Overworld - Super Mario World Remastered

This is the official introduction of steel drums as the quintessential Mario instrument. I always thought the plucked instrument in the back sounded like a ukulele, but apparently it's an oud, which is a middle eastern variety of lute. Mr. Kondo once referred to this game's music as utilizing unusual combinations of instruments "like putting banjo and steel drum together", so I guess it's supposed to sound like a banjo...I don't think it really does though. A banjo would certainly fit this song, but then so would a ukulele I think. Original composer Koji Kondo. This version by me. Special thanks to the VGM Resources community for instrument research, and Sam the Salmon for helping with the picture..