Music Theory: Sonic CD's Stardust Speedway

Regarding this video’s approach to the USA OST Commentary: Reason #1 An important purpose of these music theory videos is to teach 101-level concepts of music theory and composition. As in any classroom, part of teaching these concepts is calling attention to weaknesses and pitfalls to avoid in the composition process. One important aspect is whether a melody or chord progression is “interesting,” and while there is a bit of subjectivity involved in this idea, there are nonetheless standard guidelines that are discussed in music education settings that may not be the final ultimate word but they are very strong guidelines and suggestions to consider, especially when first starting out. My critiques in this video should not be seen as mean-spirited in nature, because if we can’t critique compositions in service of educating musicians to make them better composers, then they should just shut down all the music theory schools and academic programs and lessons, brought to their knees by the Harrison Bergeron lobby (See: Kurt Vonnegut). Reason #2 
It has been said that comedy is not merely saying funny things, but more about the nuanced nature of funny situations. I personally/subjectively consider the bits on fingerpecking, real-time impressions, and the baby looking out the window to be hilarious. It’s kinda like what Cybershell said about the fakeout VPN ad in his Super Mario RPG video, “Sometimes in life it's important to do things that make no sense from a business perspective, just because it's funny.” So yeah, I’d reasonably expect USA soundtrack fans to keep their cool regarding this video’s approach, for the same reason I kept my cool (and even enjoyed hearing) the game apologist’s opposite (but perfectly valid) opinions on the CD soundtracks: https://youtu.be/BSElrCqZFKM?si=Z39v3E_NVKmXDST0&t=1075 Reason #3 I earned it. There isn’t another channel out there quite like mine, for any game series, and ya’ll live in the timeline where a channel like this exists specifically mostly for Sonic. In the course of building this body of work, I call the shots, always, without any pressure to placate the comprehensive public at large. It’s not that I ignore any and all feedback, but these videos are me explaining what the music makes me think about, in order to tell the story of the zone, and impart composition concepts for aspiring musicians. I am just only a single person’s musical perspective, and my comments are never meant to be the final word. Thus, it is with a great smile that I mention PJSim’s video titled “Defending Wacky Workbench's US Music (and Sonic CD's US OST in general)” which has some really excellent, fair, interesting commentary on the merits of the USA OST. I don’t agree with every last point but the entire video was well put together and fair and interesting and at times VERY funny, which made for one of my best moments of my content creation endeavors. And that's definitely the kind of ongoing exchange of ideas that'd be good see more of moving forward. Reason #4 Can’t you take a joke?

I know that the Bad Future theme is iconic and Mania reimagined this zone's music really well, but goodness there's not enough love for the Present version of this song. It's seriously one of the funkiest and hype tracks Sonic has ever had. CD really is a different beast when it comes to music.

Actually Generations have a remix of the US Stardust speedway and sounds really good 👌

Always happy to see the inclusion of Mania's renditions.

Got to the end of this video expecting to know some new music theory info about one of my favorite Zones in Sonic CD, instead my mind is now blown that Tee Lopes included Star Light's motif in his remix of the past. Good video.

I never thought of CD's levels being reimaginings of Sonic 1, that's crazy

Shakkatak’s “Walk the Walk” was an absolute club staple at the time of this game’s release, to the point that it was considered a cliche. The fact that Stardust Speedway evokes it’s hook so explicitly implies something really unique about this stage: it’s one of the few classic Sonic zones with diegetic music. These aren’t just tunes designed for the player; it’s what Sonic is actually hearing as he blazes around the level. Just out of view of the player, a sea of young people are raving the night away, while blasting the hottest club tunes of ‘93, hence all the record scratches and vocal cues. The trumpets littered around the zone reinforce this. 3 of the 4 music themes are loaded with brass instrumentation, as the stage is literally a giant instrument. This exact same kind of audio/visual theming would return in Ristar’s Planet Sonata, except even more interactive. The only theme totally lacking in brass is the Bad Future, where you’ll notice the little trumpets (representing the soul of the stage) have been shattered to pieces. Have I mentioned this game is a masterpiece?

holy shit, "mania remembers" gave me chills

6:50 I'm not going to let that SRB2:Kart Eggmans Nightclub reference go unnoticed. Excellent video. Sonic CD came out in 1993, and in 1992 the song "The best things in life are free" was released by Janet Jackson and Luther Vandross. For the longest time I thought the "HUE" part in Stardust referenced their song.

