Soundtrack Saturday: Grim Fandango

 

In this weekly feature, I recommend game soundtracks. I share a few of my favorite tracks, talk about why everyone should listen to the soundtrack, and a little bit about the composer. This week's choice is Grim Fandango by LucasArts.

THE STATS

Name: Grim Fandango
Developer: LucasArts
Publisher: LucasArts
Release Date: October 30, 1998
Genres: Graphic adventure
Composer: Peter McConnell

MY FAVORITE TRACKS

(The full list of tracks are linked by playlist below... and I highly recommend some good headphones to best enjoy all of the subtle elements of the music!)

On the Roof 

(Length: 1:13) They had me with the xylophone and flute and their mysterious melody that builds with the addition of strings. What's going on? No idea, but I love this track! Despite its short length, this is probably my favorite.

Mr. Frustration Man

(Length: 2:17) I joked with my husband that this song was named after him -- but it was mostly because he was aggravating me while I was trying to work on this entry. It's a lovely little jazzy piece that suits the noir theme of the game!

Lost Souls' Alliance

(Length: 2:10) You have no ear for music if you can't appreciate the deep, resonating vibrato of guitar in this track. It's a low key track, but pleasant on many levels.

Casino Calavera

(Length: 2:15) Cue the big band! Are we back in Cuphead? No, but there is a casino! The track does a great job of sharing the melodic line across several instruments, too.

Manny & Meche

(Length: 2:16) A beautiful little tango with some great strings!

You can listen to the full soundtrack on YouTube:
Grim Fandango OST

WHY DO I RECOMMEND IT?

This takes a lot of elements similar to Cuphead (though this game came out WAY earlier) and adds both a noir vibe and Mexican/Dia De Los Muertos tones. It makes me want to go watch a black and white film but also bust out Guacamelee and a Glenn Miller CD. It's fantastic, and I think we can hear exactly why Peter McConnell remains popular and employed!

THE COMPOSER: PETER MCCONNELL

Hey! It's our buddy Peter from the entry about Brütal Legend! The only addition to his cred since that entry is the upcoming Psychonauts 2, which I understand the fanboys are really excited about. (Not me, I wasn't really a fan of the first game.) What other soundtracks of his should I write about? Tell me in the comments! 

In the meantime, if you enjoy this soundtrack you should pick it up on the Steam store via this link or using this handy widget:

If you enjoy my Soundtrack selections, consider joining me on Patreon 
for as little as $2!