The best part of our shows and games can oftentimes be the music that accompanies their best moments. It is more than just background noise — it guides us through the narrative. The right music can turn an okay television show, movie, or video game into a masterpiece. There is an abundance of quintessential soundtracks from media that are worth playing beyond their source material. For collectors like me out there, vinyls are a perfect way to experience the music on your own terms. So, record lovers, get your turntables out for these five recent must-have fandom vinyls ready for purchase or pre-order.
Joe Hisaishi’s “Symphonic Pieces – Collector’s Edition”
Joe Hisaishi is the artist behind many of the classic Studio Ghibli songs we have come to love. In celebration of his birthday earlier this month, Deutsche Grammophon released a limited white marble 12″ fandom vinyl. The songs on this special edition include “Merry-Go-Round of Life” from Howl’s Moving Castle and “One Summer’s Day (The Name of Life),” from Spirited Away.
While there may only be two songs on this record, it is only $20, which is considerably on the low end for collector pieces, and it’s the first time either of these songs has been on vinyl.
For lovers of Studio Ghibli, this fandom vinyl very well may be a must-have, especially since all other vinyls are sold out. Purchase the record on Hisaishi’s Shop website here and shipping starts Dec. 19.
RELATED: 6 of the Best Studio Ghibli Films
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes OST
Fans were welcomed back to Panem with the recent release of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The popularity of the film skyrocketed thanks to outstanding performances by Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth. However, its album on vinyl may be a fight to claim in stores, especially since the hit single “You Can’t Catch Me Now” is by Olivia Rodrigo. The odds may be ever in your favor if you preorder the album now, which features hits like “Pure as the Driven Snow” from the film, performed by Zegler.
Preorder is already available of the vinyl. Through Rodrigo’s website, the Blue Edition — which has unique artwork on a teal-looking LP — is available for $33. It ships on Feb. 2. Also, It can be found through Urban Outfitters, though it retails at $39.99 through their website.
An orange vinyl, considered the “Classic Edition” is also available for presale at $32.99 through Rodrigo’s website. It can also be found on more traditional locations like Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon for around the same price.
For those who are only interested in Rodrigo’s single, she is also selling the 7″ for “You Can’t Catch Me Now” on her website for $14, but it is currently out of stock.
Picture Vinyl of “Enemy” by Imagine Dragons from the Arcane OST
It is painful waiting for Arcane, which Netflix says is set to come out in 2024. The show, which gives us backstory on League of Legends characters Jinx and Vi, was exceptional when it was released in November 2021. The soundtrack intimately weaves watchers through an epic tale of betrayal and change. While we wait for the next, Imagine Dragons gave fans their hit single “Enemy” on a limited edition picture vinyl.
A picture vinyl shows an actual image on the playing surface instead of the typical black or colored vinyl. Side A of the vinyl is the version of the song featuring JID — Side B is only with Imagine Dragons. The vinyl shows the steampunk art style of Arcane, which is what made it stand out so prominently to me. Also, the Arcane Tavern, a well known location in the show, is in the center of the vinyl in a purple hue.
The only one on this list, preorder the “Enemy” picture vinyl for $22 on the Interscope Records website. It is set to ship on Dec. 19.
RELATED: Check out our reviews of Arcane!
Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight 2xLP
While you may not be able to be a Phantom Thief, you can get this steal of a deal for the Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight 2xLP. It brings disco back from the 1980s and puts it right back on your speakers. This game, based on the Persona anime, brings a soundtrack that is energetic, groovy, and rhythmic. The game’s developer Atlus reimagined the album with remixes and new music.
This set has two vinyls for a total of 18 songs, and the vinyls are splatter red. Splatter vinyls are assorted colors of vinyl pressed together and have a very creative aesthetic. Plus, the jacket of the record is unique for this vinyl, with a metallic look showing off a few of the game’s characters.
Currently, preorders are set for $42.99 on iam8bit’s website. Shipping will be in the first quarter of 2024.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2xLP
The Super Mario Bros. movie hit theaters this year, bringing in $1.36 billion in box office sales. The soundtrack draws upon the original themes in the score and gives listeners the same nostalgic feel from playing the games as a child.
The composer of this film’s music, Brian Tyler, made sure to correctly pay homage to the original franchise. He turned to Koji Kondo, who made the original themes, for collaboration.
Nintendo, Illumination, and Universal Pictures partnered with iam8bit to mint this vinyl, printed red and green in symbolism of the plumbing brothers we came come to know deeply. It is also available in yellow and pink.
And yes, “Peaches” sung by Jack Black is on there. Purchase it for $42.99 here. It can also be found on Amazon for $64.95.
Why Get Them on Vinyl?
Vinyl creates a sense of nostalgia for its listeners. It may not be as easy as putting in an earbud and pulling Apple Music open, but instead, it gives a personalized feeling that can only come from the physical copy. And using fandom vinyls for your listening experience will only enhance that feeling.
These soundtracks bring leaders back to those wonderful moments playing the games, or watching the films, and having them memorialized in a record is a wonderful way to hold onto them! For those who love vinyl and music as much as I do, these are the best fandom vinyls to get this month.
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/best-goodest-boys-anime-dogs/
- 5 New Fandom Must-Have Vinyls for Your Collection - November 5, 2024
- THE PENGUIN Has a Show: These 5 Batman Villains Should Too - July 10, 2024
- 3 Reasons Why GTA 6 Will Be Worth the Wait - May 28, 2024
