Sonic 3's Launch Base: Music Theory

A look inside the music theory of Sonic 3's Launch Base Zone.
Viewer rewards include getting your name in the credits, sheet music library, and vgm soundtrack of the week: / alexyard
Clips:
2:18
Madden Gameplay by KZbin user VideoGaming4U
John Madden Football (Sega Genesis) - Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers
• John Madden Football (...
2:48
SSX Intro by KZbin user SuperButterBuns
Do You Remember: SSX Tricky?
• Do You Remember: SSX T...
2:48
SSX Intro by KZbin user Hero in Hell
SSX Tricky - Intro (PS2)
• SSX Tricky - Intro (PS2)
3:16
TV turn off by KZbin user Daesongguree
tv turn off effect
• tv turn off effect
3:26
Hank’s Ringtone by Sony Pictures Television / AMC
S3 E6: “Sunset”
3:39
Jesse and Brock playing Sonic by Sony Pictures Television / AMC
S4 E11: “Crawl Space”
4:31
Michael Jackson’s Sonic 3 by KZbin user QJimbo
Michael Jackson's Sonic 3 (2006) - Part 1 of 2
• Michael Jackson's Sonic 3
12:19
Zoolander by Village Roadshow Pictures / Paramount
13:13
Rocket Crash by KZbin user Last Fails
ROCKET LAUNCH Failure Compilation - HEAVIEST Rocket Accidents & Crash
• ROCKET LAUNCH Failure ...
14:10
Ray Launch Base Gameplay by KZbin user campbellsonic
Ray vs... Launch Base Zone!? - Ray in Sonic 3 A.I.R. Mod
• Ray vs... Launch Base ...
----Audio----
0:01 & 0:43 & 1:24 & 3:00 & 13:21
Launch Base Act 1, Composer: Michael Jackson, Brad Buxer, et al.
1:59 & 3:11 & 3:51
Launch Base Act 2, Composer: Michael Jackson, Brad Buxer, et al.
2:24
John Madden Football - Title Theme, Composer: Rob Hubbard
2:37
Run DMC, “Peter Piper” - Profile Records
2:52
SSX Tricky - Title Theme, Originally by Run DMC
4:47
Prototype Carnival Night Act 1, Composer: Sega
4:54
Prototype Carnival Night Act 2, Composer: Sega
5:40 & 7:33 & 7:54 & 8:20 & 9:54 & 12:36
Prototype Launch Base Act 1, Composer: Sega
5:55 & 10:22 & 11:06 & 13:06 & 14:10
Prototype Launch Base Act 2, Composer: Sega
7:07
Marble Garden Act 1, Composer: Miyoko Takaoka
10:52
Death Egg Act 1, Composer: Sega
13:44
Launch Base Act 2 MIDI Remix by Влад Фед
---------------
Illustration @ 14:08 by Kitt
/ @kittanimations
Alex Yard Adventure channel:
• VGM Visual Radio: Outr...
Sheet Music Transcription Conventions:
docs.google.com/document/d/1n...

[@josephwilson3180]

Now which tracks is Sonic Origins gonna use?

[@SyntaxTsundere]

Prototype most likely.

[@someobscuremusicchannel]

@@SyntaxTsundere It'd be cool if they made whole new tracks for the levels though

[@PhirePhlame]

I mean, they probably know how hype Sonic 3's return is, so I don't see them using the prototype music. That's just a reflection of how I think, though. If I was calling the shots there, then using the proto songs would just feel like a massive cut corner.

[@josephwilson3180]

@@PhirePhlame People are gonna be so mad and confused if their childhood music is gone. Especially in ice cap.

[@triiodide7762]

@@josephwilson3180 -"If it's good" please don't say you mean the others are bad...- Edited cause it was a typo and was meant to be "if it's gone"

[@Cybershell13]

Great vid, I agree that proto Launch Base is a cool track but it doesn't fit the mood of the level.

[@Remour]

I’d disagree, I think it fits well.

[@BladeShadowWing]

Same here.

[@jakeupl8615]

:)

[@ar62000]

I feel it depends on the palette. The prototype has a pink sky and groggy green Death Egg, signifying it's morning, with the music sounding similar to a wake up call for soldiers. The final game uses a bright blue sky with a brighter brownish color for the Death Egg. The music and the palette in this case help create the mood of the sun beating down on you and the rest of the level.

