Jay calls Dave to explore the aural universe of Stardew Valley, specifically that of “Fall” also known as The Smell of Mushrooms.  In this episode, Jay brings attention to how composer (and overall game designer) Eric Barone draws upon his influences of Beethoven's Pastorale to invoke a sensation of the changing of seasons from summer to fall, and even incorporates literal sounds of nature such as frigid gusts of wind to help suggest the approach of winter, and invoke the associated annual traditions that coincide with the season.

Dave calls Jay to discuss the unique soundscape of Secret Of Mana, and how composer Hiroki Kikuta set out to make a game soundtrack that was truly unlike any other.  Dave points out how the soundtrack, in many ways, resembles a prog-rock album with its extremely specific instrument samples custom-made by Kikuta himself, and it’s extraordinarily unusual use of rhythm and unexpected time signatures. Ultimately, Dave demonstrates how all of these distinctive elements come together in the game's battle music, Danger, in a thrilling manner that strikes a careful balance between order and chaos.

Jay calls Dave to talk about the exclusive experience of hearing the Japanese-exclusive, and widely recognized main theme of Gran Turismo: Moon Over The Castle.  In a time when getting Japanese imports of games to play on specially modded PlayStations was a rare experience, Jay expresses the excitement of being part of that small group that got to experience the soundtrack the way it was meant to be heard.  In addition, Jay describes the track itself as a passion-filled, Days of Thunder style experience, where the racer is not just at the eye of the storm, but becomes the storm itself.

Dave calls Jay to remember one of the greatest arcade soundtracks of the 80s: Golden Axe.  This ultra classic draws inspiration, and even direct sound samples, from its contemporaries like Conan the Barbarian and Rambo, creating an era-specific sound.  Dave breaks down the track Death Adder, and how it builds upon the game's battle music to create a sense of tragic impending doom and finality as you face off against the ultimate villain of the game.

Jay calls Dave to discuss a track from the beloved Final Fantasy Tactics series that means a great deal to him: Alma.  In addition to drawing comparisons to Hitoshi Sakimotos other work such as Ogre Battle, Jay draws attention to how Alma stands apart in this otherwise minor and tragic-sounding music tapestry as a positive, hopeful beacon of light, much like the character the track represents.

Dave calls Jay regarding one of the worlds most beloved racing franchises; MarioKart.  However, instead of covering one of the many amazing stage tracks, Dave focuses on the Menu Select music from MarioKart Wii, and explores how Nintendo often uses a unique music layering technique in these selection screens in not just the MarioKart franchise, but many other games as well.

Jay calls Dave to reminisce about “Team All Stars” from Super Dodge Ball on NES.  This introductory stage is paired with a lively track containing a rich variety of driving rhythms and a powerful melody line.  It’s a shining example of how talented composers can make five channels of chirps and beeps sound like memorable pop tunes.

In this premiere episode of VGM Voicemail, Dave calls Jay about "Asteroid" from Starfox on SNES.  The 2nd stage of this classic game provides a dramatic backdrop with it's orchestral instrumentation, and unusual time signature.  It's an excellent example of the 16-bit era discovering what was possible with new sound chip technology.

Listen in each week as two music geeks play phone-tag while breaking down their favorite video game tracks of all time.  From the technical to the artistic, from 8-bit to modern, Dave and Jay relay what they love about these classic tunes in each VGM Voicemail.