About the Soundtrack: Video Games Live is a unique production that I am a huge supporter of. I first got word of this touring enterprise at a Wizard convention in Philadelphia where a concert was held later that same night. Since then, I have gained a new respect for the music of video games.
The VGL team, who have gained notoriety for touring the globe and performing orchestral interpretations of game music, has released a CD of their work commercially for the first time. While seeing this act in person is the only way to do the music justice, I eagerly purchased this album and was not disappointed. I only wish there were more than 12 tracks offered on this release!
What You Need to Know: Video Games Live, Volume One is a top notch release. The album offers 12 cues that span some of the more popular selections that they have performed. Going into this, I am sure it must have been difficult to narrow down the cues that VGL ultimately wanted to release, but there is nothing that is sold short here. Every track has its own charm and it's a rewarding listen. While you may think that this is a live recording, only a couple of the titles were recorded in concert. Not an issue either way, though it was nice hearing the ovations after the concert tracks.
Early on in the album, the price I had paid to buy the soundtrack had already been justified. In fact, the first track alone, featuring an orchestral rendition from Kingdom Hearts, is well worth the price of admission! It's a sweeping, catchy cue that benefits greatly from the orchestra playing its notes. I defy any film music fan to listen to this track and not be moved in some positive way. A great choice to start the album off with.
Other highlights of note include Jack Wall's music from Myst, which offers an inspired medley of themes with a multitude of striking moments, the most notable being the female voices that chant mysteriously in the background. Another track to key in on is the Civilization IV Medley, a memorable suite that is driven by african inspired melodies in both song and voice. This is perhaps the most uplifting cue on the album where one cannot help but feel enlivened after listening to it.
There are other goodies on the album such as the "Halo" suite and the classic music from "Castlevania." Not to be left out, however, are epic moments from both "Warcraft" and "God of War," with each providing a bit of muscle on the album, thereby enhancing the eclectic tracks to choose from on the disc. Really, the variety is solid as there is a touch of many video game genres on Volume One.
For those of us who are left wanting more, the good news is that this album is categorized as Volume One, thus reassuring me that such big hitters like "Metal Gear Solid" and "Lair" will soon be joining the festivities.
Final Score: This one goes out to anyone who has even a slight interest in the art of film music or video game scores. "Video Games Live" is a celebration of the music that takes the listener out of the console world and and into one full of inspired melodies and adventure. The music translates to the CD format as well as anything that is derived from movies.
Hit the "start" button and dig into the varied, interesting world of game music.
