The VGM Jukebox

Just in time for the Holidays, Josh and Emily get into the spirit and decorate the bar. But what would a bar be without patrons, and this time, they are joined by The Diad and Wicked Sephiroth to help consolidate the cheer with their own track selections and memories. But, you probably have some questions, such as: How did they get here? Where is the Devil's Course? What is up with that spooky Christmas tree? Is this song speeding up? Find out the answers to all this and more on this very special VGM Jukebox reunion episode!

In the wake of last week's festivities, Emily and Josh somehow find themselves back in the Spa Zone. That's right, it's one of those super chill credit levels where you can feel free to wander around, lay on the floor with the lights out, or whatever. So join them for one last hurrah (at least before the Christmas get together) as they watch Haju get a manicure, a Mech getting a massage, damsel flies in high resolution, and as they share all those feelings that have been a part of this beautiful show that you made possible. Stay tuned for the graduation ceremony for ALL of their recommending patrons and be reminded how much you mean to them, and always will.

Well everyone, it's the second-to-last episode of The VGM Jukebox. To be on the brink of such an ending is bittersweet, but that doesn't mean we're not gonna party it up tonight! After Josh and Emily get their extra-dimensional situation sorted out, listen in on a band of fellow patrons who've come together in the overworld and created a loving tribute to the entire VGMJB community. But that's not all: Josh and Emily are also keeping the bar open after hours for the Penultimate Podcast Patron Party, where even more surprises, laughs, karaokes, and stellar tunes will be had. To say this episode is brimming with magical moments doesn't even begin to cover it. Our story is happy ending, so let's celebrate ourselves and the cosmic connections between us all. You won't want to miss it!

Earlier this year Emily was in the throes of a particular difficult migraine situation when she put out a call to the VGM Jukebox community. "Please share some feel-good VGM medicine," she wrote -- and within minutes, the responses started pouring in. The deluge of musical affection did indeed have healing properties, and now Emily wants to reflect this potent magic back on you through the power of mixtapes. Whether you decide to save this dose for a difficult day or choose to rip open the packaging right away, here's hoping it works for you like it worked for her! And of course, thanks to all the patrons who sent their love in that thread: Jay, Spritz, Ed, Mike, Carlito, Daniel, Ben, Jordan, Ken, Calvin, Pernell, Alex, and John. Your kindness meant so much, and it always will.

The summery feelings continue as Josh and Emily wander into the Oceanic Rhythm Zone, but they have little time to enjoy the waves before they're pulled into their final boss rush adventure! Patron Atom Edge waits patiently at the end of the stage, supplying the heart-pumping tunes for the journey and revealing the details of his own backstory as they progress. Will Josh and Emily avoid the wrath of his Zantetsuken sword? Can the blade really split a person's soul on the dimensional level? And did Emily just get herself uninvited from Mega Man X's wedding? Jump into the impossible freeze frame image and reverse-blink your way through the episode to find out!

ATTENTION STUDENTS AND FACULTY: Whether you attended JT's dissertation last spring to provide moral support, expand your horizons, or take advantage of the free food, we all left the auditorium wishing we had a little more mahjong in our daily lives. To help satisfy this yearning, JT has compiled all the amazing mah-jams from his presentation into one uninterrupted mixtape. If you want to examine the pure beauty and flow of these compositions without commentary, drop by the office and pick up a copy! Essays on the resulting existential quests of mind and spirit are not required, but always encouraged. Comment below if the mahjong spirit moves you.

Josh and Emily are back in the Overworld, and there is a LOT of time travel going on. First, Josh and Emily's recording session gets botched, so they travel to the future to finish it. Then, one of our time traveling patrons arrives with a final recommendation. Next, one of our selections today involves a music programmer going back in time to reimagine Zelda as it might have been if Koji Kondo was not predestined to write the theme we all know and love. Finally, our last selection is from a game that makes you feel like you're using a PC in the 90s. It's all pretty crazy. Don't get lost in the time stream as you find us on this week's episode.

