And if anyone thought I'd end this night without a direct MSX-to-NES conversion, THINK AGAIN!  This song is from one of the Gradius/Nemesis spin-offs, in which the story takes place 2 centuries after the Dr. Venom conflict, which resulted in the death of the previous Vic Viper pilot, James Burton.  The new pilot, David Burton, is now commandeering its replacement (the Vixen - in 4 classes) with the assistance of Gaudie, his trusty AI.  

Story aside, my Gradius fandom is IMMORTAL AS F__K....enjoy, fellow hardcore retrogamers worldwide!

Original Composition: Michiru Yamane, Kazuhiko Uehara, Motoaki Furukawa, Yukie Morimoto & Masahiro Ikariko (Courtesy Konami - under FAIR USE)

Nemesis 3 / Gofer's Ambition 2 (MSX): "We Followed The Sun" (Stage 1, NES Cover)

"Come alive in the setting sun....feed me lies, wretched tongue"/ "Tone and jaded on a razor bone....hold my breath, drowning...."  Whatever!   After over 15 years, not only should these lyrics ring a bell, but also the melody & composition of everyone's favorite comic-based stage from a forgotten Sega gem!

Original Song: Howard Drossin & Roadkill (under FAIR USE, NO INFRINGEMENT/PLAGIARISM INTENDED)

Roadkill's "Seen it For Days" (aka Comix Zone, Pg. 1-2, 8-Bit Cover)

After 20 years, how can anyone forget this timeless [if somehow indirect] mech-themed prequel to 'Target Earth', not to mention its first stage theme, which accompanies the ever-ambitious actions of the Assault Suit pilot Jake Brain and his never-ending mission to once and for all eliminate the most powerful mech engineered by none other than the Axis forces - Bildvorg! 

Original Song: Masanao Akahori (Courtesy Konami/NCS - under FAIR USE)

Cybernator / Assault Suits Valken, Stage 1 - "We've Gotta Do It" (8-Bit Cover)

Here's yet another mega-tasty jam you might remember from the ever-immortal  'Greatest Band on Earth'!  This time, it's from not only the film, but also the soundtrack on which it's based/by which it's inspired - 'The Pick of Destiny!'  At the end, when they finally confront the devil (portrayed by Foo Fighters' Grohl), for the 2nd time since the Tribute MV - how can anyone forget that plot point!

Original Song: Tenacious D (Jack Black / Kyle Gass) & Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters (Courtesy New Line / Epic) [under FAIR USE, NO INFRINGEMENT/PLAGIARISM INTENDED]

Tenacious D's "Beelzeboss (The Final Showdown)" (8-Bit Cover)

Although this song's in no way Holiday-related [obviously, X-Mas is 20 days away and counting]....I'd like to dedicated this to all Aussies and Aussie-enthusiasts alike!  In addition, I take it everyone remembers the underrated Yahoo Serious comedy, 'Young Einstein'?  This was heard twice throughout the film (during his traveling montage, as well as the ending credits)!  Enjoy, all!

Original Song: Icehouse (Courtesy Regular/Chrysalis Records) [under FAIR USE, NO INFRINGEMENT/PLAGIARISM INTENDED]

Icehouse's "Great Southern Land" (8-Bit Cover)

Here's yet another cover from the same SNES mech-themed [indirect] prequel to 'Target Earth'. It's at the end of Stage 1, where the mech has to take out the energy unit of an enemy cannon before it's activated and fired (resulting in an automatic GAME OVER)!

Original Song: Masanao Akahori (Courtesy Konami/NCS - under FAIR USE)

PS - This is the FINAL upload attempt I will arrange today (the silence after fadeout was WAY TOO LONG)!

Cybernator / Assault Suits Valken, Boss 1 - "No Time, No Shield" (8-Bit Cover)

Ever since hearing the VGO's version of this song at their Capcom Live performance with Nakama and his associates, I've felt compelled to reconstruct and bust out my own tribute to the flagship third-party developer/publisher's fantasy-themed RPG series (not that I've played much of it, mind you...)!  This is heard in the credits, at the end of at least one of its installments (despite this particular cover being inspired by a few guitar renditions).

Original Song: Yuko Komiyama (Courtesy Capcom, 2004-ongoing)

Monster Hunter - "Proof of a Hero" (8-Bit Cover)

A throwback to "Happy Days" and days of old...must any more be said about yet another one of my latest Weezer tributes that hasn't already been said - based on yet another one of their contemporary 'Blue Album' singles, I might add?  

Lazy as I am, refer to this link for more info - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Holly_(song)
Original Song: Weezer (R. Cuomo P. Wilson, B. Bell & others, Courtesy DGC Records c/o Universal Music Group 1993-94)

Weezer's "Buddy Holly" (8-Bit Cover)

Hailing from a Japan-only arcade shmup by Konami (in which you pilot a ship known as Flint, to rescue Princess Irene/Elaine of E-Square from the clutches of the dark overlord Klaus), this is heard in the 2nd stage, not to mention a short one-stage demo in Mystical Ninja/Ganbare Goemon 2 (for the SFC, released 2 years later).  

