Welcome to yet another edition of MUSICPLAY, where I talk about the tunes coming from newly released games. If running was my occupation, not only would I be a lot thinner but I would have some type of music device embedded into my brain. EA’s “Mirror’s Edge” is a game about running, action and a whole lot of movement. Music wise, let’s just say they would deny a bill for Zune implants. The soundtrack does not offer very many songs. In fact, there is only one - the theme song. However, EA gathered five talented artists including one of my favorites, Junkie XL, to tear the song apart and paste it back together to create five great tracks that although based on the same song, feel original.

About The Game:
Mirror’s Edge is unlike any other first person action game I’ve seen. By giving you freedom of movement you are able to perform a variety of actions such as sliding, wall-running and fence jumping. Yes, there is shooting in the game, but why so violent? You are able to go through the whole campaign without firing a single shot - the choice is yours. HUD-less and pretty much without an interface to distract from the world in front of you, it gives you a huge sense of motion which brings the game to life along side its crisp and colorful bright visuals. Mirror’s Edge introduces us to Faith, a “runner” in a world where communication channels are highly monitored and the movement of information is closely watched. When Faith’s sister gets framed for murder, Faith finds herself on the edge of the city and the wrong side of the law. If you are a fan of action, running or bright worlds be sure to check this game out. However, because of its fast paced action, I would not recommend this for anyone with motion sickness. The demo is available on Xbox LIVE! Marketplace and PSN so give it a try and get a bucket. Survived? Mirror’s Edge is now available in stores for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. For more information on Mirror’s Edge run over to www.mirrorsedge.com.

About The Music:
Making her American debut, Lisa Miskovsky is responsible for Mirror’s Edge theme song Still Alive. Heard of her? She might not have meant anything to us, but according to endless YouTube videos and sites streaming the songs, Mirror’s Edge has put Still Alive on our radar. Smooth keyboard harmonies and a few ambient elements with soothing vocals, makes this a great song to listen to after a hard day at work…running (har har har.)

When it comes to remixing, chopping, looping and adding new elements to a song to create something new from an existing song will never cease to amazing me. This soundtrack did not let me down. Armand Van Helden, Paul Van Dyk, Junkie XL, Teddybears and Benny Benassi remixed Still Alive to a pulp. Junkie XL’s mix adds a few more drums and made the song feel a bit slower in comparison to others, like Paul Van Dyk, who made a nine minute techno song - get out the glow sticks!

By first looking at the track-listing, I immediately listened to Junkie XL’s version first and even went as far as claiming it my favorite. But after a few listens, I realized Armand Van Helden’s mix was much more appealing than the rest. What I was mostly impressed by was the chopping and looping of the verse “so loud and clear” which he made into a chorus of its own. Interlacing his original sounds with the song and creating a seamless transition sold me immediately. A close second would be Teddybear’s remix which gives the song a feel good happy twist. I would say quite appropriate with the name, Teddybear. Each artist brings their own individuality to the song creating completely different sounds, vibes and lyrics. The soundtrack is now available on EATRAX and your local iTunes store.

About Cool Stuff:
Think you got what it takes to beat the masters at their own game? Jamglue.com and EA have teamed up for the Mirror’s Edge Theme Song “Still Alive” Remix Contest. From November 11 through April 11, contestants may enter the contest by creating their own version of “Still Alive” by adding new sounds, rearranging the clips, etc. using the Jamglue Mixer. What’s in it for you? An Xbox 360 game console as well as a $200.00 gift certificate for EA’s online store. Winners will be announced by June 1st, 2009. Jamglue.com, which was created in 2006 with the idea of making it easy for musicians to collaborate over the Internet, is an online community that allows members to create and personalize audio. Musicians can upload and record music, remix it online and then share. Contestants can remix “Still Alive” by visiting: Mirrorsedgemusic.com/remix.

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