Everything Is Final Fantasy

We discuss the history of Final Fantasy music live in concert, most especially the long-running Distant Worlds series. Then we listen to an analyze the song Distant Worlds from Final Fantasy XI in four different variations. Plus, some cherished memories of going to see, and of performing, live music.

We listen to and analyze the primary battle themes from Final Fantasy I-VI. Distant Worlds, Black Mages, and Pixel Remasters all get involved in the conversation as we dive deep into what makes Nobuo Uematsu battle music so compelling.

We listen to and analyze the battle themes from Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross, and Super Mario RPG. Then each of us brings two other non-Final Fantasy pieces of battle music to discuss including one of the most famous pieces of video game music ever written.

We listen to and analyze Dancing Mad, the masterpiece final boss battle music from Final Fantasy VI. What techniques does Nobuo Uematsu use to invoke Bach fugues and which are more akin to classic rock like Emerson, Lake, & Palmer? How does it so expertly give voice to the villain, the ruined world, and even our heroes? Let's listen!

Nausicaa must race from the toxic jungle back to the Valley of the Wind to tell everyone what she has learned but once again the forces of industry and violence and power get in her way.