[@SECONDQUEST]

I disagree, when I was in elementary school and playing this stage this music helped me feel the intensity and artificial nature of the stage. The "go" pushes you along to destroy the egg. But I also don't play music and am filled with nostalgia prolly.

[@JPBrooksLive]

The "instructions on how to beat the level" bit got me! lol

[@cutman3931]

same

[@polkadi]

But... how does one perform the action of "GO! GO! GO! GO! GO! GO! G-G-GO GO"?

[@olds86307]

@@polkadi by going

[@GolfClash2718]

@@olds86307 Did you mention going? Lol

[@olds86307]

@@GolfClash2718 what

[@AlexYardZone]

Hey everyone, good news! The gaps between episodes have been getting longer, but that won't be the case anymore. Multiple major announcements coming very soon. This is gonna be fun. Thank you as always! Let's go get some rings.

[@benmontey3438]

It's so good to see you back dude. I'm a musician myself and grew up with these games. I have always been very enthralled by Sonic music and how it works. It's cool to see someone else with that same spirit!

[@silversobe]

Hell yeah :D

[@unity6926]

yahoo weeehehehe

[@benmontey3438]

@@unity6926 Okay Goofy

[@vaporwaveskeleton9224]

Woo Hoo! thanks for the informative and cool vids dude

[@BladeShadowWing]

I always felt Launch Base (both versions) is one of the most underrated tunes in the franchise. Great video!

[@SECONDQUEST]

Me too, launch base has killer tunes. It feels fast and artificial which goes along with the fast paced "random" path feel you get your first time playing the stage.

[@SECONDQUEST]

"Random path" I mean like you're going through a building who's construction and layout are unknown to you. Those tubes are important, but you don't know why. It feels purposeful, but the purpose is unknown to the player and Sonic.

[@RoshiBro08]

So your saying the released version is "underrated"? Boy.. Launch Base is probably the most loved song from Sonic 3

[@Qjimbo]

4:28 Oh hey, it's me! :) Awesome video and breakdown of the songs and timeline, it is incredible that those PC songs were the originals not the replacements. Such a fascinating story all round.

[@MattTOB618]

O.o Wait, you're still active?!

[@granderondeproductions3286]

I saw your video AGES ago when it FIRST came out! awesome to see you still around!

[@jackscalfani555]

Qjimbo, you are the reason why Sonic Origins are using the prototype tracks. If it wasn’t for your breakthrough discovery about MJ’s connection with Sonic 3, we would be having the MJ tracks in Sonic 3 in Origins today. So it’s all your fault.

[@Leonard_Wolf_2056]

@@jackscalfani555 actually it's the fault of all the fans who refused to shut up about MJ. Legit, I know of no other person who plays... Any other game in any other franchise that talks about MJ.

[@greenswag7763]

@@jackscalfani555 Actually, it's not Qjimbo, nor the fans' fault, but Sega who didn't paid MJ's team properly. Cirocco clearly stated this to a Sonic retro member back in 2012: "I believe that there is a lawsuit going on or about to go on. Sega owes a lot of people money from the Sonic stuff. Speak with Bobby Brooks. He may tell you a LOT more about everything....." Bobby never answered anyone who contacted him about Sonic stuff, until this moment: "what do u want? from me ? why do u want to know? you can contact my lawyer first off I don't know who u are or what you really want you don't have anything to do with my personal biz so why would I just give info to a stranger while *im in the middle of some legal shit .* tis is my personal biz so if you don't mind quit asking me about my biz" The most likely reason for this *(speculation, but it does makes sense),* is that Sega executives at japan were tired of paying royalties to Masato Nakamura, literally the reason why they resorted to their in-house team for compositions. Since royalties *are not obligated by law and depends on the contract,* Jackson probably signed a contract without thinking much (the false allegations and everything at the time), for which Sega could use these tracks, but only on sonic 3, and not have to pay royalties. Why japanese executives and not the Sega of america ones? Tom Kalinske said "If Jackson was involved or not, it's none of my knowledge." Considering Jackson was not credited, it's difficult to know if his estate is involved into this or not, but it seems the contract expired when he sadly passed away. Jackson died in June 2009, sonic 3 had *three more rereleases after this, with the songs intact.* Sonic PC Collection, a compilation that bundles various sonic games released exclusively in PAL territories in 2009, Sonic Classic Collection on the Nintendo DS in 2010, and finally, for Steam in 2011. Jackson's team could finally sue sega, demanding the money they always owed them for. Sadly, Sega choose the cheapest way, and that's why I'm not buying Sonic Origins, or any future rereleases if they don't get the MJ team's tracks on it again.