The Spotless Summer Zone doesn't seem to have a dungeon, so it would only be right to invite a couple patrons join us to enjoy the peaceful environment and play a couple of their own track choices. As they jam out, Josh and Emily reignite the disco backlash, enjoy the spelling of krazy with a K, and discuss the joys of using their imaginations. But all is not fair in the land, the end of the episode has Josh and Emily trying to solve a real-world internet issue that ends the episode early. Don't worry, we'll pick up our conversation next week, but until then, come on in; the water is hot!

Josh and Emily are in the Spotless Summer Zone, which means they have no game objectives. So, they summon the Messenger to take over the jukebox while they get to know the amenities. Join them on a pool chair, as they witness a moshpit of the undead, a hockey game played by ninjas, and a coworker finding the secret to immortality. Then, hold onto your seats as Emily updates us on her Summer Games Challenge. Order a smoothie, or pick its fruit--relaxation is the name of the game on this episode of the VGM Jukebox.

How would you like to hear music analysis based on entirely erroneous information? Hi, we're Josh and Emily and this is the third act of the Unreasonable Attribute Zone. Here we do things like: pitch 80s action shows; give Halloween safety tips; and talk about ToeJam and Earl at great length. This is, as usual, all served on top a bed of piping hot jams. Stick around for a package unopening and maybe some kind of bonus track?

Josh and Emily are back in the dungeon, which means that they have their own selections to share with you this week, and who knows, maybe one of them will need the assistance of a certain haunted karaoke machine. This is the first episode Josh and Emily recorded since the LMH live recording, so you can expect a redux of that very chill event. Also, we talk about the recent release of comments into the feed, in the Great Comment Section Debacle of 2018, and once again, we imagine a new video game, this time involving a certain unevolved Pokemon. You want some great jams? Join us in the dungeon with the least reasonable attributes of all!

It's the Unreasonable Attribute Zone where Josh and Emily acquire some implausible characteristics from the tunes they listen to. Interestingly, all of the Act 1 attributes come from one source, WICKED SEPHIROTH, who is cashing in his Boss Parade certification for another great patron-takeover. Witness the accumulation of accoutrements as Josh and Emily discuss topics like Turtle Power in music, gibberish vs. lyrics, anime adaptations of historic events, and the live-taping of LMH. Plus, as has become somewhat of a tradition, Josh and Emily imagine a new game mechanic, this time capitalizing on downloadable content. Wicked Sephiroth has got a lot more than just Final Fantasy on his mind, so join us for another musical adventure on this week's episode!

ATTENTION STUDENTS AND FACULTY: We hope you remembered to bring a sack lunch to the auditorium today, because we're going on a field trip! This month Wicked Sephiroth is presenting his thesis on the music of Final Fantasy, and he's decided to take a more peripatetic approach to teaching. That's right: We're going on a chronological trek through tunes from nearly twenty different Final Fantasy games. We'll be visiting overworlds, underworlds, battlefields, kingdoms, islands... the whole works. Wicked Sephiroth's educational philosophy also lets the landscapes do all the talking here, so saddle up on a chocobo (provided by the University at no extra gil), soak in the scenery, and ponder inwardly on the auditory evolution of this classic series. Kweh kweh!

How do you become a good person? No, not in real life- in video games of course! Join us for a very important discussion of unnecessarily ethical choices that Josh and Emily have been making in their current games. They also talk about the freedom of video game composers, simulations of simulations, and Pokemon. Yes, unfortunately, they talk a lot about those things of which all must be caught... but they also play some great tunes recommended by you, THE PATRONS. We are closing out the zone this week, which means we're finally about to find out what these Pointless Jewels really do. So don't just sit on the edge of your seat, add this episode of the VGM JUKEBOX to your collection today!

We're back in the dungeon! I think... Or some kind of sweet prison? Join us as we do some more collecting in the Pointless Jewel Zone. We'll hear about Emily's new digs, Josh's favorite new podcast, and the end of our podcast in July. How was that for a segue? Yes, this is sad news, but, we're not finished yet, and as happily often happens, we get some great contributions from our patrons: a banjo rendition of Big Event Golf from Bad Dude Shane, and a VGM Karaoke from ZaCH! You have made this podcast a reality and our hearts are forever changed, so come on in and get comfy again in this episode of the VGM JUKEBOX!

