GamerNode: Listen Up's Columns

Listen Up's Columns

Video Games Live in Philly: Time With Tommy Tallar...

Posted: 10/13/2009 at 01:15AM

HELLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOO GAMERNODE!

I recently attended the Video Games Live show in Philadelphia, and I must admit that it was even better than I thought it would be. Read my review/reaction here.

Here, though, is my exclusive one-on-one interview with Tommy Tallarico, co-founder of Video Games Live and game music legend!

Read all about Tommy on his website.

I spoke with Tommy before the matinee about his career, his project, and his future.

Listen for a special apperance by another game music legend, talking about his newest project!

00:00 - "New Junk City" from Earthworm Jim, one of Tommy's compositions00:12 - Intro00:24 - "Good to see another paisan out there."00:45 - Is Tommy related to Aerosmith's Steven Tyler?01:49 - A visit from another gaming music icon!04:14 - Back with Tommy, why game...

Video Games Live in Philly: A Music Lover's Dream ...

Posted: 10/13/2009 at 12:57AM

Jack and Tommy of Video Games Live

As a young gamer growing up, there were many things that I didn't think would be be possible. One of the top things was the ability to experience my favorite gaming music live and in person.

On Sunday night, October 10th, I did just that.

Video Games Live made its way into my home city of Philadelphia, and it was an opportunity I could not pass up. The Kimmel Center played host to the concert, a beautiful venue to what would be my childhood dream come true: a symphony orchestra playing video game music.

Now, let's get one thing clear: this is not your ordinary "sit and watch a orchestra play music" concert. It resembles more of a rock show than anything else. Lights, smoke, giant video screens that play clips of the games that the music is from, all of that comes in the total VGL package. No...

The (Gaming) Soundtrack of My Life

Posted: 09/27/2009 at 08:27PM

Ever wonder what the soundtrack of your life would be, if someone decided to make a game about you?

I was going through some old blog posts, and I stumbled across a simple question:

"If your life were a movie, what songs would be on the soundtrack? Copy and paste the list of different scenes below and fill in your answers."

As I read it, I thought to myself, "This could definitely work with gaming music."

So here's my answer: If my life were a videogame or movie, what songs would be on my soundtrack? The answers, by scene:

I have to say, that was a lot of fun.

What are your choices? What game music would fill out your life? Post them in the comments, I'd love to hear any tracks I'm not familiar with.

And, as always...

Keep listening. You'll never know what you'll...

My Video Games Live Wish List

Posted: 08/30/2009 at 01:49PM

Recently, Video Games Live, the orchestra devoted solely to gaming music, announced thirty new shows around the world.

Two of which are coming to my fair city of Philadelphia.

I will be buying my tickets as soon as possible (as should all of you Philadelphian gamers reading this), but it got me thinking: aside from the Halo, Final Fantasy, and other big game franchises, what personal favorites would I love to hear at such an event? The possibilites are endless, but here's a couple of definite wants.

Chrono Trigger - Schala

First off, yes, I am aware that the video above is a remix, but it's a fantastic one, no?

Anyhow, any of the music from Chrono Trigger would be unreal, but I think this song would make my night. I've written about ol' Schala before, but seriously, could this song not hypno...

The Best Soundtracks of 2009: The First Half

Posted: 08/16/2009 at 07:01PM

If you listened to the Vs. Node Podcast (and let's face it, you should have) last week, you would have heard our picks for the best games of the first half of 2009. Since all games have soundtracks, why not go the extra mile?

Here now are my picks for the Best Soundtracks of the first half of 2009.

NOTE: There is no particular rank or order UNTIL the last one, which is my pick for the Best Soundtrack of 2009 (so far).

The Street Fighter franchise is known for great soundtracks, and this year's installment is no exception. Hard drum and bass beats fused with techno sounds create a great soundtrack for fighting. How could you not be ready to fight to the end once any of these tracks start to blare out?