Hell, it was even remade along with other tracks from the game within yet another recent Konami shmup - which I have yet to experiment with, for the record - OTOMEDIUS.  Obscure title's obscure, yes, but why not do it the most faithful justice in style, right?  

Original Composition: Motoaki Furukawa, Satoko "Muchi-Muchi-Purin" Miyawaki, Akiko Hashimoto & Hidenori Maezawa (Courtesy Konami 1991)

Xexex - "With Zero G" (NES/FC Version)

Thought I'd end my year without at least another mainstream band tribute?  GUESS AGAIN...this time, it's from their [infamous] 2nd album "Pinkerton" (circa '96 - the last to feature Matt Sharp as their bassist, I might add).

Based on a real person that Cuomo encountered during his time at Harvard, with whom he fantasized a life with until he saw a pink triangle—a gay pride symbol—on her backpack - and this is where the subject comes into play!  "Crying-Game-inspired" daydreams much?!   Anyways, I should be back with at least another hit or 2 before the year's over...until then, enjoy!

Original Song: Weezer (R. Cuomo, P. Wilson,  & others, Courtesy DGC Records c/o Universal Music Group 1996)

Weezer's "Pink Triangle" (8-Bit Cover)

After almost 2 months...I've finally returned with - GET THIS - another f(*Wilhelm Scream SFX*)ing cover of another bitchin' WEEZER Cover!

Quoting the frontman himself, the song pretty much revolves around "the feeling you get when the train stops and the little guy comes knockin' on your door.  It was supposed to be a sad song, but everyone thinks it's hilarious", thus dubbing it as the band's attempt at a Velvet-Underground-type song...however, turned out to be a blatant knock-off of Metallica's "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)", with the band's metal roots showing through.  

Original Song: Weezer (R. Cuomo P. Wilson, B. Bell & others, Courtesy DGC Records c/o Universal Music Group 1993-94)

Weezer's "Undone: The Sweater Song" (8-Bit Cover)

Here's one for all the raging '80s addicts out there! For those wondering, the INFAMOUS Ashley Tisdale covered this song for her "Picture This"...and let me tell you, BENATAR's original from her album 'Get Nervous' (on which this cover's based, by the way) totally pukes on Tisdale - AND THEN SOME.  Original Song: Pat Benatar, i/a/w D.L. Byron, Myron Grombacher, Peter Coleman & Neil Giraldo (Chrysalis Records, 1982) [under FAIR USE, NO INFRINGEMENT/PLAGIARISM INTENDED]

Pat Benatar's "Shadows of the Night" (8-Bit Cover)

Thought I'd kick Spring off without....ANOTHER WEEZER COVER?!  Again, taken from their debut album (the same one featuring 'Say It Ain't So', 'Undone' & 'Buddy Holly'), circa '94.

Original Song: Weezer (R. Cuomo P. Wilson, B. Bell & others, Courtesy DGC Records c/o Universal Music Group 1994)

Weezer's "The World Has Turned And Left Me Here" (8-Bit Cover)

Again, I rarely cover songs invented by members of the opposite gender...but IT'S ABOUT TIME YOURS TRULY MADE THE MOST REASONABLE EXCEPTION OF HIS NATURAL-BORN LIFE!!  By now, this hit should ring a bell after more than 15+ years - written & composed by "Mrs. Be Not Nobody" herself, this was dedicated to her recently-deceased [late, in today's case] grandpa...and considered a hybrid of reality & fantasy.  Quoting the aforementioned, "It's about a love that so consumes you that you do anything for it."  Ever since its debut way back when, it went on to be one of her most successful singles, with her other song being "Ordinary Day" - ranking NO HIGHER THAN 30.  

Original Song: Vanessa Carlton (Courtesy A&M Records, 2001-02)

Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles" (8-Bit Cover)

For WAY TOO LONG, I've been dying to release MY OWN take on one of the most widely-acclaimed British rock-bands' all-time classics!  And by now, its opening - as well as the middle section, made famous in "Wayne's World", during the crew's Mirthmoblie trip at the beginning, I might add - SHOULD AT LEAST JOG YOUR MEMORY A SKOSH OR 2.  

GOD HELP US OTHERWISE...

Original Song: Queen (the LATE Mercury, along with May, Taylor & Deacon - RETIRED); (EMI/Elektra, circa '75 - under FAIR USE, NO INFRINGEMENT/PLAGIARISM INTENDED)

Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" (8-Bit Cover)

Here's yet another well-known emo-punk / post-hardcore hit from over a decade ago many should be familiar with at this point - hailing straight from the band's debut album, "Don't Fake It"!