Welcome to the Pointless Jewel Zone, where patron Carlos has taken over all the music recommendations for the entire Act 1! Through his selections, we learn about Russian massages, Ferraris towing dump trucks, and the cultural association between vampires and pianos. If these tracks seem especially well-curated, it shouldn't come as a surprise; Carlos beat the Mixxmaster Quizxx after all! So let's all do it Carlito's way, as we go in-depth with this very special patron. Who knows, maybe you'll learn something about yourself, and even earn your degree, on this week's VGM JUKEBOX!

Hey remember that time when you guys almost made us cry like a hundred times? Well that episode is back, but now it's just the music and the dedications for you to reflect on and enjoy. Take a bite of this doubly nostalgic episode as we ponder just who exactly is cutting those onions. Or are they just bananas?

Well heroes, you've managed to find your way back to KeyGlyph's domain despite her lair's unlisted address -- and this time you're demanding a faceoff! Our resident boss may not understand exactly what you're trying to prove, but she does think she sees a spark in your soul that could amplify your powers to legendary proportions... if they're pushed to the limit. Will she help you unlock some incredible new ability, or will she just smash you into a smoking crater for the game over? There's only one way to find out. Equip your best gear, look deep inside your heart, and face your KBOS destiny! DISCLAIMER: The opening includes a minor swear. Make sure your kids understand final bosses aren't good role models.

It's the third and final act of Uncertain Breeze, and its time to ask just who is this breeze and where it is he is going. Along the way, we play even more great tunes. Josh shares memories of hanging out in arcades and what Sega meant in them. Emily talks about her time in a Bonus Level where her character could actually receive damage. So unfair! They also talk about whether mechs are cooler than real-life F14 Tomcats, how parents discussed TurboGrafx 16 with other parents, and things that are sad and creepy at the same time. That sounds like fun doesn't it? Join us on this episode and see how the breeze speaks to you!

It's the Uncertain Breeze Dungeon and Josh and Emily are finding their own music recommendations in the midst of a precarious situation. Emily finds a hidden musical gem in an otherwise terrible experience, Josh reveals his physical music moment, and we get a very special visit from the baby Hakama who comes bearing an excellent VGM Karaoke. Special thanks goes out to Ed Wilson of Pixeltunes Radio for ripping the music for today's episode. These jams are rare! And we would be remiss not to thank you, dear patron for following along. So what are we standing here for? Let's go!

Aloha from Uncertain Breeze Zone, Act I. Here, an almost imperceptible current of air guides us to our recommendations. Along the way we find out about all the things that Emily has never heard of: things like counter tiles, Blue Apron, and being cold in California. And Josh still has a lot to learn too, like how to move your body in the 90's. Along the way we talk about Emily's move, Josh's plans, and the times in their lives when they had a physical reaction to music. So, umm... What are you doing over there? Submit to the wind and join us on this week's episode.

Join patron JT as he defends his dissertation by taking us on an excursion to an alternate world, a better world, where the radio airwaves are filled with the sounds of mahjong VGM. We proudly present you with KJNG (K-jong) radio. Through the magic and beauty of mahjong, KJNG mends broken hearts and heals wayward souls. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wish this was a real radio station. If JT can't convince you that mahjong VGM is the best music on the planet, then perhaps one of the many other personalities in his head will. Along the way you'll meet a lonely vampire who laughs at his own jokes, a wizened old sensei who follows the way of mahjong, and an excited Rastafarian who loves that 8-bit reggae sound. Plus, many of your favorite characters from the jukebox bar will be there, like Haju, Carrot Man, and even Hakama. Slap your tiles down on the table and get ready for a mahjong experience you'll never forget!

Josh and Emily are almost out of the Breakable Mist Zone, but there's one more act to go! Will they make it to the exit in time? Do blood stained ice shards form a beautiful crystal when stacked? Are they even doing this right? Tune in for the answers to these and many more questions, including: Why do hockey players fight? What is the Dreamcast Sound? And does it really matter? Also... one more thing... Josh wants to start a book club, but he didn't say the right name for the author. The name is Ian Bogost and the book is called Play Anything, if you want to follow along. Anyways... get over here. It's the VGM Jukebox.

