Hirokazu Tanaka's 'More Lost Tapes' Album Announced for August Release
Entry information
Published on: July 03, 2024
Description
Legendary Nintendo Composer Hirokazu Tanaka Releases 'More Lost Tapes' Compilation This August
Hirokazu "Hip" Tanaka, the acclaimed composer behind iconic Nintendo titles such as Metroid, EarthBound (Mother), and Tetris, is set to delight fans with a new album of unreleased musical treasures.
Announced by Super Fuji Discs, the aptly-titled 'More Lost Tapes' album is scheduled for release in August 2024, following up on Tanaka's well-received 'Lost Tapes' compilation from 2021.
A Deep Dive Into Decades of Game Music History
'Lost Tapes' offered gamers and music aficionados a rare opportunity to experience Tanaka's previously unheard demo tapes from the 1980s and 1990s.
Building on that legacy, 'More Lost Tapes' expands the archival journey, featuring 50 demo tracks composed by Tanaka from 1981 to 2010.
This extensive collection is presented as a two-CD set, including instrumental demos and outtakes related to acclaimed series such as Metroid, EarthBound, and Pokémon, as well as never-before-released tracks composed for the Pokémon anime.
Super Fuji Discs noted in their official statement that the compilation spotlights decades of Tanaka-san’s innovative work, capturing the evolution of his signature sound that has influenced generations of video game music.
The forthcoming album showcases a diverse selection of demo compositions—from early experiments on synthesizers like the Yamaha TX81Z to draft versions of iconic anime themes—offering a comprehensive look at Tanaka’s creative process.
The tracklist, shared by Super Fuji Discs, includes highlights such as "Echoes of Unspoken Love Demo (1980s)", pre-release versions of the Pokémon opening theme, and instrumental drafts for beloved Nintendo series.
In addition to instrumental pieces, 'More Lost Tapes' features improvisational songs composed on the fly and genre-spanning tracks that demonstrate Tanaka’s versatility within game music.
Albums such as 'More Lost Tapes' serve to reinforce Tanaka’s enduring impact on the industry.
Over his career, Hirokazu Tanaka contributed to some of Nintendo’s most important projects, shaping the soundtracks of games that defined generations of players on platforms like the NES, Game Boy, and Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
His influence can be heard across flagship Nintendo franchises and beyond, making this archival release significant for both game music historians and loyal fans alike.
Pre-orders for the two-disc set are now open through several retailers, including Play-Asia, Blank Street Records, and Rough Trade.
The compilation is expected to ship in August 2024, making it a must-have addition for collectors and enthusiasts of video game music and Nintendo history.
With 'More Lost Tapes', Hirokazu Tanaka and Super Fuji Discs are giving fans unprecedented access to the sounds that helped define Nintendo’s legacy, enriching the archive of classic gaming music for future generations.
