As we continue to discover in the years after Glitch’s closure, this was one underappreciated, unusual, and quirky MMO that deserved a lot better than it got. However, its post-demise career has been astounding as fans and former devs have made efforts to reconstruct the game, preserve the art, and (most germane to this column) remaster and release the soundtrack.
Composer Daniel Simmons ran an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign to raise money for a proper OST release, and his $8,000 request quickly bloomed into almost $57,000. Fans appreciated the bizarre mix of musical genres and the fun personality that this soundtrack exuded, and I was really excited to see that it recently released for all to enjoy.
So whether or not you played Glitch, join me on a journey through one of the strangest and most endearing scores in the MMO space.
1. “Eleven Giants”
I don’t think we could ever ask for a more bizarre yet spot-on introduction to Glitch than this song. Off-kilter voices tell the backstory of the game with a piano, kazoo, loudspeaker, banjo, and harmonica (among other things). I love how it devolves into a group sing and then a jazz portion at the end because why not?
2. “Glitch Theme (Snappy)”
There are two things that you quickly notice as you listen through the entirety of the Glitch soundtrack. First, this score does just about every musical genre, from metal to muzak, without shame. And second, many of the popular themes are treated to variations.
The main theme is one of these tracks, and I have about nine versions in my music folder. I am partial to the snappy variant for its mellow nature and catchy whistling, although the marching band and spiral stars versions are great as well.
3. “Rainbow Road (A Capella)”
Another popular track, Rainbow Road is a very fast-paced ditty that has always made me smile. I chose to feature the a capella version here because when is the last time you heard a capella in an MMO? Simmons was a mad genius, I tells ya.
4. “The Rube Song”
Every once in a while I’m in a perfect mood for a crazy song that relies on cartoony sound effects to bring it together, and that’s exactly what The Rube Song is. It’s just a minute or so of weird noises and an organ (because, again, why not) having a blast.
5. “Toxic Moon (Also Sprach Zarathustra)”
How’s this for a genre switch-up for ya? Take one of the most well-known classical pieces (known in some quarters as “that 2001: A Space Odyssey song”) and pair it with a jaunty folksy vibe. It’s weird, but the combination almost makes it sound like total Vegas to me. Elvis Vegas. Am I alone in thinking this?
6. “Dream Theme”
There are plenty of other silly songs, but I knew I had to throw in this more serious piece before closing out today’s column. Glitch was strange and childlike, to be sure, but it also had this melancholy nature to it as well. Dream Theme seems to capture what introspection over a sunset feels like — a little eerie, a little sad, a little wistful, and a little uncertain.
What were your favorite Glitch tracks?
MMOs are meant to be heard as well as seen, and chances are that music ties your memories to these games more than you might realize. Every two weeks Jukebox Heroes listens through a game soundtrack and picks out the highlights to share and discuss. And if you like this column, then don’t miss the author’s MMO music podcast, Battle Bards!