Original Song: The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (Ronnie Winter and Associates - Virgin 2006)

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' "Face Down" (8-Bit Cover)

Inspired by a hit from long-standing Canadian folk/alternative-rock group (not to mention Weird Al's parody "Headline News"), this originates from the former-indicated group's 2nd album "God Shuffled His Feet" as its lead single.
*My intended nickname for the song


Original Song: Crash Test Dummies (Roberts Bros., Dorge, Darvili & Reid - BMG/Arista 1993)

Crash Test Dummies' "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm" (aka 'The Hum Song'*, 8-Bit Cover)

Inspired by yet another well-known hit hailing from their 2nd album "RIOT", released a decade ago - not only was this song certified PLATINUM almost 2 years ago, it was also featured as a playable track in EA & Harmonix's 'Rock Band 2.'  As always, hear it like you've never heard it before - IN ALL ITS INCOMPARABLE NINTENDO SPLENDOR!

Original Song: PARAMORE (WIlliams, Farro & York - Fueled by Ramen, 2008) [NO INFRINGEMENT INTENDED]

Paramore's "That's What You Get" (8-Bit Cover)

"He is entering her world to track down the killer she is desperate to be free of.  Murder brought them together.  Passion keeps them there."

If the tagline doesn't ring a bell after over 21 years, then maybe the following premise will - a Chicago cop vows vengeance on a Cajun crime lord after his partner gets brutally stabbed by the latter, thus fleeing to New Orleans, LA...and the mistress of the main antagonist eventually falls for the former.  

'Bet you wish the movie and its opening theme by which this cover's inspired had its own NES game adaptation, eh?

Original Score: Alan Silvestri (Courtesy TriStar Pictures / TVT Records, 1986)

Theme from "No Mercy" (1986) (8-Bit Cover)

Despite having started this over a year ago, IT'S ABOUT DAMNED TIME I'VE GIVEN YET ANOTHER TRIBUTE TO ONE OF BOSTON'S MOST KICK-ASS SCUMFOLK BANDS OF ALL-TIME A WELL-DESERVED MAKEOVER.  

Case in point, and I quote: "This song captures the iconic spirit of the 1920’s flapper and journalist, Lois Long (1901-1972), who was the first female journalist at The New Yorker magazine. Long chronicled the decadence of NYC’s Prohibition Era with biting satire, all under the pseudonym Lipstick. At her tenure, Long was infamous for gliding around The New Yorker office on roller-skates, sipping a Manhattan. Zoe Rose dePaz, the songwriter, first found inspiration in Long’s attitudes and writings - 'Here was a woman who, at a time when drinking was forbidden, when women were considered dirty if they smoked publicly, when the suffragette movement had just secured the vote, single women rarely worked outside of the home, and race relations were not integrated… Here was a woman who did not give a fuck. And she managed to not give a fuck in glamorous style. She’d smoked weed with Billie Holliday or Louis Armstrong in Harlem, she’d turned up at the office at 6am (still drunk and dressed in her party clothes) to write her articles. She’d wear pants. She’d smoke cigarettes. All these things that many people of our generation take for granted, these were not rights endowed to her, and yet…she did them anyway. We don’t typically think of flappers as anarchists or as gender queer, but for their time they were. They were revolutionaries. Things like going out for cocktails, or relaxing on the weekend, well, these are things that women were arrested for. People fought to have the weekend, to drink, to wear what they pleased, to party. These are things that women picketed for; bled in the streets for. Her life inspired me to write the song “Lois Long”. For the music video, I thought to myself: if Lois Long were alive now, what would she be? What would she look like? I decided Lois Long would be a cross between Lady Gaga and Pussy Riot. She had all the charm and debauchery of Josephine Baker with the sardonicism of Bikini Kill. Her life shows that there can be joy in the revolution. That the revolution can be a really good time.' "

Must I mention they're on Bandcamp (troll2.bandcamp.com), Reverbnation, FB, and others?!

Original Song: Zoe DePaz c/o Troll2 (under FAIR USE)

Troll 2's "Lois Long" (8-BIt Cover)

Recorded in the summer of '66, this popular hit wasn't released until the start of the following year, but originated as a Robby Krieger composition, with the late Morrison writing the second verse.  Although the album version was just over seven minutes long, it was widely requested for radio play, so a single version was edited to under three minutes with nearly all the instrumental break removed for airplay on AM radio (the latter of which was translated for this particular cover).

Info aside, I also suggest watching the Oliver Stone film with Kilmer, Whaley, Dillon & MacLachlan portraying the entire band (by the ill-fated Carolco)...and sinking your ears into this long-awaited tribute!!

Original Song: The Doors (The Late JIM MORRISON / RAY MANZAREK; with the still-existent JOHN DENSMORE & ROBBY KRIEGER, Elektra Records 1966-67)

The Doors' "Light My Fire" (8-Bit Cover)

A continuation of my last station (8Bit_KY2k13).  Basically, just like the aforementioned previous sound bank - this one's packed with WAY more NES-inspired [8-Bit] covers of various indie and mainstream [no infringement/pirating intended] rock/ska/folk songs, as well as non-NES arranged tunes!  Also, as with the previous sound bank, my duration's running very short, so be on the lookout for the last one!


IMPORTANT NOTE (heartfelt regards/apologies to all 'brothers' who happen to come across it): I will NOT cover any dubstep, hip-hop/rap and/or R&B songs - AT ALL!

8bitKY2k13_Ver2.0

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