Speaking of getting pumped up before a match, isn't BlazBlue's soundtrack MADE for it? ...

The Great Game OST Battle CHAMPION!!!!

Posted: 07/19/2009 at 07:21PM

64 games. One champion.

That is what was promised at the beginning of this event. The games that made it into the tournament, the seedings, and the results would purely be decided by you, the gaming public.

We had some upsets, some Cinderellas (including one in the final), but in the end, a true musical powerhouse met all challenges and can truly be declared a champion in gaming music.

That game is...

THE GREAT GAME OST BATTLE CHAMPION: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

It should be fitting that Solid Snake could sneak into the final, get the job done, and sneak out again.

Chrono Cross put up a hell of a fight, and as a 12 seed, took out some heavyweights in the process (Mass Effect, Final Fantasy VII, Super Mario Galaxy), but the orchestal mastery of MGS4 just proved to be too much. Here...

The Great Game OST Battle FINALE!!!!!!

Posted: 07/18/2009 at 02:36AM

64 games entered the Great Game OST Battle looking for musical glory. Now, we are down to just two. Two games will fight for the gold, but before that, we should pay homage to the fallen brothers. I present a musical tribute to those games that made the Sweet 16, including our final two.

Click here for the tribute!Chrono Cross clinched its spot the day before, but who will face Serge and company for the title? The answer is...

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS:Metal Gear Solid 4 def. Final Fantasy IX

Updated bracket!

It was hard-fought, but Solid Snake and company have made it to the final. Of course, the Cinderella of the OST Battle now stands in their way. Who will walk about the champion of the first ever Great Game OST Battle? Here...We...GO!!!!

FINAL

Chrono Cross vs Metal Gear Solid 4

Chrono Cross. #1...

The Great Game OST Final Four: MGS4 vs FFIX

Posted: 07/17/2009 at 01:45AM

One slot in the finals has been decided, but who was it?

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS:Chrono Cross def. Final Fantasy VII

It's hard to believe, but Cinderella has finally found its place in the finals. Great suspense for sure!

Updated bracket!

One more match before the finals! Who will move on to the championship round? Let's find out!!

On to today!!

FINAL FOUR

Metal Gear Solid 4 vs Final Fantasy IX

Cinematic achievement in gaming might be the only accurate way to describe it. Vivid cutscenes backed by a powerful and rousing score that will leave both your heart racing and spine tingling. The end to one of the great stories in gaming, and the last hurrah of a gaming icon. That is Metal Gear Solid 4.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Another entry into one of the most s...

The Great Game OST Battle FINAL FOUR

Posted: 07/16/2009 at 02:11AM

The FINAL FOUR IS UPON US!!!! However, we can't move on without shaking things up a bit, so let's do that, shall we?

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS: HYRULE REGION#6 Final Fantasy IX def. #1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Can you believe that? One of the best games of all time falls! only half of the #1 seeds made it to the Final Four! Only one of the Final Four isn't made by Square!Updated bracket!

Four remain. Only one can be champion! Let's start the FINAL FOUR!!!!!

On to today!!

THE FINAL FOURFinal Fantasy VII vs Chrono Cross

The game that brought symphonic sound in its music to the forefront, the precursor to the full orchestrated pieces we hear today. Without question,a pioneer in the gaming industry, and a game that set the entire market at the time on its head. That is Final Fantasy VII.

The Great Game OST Battle Elite Eight: Hyrule Regi...

Posted: 07/15/2009 at 12:49AM

We're almost left with four! Who moved on yesterday?

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS: SHADOW MOSES REGION#1 Metal Gear Solid 4 def. #6 Final Fantasy X

Right down to the wire! Solid Snake prevents the possibility of an all-Square Enix Final Four!

Updated bracket!

One more region must be decide! Let's GO!

On to today!!

