8-Bit Jesus Takes Physical Form, 8-Bit Angels Sing! (Review)

Remember that 8-Bit Jesus album we told you about last Christmas? Well, we mentioned that those who donated in increments of $15 would be receiving a physical copy of the album, and now that we’ve got our hands on one, we figured we should tell you a little more about it.

If you’re completely lost with this one, 8-Bit Jesus is a album created by Doctor Octoroc that mashes up classic Christmas carols with our favorite NES soundtracks. From Ninja Gaiden to Castlevania to Bubble Bobble, it’s all here, and now in physical form, so check out impressions after the jump.

I’ll admit that I didn’t even know there were 18 Christmas carols to pay tribute to. So while I’m unfamiliar with some of the source material, I do know each and every one of these games. Doc Octoroc has really done an amazing job making sure that both the Christmas melody and the game reference are noticable on the first listen. This is accomplished through using the melody from the carol and matching it to the backing and rhythm of a original NES tune.

A perfect example is “Kraid, Rest Ye Merry Mother Brain,” which features the droning Kraid area bassline but matches it to the high pitched melody from “Rest Ye Merry Gentlement.” The melody even follows the same rhythmic progression with the rapid arpeggios. “The Legend of Noel” works the melody of “Noel” into the epic ascending Legend of Zelda theme, which even non-hardcore gamers should be able to pick out.

Other pieces that I found to be particularly awesome were “Icarus! The Angels Sing,” “What Guardian is Legend?,” and “Carol of the Belmonts,” each of which brings some of the most memorable songs from their respective games into the mix. “Little Drummer Nemo” and “8 Days of Master Robots” are also worth mentioning. Also, any album paying tribute to games like Faxanadu and Ninja Gaiden are definitely top-notch in my book.

So, on to the packaging. The album comes housed in a tri-fold digi-pak-style case that is covered with 8-bit artwork of angels, the three wise men, Santa Claus, the manger scene, and of course, sheep! I also love the deep blue and red background colors, although I have to say that the print quality feels a bit grainy to the touch. It’s definitely something cool to have on your bookshelf alongside your other game music or even your Christmas music though.

This isn’t even about chip music meets Christmas carols. It’s all about nostalgia from your favorite games and the joys of Christmas time. If you’re a fan of Christmas carols, chip music, or the NES, you’re definitely going to find this album at least amusing, if not retromazing. I recommend heading over to Doctor Octoroc’s blog where you can find additional tracks that didn’t make it on to the album as well as the official album page to pick up your own physical copy.

What did you think of 8-Bit Jesus last year when it was released?  Although 8-bit music and Christmas carols have been done before, are you with me in being impressed with some of the hardcore titles Doctor Octoroc selected for his arrangements?