Tommy Tallarico

Game Music

Tommy Tallarico Confirms Video Games Live Level 6 Album Kickstarter for February 2018

December 18, 2017 | Ryan Paquet | Comments Off on Tommy Tallarico Confirms Video Games Live Level 6 Album Kickstarter for February 2018 Share this

On December 15, 2017, Tommy Tallarico confirmed that the next Video Games Live Album is in the works. The confirmation was made on Twitter when he re-tweeted Franklin Richard’s tweet which we’ve copied below:

Interestingly, it was also noted that the new album will feature the vocals of Jason Paige who is known for singing the original Pokémon theme song. Original Sound Version gave the last album, Level 5 a glowing review which you can read here if you missed it. I popped over to the Level 5 Kickstarter page this morning which revealed even more details:

Yesterday we made our big announcement by confirming LEVEL 6 for 2018 and revealing that we have partnered with original Pokemon TV show “Gotta Catch Em All” singer Jason Paige to do a powerful updated extended symphonic rock version of the iconic masterpiece AND that Jason will be joining us on future tours!

It was also revealed that I will be producing Jason’s next album which will focus on ALL rock/symphony/electronic recreations of the GREATEST pop-culture hits of the 80’s & 90’s! The setlist and album which will be picked entirely by the fans! Theme suggestions to include Pokemon (duh!), TMNT, Animaniacs, The Simpsons, Power Rangers, Sailor Moon, Duck Tales, Tiny Toons, Digimon, Scooby Doo, Full House, Spider-Man and MANY MANY more!

Check out our interactive Facebook Live chat we had in which you’ll hear Jason do some hilarious on-the-spot singing and answering questions! Sorry about the muffled audio in the beginning! New phone… didn’t realize I had my finger over the mic! 🙂 Hope you’ll take part in LEVEL 6! Coming in February!!

Tommy Tallarico

I can only speculate what other games will be covered on the Level 6 album, but I have a strong feeling that Undertale, Earthbound/Mother and Katamari Damacy might be strong contenders. All three were included as possible stretch goal tracks for the last album and it wouldn’t surprise me if they made the cut this time. Personally I’ve expressed to Tommy Tallarico I’ve love to see Tim Follin’s Silver Surfer represented. And I have to say, Jason Paige’s new album in the works sounds radical dude.

Is there a video game soundtrack you’d like to see on Video Games Live Level 6?
Game Music

The Earthworm Jim Anthology on Vinyl is available for Pre-order

August 15, 2017 | Ryan Paquet | 1 Comment Share this

On August 4, 2017, Tommy Tallarico confirmed that an Earthworm Jim vinyl release would be coming this year, and that more details would be revealed this week. On August 14, 2017 the details of the vinyl release were revealed. Black Screen Records, who have released some of the best video game soundtracks on vinyl will be handling the release spread over four sided 180g double vinyl.

The Limited Collector’s Edition comes in a beautiful gatefold sleeve with new and original artwork by Earthworm Jim artist Katherine Garner (aka Lemm/Rocket Worm). The packaging includes liner notes by Tommy Tallarico and two amazing full-colored “heart boxer shorts” and “cow pattern” inner sleeves on heavyweight off-set paper. The complete artwork will be refined with a matte finish and a special glossy spot varnish to highlight the incredible illustrations. The LP album will be pressed on “Groooovy!” limited Earthworm Jim flesh colored and opaque Snott colored vinyl. This Limited Collector’s Edition also comes with a unique download code that enables the customer to download the full digital soundtrack as well!

Black Screen Records

If you already own the Earthworm Jim Anthology digitally or on CD, this new version contains two new tracks. The first is “Intestinal Distress (Previously Unreleased)” and the second is “Earthworm Jim (Video Game Live Montage)” which I am guessing may be the final track that was previously available on the Video Games Live Level 4 Album.

You can see the full details of the album and make you pre-order at the Black Screen Records store. The vinyl will also be available for pre-order from major online and other retailers as of September 15, 2017.

Are you looking forward to this Groooovy vinyl release?
Events, Game Music, Reviews

Worth Inserting Your Coin To Continue: Video Games Live Level 5 (Review)

August 19, 2016 | Ryan Paquet | Comments Off on Worth Inserting Your Coin To Continue: Video Games Live Level 5 (Review) Share this

On August 4, 2016, Video Games Live released their fifth album Video Games Live: Level 5 to its Kickstarter backers. The album is the result of another successful Kickstarter campaign where stretch goals resulted in a 10 track album becoming 12, adding backer voted tracks from Okami, and Xenoblade Chronicles.

