"Tiger!"  "Tiger Uppercut!"  How can these soundbytes - and this classic stage theme - escape our gaming brains after 20+ years....not to mention all those nerve-wracking attempts to conquer that stomach-scarred SOB?!

In addition, I feel that Guile's Theme (true piece of gaming nostalgia, don't get me wrong) gets way too much hype, and I wish a different SF2 song would take the stage....WHY NOT THIS ONE?!

Original Composition: Isao Abe (who also helped to compose the 'Round Start' / 'New Challenger' jingles); NOT Yoko Shimomura (Courtesy Capcom - under FAIR USE)

Street Fighter II [World Warrior and Beyond] - Sagat's Theme (8-Bit Cover)

"He's gonna take you back to the past...to play the sh__ty games that suck a___", etc., etc.  Even after almost an entire decade, how can that unforgettable melody and those unforgettable words possibly escape us?  In fact, as the guy we're dedicating this song to once said, "...just thinking about it makes me feel like having an anal evacuation!!" (Silver Surfer, '07)  In addition, I'd like to also dedicate this to his loyal, faithful, longtime fans [MYSELF INCLUDED]!

Original Song: The Nerd and The Guitar Guy (James Rolfe & Justin, respectively), courtesy KyleJustinMusic.com, Cinemassacre and its affiliates

Angry Video Game Nerd Theme (8-Bit Cover)

Back for more classic NES-inspired Trekkie badassery?!  Here's one most might remember - it's the last to feature the entire '60s cast, released months after the death of the series creator (RIP Roddenberry)!

So let's all "Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war!" [the ever-so-flamboyant, Shakespeare-boasting General Chang (Plummer)]

Original Composition: Cliff Eidelman/MCA Records/Paramount, CBS Studios [As usual - NO PLAGIARISM INTENDED]

'Star Trek 6: The Undiscovered Country' Overture (8-Bit Cover)

Since the anime weekend's already come to an unexpected conclusion, what better time to celebrate than with a familiar opening theme (namely that of 'Nichijou')?!

And do I even need to mention that this is my FIRST EVER ANIME SONG that I've officially covered, NES-style?

Original Song: Ken'ichi "Hyadain" [ヒャダイン] Maeyamada (Courtesy SUPALOVE/Lintis Records) [under FAIR USE, NO INFRINGEMENT/PLAGIARISM INTENDED]

Hyadain's "Kakakata-Kataomoi-C" (8-Bit Cover)

Who doesn't remember this underrated N64 gem from over a decade and 1/2 ago?  An android maid being sent to rescue her inventor from a massive race of inanimate creatures, objects, etc. and their estranged ruler - the twin brother of her aforementioned inventor!  Despite not actually playing it, there happens to be one track that's been ringing in my subconscious for quite a while - at whichever point the game it's heard is anyone's guess!  Also, consider this my first N64 to NES converted composition EVAR!!

Original Song: Norio Hanazawa (Courtesy Square Enix/Treasure, Nintendo - under FAIR USE)

Mischief Makers - 'Broken' (8-Bit Cover)

First things first - this is from a very old Famicom RPG, based on an underrated manga-turned-OVA [originated '87, produced '91 respectively].  For nearly 1/2 a decade, this song has been ringing in my head for quite some time...and I've decided (since it kinda sounds better in its original soundchip format VRC6) to convert this song to NES's tried and true 2A03 format - out of PURE BOREDOM, no less!  

Also, you'll notice that I've used the Tecmo drum samples (as heard in Ninja Gaiden 2&3 - apologies for the technical inconsistency) in comparison to Konami's own drums....never mind those and enjoy!

Original Song: Kukeiha Club (Fujio, Suzuki, Matsuo; Courtesy Konami/Sho-U Tajima, Madara Project, 1990 - under FAIR USE)

Mouryou Senki Madara - "Fighting Human's Way" (Battle Theme - NES Version, 2A03)

Have I prepared yet another nostalgic cover directly from the quintessential 6-to-7-piece ska/punk band's EP (Chin Up, Kid)...and after listening to it, most of the lyrics reflect the way my life's going [or so one might fathom]....anyways, enjoy it like YOU'VE NEVER ENJOYED IT BEFORE!

