From a joke starter to a cursebreaker, today the crew learns the many possible roles of the xylophone family.

Marimbas, glockenspiels, xylophones and everything in-between, we dive deep into their presence in games like Donkey Kong Country, Final Fantasy XIV, and, uh... Killer Instinct?!

Is Spinal the true identity of the mysterious Xylophone-Chan? You decide!

You can listen along to the music discussed here via the playlist on our YouTube channel: ⁠Music Arcade #57

Looking to get in touch with us? You can find us at ⁠[email protected]⁠

We're also on Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/aM5WWGU⁠

Music credits (in order of discussion):

Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland - "Forest Dance"

Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria - "The Meditation of Many Years" by Motoi Sakuraba

Trials of Mana - "Powell" by Hiroki Kikuta (cover by Rahul Vanamali & Sean R. Hanson)

Donkey Kong Country - "Treetop Rock" by David Wise, Eveline Novakovic, and Robin Beanland)

Atelier Marie: The Alchemist of Salburg (+ Atelier Marie Remake) - "Star Wind" by Daisuke Achiwa (Arr. by Kumi Tanioka and Ryotaro Yagi)

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn - "A New Hope" by Masayoshi Soken

Actraiser: Renaissance - "BloodPool ~ Kassandora" by Yuzo Koshiro

Chrono Trigger - "Schala's Theme" by Yasunori Mitsuda (Arr. by Tsuyoshi Sekito)

Killer Instinct - "Warlord" by Mick Gordon

Dragon Force - "Desert Battle" by Tasuyuki Maeda

Production credits:

Hosts:

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Ranakel

Edie Alexsander

Audio producer:

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Executive producer:

Ranakel

Writing and publishing:

Edie Alexsander

Today, the crew gets together to wish a happy 60th birthday to Michiru Yamane - and she's the one bringing gifts!

With a full live concert featuring some of her best work from both Castlevania and Bloodstained franchises right on time for the spookiest month of the year, we keep kicking that xylophone-shaped can down the road in the name of timeliness.

Full setlist (all songs originally composed by Michiru Yamane unless otherwise noted):

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - "Tower of Mist"

Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin - "Hail from the Past"

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night - "Lost Garden"

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - "Requiem for the Gods"

Castlevania: Bloodlines - "Iron Blue Intention" (original credited to Konami Kukeiha Club) + Castlevania - "Beginning" (original credited to Konami Kukeiha Club)

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night - "Theme of Dominique"

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night - "Bibliotheca ex Machina"

Castlevania: Curse of Darkness - "True To Your Dreams"

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Medley (featuring "Dracula's Castle", "Wood Carving Partita", "Lost Paintings", "Dance of the Pales", and "Death Ballad")

Castlevania: Bloodlines - "Requiem for the Nameless Victims"

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia - "Wandering the Crystal Blue"

The crew reunites, sharing in their untapped evil traits, and discuss all matters of cool evil themes in video games.

From the mysterious and ominous Bass.exe in Rockman.exe 4.5 to the bombastic and in-your-face Lu Bu from Dynasty Warriors 8 and the utter madness of Luca Blight from Suikoden II, never let it be said that we aren't all-inclusive of villain archetypes!

You can listen along to the music discussed here via the playlist on our YouTube channel: Music Arcade #55

Looking to get in touch with us? You can find us at [email protected]

We're also on Discord: https://discord.gg/aM5WWGU

Music credits (in order of discussion):

Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure - "Evil Queen" by Tenpei Sato (feat. Carrie G. Lowrey, Sara Thomas, Jody Fleischer, and Rachel Quaintanes)

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC - "Enforcers" by Takahide Murayama

Hitman 2: Silent Assassin - "Main Title" by Jesper Kyd

Suikoden II - "Mad Luca" by Miki Higashino

Dynasty Warriors 8 - "Theme of Lu Bu - DW 7th Mix-" by MASA (Arr. by Yosuke Kinoshita)

The Witcher III: Hearts of Stone - "Go Back Whence You Came" and "A Gifted Man Brings Gifts Galore" by Marcin Przybyłowicz

Chrono Trigger - "Magus's Lair" and "Showdown with Magus" by Yasunori Mitsuda

Final Fantasy XIII-2 - "Caius's Theme" by Naoshi Mizuta

Production credits:

Hosts:

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Ranakel

Edie Alexsander

Audio producer:

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Executive producer:

Ranakel

Writing and publishing:

Edie Alexsander

Special thanks to:

Razbuten

Chaos ensues, as Ranakel makes Galen learn about rhythm games under knife point while Edie goes, quite literally, under the knife.

