Customer Reviews

Voodoo Vince

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It may come as a surprise to some people that music for video games has progressed far beyond the bleeps and squawks of the old days. The latest generation of game console now supports full CD quality sound, surround audio and all sorts of whistles and bells (literally). The soundtrack to Voodoo Vince is a great example of what can happen when good technology meets amazing artistry.

This music was composed, arranged and produced by Steve Kirk, who students of cool, obscure music may recall from his time with the Clubfoot Orchestra. Like his much under-appreciated work on the short lived Felix the Cat series, Kirk blends an great fusion of jazz, pop and classical influences. Most pieces are played by a small ensemble of horns, woodwinds and keyboard. All feature Kirk's masterful, lush guitar work.

The style of the soundtrack varies from vintage jazz which is clearly inspired by Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France to more contemporary jazz/rock fusion. Hints of classical music and even a few pieces reminiscent of Tom Waits sneak out in certain compositions. In spite of being so eclectic, this body of work hangs together remarkably well.

The audio quality itself is terrific. Each track was lovingly recorded, mixed and mastered by Kirk himself. I highly recommend this soundtrack album not just to fans of the quirky video game, but anyone who appreciates truly refreshing music which defies categorization.

I wrote a review for Voodoo Vince(the game), and I forgot to mention how great the music is! Well, now you can listen to the music without the game's sound effects!
I love the "Zombie Guidance Councelor", along with the "On Fire" one. Heck, they're all good, and they're completly original! They also sound really jazzy. :) There are some that go with the Bayou part of the game, and it really fits well.
Steve Kirk has done some great music for the game. If you look at the case, he probably does about 10 or so instruments.
Definetly worth getting.

It is just amazing how far video-game music has come, not only since the tweedle-beep days of Ms. Pac-Man, but even since the relatively recent Nintendo 64 games my son spent all that homework time playing. When we upgraded to an X-Box, my brother recommended "Voodoo Vince" to us, and it was one of the first games we bought. It truly is an amazing game, and I recommend it, but that's for another review.

One thing I was particularly amazed with was how evocative -- and swingin'! -- the music was. I remarked to my brother that I wished there was some way I could extract the music tracks and listen to them. Imagine my surprise and delight when I found out that this soundtrack CD was available!

It is, no exaggeration, simply amazing. Composed by the inimitable Steve Kirk (who shows astonishing range playing guitar on all of these very different tracks), the songs on this CD span the spectrum of musical style while remaining relevant to the game's twisted take on the Crescent City and its environs. From the spooky lounge-lizard swing of "Son of Trophy Room" and the cajun-fried, rollicking "Fanboat Race" to "Crypt City" with its Ellington-tinged take on New Orleans funeral-march music and the Django Reinhardt-inspired "Main Street," the whole disc swings it hard Creole style. Don't miss the last track, "Vince Theme," with its kooky swing lyrics!

This is actually one of the better game soundtracks I've heard for a while. The music has a jazz feel to it, the kind of feel that makes you want to get up and dance as you make your way to the kitchen. Very cool, upbeat, and unique. However, some tracks just sound like poorly recorded versions of previous songs, and other tracks are too annoying to ever want to listen to (mostly when Kirk ventures into other styles besides the overall jazz quality). But with that said, I find that there's still plenty to like about the Voodoo Vince soundtrack, and if you're into jazz and similar taste, this makes for a good listen.

If you have played the game and are thinking about getting the soundtrack, do so. It somehow seems more subtle, without the rest of the game sounds. Its great background music and can repeat over and over without getting old. If you like modern takes on Swing/Dixieland Jazz with a New Orleans flavor, this is for you. I'm an Innkeeper, and I'm thinking about playing this CD in the lobby. It really doesn't let on that its a video game soundtrack.