A Square Meal: ‘Silly Snake’s Soccer Blast’ by City Guys

Originally Posted on the ChipWIN Blog on February 18th, 2019.
Edited by Erin Hood.

Nostalgia – just reading (or writing) that word can induce a trance because of the semantic satiation. Like it or not, those nine letters have become part of how the world views chiptune and some other musical genres, especially in recent years. Putting aside if there is or is not truth in those words, today I’d like to take a slice of that cake. While the excessive romanticization of the 80s & 90s games, sometimes, verges on the cliché; City Guys break the line between the ideal good and the actual good with a bright and vibrant album that is a delight not only for the VGM lovers but also for anyone who enjoys music. So let’s take a look over ‘Silly Snake 2: Silly Snake’s Soccer Blast’ by City Guys, released through Pterodactyl Squad.

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A Square Meal: ‘カワイイチップチューン VS カッコイイチップチューン 対決コンピレーション’ (Cute VS. Cool Chiptune)

Originally posted on the ChipWIN Blog on March 17th, 2020.
Edited by Dan Butler & Brandon L. Hood.

Confrontation is, occasionally, inevitable. Most of the time, however, we can learn from our differences and enrich our own perspective. In some cases, even highlighting these contrasting elements can be a good thing. After a spectacular showcase compilation last year, しのりゅー brings to us yet another incredible release that showcases this pixelated dichotomy. For this chapter, 56 artists explored the contrasting themes of cute and cool in their own unique styles. So let’s take a look over ‘カワイイチップチューン VS カッコイイチップチューン 対決コンピレーション’ (Kawaii Chippchūn VS Kakkoii Chippchūn: Taiketsu Conpirēshon), released through novtos.

Continue reading “A Square Meal: ‘カワイイチップチューン VS カッコイイチップチューン 対決コンピレーション’ (Cute VS. Cool Chiptune)”

A Square Meal: ‘Insert Disk 02’ by Game Genie Sokolov

Originally Posted on the ChipWIN Blog on February 12th, 2019
Edited by Adam Seats.

Since the beginning, humanity has had some epic arguments about just the most important, finest and serious topics: why are we here? Good or evil? Should the pizza be topped with pineapple? And of course: does Sega really do what NintenDoesn’t? Well, I won’t intend nor dare to give an answer to any of the previously mentioned questions (especially to the last one); but if you are up for some quality FM Chiptune, today’s article is going to completely blow your mind.

From all the options we have to listen and appreciate chiptune nowadays, it’s always nice to find some first-rate music made specifically to be played on a Sega Genesis. That’s why when I knew that there was a Montreal artist who makes it, I got myself ready for an incredible experience. Of course I’m talking about Game Genie Sokolov. Maybe you remember GG Sokolov’s tremendous work from ‘Chiptunes = WIN Vol. 5’, ‘Deskpop & ChipWIN’ or ‘FM: Possible 2‘; but this time we’ll talk about this new and super awe-inspiring album: ‘Insert Disk 02’ released through the French Canadian netlabel Lisbon Lux Records. So let’s take a look over it… Sega style!

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En síntesis: tempo y grooves en DefleMask

Uno de los parámetros básicos que causan más conflicto al momento de iniciarse en el uso de DefleMask es el de la configuración de tempo. Aunque algunos podrían pensar que es un asunto de sentido común, la realidad es que tiene matices un tanto esotéricos; o en un primer momento así pareciera. Aunque el manual ofrece una explicación, esta profundiza poco en el ajuste preciso de esta función. Hoy compartiré lo que sé al respecto para que puedas comprender un poco mejor esta característica. Claro está que siempre se puede hacer un uso más sofisticado mediante la aplicación combinada de técnicas (como el uso de los comandos 9 y D); pero hoy nos centraremos en lo básico.  ¡Vamos a ello!

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A Square Meal: ‘The Lost Backups’ by Beek

It feels so good to be back!  From time to time, the Internet can be a strange place, becoming even more strange when you pay close attention to its goings-on. Fortunately, music is an oasis that keeps us sane and helps us find a juncture to make sense of all the gibberish we find out here. Today, I want to share a little escape from all of the things that might be happening around you right now. Last month, Beek released a sweet new batch of tunes filled with funky rhythms, jazzy leads, expressive arpeggios, and notable melodic quality. The result is an enchanting mixture of styles with a nostalgic hint that will make your heart skip and will surely put a smile on your face. So let’s take a look at ‘The Lost Backups’ by Beek!

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