!, Video Games live, Press Start, and Symphonic Fantasies.
Fan projects aside, Xenogears hasn’t had any of its music performed/published in over a decade. The notion that this album is somehow depriving Chrono Cross’ music of attention long overdue just doesn’t ring true with me.
#11 Comment By Scott Lipton On January 7, 2011 @ 9:09 pm
SWEEEET, my favorite game’s ever soundtrack is coming back! Now all they need is Xenosaga IV…