Video Games Live

Game Music

The Earthworm Jim Anthology on Vinyl is available for Pre-order

August 15, 2017 | Ryan Paquet | 1 Comment Share this

On August 4, 2017, Tommy Tallarico confirmed that an Earthworm Jim vinyl release would be coming this year, and that more details would be revealed this week. On August 14, 2017 the details of the vinyl release were revealed. Black Screen Records, who have released some of the best video game soundtracks on vinyl will be handling the release spread over four sided 180g double vinyl.

The Limited Collector’s Edition comes in a beautiful gatefold sleeve with new and original artwork by Earthworm Jim artist Katherine Garner (aka Lemm/Rocket Worm). The packaging includes liner notes by Tommy Tallarico and two amazing full-colored “heart boxer shorts” and “cow pattern” inner sleeves on heavyweight off-set paper. The complete artwork will be refined with a matte finish and a special glossy spot varnish to highlight the incredible illustrations. The LP album will be pressed on “Groooovy!” limited Earthworm Jim flesh colored and opaque Snott colored vinyl. This Limited Collector’s Edition also comes with a unique download code that enables the customer to download the full digital soundtrack as well!

Black Screen Records

If you already own the Earthworm Jim Anthology digitally or on CD, this new version contains two new tracks. The first is “Intestinal Distress (Previously Unreleased)” and the second is “Earthworm Jim (Video Game Live Montage)” which I am guessing may be the final track that was previously available on the Video Games Live Level 4 Album.

You can see the full details of the album and make you pre-order at the Black Screen Records store. The vinyl will also be available for pre-order from major online and other retailers as of September 15, 2017.

Are you looking forward to this Groooovy vinyl release?
Events, Game Music

CAPCOM LIVE! Begins US Concert Tour with Video Game Orchestra

March 23, 2016 | Brenna Wilkes | Comments Off on CAPCOM LIVE! Begins US Concert Tour with Video Game Orchestra Share this

Video Games Live! producer Tommy Tallarico and Video Game Orchestra’s Shota Nakama have teamed up to bring Capcom fans a US concert tour, CAPCOM LIVE!. Officially sanctioned by Capcom itself, the tour will take the concepts of VGL and apply them to a laundry list of some of the most famous Capcom titles in history, all done in a combination of hard rock and symphonic composition combined.

One of the most exciting features of the “CAPCOM LIVE!” concert series is the broad array of classic Capcom titles represented in the concert lineup. “This show will feature pretty much everything from the Capcom franchises,” said producer Shota Nakama. “We are very honored and thrilled at the same time to be chosen to produce the first ever Capcom greatest hits live concert. Capcom has always been known to create great hybrid soundtracks, and it will be a fun challenge to re-create those live!” – CAPCOM LIVE! website

The US tour kicks off on April 9th in VGO’s hometown of Boston, at the Berklee Performance Center. Additional tour stops have not yet been announced, but likely will be making a circuit similar to Video Games Live! We’ll keep you updated with tour dates as they become available. Tickets for the Boston show start at $20 and can be purchased at the Berklee Box Office. The set list includes Street Fighter, Ace Attorney, Resident Evil, Devil May Cry, Mega Man, Monster Hunter and likely several more from Capcom’s extensive array of franchise music.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Capcom fans around the world to celebrate some of the most endearing game franchises of all time!” says co-producer Tommy Tallarico. “And to have Capcom be such an important partner is such a fantastic element, huge honor and big boost for the show! We look forward to bringing this incredible music to the world!”

Truly exciting news for Capcom fans, though sadly I doubt we’ll be seeing a KONAMI LIVE! any time soon.
Music Production

BT’s Electronic Opus (CD Review)

November 7, 2015 | Ryan Paquet | Comments Off on BT’s Electronic Opus (CD Review) Share this BT’s Electronic Opus (CD Review)

BT’s Electronic Opus was released digitally to all Kickstarter backers on October 9, 2015 and released digitally worldwide three days later. Since it’s release I have been following fan’s of BT’s reception of the album which has been enthusiastic and full of praise. Feel free to take a look back at OSV’s earlier coverage of the album regarding its release and first preview.

