I expected The 8-bit Album, Pterodactyl Squad's compilation Weezer tribute album, to be great just on the strength of the artists slated to contribute -- Tugboat, PDF Format, I Fight Dragons, and many other well-regarded figures in the chiptune scene.

But the quality of this free release is a surprise; it's one of the finest compilations I've heard in recent memory. Anamanaguchi, producing a rare song with vocals, totally kills "Holiday". Unicorn Dream Attack, a new favorite of mine, captures that same early 90s alternative rock feel "Jamie" exuded on the DGC Rarities album.

And Bit Shifter's take on "The World Has Turned And Left Me Here" alone is worth the download. You can download individual songs or grab the whole album from Pterodactyl Squad's site.

[Thanks, Paul!]