Yuzo Koshiro - Streets of Rage II (2xLP)

[doublename]

 

https://bleep.com/release/72066-yuzo-koshiro-streets-of-rage-2

 

This came out in April, but I didn't see a thread for it.

Bleep UK Exclusive

Considered to be one of the greatest video game soundtracks ever, Streets Of Rage II gets its FM synthesized smash-em-up casio keyboard soundtrack licked onto two pieces of wax by Data Discs. For those that don't know, Streets Of Rage II was a video game where you scroll across the screen of a heavily decayed urban landscape knocking out bad guys and eating roast dinners, to say it's pretty nuts is an understatement and thankfully the man in charge of the music, Yuzo Koshiro made the perfect soundtrack to this video game of decadent psychedelic madness.

For our money he must have been listening to the early hardcore and jungle records being produced at the time of making these soundtracks (it was made in 92 after all!) as SOR II is, at its core a sort of unheard maximalist happy hardcore chiptune techno record (genre smash-em up!) The tempo is set to 11 and the core sounds are pianos, FM breakbeats, huge LFO subs and G-funk-leaning dry acid squiggles. Koshiro composed this music to have a real keen sense of fun at its center, as way to ensure it fitted perfectly with the series of video games it was created for.

This level of bonkers experimentalism is hard to find in a lot of music so if you wanna brighten up your day drink a few coffees and stick this on. A strong look for anyone with a soft spot for Altern-8, DJ Scotch Egg, jungle records played at the wrong speed, the 90's. Fingers crossed they press up the gabba opus SOR III next!

 

 

[Friendly Stranger]

Fantastic game and soundtrack, the nostalgia factor is huge on this but I can't justify dropping that $$ :(

[Ragnar]

lolcover

 

it's literally just the genesis music w/ some mastering I guess? bunk