Original Song: A Guy Named Guy (under FAIR USE)

A Guy Named Guy's "A Life I'm Not Used To" (8-Bit Cover)

Remember my first attempt last year (https://soundcloud.com/8bitky-2k13/kiss-detroit-rock-city-8-bit)?  I've brought the best and most-badass out of the space-age hard rock quartet [whose legacy has now spanned 40 straight years] in NES form yet again, improved beyond belief!  

Also, I'd like to dedicate this to another hardcore KISS fan whose B-day's coming up in 2 days!

Original Song: KISS (Mercury Records c/o Universal) [under FAIR USE, NO INFRINGEMENT/PLAGIARISM INTENDED]

KISS' "Detroit Rock City" (8-Bit Cover, Revision 2)

Another day, more rudeboy antics [on NES]!  This time, it's from a premier 6-piece ska band straight out of Providence / Pawtucket, RI!  Boasting "powerful guitars, punching vocals, and filthy yet seamless horn lines"*, SHG's ultimate ska magic is definitely NOT A DAMN THING to mock or be laughed at, oh hell no!  And must I mention how much ass they've been kicking at various venues such as Roggie's on Chestnut Hill, as well as Phoenix Down in Somerville?!

Original Song: Short Handed Goal (under FAIR USE)
*Quote source: Phil Amylon, Examiner.com


Short Handed Goal's "All Ska, No Bulls__t" (8-Bit Cover)

"I remember it so YOU don't have to!"  Ever wonder what Walker's first ever game would've been like (alongside and/or without AVGN, no less)?  Wonder no f__king longer, 'cause not only is this dedicated to Walker and his ever-so-gallant crew, I'm also dedicating this to ALL CRITIC FANS EVERYWHERE!  Oh, and how could all this be complete without a....'BAT CREDIT CARD?!'

Original Song: Doug Walker / Mike 'Skitch' Schichiano

"Nostalgia Critic" Intro Theme (8-Bit Cover)

Usually I don't do this (namely covering songs outside my comfort zone, including POP no less)....but for the sake of variety, it's about time I've dove into something a little different this season!

Enter the 5-piece English-Irish pop boy band, 'One Direction' - ever since not only their initial formation, but also their 3rd-place victory on The X Factor and their label signing with Cowell's (American Idol fame) own Syco Records at the turn of this very decade, they've been kicking all sorts of ass with their slew of albums.

In dedication to this, you know the drill - what if their legacy was adapted into NES format?  (PS - Liking/loving pop songs DOESN'T MAKE ANYONE LAME/SUCK AT ALL!! ...Nothing personal)

Original Song: One Direction/1D (Horan, Malik, Payne, Styles & Tomlinson, 2011 - Courtesy Syco Music, c/o Columbia Records, SME) [under FAIR USE, NO INFRINGEMENT/PLAGIARISM INTENDED]

One Direction's "What Makes You Beautiful" (8-Bit Cover)

[Why this never made 'The New Batch' by Sunsoft a long-time ago is anyone's guess....then again, everyone should be familiar with Sunsoft's composition policy....nothing personal]

Anyway....who doesn't remember this familiar ending tune from Spielberg & Dante's widely-acclaimed sci-fi/comedy film series?  Not to mention, the 3 basic [yet somehow ignored] rules when keeping the title pet around - no exposures to bright lights (instant death); no wetness (multiplication); and most importantly, no after-midnight meals (ghastly transformations)?!  Happy 30th anniversary to that timeless-as-f__k classic....oh, and MRS. DEAGLE CAN GO STRAIGHT TO HELL!!

