Music Appreciation in Places You Never Expected!!

Back before video games had cinematic quality soundtracks, there were the golden years of the 8-bit and 16-bit video game era. Much of the music from this period is an integral part to what made these games iconic in our minds.

Luckily these songs have not been forgotten, as there is a dedicated and talented group over at Overclocked Remix that have brought new life into classic gaming music.

The guys and gals over at OC Remix don't just archive cookie cutter gaming music. They have taken that music, banged away, and created hundreds of masterful musical interpretations.

Of all classic gaming music, the original Super Mario Brothers theme is the most iconic. Ninety-nine percent of people born in the 80's can hum the tune from memory. While there are countless remixes of this classic game tune, I picked this jazzy piece to share with you:

Super Mario Brothers- Jazz Plumber Trio


Punchout was another classic game of the 80's with an unforgettable soundtrack. Here a nice piano intro gives way to the main theme of the song about thirty seconds in. From there, the song develops into a fantastic layering of 8-bit sweetness.


Punchout- Dream Fighter


River City Ransom is a personal classic, as is this musical interpretation of the boss battle theme. As the title implies, this remix is done in the spirit of Rammstein, and it has "Du Hast" written all over it.

River City Ransom- River City Rammstein


These next two tracks are from the 16-bit era. And while they may not be immediately recognizable as classics, they are two of the best songs that I have come across.

Aquatic Ambiance is by far the best work of this group. If you listen to nothing else, you have to listen to this one.


Donkey Kong Country-Aquatic Ambiance



The original Twoson song from Earthbound is another personal favorite of mine. And while this track is not quite in the spirit of the original song, it is a well-done folksy style tune. The memorable piano melody has stuck with for a long time. This is also the first song that I learned on violin. This is another one that is worth the listen.


Earthbound- Twoson Hits The Road