P-Vock's Music Box: The Best Holiday Jam Ever
Hello and welcome back to P-Vock's Music Box, the weekly blog where I hope to prep you for the weekend with a classic tune from my bottomless Music Box. Love it or loathe it, the 25th is tomorrow. Some people will be joyfully opening gifts, lighting candles, singing carols, and having all kinds of festive fun. Some other people (like me) will also be dreading the holidays because their families are insufferable, the bulk of the movies that don't star Buddy the Elf or Kevin McCallister totally suck, and gift-giving is absolute nonsense. Yeah yeah, bah humbug is what I normally feel, that is until someone turns on the greatest holiday music of all time.
I love Banjo-Kazooie, it's wacky and fun, has memorable characters, fantastic and fun levels, and more charm than I could ever hope to exude. The most charming part of this whole damn game though is, of course, the music. Grant Kirkhope is a literal god as far as I'm concerned and for the absolute gem of a snow level known as Freezeezy Peak, Kirkhope created what I genuinely believe to be the piece of holiday music ever composed. Have a listen, and try not to vibe.
LET'S GOOOOOO! Seriously, even my joyless ass can't help but feel festive when I get to the peak. The giant snowman, racing a polar bear (the best kind of bear), and hanging out with living Christmas lights with googly eyes all combine to just bring me the same joy I felt as a kid before I became a jaded asshole with no soul as an adult. And that's just the aesthetics of the level, the music is on another level.
This music is so damn infectious I just feel the urge to butt-chug hot cocoa and feel jolly enough to let my thicc ass drop down a chimney screaming the ole Triple Ho.
Okay, I'm sorry for that. I just can't help it. Damn, this music just hypes me up for the absolute winter wonderland waiting for me within this absolute masterpiece of a 3D platformer. I don't think you could ever top this absolute gem. But lo and behold, Grant was damn willing to grant us another banger. Shut up, I'm not sorry for that.
Earlier this year, Kirkhope gifted us an absolute treat with Banjo Kazooie: Re-Jiggyed, an album of remixes of the iconic BK OST. Of course, the first track I turned on was my holly jolly jam.
I still prefer the original, but hoo boy this remix does things to me. I now feel an insane urge to stuff snow down my throat until I start shitting winter. I can't believe there manages to be a more chaotic and energetic version of this track. I honestly think it captures what many people love about the holiday season. It's frantic, festive, and fun.
This absolute dork would definitely be festive, and so must I!
Okay okay, jokes aside, I do hope you all have a fantastic end to the year. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and all that jazz. I'll see you right back here next week with another suggestion from my Music Box. Stay Brutal.
P.S. I can't not triple dip on this. I just can't. I love this music way too damn much. So, here's a remix of my favourite holiday music. One that sounds a little more holly, and less wacky, while remaining absolutely incredible!