Tommy Tallarico was kind enough to provide me with a digital copy to review which came in two formats MP3, and a 24bit 96KHz .wav version and I took the time for repeated listens in both versions. I attended Video Games Live during their 2015 Canadian Tour, and reviewed their previous album release Video Games Live: Level 4. Read on to hear my thoughts on the new album.

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Events, Game Music

CAPCOM LIVE! Begins US Concert Tour with Video Game Orchestra

March 23, 2016 | Brenna Wilkes | Comments Off on CAPCOM LIVE! Begins US Concert Tour with Video Game Orchestra Share this

Video Games Live! producer Tommy Tallarico and Video Game Orchestra’s Shota Nakama have teamed up to bring Capcom fans a US concert tour, CAPCOM LIVE!. Officially sanctioned by Capcom itself, the tour will take the concepts of VGL and apply them to a laundry list of some of the most famous Capcom titles in history, all done in a combination of hard rock and symphonic composition combined.

One of the most exciting features of the “CAPCOM LIVE!” concert series is the broad array of classic Capcom titles represented in the concert lineup. “This show will feature pretty much everything from the Capcom franchises,” said producer Shota Nakama. “We are very honored and thrilled at the same time to be chosen to produce the first ever Capcom greatest hits live concert. Capcom has always been known to create great hybrid soundtracks, and it will be a fun challenge to re-create those live!” – CAPCOM LIVE! website

The US tour kicks off on April 9th in VGO’s hometown of Boston, at the Berklee Performance Center. Additional tour stops have not yet been announced, but likely will be making a circuit similar to Video Games Live! We’ll keep you updated with tour dates as they become available. Tickets for the Boston show start at $20 and can be purchased at the Berklee Box Office. The set list includes Street Fighter, Ace Attorney, Resident Evil, Devil May Cry, Mega Man, Monster Hunter and likely several more from Capcom’s extensive array of franchise music.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Capcom fans around the world to celebrate some of the most endearing game franchises of all time!” says co-producer Tommy Tallarico. “And to have Capcom be such an important partner is such a fantastic element, huge honor and big boost for the show! We look forward to bringing this incredible music to the world!”

Truly exciting news for Capcom fans, though sadly I doubt we’ll be seeing a KONAMI LIVE! any time soon.
Music Production

BT’s Electronic Opus (CD Review)

November 7, 2015 | Ryan Paquet | Comments Off on BT’s Electronic Opus (CD Review) Share this BT’s Electronic Opus (CD Review)

BT’s Electronic Opus was released digitally to all Kickstarter backers on October 9, 2015 and released digitally worldwide three days later. Since it’s release I have been following fan’s of BT’s reception of the album which has been enthusiastic and full of praise. Feel free to take a look back at OSV’s earlier coverage of the album regarding its release and first preview.

I have spent a considerable amount of time listening to the album since it was released digitally, and now have a copy of the physical CD. I hope you’re take some time to read my thoughts on why Electronic Opus is worth your precious listening time.

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Music Production

Listen to a Preview of BT’s Electronic Opus: Dreaming

October 6, 2015 | Ryan Paquet | Comments Off on Listen to a Preview of BT’s Electronic Opus: Dreaming Share this

You can now listen to the first sample of the track “Dreaming” from the upcoming BT album Electronic Opus. The album features the award winning, world renowned City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra at Smecky Studios with musicians hand picked by Tadlow Music, conducted by Eimear Noone and produced by Tommy Tallarico.

The album drops on October 12, 2015 and will be available for purchase digitally October 12, 2015. If like me you were hoping for a physical release of the album, BT just reported on kickstarter’s page that the physical release will only be available to kickstarter backers. A future physical release may be possible but at this time is not planned, and it is a beautiful physical release which you can see here in a 3d rendering of the album on CDBaby.

The album can also be pre-ordered digitally through kickstarter if you want immediate delivery on release day. I think the added orchestra sounds incredible, what do you think? Will you be picking up this album?
Music Production

BT’s Electronic Opus Release Date Announced: October 12, 2015

September 3, 2015 | Ryan Paquet | 2 Comments Share this

BT (Brian Transeau) is a leading Electronic Dance Music (EDM) composer, film and video game composer, and technologist. He along with some help from Video Games Live creator Tommy Tallarico successfully kickstarted an album and concert of his music recreated with a live symphony orchestra. The orchestra segments for the album were recorded in the Czech Republic by the world renowned the award winning City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by the exceptionally talented Eimear Noone. I was not fortunate enough to attend the concert held in Miami on March 29, 2015 but have watched this trailer created by TANZ GROUP at least a dozen times which is just a taste of the experience.

BT just announced the official release date of the album, October 12, 2015 and you can watch the announcement video on Kickstarter. In the video BT hints that further news will be announced on the same date, and my prediction is a world tour. Did you attend the Miami concert or back this Kickstarter? Let us know!