Original Composition: Jerry Goldsmith [RIP('Can't believe it's been close to 10 years since he passed away!)] (Courtesy Warner Bros./Amblin, with Geffen Records 1984) [under FAIR USE, NO INFRINGEMENT/PLAGIARISM INTENDED]

"Gremlins" Theme/Rag (8-Bit Cover)

Although I've never got a chance to scope 'em out again during their final show at Salisbury Brook Pk. (Brockton), it's about time I've presented another one of the quintessential Somerville/Brockton-joint soul bossa nova/ska/[semi-]heavy rock quartet's hits in their honor!  For quite some time, this song's been swimming around in my noggin, but at least I had the chance to pay my best tribute to it in the best fashion possible...that said, enjoy, and be on the lookout for my 4th, upcoming album this fall!

Original Song: The Cultured (Rivera, Alves, Wright, Marinaccio) (under FAIR USE)

The Cultured's "Animal" (8-Bit Cover)

Finally back in action after another unexpected hiatus - with yet another insane NES-inspired cover!  This time, it's of the opening theme from an underrated yet somehow nostalgic winter comedy film, released close to 25 years ago - created/produced by the same chap who brought us the Police Academy films (namely, Maslansky)!

It's the story of a diverse team of patrollers/instructors/etc. who intend to save their resort from the clutches of a greedy land developer!  Think I'm lying? - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100631 | http://youtu.be/pgA9BdtmoMI

Original Theme: Bruce Miller (Courtesy Epic Productions)

Theme from 'Ski Patrol' (8-Bit Cover)

Time and time again, I've heard countless variations of this classic-as-f**k theme - the original SNES, the Sharp X68000, Bloodlines (Genesis), Chronicles (PS1)....I could go on all damn day!

Why not compose my own variation of it?  Dedicated to all horror fans and Castlevania fans, especially....EVERYWHERE!!

Original Song: Masanori Adachi & Taro Kudo (Courtesy Konami, 1991-onward)

Castlevania - 'Dance of the Holy Man,' Theme of Simon (8-Bit Cover)

To all followers - heartfelt apologies for deleting the last attempt (technical error had to be rectified, nothing personal....)!

Once again - "Hey dude, this is NO cartoon!" No sh__, Mikey...and it sure as hell ain't NO video game, either! By now, that familiar tagline should jog everyone's memory....(I mean, it's been close to 1/4-of a century since Eastman & Laird's ever-so-popular crime-fighting reptilian quartet first got their taste of box office bravado, and HELL NO, that recent Michael Bay abomination DOES NOT FRICKIN' COUNT) and so should this familiar-ass theme!

Original Song: John DuPrez (Courtesy New Line/Golden Harvest/Northshore Investments; TM Mirage Studios/Viacom International 1990) [under FAIR USE, NO INFRINGEMENT/PLAGIARISM INTENDED]

The TMNT Movie (1990) Theme (8-Bit Cover)

What better way to celebrate the holidays (though, they're already past, belated...etc.) than a more dedicated and true homage to Columbus & Hughes' ever-so-cherished film franchise?  Everyone should be familiar with the story by now [God help me if I meet someone who isn't - NOTHING PERSONAL]....not to mention this familiar quote - "You guys give up, or are you thirsty for more?!"

Original Song: John Williams (Courtesy 20th Century Fox/Hughes, RIP 1990) [under FAIR USE, NO INFRINGEMENT/PLAGIARISM INTENDED]

"Home Alone" (1990), Main Titles (8-Bit Cover)

Remember my previous attempt over a year ago?  Thanks to recent references I've been relying on, and even instances where I've examined this song as deep as one could possibly imagine every time I've listened to it.....I've massively improved upon said previous attempt BEYOND BELIEF!!  Enjoy, all!

Original Song: Chris O'Grady c/o Troll2 (under FAIR USE)

Troll2's "We All Take Drugs" (8-Bit Cover, Revision 2)

Although I'm not big on soul whatsoever (except for Brockton/Somerville's 'The Cultured')...and although it's been who-knows-how-many-months since I provided any ounce of musical greatness, I figured why not shoot off another one my way?!  Although this started off in the late '60s, my personal favorite version is, was, and always will be the '80s Wilde version all the way [DEAL WITH IT - no offense]!  Enjoy!!

