In the frenzy of last week, we got confirmation of the release of Transformers Generation 1 cartoon score music for the first time on any format, a release date, and an actual drop of the product. 40 tracks, 45 minutes. Collector level vinyl records only, 2000 copies total. 500 Optimus Prime themed, 500 Megatron themed, and 1000 Bumblebee themed. Op and Megs sold out in under 5 minutes, Bumblebee later that day. All three containing the same awesome tracks. EnjoyTheRide Records and Hasbro Studios, along with one of the original composers Robert J. Walsh have graced us with pure gold. We were provided with a preview copy of the record and I have been listening to it non stop all weekend. Read on to check our thoughts and some quick pics!
Hasbro Studios Presents: 80s TV Classics – Music from The Transformers Original Television Series Score by Robert J. Walsh and Johnny Douglas
Overall Thoughts:
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Soooo good. I’ve been waiting for this for 20 years. Not 30+ years, because as a kid I never dreamed of owning the background music to the cartoon. But as I became an adult collector, the music from the original show triggered nostalgia feels like nothing else. I think it’s a step above all other toons, the music featured in Transformers, G.I. Joe, and other Sunbow produced shows was top notch in retrospect.
These tracks are pristine quality. Nice and crisp, free of sound effects, voices, and other distractions. What a difference getting them from the source can make. You can hear the subtle drums and hi-hats of the beat, faded melodies that are difficult to catch in the shows or fan edits. We have 40 total, hitting 45 minutes worth of music. So lots of short bursts. All of side A is from seasons 1 and 2. Tracks 1-7 on side B are also from seasons 1 and 2. So 29 total. Track 8 – Mad Planet and forward on side B is season 3 music, which was inspired by the music Vince DiCola did for the 86 movie.
Be aware, this is not a complete presentation of everything heard in the show over the course of it’s run. It is a curated selection. Why this was done, I don’t know. Was it on purpose, to wet our appetite for more? Is it all they had, and masters have been lost for the others? Did they want to get it out now, so they are still working on re-mastering the others? Are they saving the rest for a CD / digital release? Who knows, I’ll try and ask the powers that be but for now it’s a mystery. I’m a little bummed that versions of Cold Slither and the Dancitron disco music was not on this. Both are significant pieces worthy of a spin.
Another key point – the theme song is not the final version we heard at the start of each show. It does not have the robotic effects layered on top of the vocals. While cool to hear, as I assume this is the raw version that was actually recorded, it would have been nice to have them both at this level of pristine quality. Speaking of which, the intros and outros for season 2 and 3 are also not present.
Bottom line, this is well done, crisp, clean awesome presentation of some of the music from the show. The only things that could make it better – MORE / ALL of it, and a CD release of it.
These sold out immediately and ticked a lot of fans off. The folks at Enjoy The Ride Records did mention on social they plan to do another run in different themes to address demand. So hold tight, word on that should be coming soon. Right now, no non-vinyl version is planned.
Check some pics below, and to those that caught a copy, get ready for a fun ride!
Rodimus
I need more details. This is a must have for me. I don't own a record player so vinyl is a no go.
Dark Jedi
The season 3 score slams so hard.
Geof7609
Yeah unfortunately there's just one unreleased track, plus the remix of the main TF theme that they previewed last week on Pulse.
Inikalord
This is probably just me but the Optimus in that image kinda looks like TE-01 Op Leader.
Not that it's a bad thing or anything. Just kinda almost looks like the art was drawn from reference of a posed figure.
Murasame
Oh, then I'll cancel. Thanks. I thought this time it had all the missing tracks.
Geof7609
It's being released digitally (which technically could include a CD release, but there's only two new tracks on this rerelease.
Murasame
Pre-ordered. I'd rather have it on CD, I Already have the first vinyl. But I want the season 3 score.
Deathcatg
Pardon me for starting a new thread on this, really did try searching for any threads first (and misread my info at first), but was in a time crunch behind the screen.
Deathcatg
Provided by the cover artist Matt Ferguson https://twitter.com/Cakes_Comics/status/1774704329569558862?t=tXK4zz6yNMhDJiG2lxulew&s=19
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Beast_Megatron
The aforementioned vinyl release is the only commercially available option right now. Hasbro teased that a new CD and digital release is on the way this year, but no further details have been released after the initial announcement.
Poppes
I would be interested to buy (or rent) the original scores including this music. Do you guys have a clue if it would be possible in any way?
Rodimus
great news!
ILoveLuci4
Yeeeaaah…I was excited for a minute; Then I realized everything y’all have written. Meh.
what’s that fansite that created the tracks?
Jetstorm
Awesome that the music is getting an official digital release! Buuut I already have the version that the fans made for all three seasons, so I don’t really need it lol.
Hoping for Beast Wars and Beast Machines someday, though.
Beast_Megatron
Correct. And it was a recreation, not the original. I’m guessing there were rights issues with the vocal track.
shamanking282
The vinyl only had the season 1 OP, right? I’m hoping this digital release is more expansive.
Beast_Megatron
I think you may be disappointed based on the vinyl.
shamanking282
I will be ecstatic if we finally get high quality versions of all the G1 openings (especially season 2) without all the pew-pew effects and crap in it.
Murasame
We'll see. But even if it's just digital but in great quality then I might just get the digital files. But since my childhood I love putting in a disc and then looking at the cover or booklet while listening
jamarmiller
Well. I am assuming that is what they meant, I may be wrong and hope I am wrong