[@VideoGameAnimationStudy]

Oh my, I've never been so exited for a video to release! Fantastic stuff as always. You produce videos at your own pace, as long as you enjoy doing them!

[@carpathia808]

Amazing work as always, love seeing these come up in my subscription box!

[@notaprogamer2782]

"The voices in the background tell you what to do" "Go!" *a penny saved is a penny saved*

[@Shroom-Mage]

I'd love to see coverage of one of Sonic 2's most oft-forgotten stage, Hill Top Zone. It has a sort of "harmonica" sound to it that is pretty unusual for the series.

[@youisiaint]

I think they were going for a country type tune there. Really creative when it seems like most of the other tracks have these funky, western-style themes

[@tinyguy9398]

I believe it was AVGN who called it something akin to the “Roseanne harmonica” and I haven’t been able to unhear it since.

[@SQUIDWORD15]

The continue screen uses the same harmonica

[@metl6929]

I didn't know harmonicas make my my ears bleed

[@deletedTestimony]

Thank God someone else hears the Hill Top synth as harmonica, it seems like every remix/remake uses trumpets and it drives me nuts

[@KittAnimations]

Launch base is one the most interesting tracks as if somehow feels empty without the "go"

[@Tamamo-no-Bae]

As someone who grew up with the PC versions, hearing this music in Genesis quality is amazing. It will always be my childhood Launch Base. The Final Sonic 3 one has always been foreign to me.

[@somethingoriginal1707]

3:52 This is why I love S3&K. I didn't even know about that shortcut until just now

[@solidgamer6160]

Not even joking I’ve waited months for you to upload I’m so happy

[@TheRealHotVanilla]

The editing is amazing, that's probably why it took so long.

[@carlosmds875]

I waited hours because I got to know the channel today :D

[@brokenscart7989]

I’m just getting into music composition.. and this is really helpful, especially since the info is all based around Sonic..

[@JohnnyVector]

I remember seeing rumours that the "Go!" sample in Launch Base was taken from Michael Jackson's "Speed Demon". Although that's not the case, it would've been a cool fit.

[@jzeepozitron]

I see a slight mistake there, the "Go"! sample comes from a cd in the early 90s called "Zero-G Datafile 1", that sample cd was also used for Sonic CD but mostly for the second release of the cd called "Datafile 2", coming back to the topic, the sample was recorded and pitched up 9 semitones to fit in the hardware limitations (the higher the sample is pitched up, the shorter it is).

[@AlexYardZone]

Thank you for watching with an attentive eye! Mistakes are certainly possible, and with a source backing it, corrections can definitely be added to the description.

[@AlexYardZone]

Well, a data sheet isn't a source in itself, and it's hard to reconcile that with the multiple search results that indicate Run DMC's Peter Piper. I'm not super familiar with the industry of sample CDs, but could it be possible that the clip was taken from the song itself and put on that sample CD? PS This isn't meant to be defensive, I do appreciate people pointing out things like this!

[@MasteredRealm]

Not a mistake at all. The ZeroG compiler took samples from a multitude of sources. The Go sample featured there indeed comes from Run DMC's song, which was already out for at least 5 years. Some people think it's the opposite as some samples there are dry without effects, but the guy took them from the multitracks he had of the original songs. I believe he had acess to studio tapes or similar. A guy uncovered the origin of many of the Zero G samples here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5_baHh4iq2pldU

[@Toju2Blame]

Hello

[@pygmybrain5868]

God, showing the piano keys themselves is so much better the. Just the sheet music alone, imo. Thank you very much for that.

[@TheXev]

3:21 I always felt that the stop in the Launch Base song was more to emulate CD music of the time and how if you repeated it, there would be a pause while the track cycled back to the start. You don't hear these pauses anymore because streaming music can perform the change much faster then a CD drive that had to seek back to the position to play the music from the start.

