Episode 42 :: Vampyr, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Cowabunga, creatures of the night! …okay that was a little dissonant. But that’s how we roll–or spin–here at Video Game Grooves! And just like a pepperoni and ice cream pizza, we’re bringing you two great tastes that taste great together! We’re joined by writer, comedian, and vinyl addict Brock Wilbur with a couple of great features and some good discussion about video game music pressed onto records!

First, we’re beginning with the Black Screen Records release of Vampyr, by Olivier Derivière. This dark adventure game from DONTNOD sits on the cusp of action and adventure, Victorian and industrial. The music by Derivière similarly rides a line between melodic and neo-classical sounds. Brock leads us through his (extensive) experience with the game, and highlights the unique sound available on this blood-infused vinyl release. We continue with Anthony’s pick of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game, an unofficial release of the NES power duo from the late 80s. Based (loosely, in some cases) on the comic and television series, these Konami games earned distinctive places in the memories of gamers of the day… and not always for the best reasons. However, the soundtracks are above reproach, and we feature some shell-shocking picks to take you back to a more turtle-powered time.

We cover the new releases and happenings in the world of game music on vinyl record. The financial damage isn’t too bad this time, but there are a few to keep an eye out for!

Finally, we sit down with Brock and look our ugly addictions right in the face. Based on the article he wrote last year for Medium on the topic. We’ve tried to be honest with ourselves before about the darker side of collecting, but Brock holds our eyelids open and forces us to stare into the abyss. Luckily you only have to listen.

Outro: “Turtle Boogie & Game Over” – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game, by

Twitter – @vg_grooves, @walnutsoap, @jeremy_lamont, @ajohnagnello, @brockwilbur

www.brockwilbur.com

Links:
Sword & Sworcery Super Deluxe Edition (iam8bit)
Silent Hill 2 (Mondo) (out of stock)
Silent Hill repress (Mondo) (out of stock)
Arcade High by Pixel Passion (Bandcamp)
Cross Symphonic (Kickstarter)
Dubmood “Lost Floppies Vol 1” Repress (Bandcamp)