Gradius by Konami Kukeiha Club

“Destroy the core!”

The Beginning of History

Hop into your transdimensional spaceship and venture back to the 8-bit era with Gradius by the Konami Kukeiha Club. The 80s were a magical time — a time where arcades were more popular than coffee shops, and cinema was at an all time high. Gaming had taken the world by storm, and a toy company turned hardware manufacturer and game developer from Japan had entered the West with their breakthrough home console: the Nintendo Entertainment System. Pressed by Ship to Shore PhonoCo. on split splatter and transparent red, this variant exclusive to The Yetee has two incredibly awesome soundtracks on one wax disc.

Mechanical Globule

Gradius is an iconic game — one that defined an entire genre and set the groundwork for 2D shoot-em-ups for decades to come. All of this exemplary work would not be complete without a brilliant soundtrack to enhance the player’s experience. With this release containing both the original 1986 Famicom/NES soundtrack and the never-before released home computer MSX version from 1989, there is a lot to enjoy here. The simplicity of the NES soundtrack lends itself to be very charming and definitely the nostalgic soundtrack I remember! The MSX version, however, is a lot more punchy and definitely puts the Konami SCC+ chip designed for enhanced audio through its paces. Once you drop the needle and the bits start hitting your ears, your stylus will be on its way to “Destroy the core!” No matter which side you choose to spin, this is for sure a truly sublime release. The work done by the Konami Kukeiha Club will live in the hearts of gamers forever, and the same can be said of Ship to Shore PhonoCo.’s pressing.

All Pattern Clear

Ship to Shore PhonoCo. have established themselves as a predominant figure in the gaming vinyl scene. Their dedication to 1:1 replications of iconic soundtracks is ever-apparent with Gradius. The devotion and ritual involved in capturing original soundtracks on original hardware is honestly a treat, and pays homage to the hard work of those before them. The Yetee’s incredible variant just blows me away every time I look at it! The red and clear works so well together, and the pressing quality is impeccable. With multiple variants out there to collect, I'm sure one will catch your eye! The artwork by Ian Wilding brings this whole package to a satisfying close. Ian truly captured that 80s nostalgia and brought that true arcade feeling to life.

Gradius is, without a doubt, a staple in the gaming world. Thanks to Ship to Shore PhonoCo., we have been reminded as to why this vinyl release should be a staple in everyone's libraries.

Gradius II & III will be available this Friday November 23rd from Ship to Shore PhonoCo. and will complete their dedication to one of gaming’s most treasured franchises. With frame worthy art spanning all three releases, be sure to keep an eye out for more Gradius very soon!

Album Details

Music by:
Konami Kukeiha Club

Remastered for vinyl by :
Ship to Shore PhonoCo.

Artwork by:
Ian Wilding

Vinyl produced & distributed by:
Ship to Shore PhonoCo.

Where to Buy?

This album is still readily available from Ship to Shore PhonoCo’s web store, as well as many variants from various distributors!

Purchase Vinyl Here:

Ship to Shore PhonoCo. Store: (Crystal Clear & Blue with White Splatter)

https://www.shiptoshoremedia.com/store/albums/gradius

Yetee Records: (Split Splatter and Transparent Red)

https://theyetee.com/products/gradius

Vinyl Digital: (Quasar Purple Vinyl)

https://www.vinyl-digital.com/en/Electronic/Gradius-Quasar-Purple-Vinyl.html

VGM WAXNovember 21, 2018Comment