From the early beginnings with Bust a Groove to the modern minigames of Friday Night Funkin' and the Yakuza franchise, it's time to take a trip through the history of rhythm games - yes, including Guitar Hero 3 and "Through the Fire and Flames".

You can listen along to the music discussed here via the playlist: ⁠Music Arcade #54 (also available on our YouTube channel, if the link doesn't work in your podcasting platform of choice)

Looking to get in touch with us? You can find us at ⁠[email protected]⁠

We're also on Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/aM5WWGU

Song Credits:

DDRMAX - "Max 300" by Ω (real name Naoki Maeda)

Guitar Hero 3 - "Through the Fire and Flames" by DragonForce

Rock Band 4 - "The Perfect Drug" by Nine Inch Nails

Elite Beat Agents - "The Anthem" by Good Charlotte (cover by Kevin Ridel)

Rhythm Heaven - "Fan Club 2" (also known as "Thrilling! Is This Love?") by Tsunku, feat. Lorea Ferris Dandoy

Drakengard 3 - "The Final Song" by Keiichi Okabe, Kakeri Ishihama and Akitaka Tohyama, feat. Emi Evans

"Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen, as seen in a user-made level to Osu! (created by the user m980)

Crypt of the NecroDancer - "Mausoleum Mash (Shopkeeper ver.)" by Danny Baranowsky

Metal: Hellsinger - "This Devastation" by Two Feathers, feat. Matt Heafy

No Straight Roads - "vs. SAYU" by James Landino, feat. Nikki Simmons

Groove Coaster Wai Wai Party!!!! - "Night of Knights" (also known as "Knight of Nights") by beatMARIO

A Dance of Fire and Ice - "The Midnight Train" by Jade Kim and Hafiz Azman

Friday Night Funkin' - "Ugh" by Kawai Sprite, feat. Johnny "Jeff" Utah

Yakuza 0 - "Friday Night" by Kensuke Inage, feat. Yoshihiro Arai

Production credits:

Hosts:

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Ranakel

Audio producer:

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Executive producer:

Ranakel

Writing and publishing:

Edie Alexsander

On this episode, Sam "Zeral" joins the crew once more, because it's concert time, baby!

Come and join us as the team - still short one Brazilian host - shares the scoop on the recent Eorzean Symphony concert in Las Vegas, NV.

We're also on Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/aM5WWGU

Note: All songs arranged by FILM SCORE and/or the composers themselves unless otherwise noted

"Torn from the Heavens" by Masayoshi Soken (Start of the Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn block)

"A New Hope" by Masayoshi Soken

"Serenity" by Masayoshi Soken

"Ultima" by Masayoshi Soken

"Dragonsong" by Nobuo Uematsu, Arr. by Tsutomu Narita (Start of the Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward block)

"Heavensward" by Masayoshi Soken, Arr. by Yoshitaka Suzuki

"Heroes" by Masayoshi Soken, Arr. by Kenichi Kuroda

"Triumph" by Masayoshi Soken, Arr. by Kenichi Kuroda (Start of the Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood block)

"Songs of Salt and Suffering" by Masayoshi Soken

"From the Heavens" by Masayoshi Soken, Arr. by Yoshitaka Suzuki and Masayoshi Soken

"Shadowbringers" by Masayoshi Soken and Nobuo Uematsu, Arr. by Masayoshi Soken (Start of the Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers block)

"To The Edge" by Masayoshi Soken

"Invincible" by Masayoshi Soken, Arr. by Yoshitaka Suzuki

"Tomorrow and Tomorrow" by Masayoshi Soken

"Your Answer" by Nobuo Uematsu, Arr. by Takafumi Imamura and Daiki Ishikawa (Start of the Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker block)

"Close in the Distance" by Masayoshi Soken

"Flow" by Masayoshi Soken

"Endcaller" by Masayoshi Soken, Arr. by Yoshitaka Suzuki

"A World Apart" by Masayoshi Soken (Encore)

"The Final Day" by Masayoshi Soken, Arr. by Yoshitaka Suzuki (Encore)

For full, detailed credits on the setlist, we recommend the album credits for the 2022-2023 Eorzean Symphony tour album, titled "Eorzean Symphony: Final Fantasy XIV Orchestral Album Vol. 3", available at the following link: https://vgmdb.net/album/125307

Guest Host:

Sam "Zeral"

Hosts:

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Ranakel

Audio producer:

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Executive producer:

Ranakel

Writing and publishing:

Edie Alexsander

On this episode, the crew mixes things up quite literally, discussing remixed tracks in official soundtracks

Beyond the typical Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, we also explore Advance Wars, Like a Dragon, and much more!