I have spent a considerable amount of time listening to the album since it was released digitally, and now have a copy of the physical CD. I hope you’re take some time to read my thoughts on why Electronic Opus is worth your precious listening time.

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Music Production

BT’s Electronic Opus Release Date Announced: October 12, 2015

September 3, 2015 | Ryan Paquet | 2 Comments Share this

BT (Brian Transeau) is a leading Electronic Dance Music (EDM) composer, film and video game composer, and technologist. He along with some help from Video Games Live creator Tommy Tallarico successfully kickstarted an album and concert of his music recreated with a live symphony orchestra. The orchestra segments for the album were recorded in the Czech Republic by the world renowned the award winning City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by the exceptionally talented Eimear Noone. I was not fortunate enough to attend the concert held in Miami on March 29, 2015 but have watched this trailer created by TANZ GROUP at least a dozen times which is just a taste of the experience.

BT just announced the official release date of the album, October 12, 2015 and you can watch the announcement video on Kickstarter. In the video BT hints that further news will be announced on the same date, and my prediction is a world tour. Did you attend the Miami concert or back this Kickstarter? Let us know!
Events, Game Music

Still Alive: Video Games Live March 8 2015 Ottawa Canada (Review)

March 10, 2015 | Ryan Paquet | 1 Comment Share this

Video Games Live returned to Canada’s capital Ottawa for its third performance on March 8, 2015 and performed with the National Arts Centre Orchestra and Choir. I attended with family who had their first Video Games Live experience and loved every minute. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and was happy to hear the performance of a few tracks that were part of Video Games Live Level 4 kickstarter that was successfully funded this past November.

The show continues to follow a formula of blending video clips of video game culture and humor in-between songs, breaking the norms of the traditional orchestra with loud cheering and clapping at anytime, and audience participation through the costume contest and on stage gaming sessions. The phrase: “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” seems to be a phrase that applies to Video Games Live.

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Game Music

Video Games Live to Start Another Album Kickstarter

October 10, 2014 | Brenna Wilkes | 1 Comment Share this

According to a Facebook update, it sounds like the touring video game music group known as Video Games Live will be starting another Kickstarter project to fund a new album, Level 4, on October 20th.

The album is going to feature symphonic arrangements from games such as Donkey Kong Country, Final Fantasy VI (Opera), BioShock, Uncharted, Earthworm Jim, Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid 3 (“Snake Eater”), Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor, Zelda: Ocarina of Time, League of Legends, Assassin’s Creed, Cave Story AND MORE! As well as a brand new Chrono Trigger/Chrono Cross Piano Arrangement bonus album!

Last year the group funded their latest album, Level 3, through Kickstarter as well. The image above is stated to be a mock-up of the potential album’s artwork, provided it meets its as-of-yet-released goal. Those interested should keep an eye out on October 20th to find out more about this new album.
Game Music

VIDEO GAMES LIVE: LEVEL 3 needs your support!

September 5, 2013 | Jayson Napolitano | 4 Comments Share this

We really dug VIDEO GAMES LIVE: LEVEL 1 and LEVEL 2, and while both albums had big record industry backing, concert co-creator and composer Tommy Tallarico is trying to bring LEVEL 3 to fans with Kickstarter.

Why take to Kickstarter for a third volume when the first two were industry-supported? That’s because LEVEL 3 caters to hardcore game music fans, featuring music from titles like Shadow of the Colossus, Mega Man 2, and Beyond Good & Evil, which don’t have the mainstream recognition of titles like Halo, Mario, and God of War.

With a week left for the campaign, VGL is getting closer to its goal, but it’s not quite there yet. That’s where you can help. They’re looking for a final push to take them over the top, and in addition to the impending album, the backer rewards for this campaign are pretty awesome (how about lunch with the Blizzard Entertainment audio team and a tour of the facilities?). I just pledged, and encourage game music fans out there to do the same so I can get my Shadow of the Colossus on. Oh, and there will be a remix by electronic artist BT as well (I really am excited about this!).

Chime in and let us know what you think of the effort. Will you be supporting this?