Day 9: March 26 - Gotta Catch 'Em All (nowaitplsdont)
Being stuck at home means more time for Pokemon! So here are some tunes based on video games! Today’s playlist is interspersed with short gestures from Danny Baranowsky’s The Binding of Isaac.
Danny Baranowsky - Agony (from The Binding of Isaac)
The Ink Spots w/ Ella Fitzgerald - Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall
It’s rare to say your legacy was reinvigorated by a post-apocalyptic video game, but Fallout 4 brought the Ink Spots back into our lives, into our homes, and into our hearts (aw). The game featured old standards who were ironically and delightfully ironic, given the whole apocalypse thing. This tune is a treasure, with that sort of vamping guitar on every beat, riffing piano, and an inexplicable, yet charming, spoken rendition of the chorus. Also, lovely Ella feature, so can’t go wrong can it.
Danny Baranowsky - The Pact (TBoI)
A L E X - Zelda’s Lullaby
Unfortunately, most classic video game OSTs aren’t available online. Fortunately, artists like A L E X have filled the gaps. A L E X sets the Ocarina of Time theme in a classic lofi hip-hop aesthetic which just make some great nostalgic vibes.
Danny Baranowsky - Conflicted (TBoI)
8-Bit Bach - Cello Suite 3 Bourree 1 & 2
I would be remiss not to include some 8-bit classical in this. Here are the bourrees from Bach’s 3rd Cello Suite. While not the most historically-informed, I’d like to think Bach, whose income included barrels of beer, would have gotten a chuckle out of this, with all it’s wonky ornaments and complete lack of phrasing or nuance.
Danny Baranowsky - Pride (TBoI)
L’Orchestra Cinematique - Trainer Battle Theme (Red/Blue)
Classic tune. The sound of my childhood.
Danny Baranowsky - Ultimate Reward (TBoI)
Dai Fujikura - Cello Concerto
I am CONVINCED that the opening cello lick is the second theme from the Pokemon Trainer Battle Theme (listen at 0:49 to the L’Orchestra Cinematique take). Prove me wrong. Also, an amazing piece. Fujikura has an ear, man. And he just writes so well for the cello, really making the tone of the cello the star. The ensemble seems a magnification of the sound of the cello, dovetailing between the real and the synthesized. His sections develop naturally as well. This piece just rolls along, keeping you suspended in these fragile, otherwordly, yet familiar harmonies, until he bucks you off into some super tight plink-plonk sections. Played here by cellist Katinka Klejin and the International Contemporary Ensemble under the baton of Karina Canellakis