Josh and Emily are in the Breakable Mist Dungeon to play a couple tunes of their own choosing. This is a very important episode for VGM historians, as Josh presents new publications in his field, revising the legend of Yumi Kinoshita. Meanwhile, Emily shares her analysis of earfeel and melody. Special thanks is due to Brent Weinbach of the Legacy Music Hour and to the VGM Podcast Fans Facebook group for spearheading our latest research. Also, a big thank-you to St. John for stopping by with Hakama to take the art of VGM Karoake to new levels of intensity and intrigue. Feel free to take notes on this one as there may be a quiz at the end of the semester, here on the VGM JUKEBOX.

Josh and Emily are in a whole new zone! They traverse this delicate landscape with some great listener-recommended tunes playing in their headphones (they must have some really long headphone cords). Join them as they recount days sifting through garbage, feeling like you are the video game character, and playing the Sega Nintendo. Plus, J and E discuss their experiences with the latest additions to their game libraries. Animite is still at the rest stop, but we're at the party with the most crushable dude. You're welcome to join us, so come on in!

ATTENTION STUDENTS AND FACULTY: Please tune into Haju University's campus radio station to attend this month's thesis defense, presented by your fellow student Theodore Diad! Listen along as he thoughtfully interviews Glen Bellisario, a private investigator whose assignments always, inexplicably, turn provocative. If you weren't convinced that Japanese visual novels from the 80s and 90s had amazing music, this might be the proof you need!

Josh and Emily have defeated the dungeon are back in the bar to listen to take listener recommendations. Josh says, thank you, you're welcome, and he's sorry. Emily is considering whether or not new car smell is spa-worthy. We learn about Rob Nichol's old job, Emily's new games, and Josh gives a call to action for a Spa Bonus Zone. Will Emily scare her friends? Will Josh ever speak again? Find out here on the VGM Jukebox!

Josh and Emily are in the January Zone dungeon! How will they get out? Probably by playing a couple sweet tunes and talking about the Beatles, The legacy of the Legacy Music Hour, Memes about VGM, and a what new games they're playing. This is a new mid-month format, so we hope you enjoy it as we make our way back to the bar and all of our patron recommendations in time for next week.

Do you ever feel that as a fan of VGM, you are growing ever closer to your childhood dreams? Well, get ready for another parade from the past as we meet a band who gives themselves haircuts between song sections, a student of Definitely Darryl, and a dad who has figured out the absolute best way to militarize his children against the Axis powers. In addition to that, you will notice the beginnings of a slight change in format that VGMJB will be experiencing in the new year, so keep your ears peeled for the details. But hey, your ears will already be peeled, won't they? This is the VGM Jukebox, after all!

Join Junko Tamiya, Tamayo Kawamoto, Kumi Yamaga, Harumi Fujita, and Manami Matsumae during their Famicom days at Capcom. They discuss life's greatest mysteries like artistic motivation, the consequences of marriage, and where to get the best deals on eel bowls.

When it snows, Emily and Josh get stuck in dungeons and see what amazing friends will show up... if they can stop wishing for it. Fortunately, they get distracted long enough to get a visit from Rob and Pernell of the Rhythm and Pixels podcast! And the Messenger is with them! Join us for some selections by your dungeon-trapped crew as we discuss the metaphoric qualities of video game mechanics, real-life golf simulators, and just what exactly belongs on the walls. And when the festivities seem almost through, we'll unwrap a surprise seasonal karaoke that will change the way you hear a certain song for all your winters to come. Happy Snowday everybody, and we'll see you next year!

It looks like Emily and Josh are about to beat the game the old fashioned way. While they solidify their place on the scoreboard, they talk about artificial intelligence (again), cheesing with Guile, and Josh declares himself the poor man's champion. Towards the end of the episode Josh and Emily reveal the secret to making things mean more to you (hint: it hurts). Did I mention the tunes are good? I probably didn't have to. After all, this is the VGM Jukebox we're talking about.