HYRULE REGION

#1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time vs #6 Final Fantasy IX

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Truly a pioneer in gaming, and to some the best game ever made. A riveting MIDI score underlined the beautiful story.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Final Fantasy IX. The last PSX entry in Square's storied franchise, and one that hearkened back to its roots in both gameplay and in song. A soundtrack worthy of the name Final Fantasy, for sure.

TOM...

The Great Game OST Battle Elite Eight: Shadow Mose...

Posted: 07/14/2009 at 01:10AM

This tournament is starting to feel like a Disney film, because Cinderella just won't go away.

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS: CITADEL REGION#12 Chrono Cross def. #6 Super Mario Galaxy

In the first Great Game OST Battle, a #12 seed reaches the Final Four! Unprecedented!

Updated bracket!

Two regions still need to be decided! Let's get one more done, shall we?

On to today!!

SHADOW MOSES REGION

#1 Metal Gear Solid 4 vs #6 Final Fantasy X

Metal Gear Solid 4. The final chapter in the saga of Solid Snake. A gaming masterpiece, it sports movie-quality cutscenes with Sydney Orchestra-caliber music.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Final Fantasy X. A storied franchise's first venture into the DVD-ROM era. A gripping love story infused with emotion by the background music. Truly a...

The Great Game OST Battle Elite Eight: Citadel Reg...

Posted: 07/13/2009 at 01:03AM

The Final Four is coming into focus, but which game is the first to enter the hallowed ground of game soundtrack-dom?

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS: MIDGAR REGION#1 Final Fantasy VII def. #3 Super Smash Brothers Brawl

In one of the closest matchups yet, Cloud and company got the job done!

Updated bracket!

Today the Citadel Region will see its entry into the Final Four, but who will it be? Let's find out!

On to today!!

CITADEL REGION

#6 Super Mario Galaxy vs #12 Chrono Cross

Super Mario Galaxy, the latest in Mario's adventures, and without a doubt one of the best games on the Wii. A full symphony orchestra carries you through space on its luscious melodies.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Chrono Cross, the PS1 classic and sequel to the highly acclaimed Chrono Trigger. Th...

The Great Game OST Battle Elite Eight: Midgar Regi...

Posted: 07/12/2009 at 01:20AM

Today the Great Game OST Battle takes on a new form: ELITE!

Welcome to the ELITE EIGHT!!!

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS: HYRULE REGION#1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time def. #4 Metal Gear Solid#6 Final Fantasy IX def. #15 GoldeneyeThe tournament's biggest Cinderella has finally missed the ball. A good showing from Mr. Bond, but Square's RPG juggernaut was just too much.

Updated bracket!

Enough with being sweet, let's get ELITE!

On to today!!

ELITE EIGHT: MIDGAR REGION

#1 Final Fantasy VII vs #3 Super Smash Brothers Brawl

Final Fantasy VII: Easily of the best RPGs ever made, with a soundtrack that could suit a feature film, let alone a video game. Truly ahead of its time.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Super Smash Brothers Brawl. A Nintendo Museum in game form, featurin...

The Great Game OST Battle Sweet 16: Hyrule Region

Posted: 07/11/2009 at 01:07AM

Things seem to be returning to normal...for the most part.

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS:#1 Metal Gear Solid 4 def. #5 Super Mario Brothers 3#6 Final Fantasy X def. #2 Chrono Trigger

I would say that 6 over 2 is an upset, but that one really could have gone either way.

Updated bracket!

The last day of sweetness has arrived. Tomorrow, the battle becomes ELITE.

On to today!!

HYRULE REGION

#1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time vs #4 Metal Gear Solid

Link and Solid Snake: which gaming icon will be part of the Elite 8?

#6 Final Fantasy IX vs #15 Goldeneye 64

Final Fantasy and Goldeneye: will the storied franchise or the one-hit wonder be victorious?

TOMORROW'S MATCHUP - ELITE 8: MIDGAR REGION#1 Final Fantasy VII vs #3 Super Smash Brothers Brawl

VOTE NOW!!!

