It’s August 12th, and we’re celebrating Vinyl Record Day. Vinyl has come back in a big way over the last decade. But collectors already own classics such as Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours. Record collectors have been clamoring for something more. One of the best feelings in the world is discovering that hard to find original score at your local record store that you had no idea was even released. Well, our friends at Ship to Shore Media excel in every way in this medium. Their releases are obscure, but they are inviting in the most fun way possible.
Here I list eleven of my favorite cult albums from Ship to Shore Media and show off some gorgeous album artwork in the process. I trust you will find something you dig.
After the George A. Romero’s passing, I (like a lot of you) reminisced over George’s plethora of work. The Dead films come straight to mind, but it was Martin that stuck out for me. The soundtrack was composed by Donald Rubinstein who worked closely with Romero on a few of his other projects. It was once named “one of the top 100 coolest soundtracks of all time” by MOJO Magazine. It is limited to 2,000 copies in two different styles. There are 500 on Marble “Blood” Red (available in North America from Light In The Attic and in the UK from One Way Static), 500 on “Transylvanian Flashback” Black & White Swirl and 1,000 on 180-gram black vinyl. These look fantastic and sound even better!
Whether you dig this low budget bizarre feature, or just a fan of the Mystery Science Theater 3000 commentary of one of the best worst films to ever hit the silver screen, you cannot deny that Robert Smith Jr. & Russ Huddleston’s fusion of musical choices for Manos: The Hands of Fate is simply unmatched. A fun little fact about this OST; In early 2015, the original 35mm soundtrack negative to MANOS: The Hands of Fate was discovered, giving fans a better look into the bizarre world of the film. After a restoration by Steve Addabbo at Shelter Island Sound in New York City, sonic imperfections still apply, but definite audio improvements have been made, including a drastic decrease in hiss and distortion. Ship to Shore believes that this is the definitive audio edition of MANOS: The Hands of Fate. Comes in obvious red and black or straight black vinyl.
A mash up made in hell. Joe Renzetti’s haunting score to 1990’s cult film Frankenhooker has been sought out for quite some time. On top of this release, we also get Joe’s soundtrack to Basket Case 2. A double helping of horror greatness! Instead of going for the obvious, campy approach, Renzetti plays it straight, letting his moody, sometimes unsettling music act as a counterpoint to the absurd on screen happenings. This release features reversible cover art by Cleveland comic-book legend John G, extensive liner notes by Renzetti and a completely remastered score supervised by the composer. This release is available in Frankenhooker purple and red & black vinyl.
Originally released for the PC-8801 in Japan, gaming master Hideo Kojima’s SNATCHER was later localized into English and ported to the ill-fated Sega CD. Over the years, the game along with the soundtrack has developed an insane cult following that persists to this day. I highly recommend you check out the gameplay! It’s basically Kojima’s early love letter to Blade Runner. Cyberpunks do not want to miss this one! Comes in “Snatcher’s Eye” green within gray and Crystal Clear.
30 years ago Darius‘ high octane and action infused gameplay captivated players from all over. One of the most heralded soundtracks in the expansive Zuntata canon, the original soundtrack to Darius sounds as fresh and innovative as it did when its sounds filled arcades back in 1987. Composed by Hisayoshi Ogura, this soundtrack will transport you back in time and make you wish you were battling large alien battleships all over again! Comes in silver hawk Player: 1 Red and Player 2: Blue.
Legendary Japanese video game developer Taito has always had one constant throughout most of its existence: incredible soundtracks by in-house band ZUNTATA. Ship to Shore is proud to present the first volume in a series of compilations showcasing the incredible work that ZUNTATA did on Taito’s arcade titles. Volume one contains selections from Night Striker, Metal Black and Elevator Action Returns, three classics from the early 90s. Remastered for vinyl using source files from the Taito archive and housed in a gatefold jacket with liner notes by USgamer’s Jeremy Parish and ZUNTATA member Katsuhisa Ishikawa, this is a release not to be missed by classic VGM fans. This one is so good it comes in three different looks. Blue STS Exclusive, Yellow and classic black.
If you’ve played Night Trap (we covered it’s glorious return here), the classic 80’s theme song never left your gray matter. For its 25th anniversary, the cult horror title originally released for the Sega CD is coming to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One later this year. Ship to Shore is bringing us a beautiful 7″ LP including the games theme song and two tracks from the original score composed by Sunny BlueSkyes and Martin Lund. The purple edition was available on StS site, but a red vinyl will be available from Limited Run Games at a later date.
Joy Sticks starring Joe Don Baker was a film about a successful businessman who attempts to shut down an arcade he believes is harmful to the mental health of children. Boy if he only saw kids today… Composed by Ray Knehnetsky and performed by Legion, let these jams from the 80’s take you back the age of horny nerds and bra-less wonders. This edition includes exclusive liner notes from the composer in a fold-out insert that displays a scan of the Japanese VHS cover art. You’ll also find ‘period-accurate’ Dot-Matrix-printed insert of new interviews with cast members Morgan Lofting (Mrs. Rutter) & Kym Malin (Lola) and screenwriter Al Gomez. All orders will include a digital download instantly emailed to you. Comes in Arcade cabinet red!
Never before has this TROMA classic hit vinyl. Luckily for you, today is your lucky day! Composed and performed by Chris DeMarco and directed by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz, TROMA’S WAR tells the story of a group of marooned citizens who stumble upon a terrorist plot to take over the United States. With no help in sight and no way to contact reinforcements, it’s up to these ordinary people to save the world! A political satire of the glamorization of war in the 1980s, TROMA’S WAR is considered Troma’s “undiscovered masterpiece,” and the film celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2018. Featuring liner notes from both composer DeMarco and Troma’s WAR director and President of Troma Entertainment Lloyd Kaufman, this limited edition album will be pressed on fireball (red, white and orange) splatter vinyl.
Axiom Verge was recently described as a blend between John Carpenter and Metroid; this original soundtrack is not to be missed! Thomas Happ’s modern and inventive take on 8 and 16-bit chip tune will transport listeners to the surreal, high-tech world of the game. Axiom Verge pressing will be limited to 1,000 copies. 250 will be on a limited “Axiom Disruptor” red/orange sunburst variant, and the remaining 750 will be a purple marble variant. Each album will be housed in a single sleeve with original art from the game. The album will also include a double sided insert including original rough sketches from the game and liner notes from developer and composer Thomas Happ.
If any of these cult favorites interest you, check out Ship to Shore’s site and see what rad vinyl are still available. Certain editions of pressings will only be available for a short time. Jump on them now while you still can.
Speaking of, if you are in or around the NYC area Ship to Shore has a special treat for you. They are presenting the New York City debut of legendary Italian horror film soundtrack composer, Fabio Frizzi and his 8-piece band on October 29 and October 30 at Music Hall of Williamsburg. Tickets are available now.