Original Song: Kim Wilde (Courtesy MCA, 1986; one of countless covers based on the Supremes, Motown '66)

Kim Wilde's "You Keep Me Hangin' On" (8-Bit Cover)

As part of yet another in the series of my post-hiatus comebacks, I'm dedicating this number to all SHINOBI fans everywhere - this was heard during the boss fight for Stage 3, in which Musashi takes on an enormous, deformed bio-monstrosity known as 'Hydra', whose only means of offense include not only its arm, but also portions of his skin and an impenetrable beam of light!  Every time you inflicted damage, he would change color dramatically and bury/arise every once in a while...enjoy, folks!!

Original Song: Hirofumi Murasaki, Morihiko Akiyama & Masayuki Nagao (Courtesy Sega 1993) 

Shinobi 3 - Return of the Ninja Master / Super Shinobi 2, "My Dear D - Boss #3, Hydra" (8-Bit Cover)

Ladies and gents, it's that time again - instead of just one song, I've successfully experimented with 2 UNPRECEDENTED SONGS (Both of which have been aiding my weary ears for quite some time)!!  Despite my intent to dive back into my long-since-dormant 4th compilation album, I've decided to sky-rocket my A-game with this ultimate, once[if maybe twice]-in-a-lifetime 2-in-1 medley composition....ENJOY!!

Original Songs: Yellow Magic Orchestra (including the aforementioned Sakamoto - Courtesy Alfa Records, 1978) / Klaus Nomi (RIP - Courtesy RCA, 1982) [under FAIR USE, NO INFRINGEMENT/PLAGIARISM INTENDED]

Ryuichi Sakamoto (YMO)'s "Tong Poo" / Klaus Nomi's "Simple Man" (8-Bit Cover Medley)

"The land upon which my bare feet stand, they say belong to another man / But before him tell me who can..."  After God-knows-how long, who could forget those opening words?  Now hear that very same song like you've never heard it before - YEP, YOU GUESSED IT!!

Original Song: Mark Files Schwaller, c/o Troll2 (under FAIR USE)

Troll2's "Naked Land" (8-Bit Cover)

By now, most of you probably remember my recent attempts from 2 years ago (https://soundcloud.com/8bitky-2k13/galaxy-force-2-beyond-8bit / https://soundcloud.com/8bitky-2k13/galaxy-force-2-defeat-8-bit), right?  Well, as expected - I've massively improved my craft beyond all means of imagination!  It's those same 2 tracks LIKE YOU'VE NEVER F__KING HEARD 'EM BEFORE!!


Original Compositon: Jouji Iijima (CORRECTION - 'Thought it was Koichi Namiki....but he actually recomposed the songs for the Genesis/MD port based on Iijima's acade OST), Courtesy Sega 1988 [under FAIR USE]

Galaxy Force 2 (8-Bit Medley, Rev. 2 - Beyond & Defeat)

Ready for yet another song revisitation towards a classic Sega arcade hit?  It's actually based on my earlier attempt from a few years back (http://soundcloud.com/8bitky-2k13/galaxy-force-2-take-back-8-bit)!!  Be on the lookout for more this summer (even if my duration limit should happen to run out)!

Original Compositon: Jouji Iijima (CORRECTION - 'Thought it was Koichi Namiki....but he actually recomposed the songs for the Genesis/MD port based on Iijima's acade OST), Courtesy Sega 1988 [under FAIR USE]

Galaxy Force 2 - 'Take Back' (8-Bit Cover, Rev. 2)

After a hiatus of 'God-knows-how-many-years...' I've finally composed & released yet another potential tribute to the local 4-piece Brockton/Somerville-joint funk/soul bossa nova/rock hybrid band (as always, via auditory memory and my capable-as-f__k hands)!!  Enjoy, all...and YES this will hit the long-awaited 4th album along with tributes to other local acts the country over!

Original Song: The Cultured (Rivera, Alves, Wright, Fernandez) (under FAIR USE)

PS - with endearing apologies for deleting the previous attempt (there was a HUGE gap of silence at the end...)