We're also on Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/aM5WWGU

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp - "Sensei's Power" by Maddie Lim, Michaela Nachtigall, and Tommy Pedrini

*Based on "Sensei's Theme" by Yoshito Hirano, from Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising

Dynasty Warriors 8 - "The King of Sadness -DW 7th Mix-" by Michihiko Shichi

*Based on "The King of Sadness" by Michihiko Shichi, from Dynasty Warriors 5

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - "Vega's Theme" arranged by Midiplex Co., Ltd. (under supervision of Yoko Shimomura)

*Based on "Vega's Theme" by Yoko Shimomura, from Street FIghter II

Street Fighter V - "Theme of Ken" by Masahiro Aoki

*Based on "Ken's Theme" by Yoko Shimomura, from Street Fighter II

Sonic & All-Stars Racing: Transformed - "Adder's Lair" by Richard Jacques

*Based on "The Battle", "Wilderness", and "Turtle Village I" by Y.T, from Golden Axe

Like a Dragon: Ishin! - "Soar" by an unconfirmed arranger

*Based on "Fly" by Hidenori Shoji, from Yakuza 3

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds - "Scaling Death Mountain" by Ryo Nagamatsu

*Based on "Death Mountain" by Koji Kondo, from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers - "Twice Striken" by Takafumi Imamura

*Based on "Thunder Rolls" by Masayoshi Soken, from Final Fantasy XIV

Fire Emblem Engage - "Trial of the Pact" by Yasuhisa Baba, Kazuki Komai, Hiroki Morishita, and Takeru Kanazaki

Hosts:

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Ranakel

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Ranakel

Edie Alexsander

"Crickets" by ItsTheGoodstuff (freesound.org)

This time, the crew dives, swims, and explores through the seas of watery themes in all of gamedom.

Yes, you can bet that Donkey Kong Country is here, but our trek spans from JRPGs like Chrono Trigger to... well, sea shanties in Assassin's Creed, because why not?

Donkey Kong Country - "Aquatic Ambiance" by David Wise

Grand Poo World 2 - "Thalassophobia" by Com_Poser (based on "Underwater" by Jun Funahashi, from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag - "Drunken Sailor" by an unknown writer (in-game version credited to Sean Dagher, Michiel Schrey, and Nils Brown)

Atelier Ayesha ~Alchemist of the Ground of Dusk~ - "Dance of a Water Drop" and "Laughter in the Frontier" by Kazuki Yanagawa

Chrono Trigger - "The Deep Beckons" by Sam Dillard (based on "Ocean Palace" by Yasunori Mitsuda)

Civilization VI - "England (The Medieval Era)" by Geoff Knorr

Subnautica - "First Immersion" by Simon Chylinski

Risk of Rain - "Moisture Deficit" by Chris Christodoulou

Perfect Dark - "Pelagic 2 - Exploration" by Grant Kirkhope

Hosts:

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Ranakel

Edie Alexsander

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Ranakel

Edie Alexsander

The crew celebrates our 50th episode with the perfect pieces of gaming music to party to.

From celebrating the overcoming of challenges in Destiny 2: Lightfall to the realization that JRPGs like Chrono Triggerand Trails in the Sky love to have some oddly similar-sounding festivals - plus a dose of the grand old celebration of pure, unadulterated, world-ending power in Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3.

Come join us, 'cuz it's a party in here!

You can listen along to the music discussed here via the playlist on our YouTube channel: Music Arcade #50

Looking to get in touch with us? You can find us at [email protected]

We're also on Discord: https://discord.gg/aM5WWGU

Music credits (in order of discussion):

Nier: Automata - "Amusement Park" by Keigo Hoashi

Tekken 7 - "DUOMO DI SIRIO 2nd" by Go Shiina

Suikoden II - "The Even More Glorious, Beautiful Golden City" by Tappi Iwase (arranger unknown)

The "JRPG Festival" section, with music from:

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 - "The Red Menace" by Frank Klepacki

Roboquest - "Journey" by Noisecream

Warriors Orochi - "Samurai Scanners" by Masato Koike

God Hand - "God Hand - Ending version" by Masaru Yokoyama

Production credits:

Hosts:

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Ranakel

Edie Alexsander

Audio producer:

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Executive producer:

Ranakel

Writing and publishing:

Edie Alexsander

A video game concert shows up and the crew follows their instincts: this MUST be talked about!

