Aftermarket Soundtrack: Zelda

Here’s an Aftermarket Soundtrack I’ve been waiting to do for a long time, but kept putting off for being one of the broader ones I would tackle, even if I go retro and limit myself to the titles in the series I’ve beat multiple times.

But I am just as done with Super Mario Bros.’s 35th Anniversary as Super Mario 35 and Mario 3D All-Stars are. I’m going to celebrate The Legend of Zelda‘s instead.

…perhaps we’ll do Metroid, too. I sure know Nintendo won’t.

The Legend of Zelda

“Main Theme / Underworld Theme” by Nintendo

We start things off with an officially sanctioned medley from Super Smash Bros. for. It’s a fantastically polished piece that reminds me of how ridiculously good the music was in the The Legend of Zelda cartoon for which we desperately need a soundtrack. Perhaps that was the reason the nostalgia goggles are so strong for it?

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The Adventure of Link

“Heroes Fall” by housethegrate

The triforce is strong with this one. A medley of three songs, played by three guitars. SImple, clean, and moving. And that before you factor in an unexpectedly sad inspiration to the remix’s structure.

“Battle” by Zelda Reorchestrated

This is exactly the kind of epic take on the game’s music that makes you wish that later games borrowed musical cues from more than just Zeldas 1, 3, and 5. Listening to this makes me think that a remake that elevates Adventure of Link to a true classic is within reach, if only Nintendo has the courage to take it on.

“Hyrule’s Deadly Palaces” by Furorezu

I’m at a loss to explain it, but the two words that immediately spring to mind when I listen to this are “beach” and “spies.” You’ll catch a bit of the next game in the bridge, but it just works with the melody.

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A Link to the Past

“Hyrule Castle” by Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra

In case you missed what I and the previous song were alluding to, let’s start with it. The Orchestral Game Concert series has been a reliable source of great orchestral covers and my intense jealousy. The Hyrule Castle theme has never sounded more majestic than it does here.

“Dark World Jazz” by Gux

If you wanted some Zelda Beats to Study/Relax To, look no further. A smooth lead trumpet, swinging piano rhythm and an understated walking bass will keep the vibes good for as long as you need them.

“A Link to the Piano” by zylance

It might just be a piano medley, but it’s expertly executed. The source songs are each wonderfully represented here. The movements have a noticeable weight and the texture that fits the sources and establishes an overall mood that some might find to be a downer. But I’m a fan of anyone who can make a piano emote.

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Link’s Awakening

“Lucidic” by Ben Briggs

Link’s Awakening, as you may remember from the stream, has a certain… dreamlike essence to it. An essence that this remix is delightfully drenched in. Just close your eyes and let it take you places.

“To The Finder…” by WillRock and XPRTNovice

An amazingly atmospheric medley of nearly half the sound track with a dramatic narration and silky smooth flow from one piece to the next. This might be my favorite remix in this whole post.

“Ballad of the Wind Fish” by InstrumentManiac

This one’s just here for commitment to the bit.

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Ocarina of Time

“Theme of the Shop” by The Big BAAAAAAAAAAAND

This selection from the Mario and Zelda Big Band CD takes a tiny little jingle and makes it into something larger than life and a lot of fun. It’s enough to make you not mind that the audience clapping isn’t quite on the beat.

“Gerudo Valley” by Random Encounter

Gerudo Valley is probably the best track in all of Zelda 64, and I could easily have put three fantastic remixes here. But Random Encounter gets the nod for the completely out of nowhere use of the hook to Europe’s “The Final Countdown” as a bridge. And… it just works?