Entry #54 (Hirokazu Tanaka) Dr. Mario "Fever Theme"

 This week's final track comes from the 1990 NES puzzle gem Dr. Mario. This is one of the most infectious, charming tracks on the NES.
Developer: Nintendo R&D1
Composer: Hirokazu Tanaka

Entry #53 (Hirokazu Tanaka) Earthbound "Enjoy Your Stay"

 This track comes from the 1994 RPG classic Earthbound (known on the Super Famicom in Japan as Mother 2). This track shakes up the focus a little as it sounds very salsa-y, especially with the sampled clapping sound and such. An awesome little piece.
Developer(s): Nintendo
APE
HAL Laboratory
Composer: Hirokazu Tanaka

Entry #52 (Hirokazu Tanaka) X "Tunnel Scene"

 Happy birthday Hirokazu Tanaka!
 This next track comes from the 1992 Original GameBoy title X. This track is fast paced and awesome, easily one of the highlights of an awesome soundtrack.
Developer: Nintendo R&D1
Composer: Hirokazu Tanaka

Entry #51 (Hirokazu Tanaka) Metroid "Brinstar"

 This next track comes from the classic, classic 1986 NES game called Metroid. Not only was the game classic, this particular song is what I think of when I think of the series' first outing on the NES. Something about it is both catchy and alien, a perfect fit for the game.
Developer: Nintendo R&D1
Composer: Hirokazu Tanaka

Entry #50 (Hirokazu Tanaka) Kid Icarus "Theme"

This next track comes from the 1986 NES/Famicom title Kid Icarus. 

Developer: Nintendo R&D1

Entry #49 (Hirokazu Tanaka) Wrecking Crew "Main Theme"

 This week's first track from Hip comes from the 1985 NES/Famicom game Wrecking Crew. This is a simple, yet catchy, little theme track- the epitome of catchy NES pieces. 
Developer: Nintendo R&D1
Composer: Hirokazu Tanaka

This Week's Topic: Hirokazu Tanaka!

 (image courtesy of Giant Bomb) 

 This week's topic is Hirokazu (Hip) Tanaka, the famed composer notable for his work with Nintendo during the NES/SNES/GameBoy era. Hirokazu is going to be fifty-five on December 13th of this year and I thought it only appropriate to spend a week focusing on the music of this living legend. I'm not claiming to be able to hit every part of his career with six tracks, but I'm hoping to at least lay the groundwork for focuses on him in the future. 

Enjoy the focus!