Tis the season to get pumped full of Irons... Bruce Irons that is. He has submitted his thesis for a master's degree in the most brutal tunes this side of being dead. It doesn't get any tougher than this. Strap in, get a medic on standby and get ready... for... KTUF!!!!

Welcome back to the VGM Jukebox, where 3D rendering has just been introduced to some pleasantly unpleasant effects. Emily discusses her attachment to randomly generated characters while Josh discusses becoming an NPC in other people's lives. We kind of go off the deep end talking about the practicality of mermaid and alien boobs, so if you have any twelve year olds in the car, prepare to blush. Also, in case you were wondering, Emily and Josh definitely know about that Deep Space 9 episode with tribbles. Last, but not least, we design Emily's dream job. What is it? Tune in to find out!

(NOTE: This episode contains the MIXX QUIZXX Part 2) Are you literally amazed by the fact that we're on our 91st episode? Too bad, because there's no such things as being literally amazed. Still, we hope you join us as we discuss the transition between Halloween and Christmas, video game enemy design, and auxiliary music media for video games. Stick around for a ad-lib repurposing of VGM and watch as the golf world keeps pulling Josh back in. Finally, we welcome a new staff member to the VGM JUKEBOX. We are thankful for you, dear patrons, so come on in!

Have you ever wondered if AI is being too nice to you? It could be that they're just trying to give you a satisfying gaming experience. On this week episode, Josh and Emily hope to be the purveyors of another satisfying listening experience as we move through some great recommendations from the sugar crystal tip to another excellent VGM Karaoke. Also featured on this week's episode, Josh and Emily talk about cyclops snuffleupagus, real time strategy games with fighting controls, fighting games designed to teach you to type, and a bunch of other totally, awesomely regular stuff.

Josh and Emily are back at The Jukebox for discussions about milestones that our a couple of VGM podcasts are coming upon. They discuss renting videotapes and the existence of Blockbuster. Emily drops some knowledge about a small Alaskan town with only one tunnel into town, which has led its people to live more as one. Finally, Josh tries to elevate the human animal by telling a story about a chimpanzee he saw at the zoo. Oh, there's also a very good VGM Karaoke Rap on this one. AND ON THE LAST DAY, SOMEBODY INVENTED VGM, AND IT WAS GOOD!

Josh and Emily start this episode off with a brand new segment, which has yet to be named. As they read your testimonials and listen to your recommendations, they find themselves inspired to converse about in-game nostalgia, brain-spas, sitting indian style in the middle of the playground, and that's just over the first two tracks. Emily tries to imagine the future of gaming, and whether or not she will be able to beat her grandchildren at video games. Of course, we can't tell the future, but we can sure speculate! That's just one of the things we do at the here at the VGM Jukebox!

Josh and Emily have got your spooky track recommendations, and we're here to amp up the fear factor this Halloween season. Emily has her necromancy powers back leading to a potentially scary situation. But, will they end up on the fun side of scary or somewhere more satanic? Don't worry, whatever situation you're in, Emily's idea of a main boss is to be here for your enjoyment. So we hope you, dear patron, enjoy this spooky-type episode of The VGM Jukebox! Boo!

Haju's been lingering around since last episode. Is it because she is taking up Josh's offer of friendship, or does she have more nefarious schemes in mind? Join Josh and Emily as they probe the inner machinations of the Haunted Jukebox once again in this all-random episode, where we discuss things like how to make a puppy fall asleep, the absolute best name for a track, and just exactly what it means to split this show in half. If you don't like it, you can have your tokens back, but you'll have to call the company who owns the machine. Then, stay tuned for a special Patron-submitted VGM Karaoke. You got it right here at the VGM JUKEBOX!

With a lot of modern tunes packing this week's setlist, Josh and Emily turn their thoughts to musical composition and earfeel. Where exactly is the line between a tune that's "video-gamey" and one that is not? Is it in the structure, the tonality, or is it always something in between? Ponder this -- and also reminisce a lot about snow -- at our poorly-lit campsite while we search for the melodies that truly capture the pivotal moments of our lives.