The Cultured's "Myths of the Modern Man" (8-Bit Cover)

"I'll tell you once, I won't tell you twice / You'd better wise up, Janet Weiss / Your apple pie don't taste too nice..."

Also..."The Transducer will seduce ya..."  "It's something you'll get used to, a mental mind-f__k can be nice!!"  

If these familiar lines don't ring a bell...maybe this song will!  This time around, it's in its usual, tried-and-true...you get the idea!  And before I forget, a happy 40th anniversary to the legendary musical film towards which I'm paying my absolute best tribute....not to mention Benchley & Spielberg's Jaws, released that very same year...oh, and happy 30th anniversary to one of Nintendo's most iconic systems EVAR - the NES!!

Original Song: Richard O'Brien & Richard Hartley, in association with Curry, Sarandon, and [occasionally] Bostwick & Adams (Dr. Frank-N-Furter, J.Weiss, B.Majors & Dr. Scott - respectively) (Courtesy 20th Century Fox / Ode Records, 1975) [under FAIR USE, NO INFRINGEMENT/PLAGIARISM INTENDED]

Rocky Horror Picture Show - "Planet, Schmanet, Janet" (8-Bit Cover)

Although it's the B-day of ["You-Know-Who"] today, I figured why not pick the best minute and break out the first of many Japanese band tributes since YMO and Hyadain?!  This time, it's dedicated to not only its fans, but to one of their premier 4-piece extreme grunge metal bands that's been kicking all sorts of ass since the late '90s!  You may remember their songs being used as the opening and ending themes for the 2nd Season of DeathNote ('What's Up People' & 'Zetsubou Billy, 'respectively)...that's because the album from which both tracks hailed is the same as what we're leaning our curious ears toward!  Enjoy all!  And if she's reading and/or listening to this, a humble Happy Birthday to Christine 'TheCAT' Thompson!!

Original Song: Maximum The Hormone (Courtesy Innig Studio / VAP / Mimikajiru / Sky, 2007) [under FAIR USE, NO INFRINGEMENT/PLAGIARISM INTENDED]

Maximum The Hormone's "Buiikikaesu"(8-Bit Cover)

Diving back into indie territory once more, I've felt compelled to present yet another tribute to a laborious multi-member-faceted DIY-punk-rock band from Baldwin, Nassau County, NY...helmed by none other than Jeff Rosenstock.  Here's one of their signature hits - from one of their recent albums, 'Vacation' - which I remember hearing at a local radio station a few nights back during one of its usual off-air loops.  Must I mention that it'll be hitting the long-since-dormant-yet-soon-to-be-resurrected 4th album?!  Enjoy, ladies and gents!

Original Song: Bomb The Music Industry! (BTMI! - J. Rosenstock, T. Malinowski, M. Keegan, M. Costa, J. De Domenici) [Courtesy Quote Unquote Records, in association with Ernest Jenning Records / Really Records 2011 - under FAIR USE, NO INFRINGEMENT/PLAGIARISM INTENDED]

Bomb The Music Industry! (BTMI!)'s "Hurricane Waves" (8-Bit Cover)

Just earlier this month, one of my esteemed colleagues put out the first of many solo songs since "God-knows-how-long"!  As always, I've recomposed the entire song from the ground up...in the ever-so-adored, trademark NES format!  I also strongly suggest scoping out his hits if you haven't already - http://andrewf-wordlowrey.bandcamp.com

Original Song: Andrew 'F-Word' Lowrey (Under FAIR USE)

'F-Word' Lowrey's "Ladders" (8-Bit Cover)

By now, most of you probably remember Ronald Vegan (a once great melodic ska-punk outfit)...in memory of one of its 'recently-passed-away' members (namely the LATE Deacon - RIP), the lead vocalist has crafted a song, along with another separate band of his as a way to commemorate said occasion.  Anyways, enjoy one and all!

Original Song: Nick "Cliché" DeStefano/Oh, Rocketship (under FAIR USE)

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