Couple days ago I talked about 8-Bit the band and 8-bit the genre, and I feel I could have gone on for quite a damn while about the genre. I mean, there’s a lot to say about it, a lot to like. You’ve got that nostalgic feel, for one, and to make it sound good at all you need tons of layers, so that aesthetic property is built right in. Plus the old electronic beeps just have such a bright, clean tone to them. You can’t not smile when you hear it. Unless it’s bad. Then it’s really, really bad. But we’re not talking about the bad stuff. I’ve got a million of this shit* and you’re only going to hear the good stuff.
The Adventure is about the best example of pure 8-bit pop composition I can think of off the top of my head at midnight-thirty. Math The Band is an 8-bit pop-punk outfit (I know, I know) that reminds me VERY strongly of Atom and His Package. That can mean many things to you or no things at all; I mean it as a compliment. And just to show you that this isn’t as out there as you might think, even Beck did an EP worth of 8-bit remixes of Guero. Admittedly not his best album, but everything’s better when you add a Gameboy or two.
Personally, I’m not quite as impressed by folks just ganking classic video game music and laying down raps over it, though that can be fun. I’m more impressed when folks use the tools of the time to make new material. You know, how at Renaissance fairs the blacksmiths will make suits of armor without using a welding torch, which would make everything a hell of a lot easier. So, maybe you like this stuff, maybe you don’t. If you do, you’re welcome. If you don’t, well you can just scroll on down the page, cowboy, pick yourself out something nice. Or you know what, maybe go listen to ‘All Songs Considered‘ on NPR and get your fix that way. You’re too good for 8-bit? Homeboy, 8-bit’s too good for you.
The Adventure – “Loredo”
Math the Band – “Why Didn’t You Get a Haircut”
Beck – “Bit Rate Variations in B-Flat”
* You read that right. A million. Of this shit.
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