[@futabamajima]

I'm so happy to see the proto soundtrack get so much love still even though the prototype came out a while back. I think LBZ2 proto is my favorite song of the 10 unused tracks, so this was an even bigger treat than usual

[@OPL3music]

Not a lot of people realize the OPL3 is the intended hardware for the PC soundtrack, so props for getting the right one! I grew up with the PC version of S3&K, so it blew my mind when I found out the Genesis had different music many years later. The prototype songs are near & dear to my heart.

[@_SSGB_]

The one thing that makes me prefer the MJ version of the tracks over the protos is that, unlike the rest of the act 2 tracks in the game that feel like a continuation of the act 1 songs, the act 2 proto songs feel almost TOO different to their act 1 counterparts, except Ice Cap which is the same except it's in a higher tone. Though I guess some people might argue that the MJ tracks have the oppossite issue, being too similar to their act 1 counterparts, I personally prefer that over them being too different.

[@someobscuremusicchannel]

I think Angel Island Zone has the best balance of the 2 Act themes, not too similar, but not too different, and it tells a story with the music

[@triiodide7762]

Yep. The only tracks I like better is Carnival Night 2, and the Super theme

[@nthgth]

Ice cap Act 2 is Act 1 with different parts (bass, percussion, etc) coming in and out at different times. The four bars before the melody first comes in sound exactly like the first like 16 bars of Act 1. Personally I like the 1 to 2 music differences of all the zones except Carnival Night and Launch Base (final), they're just too similar. Maybe Marble Garden too.

[@someobscuremusicchannel]

@@nthgth marble garden's really different though

[@satyamSaha]

MJ Act 2's are far too similar to their act 1 versions and honestly makes me prefer the prototype Act 2 themes even more. Proto Carnival Night music should've made it into the final game.

[@zephadusjoltspark6951]

I actually learned about the "proto" tracks back in the day when the game was released for PC. We never owned Sonic 3 for the Genesis, and our local rental shop no longer had it, so this was the next best thing. Let me tell you, it was totally jarring hearing these tracks for the first time. I actually thought the game must be some kind of bootleg! Thanks to this video, I now know there are sweet Genesis soundchip versions. And now I need them.

[@x-mighty7602]

The act 2 of Proto Launch Base felt like a satisfying conclusion to the first half. It's like the song is saying: You already got past the first part, you got through all these levels, it makes us remember something has already passed an that it's the end of something.

[@ianwhite7389]

As a life long Sonic fan who grew up to be a musician, this series is absolute gold!

[@JakeArnet]

This is one of those videos that make you aware of a subject that you never knew existed, and you stick around because the content is well presented.

[@Shayzis]

I hope the composers of the original soundtracks lived long enough to get the recognition they deserved. This is amazing what good instrumentation can do to a melody (ahem Sonic 4). Amazing and incredibly entertaining video as always!

[@ericsmith1783]

Ikr I love the mcihael jackson tracks!

[@Shayzis]

@@ericsmith1783 Yeah me too but I was talking about the prototype music

[@ProwerPlaysSega]

I freaking love these videos. I don't know much about music but i get so intrudged with all your music theories

[@rie55]

Launch Bass Zone

[@mh123_yt]

I've watched this 7 times and it hasn't even been 2 days since this came out

[@SolarChip]

Went into this video thinking "how can you possibly talk about the music in launch base zone for 15 minutes" and by the end I'm "wait, no tell me more, come back!" (good video, will watch again)

[@GaboGammerEnLoL]

I was hoping for months you would make this, this is my favorite S3&K track. Thaaannks for dissecting this legendary soundtrack bro.

[@Ellzia]

I absolutely adore these videos. Probably my favorite videos to watch on youtube right now. I get so excited every single time a new one comes out :)

[@finderrio]

Phenomenal video, your explanations of music theory terms are the best I've seem on KZbin.

[@kokujinblack77]

This was really well done video, just from the editing alone I could see the effort that went into this. I loved how you presented everything simply well.

[@ShelbyAQD]

Hey, I just wanna say thanks for making these videos. I really appreciate the way you blend music theory with narrative and gameplay concepts, which I'm much more familiar with. Definitely helped me understand what you were saying a lot better than most videos on the subject I've ever seen.

