Welcome to the rock history class you actually want to take!

In this installment, Michael and his dad are bridging the gap between the golden era of New Wave pop and the groundbreaking world of video game composition.

First, we tackle our main topic: the legendary Final Fantasy IV Original Soundtrack. Composed by the “John Williams of Japanese gaming,” Nobuo Uematsu, this score represents a massive technical leap for the genre. We discuss the “excruciating” nights the sound team spent in sleeping bags to get this project finished and how Uematsu used the new power of the SNES to create character themes that still resonate with fans over 30 years later.

Then, we swap the controllers for a leather jacket as we dive into Michael’s Journey. This week, Michael explores Adam Ant’s solo debut smash, “Goody Two Shoes.” We break down the satire behind the famous “Don’t drink, don’t smoke” hook and look at how Adam Ant successfully reinvented his entire sound with a high-energy, brass-heavy swing.

Finally, we continue our mission to find your next favorite artist in the Art of Discovery. This episode features the independent sounds of Against I, Octavium, and March Of Scylla.

And before we go, find out which surprise full album and song Michael has to study for the next episode!

Press play to join the journey from the dance floor to the moon!

·(00:00:00) – Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?

·(00:09:29) – The Art of Discovery

·(00:09:59) – Against I “Darkness Within”

·(00:15:02) – Octavium “Peaceful Empire”

·(00:20:20) – March Of Scylla “Ulysses’ Lies”

·(00:26:14) – Main Topic:Breaking Down the Soundtrack to the 1991 video game Final Fantasy IV as Composed by Nobuo Uematsu

·(01:19:31) – Question for the Audience

·(01:20:00) – Can’t Wait

·(01:20:50) – Listener Feedback

·(01:21:47) – Michael’s Journey:Discussing Adam Ant’s “Goody Two Shoes”

·(01:25:21) – On the Next Episode

·(01:25:49) – Contact Info/Outro

THE ART OF DISCOVERY:

·Against I – “Darkness Within”

·Octavium – “Peaceful Empire”

·March Of Scylla – “Ulysses’ Lies” (From the album:Andromeda)

OTHER BAND MENTIONS:

·Coheed and Cambria

·Opeth

·Foo Fighters

·AC/DC

·Periphery

·Babymetal

·The Winery Dogs

·Journey

·Alter Bridge

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Recorded on 12/30/2025

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