I suppose this could be considered a case of “better late than never”, in more ways than one. Composer Christopher Tin has received two Grammy nominations, one of which is for the sublime “Baba Yetu”, which many people recognize as the opening theme to Civilization IV. This is the first time that music from a video game has ever been nominated for a Grammy Award. Well, it’s about time, as we all know there are countless musical pieces from games that deserve an award. But the odd thing is that Civ IV was released five years ago, in 2005. What gives?

If you’re friends or family of a gamer who is big on PC gaming, you’re probably wondering what to get them for Christmas or their next birthday if it’s coming up. For those with the Steam client, there are always different sales, new releases and package deals that would help out your gamer’s repertoire.

Here are some ideas for the last minute shopper who doesn’t want to contend with the crowds in stores…

Title: Video Games Live: Volume OnePrice: $16.98 ($0.99 per song download)Release Date: July 22, 2008Publisher: EMI Records Ltd. (Angel Records)Pros: An excellent collections of impressive performances. Often well-orchestrated collections and homages to game music with an honest air of respectability that even non-gamers can appreciate. The name implies there will be a Volume Two.Cons: A few segments are a bit slow and some of the instrumentation plainly mimics or masks the vocals.Overall Score: Two thumbs up; 91/100; A-; * * * * out of five.

No matter where you fall in the games as art spectrum there’s no denying that plenty of artistic efforts are put into many games’ production. Case in point is the Video Games Live tour which offers orchestral performances of video game music that would be difficult for any music snob to scoff at.

The CD (and digital download) release of Video Games Live: Volume One offers selected studio and live performances featuring the Slovak Symphony Orchestra, Crouch End Festival Chorus and various soloists as conducted by Jack Wall.

Click through for a track-by-track review…

Civilization is evolving, and I mean that literally. 2K released updated information regarding the latest expansion for one of Sid Meier’s many franchises in the form of Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword. This expansion pack for the PC game will be available July 23. 2007, in the US and the end of July 2007 for more »