Sonic 4: Episode 1

Sonic 4 isn't really much of an update, more like a fan reconstruction of the first 2 (with elements of 3). I don't like the 'new' sonic design very much, and I'm not too keen that 3D models replace classic 2D sprites. How good would this have looked if it was all HD 2D graphics, like the Scott Pilgrim game? Very good actually and I don't want to listen to your protest words.

So you run around 4 very nostalgic zones which are pretty much every stage from the first 2 Sonic Mega Drive games pulped into total familiarity. The similarities make up for everything in the game, which of course include the boss battles that are pretty much copy-pasted from previous titles. Although it gives me a mildly fuzzy memory massage, if I wanted to fight these bosses I'd play the respected games they feature in! And that way I'd get the complete experience of nostalgic energy.

My favourite sonic games were always 2, 3, and Knuckles, and are still among my most cherished gaming memories. It's nice to see them somewhat updated, although with inferior character sprites, music, stage design and content, it feels more like a step back from the main canon series. The foreseeable gradual increase of content across new episodic releases is a great marketing scheme, but not very fair on my wallet. I'll still buy them all.....
videogames...my one weakness...

The Comet Song

I've never listened to Bjork for extended periods, but I do love the mystery and darkness that this song emanates. Like a minimalist, black fog. The film is cool, too.

Quebec

One of Ween's more accessible albums, Quebec is worth a buy if you enjoy creative, genre swapping artists. It just shows how interesting music can be when truly skilled instrumentalists step between styles like a dance. Each song is separate and unique; how many times have you listened to an album for the first time and it just blends into one big, hour long track? Perhaps it's time to enter the world of Ween. (And Mr Bungle if you have time.) Stand out tracks for me include Zoloft, Transdermal celebration, Chocolate Town, Among his Tribe, and The Argus.

For me, the real enjoyment of listening to Ween comes from their humour, which stems from each and every song basically poking fun at the genre it is mimicking. However, you'd be forgiven to not notice this, as they perform each style so successfully you'd easily think otherwise.

This video was animated by the same excellency who runs Bitey castle.