In what may be one of the most interesting setlists we've covered yet - going from a medley of songs from Amiga titles like Secret of Monkey Island and Turrican to more orchestral soundtracks like Bloodborne and Journey - and with potentially the best singer we've watched perform, prepare for interesting songs, long conversations and a hell of a lot more emotion than even we expected.

You can find out more about the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and follow their work here: https://www.berwaldhallen.se/en/

And you can watch the concert and listen along to the music discussed here by following the link: https://youtu.be/-PkdLMIz-Ys

NOTE: The video above is an unofficial upload with no affiliation to either the Music Arcade podcast or the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra.

Looking to get in touch with us? You can find us at [email protected]

We're also on Discord: https://discord.gg/aM5WWGU

Setlist:

Journey - "I Was Born For This" by Austin Wintory

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag - suite arranged by Andreas Hedlund, based on music by Brian Tyler

"Amiga Medley", arranged by Andreas Hedlung, featuring music from:

Final Fantasy IX - suite arranged by Nils-Petter Ankarblom, based on music by Nobuo Uematsu

The Last Of Us - "All Gone (No Escape)" by Gustavo Santaolalla, arr. by Andreas Hedlund

Super Mario Bros. - suite by Andreas Hedlund, based on music by Mahito Yokota and Koji Kondo

Bloodborne - suite by Andreas Hedlund, based on music by Ryan Amon

Mega Man - suite by Andreas Hedlund, based on music by Manami Matsumae, Takashi Tateishi, Yasuaki Fujita, and Harumi Fujita

The Legend of Zelda - suite by Nils-Petter Ankarblom, based on music by Koji Kondo

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - "The Dragonborn Comes" by Jeremy Soule, arr. by Andreas Hedlund

Final Fantasy VI - "Aria di Mezzo Carattere" by Nobuo Uematsu, arr. by Andreas Hedlund feat. soprano Sabina Zweiacker

Production credits:

Hosts:

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Ranakel

Edie Alexsander

Audio producer:

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Executive producer:

Ranakel

Writing and publishing:

Edie Alexsander

Trumpets invade the thoughts (and ears) of the Music Arcade crew, in an exploration for the best that the Doot has to offer.

Be it giant mechas in Mega Man X6, crazed (yet majestic) clowns in Final Fantasy VI, a fearless bounty hunter in Super Metroid or a song you wouldn't expect to hear in Age of Mythology, trumpet fans will not be disappointed.

Except, maybe, by the lack of Pokémon Gen 3 songs. Whoops.

You can listen along to the music discussed here via the playlist on our YouTube channel: Music Arcade #48

Looking to get in touch with us? You can find us at [email protected]

We're also on Discord: https://discord.gg/aM5WWGU

Music credits (in order of discussion):

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest - "Boss Bossanova" by David Wise

Final Fantasy VI - "Camp Kefka (Troops March On)" by Joshua Morse (remix of "Troops March On" by Nobuo Uematsu)

Super Metroid - "Super Metroid" medley by the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra (original compositions by Kenji Yamamoto and Minako Hamano, arr. by Toshihiko Sahashi)

Soul Calibur II - "Confrontation" by Junichi Nakatsuru

Mega Man X6 - "Infinity Mijinion Stage" by Akemi Kimura

Lufia: Curse of the Sinistrals - "Battle #2" by Yasunori Shiono

Rhythm Thief & the Paris Caper - "Title Screen" by Tomoya Ohtani (arr. by Tomoya Ohtani and Takahito Eguchi - extended version not found in the official album)

Phantasy Star Universe - "Galenigare Mine" by Kenichi Tokoi

Age of Mythology - "Gary's Reserve" by Stephen Rippy and Kevin McMullan

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Justice For All - "Great Revival ~Miles Edgeworth" (also known as "Triumphant Return - Miles Edgeworth") by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra (composed by Akemi Kimura, arr. by Noriyuki Iwadare)

Production credits:

Hosts:

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Ranakel

Edie Alexsander

Audio producer:

Galen "The SoundGuy" Firestone

Executive producer:

Ranakel

Writing and publishing:

Edie Alexsander