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On The Quality Of Licensed Game Soundtracks
Thanks to GameSpot for their 'GameSpotting' editorial discussing the correct blend of licensed music for videogame soundtracks. The writer argues that "there isn't anything inherently bad" in using licensed music, but suggests: "Whether you produce your own music or use existing music for your soundtrack, thematic consistency is of the utmost importance." He then picks Wipeout XL ("[changed] how people perceived music in video games") and the more recent True Crime ("a well-made licensed soundtrack") as good examples of this, before singling out the EA Sports Trax program, as used in Madden 2004 and others, as "destined to fail - 'cus you can't make a good soundtrack out of singles." Do you have a favorite licensed soundtrack, or is the whole concept a concern to you?
I really don't follow things in games all that much (I like what I like, but I don't have enough time to devote to games to get fanatical about anything). However, one of my favorite CDs ever is my copy of "Inferno", which is a game soundtrack done by Alien Sex Fiend. Totally sounds different from any other ASF stuff I own, and I totally dig it. Lots of electronic samples, explosion noises, and cool audio drops.
So yeah, a good game soundtrack can be awesome, if it's fairly original. I don't usually like game or movie soundtracks that are just collections of existing songs or songs that really don't link to the game or movie (most Jerry Bruckheimer movies are very guilty of this level of blandness).
It's a strange world -- let's keep it that way
This game had one of the coolest collection of tracks available for a game ever. Over a hundred songs all from indie artists. Really great stuff. And there's music for "almost" everyone. (read Britney Spears style crap not included)
Personally, I still mourn for the 8 bit days of epic tunes composed under byzantine constraints.