R-Type Special :: Review by Chris

	Album Title:	R-Type Special
	Record Label:	Victor Entertainment
	Catalog No.:	VICL-8077
	Release Date:	September 22, 1993
	Purchase:	Buy at eBay

Overview

R-Type Special is a concept album dedicated to Irem's long-running series of futuristic space shooters. It features arranged medleys of four classic scores in the series by Satoshi Miyashita. The stylistic treatment of the tracks on this album often deviates from the originals with funk and rock pieces. However, Miyashita still maintains the spacey feel of the series with some special tracks along the way.

Body

The opening arrangement "Fire and Brimstone" gives an idea of what to expect from the album. In line with the concept of the album, the introduction gives a sense that a space epic is about to unfold with its apocalyptic Holst-inspired rhythms and experimental keyboard work. However, it suddenly explodes into an 80s-influenced synth rock fest at the 2:16 mark, complete with cheesy rhythm guitar riffs and exuberant synthesizer solos, before eventually returning to its dark origins. While the transitions could be much better, it certainly takes listeners on quite a journey as any concept album should do.

The rock segments go on to dominate the score. For example, Kazuhiro Matsuo's guitar leads are responsible for presenting the first stage themes of R-Type and R-Type II on "Mystery Stardust" and "Fire Dance" in the most passionate and anthemic way possible. These tracks are quite a shift from the originals, losing the evocative industrial flavour in favour of straightforward and superficial stylings. However, the melodies have never sounded as catchy as they do in their treatment here, giving them a mainstream appeal lacking in their original renditions.

There are a range of funk-based tracks featured across the release too. The music of the spinoff Gallop is treated in a particular exuberant manner on "Electronic Hurricane" and "The Funky Flamingo". Whereas the former is quite an urgent piece, full of syncopated rhythms and aggressive discords, the latter will appeal to those who like their funk to be smooth and light. Less impressively, the music of R-Type Leo sounds even lighter than before with its disco treatment on "Pleasure Starship"; while this track may have been cool in 1993, most will find it cringe-worthy nowadays and the random voice samples don't help matters.

Special mention should also be given to the opening and closing tracks, both of which are original compositions by Satoshi Miyashita. The opening "Infinite Space I ~ Introduction" once again features the lush spacey synth work and sound effects, before moving into a soothing yet transient new age segment. These influences are elaborated on in the closer, "The Road to Infinity". While the stylings will be too cheesy and sentimental for some, others will find that they inspire many memories and emotions of the series' games and music. Either way, these tracks are an important addition to the album and help to bring the experience round full circle.

Summary

To finish, most of this album features instrumental rock and funk at its most energetic and cheesy. This will be bliss for many old-school gamers, though will be a turnoff for those that enjoy more mature stylings. What really enhances the album is its concept focus, which maintains the futuristic spacey feel of the series' visuals. Sometimes the rock focus can detract from the imagery, but there are enough creative ideas and diverse arrangements to make this album a decent tribute to the series. All in all, while not for all, this is potentially a very entertainng listen.