The Great Game OST Battle Sweet 16: Shadow Moses R...

Posted: 07/10/2009 at 12:40AM

I can't believe I'm sounding this, but everyone should know...UPSET ALERT!!!!!!!

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS: CITADEL REGION#12 Chrono Cross def. #1 Mass Effect#6 Super Mario Galaxy def. #2 Mega Man 2

Both the #1 and #2 seeds in the region fall on the same day. Unprecedented!!!!!!

Updated bracket!

Will the shenanigans of yesterday continue, or will normalcy come back to the battlefield?

One way to find out!

On to today!!

SHADOW MOSES REGION

#1 Metal Gear Solid 4 vs #5 Super Mario Brothers 3

The final mission of Snake versus the final Mario game on the NES: which end has yet to see the curtain fall?

#2 Chrono Trigger vs #6 Final Fantasy X

Crono and Tidus: which Square Enix champion will continue his winning ways?

TOMORROW'S MATCHUPS: HYRULE REGION#1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time vs #4 Metal ...

The Great Game OST Battle Sweet 16: Citadel Region...

Posted: 07/09/2009 at 01:27AM

Yesterday sure was sweet for four games, but which two are now Elite?

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS: MIDGAR REGION#1 Final Fantasy VII def. #5 The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker#3 Super Smash Brothers Brawl def. #10 Xenogears

Cloud and company barely avoid a huge upset! Will the higher seeds today be as lucky?

Updated bracket!

On to today!!

CITADEL REGION

#1 Mass Effect vs #12 Chrono Cross

Shepard vs Serge: which one will move on?

#2 Mega Man 2 vs #6 Super Mario Galaxy

Mega Man vs Mario: which gaming icon will move to the Elite 8?

TOMORROW'S MATCHUPS: SHADOW MOSES REGION#1 Metal Gear Solid 4 vs #5 Super Mario Brothers 3#2 Chrono Trigger vs #6 Final Fantasy X

VOTE NOW!!!

The Great Game OST Battle SWEET 16: Midgar Region

Posted: 07/08/2009 at 12:09AM

And we have reached the SWEET 16!!! Who were the final two games to move on?

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS:#1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time def. #9 Animal Crossing#6 Final Fantasy IX def. #3 Donkey Kong Country

A bit of an upset yesterday! I wonder if the magic will continue for some of our Cinderellas!

Updated bracket!

On to today! LET THE SWEET 16 BEGIN!

MIDGAR REGION

#1 Final Fantasy VII vs #5 The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

Two long-standing RPG franchises butt heads, but who will be victorious?

#3 Super Smash Brothers Brawl vs #10 Xenogears

All of Nintendo's might takes on one of Square's best PS1 games, but who will move on?

TOMORROW'S MATCHUPS - SWEET 16: CITADEL REGION#1 Mass Effect vs #12 Chrono Cross#2 Mega Man 2 vs #6 Super Mario Galaxy

Let the sweetness commence!

VOTE NOW!!!

The Great Game OST Battle Round 2: Hyrule Region

Posted: 07/07/2009 at 12:53AM

Today is the last day of Round 2! Tomorrow the Sweet 16 begins! Let's see which games are sweet today!

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS: SHADOW MOSES REGION#1 Metal Gear Solid 4 def. #9 Resident Evil 2#6 Final Fantasy X def. #14 Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Can the last #1 seed make it through? Let's find out!!!

Updated bracket!

On to today!!

HYRULE REGION

#1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time vs #9 Animal Crossing

Can Link survive the terrible, horrible world of...Animal Crossing?!?!!?!

#3 Donkey Kong Country vs #6 Final Fantasy IX

Will DK and Diddy be victorious over Zidane and co?!

TOMORROW'S MATCHUPS - THE SWEET 16: MIDGAR REGION#1 Final Fantasy VII vs #5 The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker#3 Super Smash Brothers Brawl vs #10 Xenogears

Tomorrow we break out the sugar, but not before feelin...