Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Five favorites: EarthBound/Mother 2 tunes

As those of you who read this recent post already know, I started playing EarthBound again just over a week ago. I say "again" because I've played this classic SNES RPG on a number of occasions in the past--with the first time occurring shortly after its 1995 release. (I rented it from one of the local grocery stores.)

Although I (believe I) experienced a fair bit of EarthBound during that initial playthrough attempt, I'm pretty sure I've bested that effort during my current one. Regardless, there's no way I'm walking away from the game before the end credits roll this time around.

What are the things that keep me coming back for more (and more and more, if this past week is any indication)? EarthBound's heartfelt story, of course, but also its unique setting and charming graphics. Oh and, last but not least, its amazing soundtrack.

Speaking of which, I'm so in love with this game's soundtrack that I've decided to pen not just one but two blog posts about my 10 favorite EarthBound tunes (thus far). Here are the first five (in alphabetical order):



1. "Boy Meets Girl"--Is there a song that's more emblematic of EarthBound than this one? I'd be hard-pressed to name one. After all, not only is it imbued with a breezy, carefree energy, but it's also infused with a sense of determination--thanks in large part to its ever-present drum beat--and a healthy dose of wistfulness.



2. "Humoresque of a Little Dog" (aka "Buy Somethin' Will Ya!")--If there's a tune on the EarthBound soundtrack that I'll likely never tire of, it's this spirited one. As lovely as the in-game composition is, though, it has nothing on the arrangement performed (above) by YouTube user impathesheikah.



3. "Sunrise & Onett Theme"--Here's another feel-good EarthBound track. This one has a winsome quality to it that really appeals to me for a number of reasons. I also like that it's kind of a call to adventure. None of those traits are all that present in the version included in the video above, but they're definitely on display in the iteration that can be heard here.



4. "Super Dry Dance"--It's sadly been a while since I've gone on a joyride through the desert, but I swear that the next time I find myself doing just that I'll make sure this rollicking tune is playing in the background.



5. "What a Great Picture!"--It's probably akin to blasphemy for me to admit this, but I tend to feel a bit annoyed whenever EarthBound's "photographic genius" arrives on the scene. The saving grace of these  otherwise irritating scenes: the song that accompanies them, of course.

What do all of you think of these tunes? Also, do you have any favorite EarthBound tracks that weren't discussed here?

10 comments:

Justin Difazzio said...

These are all fantastic. I think the most refreshing is the music in Threed after you get rid of the zombies. Maybe that's just because I always felt like that part was way stressful. That version of Humoresque though is FANTASTIC! It's always been one of my favorites...


But that version of the Onett Theme...eh. I love that song for the oomph of its strong bass, and the guitar version loses that. Give me the original any day!

sharc said...

and here i was saying "it won't have super dry dance because nobody else likes that one"

the way the effects are used to make it sound like it's just barely coming in on a piece-of-crap radio is such a brilliant bit of environmental sound design that really characterizes earthbound's non-standard but still enjoyable approach to music for me.

thegaygamer.com said...

You know what's weird? I can't recall the music in Threed after getting rid of the zombies. I'll have to go back there tonight when I play again (because I will, no doubt) and give it another listen.


As for the Onett Theme I shared here: truthfully, I didn't share it because I liked it (like the piano cover of Humoresque); I shared it here because it was a guitar cover and something different. I definitely prefer the original version--no question.

thegaygamer.com said...

Oh my gosh, sharc, how could I NOT feature "Super Dry Dance" here? Without a doubt, it is one of my most favorite EarthBound tunes. In fact, I would say it and Humoresque of a Little Dog are my main faves, at the moment.


And, yes, you're absolutely right that this song is totally characteristic of this game's unique approach to the RPG genre. Amazing stuff.

Drew Mackie said...

I'm a sucker for the Polestar Preschool theme and the music that plays in Happy Happy Village, myself

Drew Mackie said...

Oh, and the Kraken battle theme. I actually still have that in my iTunes.

thegaygamer.com said...

For some reason I can't remember the Polestar Preschool theme, Drew. I'm going to have to go back to that spot (if I can remember where the town is--that's where Paula is from, right?) tonight...

Oh, and the Happy Happy Village tune you like is this one, right? http://starmen.net/mother2/music/062-%20Earthbound%20-%20Happy-Happy%20is%20Blue.mp3



If so, I wouldn't call it a personal favorite but I definitely find it interesting--and I think it's another great example of how this series sets itself apart from the RPG pack.

thegaygamer.com said...

Another interesting choice! I have to admit that I was far too focused on avoiding having my ass handed to me by the Kraken to fully take in his/her battle theme at the time :)

apricotsushi said...

That rendition of Humoresque of a Little Dog gave me chills! What a talented guy!


I don't think I've ever talked to you about Earthbound, Bryan, and that's because I haven't really played it! I do have it on my computer (shhh) but I only got a few hours in before I put it down... I think I just really don't like having to sit at my computer, because I absolutely adored what I played. I'm thinking of picking up the GBA version so I can play it on my micro – I have a feeling I'll be able to get through it much easier that way! That said, though, I picked up a USB Super Famicom-style controller over the holidays, so many I'd have more fun playing on my computer if I used that instead of the keyboard.

thegaygamer.com said...

I know, right? I must've listened to it 20 times since I first became aware of it over the weekend. I really have to find a way to message him and see if he came up with the arrangement himself or if someone else did it. Regardless, though, he's super talented!


As for not wanting to play this sitting at a computer: I'm the same way! I'm actually playing the game via my Wii--which of course has been soft-modded to allow for emulators and other such stuff. So, that's another option for you--if you're willing to soft-mod your Wii, of course.


Otherwise, picking up the GBA version is a great idea--especially since it would give you access to the original Mother, too! I'm actually planning to pick up copies of Mother 1+2 and Mother 3 later in the year--sort of as a reward for finally getting off my butt and learning some Japanese :)