Let’s be honest. When you hear the words “videogame music concert,” you undoubtedly think of large touring concerts like Video Games Live and PLAY! A Videogame Symphony. However, we’ve been seeing more and more local productions cropping up, which I hope is a sign that the popularity of game music is on the rise.

I actually had never heard of the Videogame Soundtracks concert that took place two years ago in the unassuming city of San Pedro, just outside of Los Angeles, and I would have also missed their second run this past Saturday, May 16, 2009, if it hadn’t been for a Facebook invitation from one of the composers that was attending as a special guest. I’m glad I did attend, however, and I’m here to tell you that you should probably do the same if they come back for round three next year. Not only are you going to hear music that has never been performed live in front of an audience before, but you’re also in for a passionate performance from a wonderful orchestra in a lovely little venue that you would have never guessed existed by looking at it from the street front.

Find out what was played, who was there, and why you should be there next time in our review of the Golden State Pops Orchestra’s “Videogame Soundtracks” concert after the jump. (more…)

It’s crazy to think that Punch Out!! is already here. It kind of snuck up on all of us, as Nintendo waited until pretty late in the game to announce the title. Since the announcement, however, I had been wondering just how much of the game’s music would be referencing the music of the original Punch Out!!, and I’m here to tell you that you that most of it does!

I’ve plowed through a good portion of the game, and while I can’t say a whole lot about the specific tracks as it’d spoil the identities of some of the returning characters, I can tell you that I was pleasantly surprised by the variety and the quality of the music, which we all know has been lacking in a number of core Nintendo franchises on the Wii.

Hit the jump and learn all the precious details regarding the music of Punch Out!! on the Wii. (more…)

Another RPG from Yuzo Koshiro, another arrange album produced by Norihiko Hibino. Last year Koshiro’s work on Etrian Odyssey received numerous arrange albums produced by Norihko Hibino, the last of which was the Live Music by Piano and Strings: Sekaiju no Meiq I+II Super Arrange Version, but this time around it’s Koshiro’s latest project, 7th Dragon that’s receiving the small ensemble treatment.

Due out on June 24 from 5pb. Records, the arrange album will once again see the return of both Koshiro, Hibino, and a number of live performers to recreate some of the most memorable pieces from the score. Recording is already complete, and we’ve been fortunate enough to receive the official track list for the album, so start saving up for that import now!

Were you a fan of the Etrian Odyssey piano and strings album? Are you looking forward to a similar approach with the 7th Dragon arrange album?

Find out which tracks made the cut after the jump. (more…)

If you’re into Naruto or Bleach, you may be familiar with Ikimono-gakari. They’re your typical alternative rock act from Japan, but many of their singles have been featured in anime and even games, including the Naruto: Shippuden anime series and the Bleach: The 3rd Phantom DS game.

Unfortunately nothing from their 8th single titled “Hana wa Sakura Kimi wa Utsukushi” (or “Flowers Are Cherry Blossoms; You’re Beautiful”) received this kind of attention, but for those who are curious, perhaps we’ll turn you on to something new from the group.

Hit the jump for our brief review of the “Hana wa Sakura Kimi wa Utshukshi” single and a look at some of Ikimono-gakari’s other (and more nerdier) works. (more…)

You heard that right. In August of this year, Square Enix will ship out copies of what is not only their largest box set, but is actually the largest box set of game music in the history of the genre. The SaGa Series 20th Anniversary Original Soundtrack -PREMIUM BOX- contains 20 CDs of music (OSTs for every game in the series, though no arranged albums unfortunately), as well as a bonus DVD and some extra visual content included in the box.

Of course, it’s retailing for over $200, so you’d better start saving for it now. The Square Enix Members Store is already taking preorders. As for me, I’ll wait until an import-friendly shop like Play-Asia or VGM World lists it.

So we really want to hear feedback on this. Why this large a box, and why for this “underdog” franchise? Obviously, celebrating the 20th anniversary is a big deal, but it’s not like they put out a 40 disc box set for the Final Fantasy 20th anniversay (which took place two years ago). And who’s looking forward to reliving their favorite musical moments from Kenji Ito and Masashi Hamauzu?

I am a huge fan of Yuki Kajiura’s work on the Xenosaga series, although I admit I’m not overly familiar with her expansive credits in the anime industry. Back in 2007, Kajiura went on a hunt for some talented singers for her projects, creating Kalafina. Since then, the group has gone on to release a number of charting singles, and back in March, they released their first studio album in Japan, Seventh Heaven.

Well, we have some good news for Kalafina’s US fans, as Seventh Heaven is now available on iTunes, Napster, and other digital outlets. Even more, Kalafina will be performing and taking part in an autograph session at the Anime Boston convention later this month, so we’ll be sure to have more coverage of the group in the coming weeks. While there hasn’t been an announcement regarding a physical release of Seventh Heaven in the United States, it’s great that Sony is thinking of Kalafina’s Western audience.

Have you been following Yuki Kajiura’s Kalafina project? Do you have a favorite single from the group, and are you interested in seeing them live in Boston later this month?

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. (more…)