Minecraft is a dreamscape, a limitless world where anything is possible. Minecraft is a tool, a means of bringing the imagination to life. Minecraft is a community, a platform on which inventive minds of all ages can share their creations and ideas. Minecraft, of course, is also a game, the most popular and best-selling video game of all time. Originally created in 2009 by Swedish programmer Markus "Notch" Persson, this cultural phenomenon speaks volumes of our current zeitgeist's love for virtual spaces, but its unprecedented success couldn't be pinned on one factor alone. Countless layers of thoughtful artistry flow through Minecraft's singular experience, not the least of which is its transportive soundtrack. And now for the first time since releasing digitally in 2011, the music of Minecraft will be issued on special-edition vinyl and CD by Ghostly International. Minecraft Volume Alpha is the work of German composer and musician Daniel Rosenfeld. Using C418 as his moniker, Rosenfeld crafted the sweeping soundtrack and vibrant sound design which helped breathe life into Minecraft's voxel-based universe. Fans and critics were universally enamored with his beatless, nuanced electronic pieces upon release. Popular gaming site Kotaku named it among The Best Game Music of 2011, calling the music "remarkably soothing," and The Guardian has compared Rosenfeld's delicate piano and sparse ambient motifs to legendary artists Erik Satie and Brian Eno. In an interview feature with C418, Polygon distilled Volume Alphato its essence: "It's not bound by the retro aesthetic of Minecraft's graphics. It transcends them. The album is an attempt to uplift the combined game/music experience into the sublime." But for all of the critical praise, C418's crowning achievement has to be his insatiable fan base, the seemingly endless swath of players and listeners who treat his music like gospel. They are exactly who this physical release of the Minecraft soundtrack was conceived for, though Ghostly hopes to bring Rosenfeld's music to a whole new audience as well. As any cursory listen of the touching sounds will reveal, this isn't a record meant solely for lifelong gamers and MineCon diehards; anyone in love with ambient, neo-classical, or minimal music needs to hear Volume Alpha. For the soundtrack's physical release, Ghostly has designed standard vinyl and CD packages around colorful artwork from the digital version.
N**C
Perfect!!
defo a must buy to add to your vinyl collection! so nostalgic 🥹💚
C**Y
Relaxing
It's great music to listen to when you wanna have a relaxing evening.It takes you to another world
W**T
Great record with the best Minecraft tracks
For me I think Alpha has the best selection of Minecraft music, calming and nostalgic.The record is a bright green colour and looks brilliant, there is a bit more crackling on it compared to other records I have but it films the calming theme so I don't mind it, I actually quite enjoy it.The artwork is just a subtle Minecraft block without any writing so it looks good if you like to display what records you have.
J**Y
A blissful, aural experience - finally now available on physical formats too. #BUYIT
In a word: Blissful.Firstly, I must confess that I'm actually *not* a MineCraft player (at the tender age of 40 I effectively hung up my gamepad and "retired" from gaming some years ago).I am, however, a parent of two youngsters - one of whom is firmly into the phenomenon that is MINECRAFT, so I'm very familiar with what it's all about.As a fan of instrumental and soundtrack / ambient music, naturally the minimalist "soundscape" of the game caught the attention of my ears - during the many hours my son has played the game. "That sounds great, I thought - must keep an eye out for an official soundtrack release...".Now, after a fairly long wait, here it is - the "Alpha" release - on CD and Vinyl (I opted for the CD - but the cover art is so striking I may well pick up the LP too!). Note: There's also a precursor to this release too - but that one was digital mp3 only. Search for "Minecraft Volume Beta" to find it - also recommended.What about the "music" itself? Well, I'm assuming with you getting this far you already know the deal here. Not so much "music", more a collection of (typically) short, dream-like compositions - peppered with the occasion natural sound effects too (e.g. wind, rain and so on).Personally, I *love* it (all) - but it won't be to everyone's tastes. I find it soothing to work to in particular and I for one am hoping that there is scope for more releases of this ilk (starting with a CD release of the "Beta" album too, please!).Highly recommended.
A**P
BEST VIDEO GAME OST EVER MADE
Besides this being one of the best ambient and video game OSTs ever made, the package arrived in perfect condition so if your reading this don't worry about damaged package or any other problems!!!
D**Y
Great CD!
Really happy with this CD, comes in a paper CD case not plastic which I prefer :D
M**S
Minecraft music
My granddaughter bought this as she is a big Minecraft fan and loves the music. She is very happy with it and says it is relaxing to listen to while she's drawing.
J**T
Beautiful
The nostalgia is so amazing, and the green disc looks so pretty. Really nice music to clean your room too and reminisce about your childhood.
Trustpilot
5 days ago
2 weeks ago
