Planet Notion - The Sims 2 Soundtrack: Rock 'n' Roll!?

15/02/2008

Life; it’s a funny old game. As the old adage goes “live for today, not for tomorrow”, I mean, you never know what’s around the corner, right? Anything could happen… You could try asparagus for the first time, find that you’re allergic, keel over, and die; a string of drool gently trickling onto that plush new carpet… And god damn-it, you only bought it yesterday; five-quid a meter in Carpet Warehouse! Man, it’s just not fair. This brings us nicely onto the subject of this here article, this tête-à-tête between you and I: The brand-spanking new soundtrack for EA’s Sims phenomena, a gaming institution that allows you to control the lives of your own self-made little people, from house and furniture, to jobs and personality… Without the worry of Asparagus, mental break-downs and London ruddy transport.

The Sims saga has continued to expand, with the little guys and gals in Sim-land now able to look after pets, take vacations, go shopping, and all that jazz. Anyway, the Sims also have their own language, Simlish, kind of like Klingon only slightly cooler and far more hip. Lily Allen, the Black Eyed Peas, Lemon Jelly and everyone’s favourite Brazilian’s CSS, have all recorded in Simlish… So there you go.

Anyway, EA recently announced the list of artistes to be featured on The Sims™ 2 FreeTime soundtrack, and, wait for it, none other than Natasha Bedingfield has gone all Sim on your arse. Good ‘ol Tash has actually been made into a Sim for EA’s new venture, I mean, there’s a cheesy music video and everything. The makers of the game (apologies if you’re under the allusion your Sim is real) are chuffed to bits about the array of artists on offer… “This in-game soundtrack full of talented musicians from around the world, such as Natasha Bedingfield, is the perfect backdrop for your Sims to discover and develop their passions,” explains Steve Shnur, Worldwide Exec of Music and Music Marketing at EA. (Sorry to spoil your thunder Steve, but like I said, it’s a game man).

Anyway, other artists to have recorded on the soundtrack include Datarock, the post-punk, electro, dance manifestation from Norway, and US of A bands ‘They Might Be Giants’, ‘Great Northern’ and New York City rockers ‘Fire Flies’. EA have even gone international, with singers from Spain and Sweden getting in on the act. With track names like ‘Take Out the trash’ and ‘Fa-Fa-Fa’, you just know that this soundtrack is going to be Kooj… which is Simlish for cool. “It was such a fun and delightful challenge to learn how to sing in Simlish,” explained Natasha Bedingfield. “The language of The Sims captures a wonderful sense of beauty, creativity and humor, so my song ‘Pocketful of Sunshine’ translated well!”

The Sims 2 FreeTime, the latest expansion pack will be available from February 29th, 2008. In The Sims 2 FreeTime, your Sims can build their skills and enhance friendships by exploring new pursuits based on their personal interests, helping them live life to the fullest.

In-Game Soundtrack Credits:

“Fa-Fa-Fa”

Performed by Datarock

Written by Fredrik Saroea and Ketil Mosnes

Published by Artwerk Music, LLC

Recording courtesy of Nettwerk Productions

“It’s A Party”

Performed by Fire Flies

Written by Dan Romer

Published by Drawing Number One Publishing

Recording courtesy of Asteroid B-612

“Into The Sun”

Performed by Great Northern

Written by Rachel Stolte and Solon Bixler

Published by Songs Music Publishing LLC obo Ram Island Songs (ASCAP) and Kill The Piano Music (ASCAP)

Recording courtesy of Eenie Meenie Records by arrangement with Big Sounds International, Inc.

“Britney”

Performed by I'm From Barcelona

Written by Emanuel Lundgren

Published by EMI Blackwood Music (BMI)

Recording courtesy of EMI Records under license from EMI Film & Television Licensing

“La Otra Princesa”

Performed by Lara

Written by Massimiliano Minoia and Lara Pinilla Osuna

Published by Lara What Songs Pop S.L. and Globomedia Musica Publishing S.L.

Recording courtesy of Virgin/EMI Records – Spain and GloboMedia Musica

“Your Forgiveness”

Performed by Lexington Bridge

Written by Cliff Masterson, Mark Read, Pete Martin and Robert Heart

Published by Universal Music Publishing

Recording courtesy of Universal Records under license from Universal Music Enterprises

Words: Dave Dryden