Live A Live [Perfect Strategy Guide Book] Limited Edition :: Review by Dave

	Album Title:	Live A Live [Perfect Strategy Guide Book] Limited Edition
	Record Label:	NTT Publishing
	Catalog Number:	Promotional
	Release Date:	October 21, 1994
	Content:	1 CD Set - 2 Tracks
	Purchase:	Buy at eBay

This arranged album of the themes from Live A Live may be a mere two tracks long, but what it others is pure excellence and sophistication from Yôko Shimomura. This 8cm CD came as part of a limited edition strategy guide to the game, and it was amongst many other releases from NTT Publishing, whose aim was to promote the music from each game. Most people would turn their backs on such a disc, but I assure you, that would be a big mistake. The Live A Live Original Sound Version was Yôko Shimomura's first project with Square, and its marvellous themes really faired well against the likes of the more-well known albums. As with most old CDs, this one fell out of print, but you could try eBay to get it. Purchasing this 8cm disc would also require a trip to eBay I'm afraid, but if you see it, then grab it. The bidding prices are likely to be very high, so read on to see why.

The tracks on this album are amazingly well developed, and with each exceeding a length of five minutes, Shimomura ensures that the listener gets their full dose of supremacy. "Battlissimo" is a theme that represents exactly what the title suggests: a battle medley with flair. The track starts off with some warping sounds that give off a Doppler effect as they rush past your speakers, and then a computerised voice comes in, only to be overlapped by a drum beat. From here onwards, Shimomura takes the listener on the journey of the life. The drum beat keeps going as a synth instrument introduces some chords and a slight bit of variation here and there. Nonetheless, this then develops further into a wondrous melody that is both aggressive and impressive. The collection of hard drum beats and this melody gives a great sense of forced power, and this really ties in well with the theme of the track. The theme changes style at the 1:34 mark where we are introduced to a more oriental section. The drum beat continues in the background as an ethnic instrument integrates a new melody with an ambient flute. At first, this instrument covers the flute, but soon enough, the two swap and the flute becomes the main part. This section runs up to the 2:05 mark where a samba rhythm is introduced. The amount of flair here is amazing, especially when one considers the limitations of the synth at the time.

The drum remains, but this time some Tom Toms are also added to keep the flair of the section going. The main instrument in this section is a synth guitar, and with it seemingly discovering the whole of its range during the time that it is presented to the listener, it is easy to see Shimomura's skill and education. The section that follows this is introduced by a change in tempo and some emphatic orchestral hits. Surprisingly, this section doesn't start off in a powerful nature at all, as we are introduced to an elegant flute and guitar instead. Already, the variety of atmospheres that Shimomura has created is magnificent, and we just know that she isn't going to stop there with only half of the track gone. Next up is a quaint string section that is full of inspirational motifs and swelling dynamics. Surprisingly, this then leads into a rock section, and the amazing thing is that the two fit perfectly together. The drum beat returns in full force as the guitars really make the melody heard. There is even a solo part that lasts for a good 30 seconds, and when this is overlapped by a powerful rendition of the main melody, it is easy to hear the other instruments pick up in passion too. Following this guitar solo is a keyboard solo, and rest assured that it leads out the track in the best way possible. This track is a timeless classic that you would be sure to listen to over and again if you owned the disc.

The final theme isn't as epic as the first, but with it being an extension upon the melody from the Original Sound Version's "Wings That Don't Reach," rest assured that it is quite beautiful. "Forgotten Wings ~Wings That Don't Reach~" reflects entirely upon the original track's purpose to represent a search for allies and unity. I can only imagine that the new section in this track represents the finding of these allies, hence the way that it grows in power and heart. The track starts with a 'cello motif that is soon accompanied by a beautiful piano. With the track giving off relaxing vibes but a sense of longing at the same time, it becomes a pleasant journey. The track grows in passion around the 1:14 mark, where the 'cello becomes louder and the piano melody begins to sing a lot more. The rest of the track is built up from a mesmeric piano solo and an orchestral build up that is riddled with a sense of justice and hope. On the whole, this track doesn't have a single flaw, so neither does the album. I wish that this album could have been longer, and it is quite a shame that there are no other arranged albums for the themes from Live A Live. The rarity of this album and the fact that it is out of print will make it extremely hard to find, so if you do see it, buy it at all costs. This is a perfect album that is worth every penny. Please note that the percentage given is due to the amount of tracks on the CD.

Percentage Overall Score: 85%