The fact that I could forget the source material until I hear that iconic hook is the wonderfully delightful proof of a original composition born of an indelible icon of video game music.
Guile's Theme is a sound pattern you have no say in knowing and recognizing; it is bred into every gamer past a certain point of time infected with the sprites. And retreading that path because of nostalgia is a fallacy that many creators attempt in an effort to elevate their own world. Few make anything of value. Even less create anything original.
Here, however, it is different.
Here; I can see the sun setting across the pristine white sands of The Americas, jeep parked askew between the dunes as a lone soldier sits, content to stare across tranquil waves. A pair of shades sitting haphazardly across spiky, yellow hair that matches the golden hour in tone. A still-cold can of Budweiser clutched in Guile's hand as he listens to the radio playing the only song allowed in The Americas; his theme. This time acoustically between soft, gentle tones of midi chills almost masking that unmistakable melody, basking in a warm atmosphere as it leisurely drives back home to base, relaxed and ready to fight M. Bison.
DeFalco needs to be kidnapped by GameChops and a weekend sunset-vibe collection needs to be made.
Also, I love this song.