[@mrffejman]

Hey! I love this video for a lot of reasons, but my favorite is your ability to explain the key progression of proto launch in a way that is readily understood! Kudos!

[@ardklaw]

They just keep getting better and better! Keep up the amazing work!

[@joet9802]

Love your videos man and happy to hear more are coming. The music of Sonic is something the fan base always agrees is some of the best in video games, and you do an awesome job explaining the detail while keeping it interesting

[@rustlee]

i’m so deep in love with the series. i studied music theory in high school and watching these dives into the music is so fun

[@mBluett]

Lmao "Derek Zoolander's calendar shoot" your left field comparisons always leave me in stitches 😂

[@Ghosty_Dosty]

Having theories by just discovering a song in and out and make hypothesis that are almost canon is just incredible! I love your content! Keep up the good work!

[@34r343]

I wasn't expecting to see breaking bad references awesome

[@randyredreveal]

So damn good. Incredibly informative and fun as hell. Alex Yard is getting after it! Well done, my friend.

[@kitsulolicon]

as someone who's learning the music theory, and sonic 3&k's ost being one of my all time favorites, i absolutely adore your videos!!

[@jeffreypatel2266]

Enjoyed Listening to this and learning the differences and music theory applied. Keep up the great work

[@Swifty_Shifty]

I like how the "GO" sound sample is basically saying "hey you need to go as fast as possible to stop eggface"

[@ohiorushbaby]

I clicked on Alex Yard's new video faster than Sonic could say the words "chili dog"! Woohoo!

[@SbubbyS]

Awesome video, love the layman's terms you use to describe musical things. Keep makin stuff!

[@RobbekenSynthMusic]

Whooooooa. This is perfect. I’m super familiar with a lot of older game music, especially 16-bit Sega stuff, so learning theory in this context is a great help to me! Keep it up, and thank you for making these!

[@perry686]

awesome vid, im personally not a huge fan of the launch base tracks but this is still a sick video and frankly its awesome hearing someone talk about music theory about any song

[@MelodiesZone]

Incredible video. Never knew those launch base hints in regards to the level and music. So much love and passion were put into the original MD games

[@lamenwatch1877]

Your use of metaphor is great! Thanks for the insightful video!

[@RadianceMarluxia]

The bass countdown at 12:36 can also be heard in...Sonic generations! The made a small reference to it in the HUB version of Rooftop Run :)

[@CammieRacing]

I know nothing about music, but I'm hooked on these videos.

[@ProjectElementsOEAB]

Wow, this was absolutely well worth the wait! This was really good!

[@Myrope]

This was a nicely done and informed video! And as a huge Zoolander fan, that reference really caught me of-guard but was greatly appreciated. May the algorithm bless you and your channel! Can't wait to see this channel grow.

[@lenin17301560]

What an amazing channel, I’m so happy I found it, subscribing right now

[@_SSGB_]

also yay another video from you! these are always a treat to watch would love to see you tackle some games other than Sonic in the future

[@cygnusprime6728]

Had no idea so much thought went into the sonic music, brilliant break down

[@DDRDAIKENKAI]

I really enjoy these explorations of the theory behind this game's amazingly intriguing soundtrack!

[@IAmElectrospecter]

Man the editing and production in this video is superb. Lots of little clever graphics and sound effects. Also I love the cacophony of color alliteration lol

[@WhiplashMinecraft]

i finally realized how key changes work thanks to your video! you’re awesome dude

[@budgoodrich6000]

I love these videos. Thank you for all your hard work!

[@retromaster6163]

Really enjoy your videos which are insightful. I like the presentation.

[@arsenal4444]

this is like decompiling the experience of the music back into the math that creates it, and oddly feels like an over-thinking LA class, but isn't idk too much about composition, but this makes it make sense, and it's an awesome video, thank you!!!

[@createprince2093]

this is such a good vid, i love when people break game music down like this

[@LoFiLime]

This is one of the greatest videos I've ever seen on youtube in my life thank you

[@iamrichlol]

Im so happy to watch these. Please do the entire s3&k series!

[@otsu3011]

I'm glad you still doing these videos 🖤

[@HotlineSehwani]

Just found your channel! Really good content and research into this series! I’m excited to see your channel grow 👍👍

[@Adamtendo_player_1]

Wow very detailed and fascinating with the Sonic 3 Launch Base Zone music track.