Josh has been hard at work on the VGMJB MagMax mech, so why don't you hop on in for a joyflight? Join him and Emily as they cruise through space discussing the Great Gatsby (again), the beauty of collections, the potential within new possibilities, and their appearance on "that other podcast." This episode is sure to take you to the moon and back, so get ready to go to warp... on The VGM Jukebox!

Through the magic of level select screens, Emily has once again joined Josh in L.A. So join us in Josh's living room (if you can open up the appropriate dialog chain) to join us for discussions of faux-American accents, the size of the sky, glass elevators, and more. Then join us for a return from the BABY KEY followed by a gift exchange and answers to the Mixxmaster Quiz. So. What are you waiting for? Roll down those windows and feel the healing properties of this episode!

This week we feature some of the greatest patron submissions ever, including a particularly beautiful testimonial and a singularly heartfelt karaoke. In fact, these submissions are so great, that this podcast can ignore its existential dilemma entirely and move forward in the knowledge that it has served a purpose. So park the car, walk beyond the rest stop and into undiscovered lands with Josh and Emily on this week's VGM JUKEBOX!

Thought you knew all your local radio stations? Think again! You've just stumbled into an encounter with KBOS, the channel that thrives off the power of the fiercest VGM. In this so-called "Boss Block," the mysteriously reverberating MC promises to lead you through tune groups of progressive intensity until you've survived each "forme." Are you the kind of hero who can withstand such an ordeal? Well, it's too late to back out now -- the moment of truth is upon you! BEGIN!

Welcome Josh's new microphone in another assignment-driven episode, where Josh & Emily take submissions for the assignment regarding "layers of imagination." The hosts then ask and answer a bunch of weird questions like what if games were made by fish? Finally, we introduce our latest patron, The Baby Key who has sent us testimonials about her videogamic journeys. Get ready for a scenic view of our hosts brains (but don't fall into a coma!) on this installment of The VGM Jukebox.

Something about the number eighty gets Josh and Emily in a reflective mood, so get comfy in your favorite chair and ponder on the path of totality, Ric Flair's career, and just how many narratives VGMJB has churned out. This week's patron recommendations help us all see the world through layers of imagination, and then the haunted jukebox closes the set with another randomized winner. And speaking of winners, YOU could be the lucky recipient of our extra copy of Sword & Sworcery! Just listen to the episode and challenge yourself with the Mixx Quizx. Rules and instructions are contained within, so listen -- and win!

What's that on your dial? Oh, it's that weird station you only get when driving between Mute City and Emerald Hill Zone -- and it sounds like they're doing a countdown of the greatest golf hits of all time! Wait, just who is making these lists anyways? The host claims these are the most requested songs, so I guess there's no one to blame except the citizens of... wherever you are.

Welcome back to the VGM Jukebox where planes take off on cobblestone runways, robots are plagued with memories of equations, and your hosts eat cereal EVERY day. As usual, we put down the jams that you recommend, providing a non-nasty environment to hear updates about Josh's leg rehabilitation and Emily's strength training. There is a running theme of trench warfare, but that's entirely coincidental, and as long as you watch your step getting into the bar, you'll be safe inside to enjoy some sweet jams and sweet times.

Welcome back, dear patron, to the VGM Jukebox: a place where your hosts actively seek the life that your participation gives. Migraines and broken tibias are firmly in place for this episode, so it's fortunate that we received donations from a variety of systems, suitable for several VGM bloodtypes. The tracks and testimonials are so successful at giving life to your hosts that they get into the same goofy chatter you can expect as they answer questions like, why the Seventies make Emily queasy, what if Sega made your house, and why supermarkets play such sad music. Also, the bar band learns a new song! You're coming in, right? You can let the door swing shut, it's cool.

This week's episode asks the very important question: What's YOUR video game music major? Enroll at our university and contemplate your academic specialties while Josh holds golf lectures and Emily feels inadequate. Also, Josh describes another leg-related Pokémon Go incident and fears a setback in his healing process; Emily does her best to restore his confidence and cheer him up. Does it work? Sit in and see!