The vast world of videogame music is scattered with plenty of really weird songs. And let’s face it: there’s some really weird videogames out there, like Namco’sKatamari Damacy, that need equally weird soundtracks. That makes perfect sense, right? But, sometimes you’ll find the most bizarre music inarranged soundtracksandvocal albums.
Arranged soundtrack albums are usually made up of musical upgrades of the game’s original pieces. These albums can range anywhere from a basic synthesizer performances to full-blown orchestral recordings. Likewise, vocal albums are recorded performances of songs inspired by or upgraded from the original soundtrack. Most of the vocal albums that come out of Japan sound more like popular music than game score.
While most of these types of upgraded game music are easy to appreciate and usually have a broader appeal than standard game music, everyone once in awhile you’ll come across a song so bizarre that you have to wonder what the hell the composer and/or performer was thinking. Or smoking.
I’ve pulled together a list of the top 7 most f*cked-up arranged videogame songs for your listening enjoyment. Prepare to be bewildered after the jump.
7: Super Mario Land
You remember the Game Boy classicSuper Mario Land, right? The late 1980s platformer is still a solid title, and the music is no slouch either. Unfortunately, it slouches a bit in an arrangement from a Japanese album calledSuper Mario Compact Disco. This 1993 release is absolutely packed with hilarous covers from variousSuper Marioand other Nintendo games, but “Super Mario Land” takes the cake as far as mind-blowing head scratchers go. Believe it or not, this was actually released as a single in Europe in the early 1990s!
6: Mario’s Big Adventure
“Mario’s Big Adventure” is just as it sounds. It takes you on a musical (and very Japanese) journey through the various stages ofSuper Mario Bros. You’ll listen (and giggle) through the overworld and underwater theme music, eventually encountering Koopa. This song actually comes from a vinyl release. Imagine: Mario at 45 r.p.m.!
5. Blanka Has Come to Town
I hope you’ve enjoyed these selections. There’s many more fucked up game tunes out there. Wait until you’ve heard the fan arrangements! You’ll get the chance in an upcoming Sound Card.