[@quinn562]

Thanks for the early mid 90s memories, as a genesis kid it was neat hearing that proto/pc stuff you dropped on us - cheers!

[@ScrewyLoops]

This KZbin channel is right up my street! Awesome video, super interesting too! 🙂

[@RadianceMarluxia]

When I saw this in my subscription box I jumped, it's great to see you again!

[@Dudewas]

Fantastic!!! People said I was crazy when I talked about the change in key there!

[@rollingbecks7047]

This video pop up in my recommendations after watching some videos about sonic origins songs replacements, a great channel. PD: SEGA is going to use the prototypes for origins which sucks.

[@joespeed1952]

I liked this video a lot. You sir, earned a subscription!

[@carlosmds875]

I saw your channel today a few hours ago, watched some videos and thought it was pretty amazing, I was hoping you'd do other theories on Sonic 3 songs, and you did it today ^^

[@AlinaAniretake]

7:30 nah, that was cool

[@Remour]

Loved this episode, keep up the good work.

[@exelierxe.e]

Nobody: Music: *GO GO GO!* _Thing that made me dont give up on this zone_

[@Epsilonsama]

I think Proto Launch Base theme is telling the audience that it's a fake final level. Like it starts sounding like a Final Level but it's playing with your expectations kinda like how the level itself plays with the idea of it being the Final Level only show that it's not the end yet and you fall down to Mushroom Valley. In the original stage order After Launch Base you go to Mushroom Valley aka Mushroom Hill then Sandopolis then Lava Reef, Hidden Palace, Sky Sanctuary and then Death Egg. So Launch Base was the mid point of the adventure like a false climax in a story. Mushroom Valley was the cool down for the final gauntlet of difficulty that was to come. Its sad that the original release did not play like such cause that was pretty original for a game. Most games have a gradual progression of difficulty but Sonic 3 devs wanted to tell a story not just make some levels and it shows. The music being part of said story.

[@KidPrarchord95]

YES! THANK YOU THANK YOU! I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE!

[@nellucnos8585]

I never understood how people got stuck in this zone the lyrics are so understandable

[@goldfishsandwich9737]

Didn't expect my favorite zone and song to get a video now but it deserves it

[@Sloppyjoey1]

This channel is absolutely amazing.

[@kahlilbt]

OH SHITTTTTTTT MY FAVORITE SONIC JAM

[@NunofYerbizness]

As in Launch Base is your favorite music track from a Sonic game, or are you literally saying that Sonic Jam is your favorite?

[@kahlilbt]

@@NunofYerbizness 😂 lbz is my fave

[@christiecat5367]

LOVE your explanations of the soundtrack!! It's so interesting, I was sure I had tired myself out of Sonic trivia, then this channel came along! Please make more! Oh maybe other old Mega Drive games too? Streets of Rage has a decent soundtrack :D

[@CyberdustStudios]

I like to think that Proto Launch base compared to it's final is like 2 different sides of launch base. The prototype being Sonic's side. With its cheery, bombastic sounding feel, it sounds like as if sonic is glad that he made it just in time to stop Robotnik's launch of the Death Egg. Meanwhile, the Final is Robotnik's side. With the more serious confidence, It sounds as if Robotnik is all set with his plan to get the Death Egg in the sky. He just has one more problem to deal with, Sonic the Hedgehog!

[@mirpcow]

I know absolutely nothing about music theory but this video was really cool

[@ChilliusVGM]

Ohhh damn another music theory video, hooray! :D

[@Pickyjonez]

Love your work mate. Your videos make me genuinely laugh at times.. Not that 'breathe air out of your nose a little harder' type of laugh either

[@GoldDragon20]

Good on ya for using 3 Air for Launch Base footage

[@trunksfutureprinceofhype4385]

Looking forward to more analysis, especially Sandopolis 🔥

[@corruptedteka]

Heads up ! This video is missing from the playlist- Also I'm actually from the Caribbean so it was funny hearing you mention it !

[@MarcoAGJ]

The countdown and lift-off is quite pleasing, indeed.

[@bonn7908]

Amazing video once again!

[@thomashunt6521]

I know nothing about music but I love these videos so much

[@ThisGreenDingo]

YES I was looking forward to this installment!