18:21 I never realized that It sounds just like starlight! I believe tee lopes did that kinda reference in mirage saloon act 1 with sky chase

14:10 they actually did! there’s a US remix you can unlock, and it’s absolutely delightful

It doesn't matter when you are or what region you're in, Stardust Speedway ROCKS. What an incredible analysis! Some other notes: I think you're spot on in your observation that everything in the soundtrack builds towards that grand pentatonic walkdown of the JP present. I got that feeling playing for the first time too, like they REALLY wanted to make sure you enjoyed this level. Another thing, in the original US version of Sonic CD, the showdown with Metal Sonic uses the music for whatever future you're currently in, instead of defaulting to the bad future like JP does. It's impressive that both US future tracks work well for metal sonic, as if the good future track is sonic with a smug grin on his face thinkin to himself, "This guy's toast." ;)

I loved your comparison between the Japanese and the American Present theme. The Japanese version is the "star" of the experience, while the American is the "speed" one. Excellent video Alex, I am happy that you mentioned Jet Set Radio by the way!

I just want to say I always look forward to these videos, I know diddily about music theory, but these videos are always interesting to absorb in and appreciate how music is constructed. I also appreciate you taking the time to at least mention the American songs as well. I'm actually of the camp of thinking both soundtracks are fantastic and for me the only thing giving the Japan soundtrack the edge over the USA renditions is the USA versions lacking their own distinct past variants. I actually think there's been some cool fan projects to rectify that. Regardless though, I'm glad to hear these USA originals not get lost in the discussion! Even when you're poking some fun at it, haha.

The starlight melody at the end blew my mind

Surprised you didn't contextualize the "HUEHUEHUUEEHUE"s a bit more, considering all four versions of JP's Stardust Speedway use them in different ways

I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again. This channel is criminally underrated. Of course, the Sonic series was always known for its immaculate soundtracks, but each & every video from this guy provides insightful commentary on the music we grew up loving & gives us new ways to appreciate it! Please keep these going!🔥🙏🏾 P.S. Alex if you’re reading this, I beg you, we need a Sonic Unleashed Music theory‼️‼️‼️

One of the things I find interesting about these videos about Sonic CD tracks in particular is looking at how cohesive the original soundtrack can be, and how the US soundtrack inevitably sacrifices that, if for nothing else because it kept the past tracks so they'd inevitably be more disjointed. Though my original exposure was the US soundtrack I ended up liking both a lot. While it doesn't always fit, the way it felt to me, the original soundtrack tries to tell you how Sonic is feeling, and the US soundtrack tries to tell you how the area or current situation feels. And Stardust Speedway's Bad Future may be the best example of what I have in mind. The original still has a bounce and energy to it, it sounds ready for a fight, to take the city back, Sonic hasn't lost his groove yet; whereas the US track sounds like an indictment of your failure to save the future and the dystopian environment you have to try and persevere through now as you battle it out with Metal Sonic.

As a young'n, I was very much a US soundtrack apologist, especially when it came to this zone. The JP soundtrack was silly and out-there, but the US soundtrack was edgy and familiar-- etc etc... Nowadays I've definitely come around, but there's still a part of me that can't help but love those US future tracks. Overly safe or not, they're bangers, the both of them

I was just watching your older videos and being like "oh man i sure would like an upload from him" Thank you very much :)