Available on Amazon.com for just a few bucks is Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game soundtrack. The game is only available on PlayStation Network or XBOX Live Arcade, and it surprisingly has this amazing soundtrack by chiptune punk band Anamanaguchi. The album is made up of a happy punk vibe, featuring these amazing chiptune sounds that tickle my ears along with that soundtrack feel that has lots of energy and emotion. It has more than just a few standout tracks, and for just a few dollars, you really cannot afford to not have this in your collection, especially if you enjoyed the film.
There are a whopping 26 tracks on the album, ranging from just 60 seconds to two-and-a-half minutes long. All of the songs manage to sound unique, but the standouts for me begin with “Another Winter,” which has this dreamlike quality to it. The constant shreds on the electric guitar are usually an element that I don’t respond to as well, but they’re composed in support of the pleasant chiptunes. The continuous instrument and digital elements to “Suburban Tram” manage to give it that same dreamlike quality but maybe more in the vein of Sonic the Hedgehog or Nights.
The title “Skate or Live” makes me laugh, but the track itself has a traditional garage punk sound synonymous with the Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. The digital elements remind me of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time or perhaps one of the franchise’s earlier incarnations. “Maki Ya” perfectly blends the chiptune sound over this really awesome beat. “Shrine Bros” also has some serious attitude with its heavier metal sounding hook.
“Cheap Shop” has this amazing beach quality that puts a huge smile on my face. Was it the Mario games that had music like this during the water levels? The Spanish guitar drives me insane with the digital melodies around it. It’s easily one of my favorites, and is followed by “Rock Club,” another of my favorites and the first of the two tracks that feature a length that’s thought of as normal. It has this serious “boss level” vibe to it with so much sound in every second with a quick drum beat.
“Rox 300″ is definitely one of my favorites with its happy hardcore beat. I think anyone whose musical interests lean more toward electronic rather than punk will especially enjoy this song. The occasional “HO!” shouts on top of the furious beat really get me going. “TechnoMan” is another ‘must listen’ track on the album. The beat is very D&B lead by the chiptunes with this amazing breakdown toward the end. “Bollywood” is another explosive favorite of mine with its steel drum-like breakdown that leads into the choral part you’d hear in an actual Bollywood song.
Every single song on this album has something unique and special about it. I didn’t think it was really possible to create short songs such as these and have them be as enjoyable as they are. Anamanaguchi completely proved me wrong with this awesome collection of tracks from the downloadable video game. After listening to this album, I noticed that the sections where chiptunes are especially featured could be swapped for vocals or added in. Keep that in mind one of the times you listen to this killer soundtrack.
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