Wii Music - One Song, Three Different Takes

Because Wii Music is rather difficult to explain, I thought this would prove an effective example.  What we have are three different takes on the same song.  The song, K.K. Blues, comes from Nintendo's Animal Crossing, Wild World on Nintendo DS.  It's one of several video game songs that can be performed on Wii Music.  It's a pretty straightforward blues number with a catchy melody.

Listen closely to these three performances.  There are many similarities, and that's to be expected, since they're reading from the sheet music.  But take notice of the differences, not only the instruments, but the arrangements.  Pay very close attention to the improvisational bits, little bits here and there that bring each unique performance to life.

I should also point out another key point that won't be noticed by casual observers - this is a lot harder than it looks.  Even when following the musical cues perfectly, and overdubbing all the parts yourself, it's a serious challenge to bring all these parts together in a good song.  It's very easy to rush through and miss beats or melodies, and the result can be a lot of noise.  But that is true of music in real life, and it's a testament to Shigeru Miyamoto's genius that he makes it all seem so much...well, so much fun.