Air Analogue Collector’s Edition
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Album Title: Air Analogue Collector’s Edition |
| Record Label: Key Sounds Label |
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| Catalog No.: KSLA-0022 |
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| Release Date: May 3, 2006 |
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| Purchase: Buy Used Copy |
Overview
The celebrated theme songs for Key’s visual novel Air were incorporated into the title’s official soundtrack and arranged album. Key also made them available in a special vinyl for collectors along with two bonus remixes. At 3000 JPY, there isn’t much to justify purchasing this presentation of the theme songs…
Body
The upbeat opening theme “The Bird’s Song” sets the scene beautifully with a hybrid of acoustic instrumentation and electronic beats. Lia captures all the lyricism of the melody — delightfully written by Shinji Orito — and lures players into the experience with her unique voice. Cosmic Seekers’ remix on Side B of the vinyl has a fast BPM, but is actually a slow burner. After layering some generic techno beats for three minutes, the remixer finally introduces the vocals, but doesn’t do anything with them. Soon enough, the remixes is back to repeating trashy beats ad nauseum. The relation between the beats and the vocals is almost nonexistent.
“Farewell Song” is a fine ending theme, a rollercoaster filled with memorable melodies and featuring upbeat and reflective moments. It’s not quite as deep as the other vocal themes, but makes up for it with its sheer energy. Tsubasa’s remix on Side B also pumps the track with mainstream beats. This time, the approach fits the original better and the vocal parts are incorporated more extensively. However, much of the remix is still dreadfully banal and, at nine minutes, far too long.
Opening a capella and retaining a strong vocal focus throughout, “Blue Skies” really reflects the beautiful tones of Lia’s semi-operatic voice. The slow spiritual aura of this one makes it something special. Perhaps for the best, there is no bonus remix of this theme on the single.
Summary
While the theme songs for Air are excellent, they are better enjoyed in the title’s excellent official soundtrack or arranged album. The only reason to get this single is to hear the vocal themes on vinyl, but only the most hardcore collectors will want to do this, especially at the price of a full album. The bonus remixes are absolutely not worth your money or time.
Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!
2.5
Posted on August 1, 2012 by Chris Greening. Last modified on January 18, 2016.
About the Author
Chris Greening I've contributed to websites related to game audio since 2002. In this time, I've reviewed over a thousand albums and interviewed hundreds of musicians across the world. As the founder and webmaster of VGMO -Video Game Music Online-, I hope to create a cutting-edge, journalistic resource for all those soundtrack enthusiasts out there. In the process, I would love to further cultivate my passion for music, writing, and generally building things. Please enjoy the site and don't hesitate to say hello!
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