Koichi Namiki / Katsuhiro Hayashi / Tohru Nakabayashi OST Galaxy Force II / Thunder Blade Colored Vinyl Edition (Original Arcade Scores)

For Data Disc's tenth release in partnership with SEGA of Japan, they offer two arcade classics – “Galaxy Force II” (1988) and “Thunder Blade” (1987) – together for the first time ever on vinyl. Composed by Koichi Namiki, Katsuhiro Hayashi and Tohru Nakabayashi, both soundtracks adopted an ambitious funk and fusion style, simulating an impressive range of real world instrumentation (think synthesizers, drums, slap bass and cowbells), which for its time and hardware limitations, is nothing short of astonishing. And yes, there’s even a coded slap bass solo.

These two brief, but remarkable soundtracks each accommodate a single side of an LP, but work together seamlessly. “Galaxy Force II” includes a bonus arranged version of its leading track, “Beyond the Galaxy”, produced by Hiroshi “Hiro” Kawaguchi (composer of “OutRun”, “Space Harrier”) and features a full studio band, complete with brass section and a keyboard solo by Hiro himself. In addition, the “Thunder Blad”e side includes three unused tracks

The audio for both games was sourced from the original arcade machines and carefully mastered for vinyl. This release is presented as a 180g LP in 425gsm sleeve, accompanied by an OBI strip and lithographic print featuring original Galaxy Force II artwork sourced from the SEGA archives in Japan. Record is pressed on Translucent Yellow colored wax.