How Data Discs does it is beyond comprehension. How do you take soundtracks from old Sega games, known for a cantankerous sound chip and questionable original sound, and turn them into golden vinyl releases?
For Data Discs’ two latest releases, Shinobi III and Super Hang-On, the music has always been there. Both are no doubt well composed and interesting pieces of video game soundtrack history, but let’s not kid ourselves that people were never falling all over themselves to listen to old Sega soundtracks. However, Data Discs has turned that into a reality.
I have strong memories as a Genesis kid (never owned a Super Nintendo until much later in life) of just how unapproachable the sound sometimes was. The sound of that system in particular often trended toward tinny and robotic. It was a machine cranking out machine noises. Sometimes you could make sense of some beautiful sounds creeping beneath the surface, but the Genesis tried its damnedest to keep them hidden.
I had Shinobi III back in the day and that was definitely the case. Once again, the music is fine, it was just the execution of the system. However, with Data Discs’ vinyl release, it’s brought this amazing piece of work back to life.
The first track, “Shinobi” encapsulates everything – the high syncs are sharp and piercing, and the mid-tone synths (approximating a flute) are buttery smooth. It’s been beautifully and carefully remastered and is a completely worthy purchase. Not a ton by way of extras, but there is a pretty cool Shinobi III poster inside and (as always with their releases) an obi strip with details of the release. The review copy they sent me was the “Oxblood” variant and was a stunning deep reddish/purple. I can easily say I recommend this release.
Super Hang-On was more of the same. I wasn’t as familiar with the game, as it was an 80s arcade release and it was just a tick before my time, but the sound is clean, deep and full. This release is a bit more barebones than the other releases in the catalog, but the record is housed in a wonderful die-cut jacket. I think I prefer the art/prints included in the other releases, but the jacket is something different and really works well with the printed inner sleeve that sits behind it.
My only complaint is there isn’t enough on the Super Hang-On release. From purely the music/mastering standpoint, this release is a home run. But with just about 20 minutes of music (mastered at 45 rpm), it’s just a very brief listen. If you are into the soundtrack, it’s a no brainer… but I think it’s fair for purchasers to know what they are getting into with the amount of music they get.
Overall, all four of the releases I’ve heard from Data Discs have been incredible. As I said in my last piece where I reviewed the Shenmue and Streets of Rage OSTs, Data Discs are currently the pacesetters in the video game soundtracks on vinyl space.
It’s also encouraging to see that they aren’t resting on their laurels above the competition, because their next release is a very big one: Streets of Rage 2.
Streets of Rage 2, without question, is one of the most important video game soundtracks of all time. Taking influence from electronic and club music, composer Yuzo Koshiro created something timeless and unheard at the time.
As always, the music will be fully remastered from original boards/hardware and will most likely sound absolutely gorgeous. It’s also Data Disc’s first 2xLP release, so there will be plenty of goodness to be had.
Not convinced yet? There’s two lithographs included and four bonus tracks of demos, alternative versions, and unused compositions.
So yeah, you will want to preorder this when it goes on sale Saturday, February 27. There will be three different flavors available as well:
– 180g transparent vinyl with black smoke effect and blood splatter (limited edition, available exclusively from the Data Discs site)
– 180g transparent vinyl with black smoke effect
– 180g classic black vinyl
So yeah, get in there and pre-order away. This one will be a can’t miss if the rest of the catalog is any indication.