We’ve been posting a lot of FM albums lately, but don’t think for a second that we’ve forgotten about those lovable square and triangle waves. The folks over at Chiptunes = WIN sure haven’t. Just last June they put together a massive 51 track, pay what you want collection on Bandcamp.

Now they’re back with 22 more nostalgia-inducing tracks in the ChipWIN Expansion Pack. Like the original, Expansion features tons of artists bringing their own unique styles and tool sets into the mix. You’ll hear both pure chip and hybrid chiptunes featuring wailing guitar solos and even some vocals. Between the two albums, you’ll hear great artists old and new including C-jeff (Preschtale), Disasterpeace (FEZ, Puzzle Agent), Danimal Cannon (Metroid Metal, Armcannon), and many others.

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The Ubiktune netlabel (host of great albums we’ve previously covered such as Preschtale, Game Genie, and Impostor Nostalgia) has been on a roll lately and it doesn’t look like they plan to stop any time soon. Their latest release, SOUNDSHOCK 2: FM FUNK TERROR!! is practically bursting at the seams with funkalicious original music, all performed with the delightfully nostalgic sound of FM synthesis.

Who is responsible for unleashing this funky bombshell? Not one, but sixteen different artists from around the world. There’s even some names you’ve undoubtedly heard on this site before including Joshua Morse (Castlevania: Sonata of the Damned), C-jeff (Preschtale), Shnabubula (Game Genie), and virt (Mighty Switch Force, Bloodrayne Betrayal).

But even the names that didn’t ring a bell caught my eyes (and ears) as SOUNDSHOCK 2 is bliss from beginning to end. Moot Boxie’s “Chomp” gave me flashbacks to ToeJam & Earl. The vocal work of Aya Futatsuki on “Machine Wave” reminded me of a funky opening to an early 90′s anime series. Bomb Boy’s “Back Alley Clash” took me on a six and a half minute aural adventure with its constantly building pace. And don’t get me started on coda’s “Megabits per Second” whose hooks are so catchy they only took a single listen to burrow into my brain for permanent residence.

Oh, and it’s free. You could be listening right now. You should be listening right now. Why are you still here? Make it happen.

Source: Ubiktune

Chiptune albums come and go. Whether it’s an original album meant to sound like an NES soundtrack or a collection of 8-bit dance songs, the scene is quite crowded. But every once in a while, something a little different comes along and rises above the pack sporting a unique sound.

This is exactly what C-jeff brings to the table. With his new album, Preschtale, he’s created something new, yet familiar in entirely unorthodox ways. Inspired by the likes of Pink Floyd, Rush, and Dream Theater (among others), Preschtale is a fascinating blend of progressive rock and video game music. It’s a musical journey of sorts that combines chiptune and FM-synthesis. You’ll also hear some guitar performance by Danimal Cannon (of Metroid Metal and Armcannon fame).

You can grab Preschtale on Bandcamp. It costs as much as you want it to and while that can mean you can download it for free, I highly recommend throwing some money C-jeff’s way if you’re able. The music is well worth it.

Buy the Album: Bandcamp