The American Album

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The American Album
The American Album cover
Studio album by Mazedude
Released November 14, 2005 (Regular Edition)
June 14, 2006 (Special Edition)
Recorded Tarzana, California, 2004–2005 (Regular Edition)
2004-2006 (Special Edition)
Genre Video Game Music
Length 73:09 (Regular Edition)
83:33 (Special Edition)
Label Mazedude.com
Producer(s) Mazedude
Professional reviews
  • SOUNDTRACK.notes 4/5 stars link

The American Album is an album of 18 arrangements of music from various video game soundtracks exclusively created by American video game music composers. The album is Mazedude's first, and was conceived as an alternative to the overwhelming attention given to Japanese composers by video game music fans.

Originally proposed as a concept for OneUp Studios, Mazedude instead made the decision to freely release the album online as a solo project and solicit for donations after considering several factors: his musical style not necessarily meshing well with other artists, game companies receiving the compulsory licensing fees rather than the composers, the cost of pressing CDs, and the potential unwillingness of consumers to pay for an album they haven't previously heard.

The album's website features a feedback area where, alongside fan commentary, several of the composers honored on The American Album have already expressed their appreciation including Jack Wall, Tommy Tallarico, Jeremy Soule & Peter McConnell, as well as Doom lead designer John Romero.

On June 14, 2006, Mazedude released a Special Edition of the album with OGG format tracks, three additional completed arrangements, "Uncle Mazedude" album art inspired by Uncle Sam, a version of "Glow Worm Jim" featuring artist commentary, and eight incomplete arrangement sketches.

Cover of Special Edition.
Cover of Special Edition.

[edit] Track listing

All songs arranged by Christopher Lee Getman

  1. "Jackrabbit Transformer" – 6:20
  2. "Glow Worm Jim'" – 6:57
  3. "Bone Wagon for Bones" – 1:33
  4. "Slick Rippin Keen" – 4:25
  5. "Microscopism" – 4:48
  6. "Keyz to New Junk City" – 4:17
    • originally "New Junk City" from Earthworm Jim by Tommy Tallarico
  7. "Wheels of Wonder" – 3:30
  8. "Zombies Ate My Tracker" – 4:04
  9. "Myst Shrooms" – 3:48
    • originally "Myst Theme", "Sirrus Theme" & "Unfinale" from Myst by Robyn Miller
  10. "Countdown to Death" – 5:22
    • originally "Countdown to Death" from Doom II by Bobby Prince
  11. "Zapper's Freedom" – 5:02
    • originally "Catherine's Freedom" & "Moiety" from Riven by Robyn Miller
  12. "Exiled Samples" – 4:25
    • originally "Exile" from Myst III: Exile by Jack Wall
  13. "Rockin' the Andes" – 2:10
  14. "K-Pax for Evermore" – 5:11
  15. "Opening to Hell" – 7:55
    • originally "Opening to Hell / Map 30" from Doom II by Bobby Prince
    Special Edition
  16. "The Great Tentacle Pianist" – 2:27
  17. "More than MoN" – 4:04
    • originally "MC Rock" from Mick & Mack: Global Gladiators by Tommy Tallarico
  18. "Carvosity" – 3:53

The album is free and available for download at Mazedude's website, featuring composer profiles, album art, and artist commentary on each arrangement.

[edit] Personnel

  • Lord Wroth (Lou Klein) - album design ("Uncle Mazedude" concept and art)
  • Mazedude (Christopher Lee Getman) – arranger, music, album design (Regular Edition), website design, producer
  • Necrophilisimo (Jouni H. Lahtinen) - album design ("Uncle Mazedude" art)

[edit] External links and references

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