Lurker > rwlh

ELIMINATION 57/59: NBIceman
Average rating: 5.4
Average ranking: 4596
Your lucky song: Chunithm - The ether
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UVeYJJJ9Ys

Thank you for nominating!

And here we are at the 7s. Over half of the nominations made it this far, to playlist worthy status. I really do want to thank you all again. Its been such a delight to listen to everything and revisit it for this topic. Lets move forwards, not backwards! Upwards, not forwards!

-

164/3690
@NFUN
Phantom Dust - August 31st, 1982
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvI0ozN9oOQ

We open the 7s with a song thats very spooky and evil and discordant. Theres a great drum beat at 0:55, and some Vivaldi ass shit piping up throughout. This is not a song that hurts for ideas, thats for sure. Watching it unfold is a fascinating process , especially right before the loop, where all those dark layers are peeled back to nothingness, just so it can start up again.

163/3681
@NBIceman
Furi - Wisdom of Rage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrm_kb1d-Xc

You were wise to assume this would be your top nomination. It very much appeals to my taste: the deep, crunchy bass; the soaring melody; the powerful drum. All the elements come together cohesively to make something inspiringly intense (intensely inspiring?). Thank you for this one it didnt make the top half but its still a keeper.

162/3668
@handsomeboy2012
Old School Runescape - Monkey Badness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-R04scet6s

This one was a pleasant surprise. I think every time I listen to a song like this I brace myself to be underwhelmed, but Monkey Badness is really cool! Surprisingly epic and intense, the song covers a lot of musical ground; though it stays intense the whole time, it keeps changing and adding new pieces. Also, this is a song where the MIDI format works well; I wouldnt want to hear this with, say, a live orchestra. Something about the soundchip is charming enough on its own.

161/3667
@Tked
Deo Gratias - cpculte
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jjiAtwpDiY

In the pre-ranking listening party I made a comment like I hope this is all chanting. I stand by that! The effect is super creepy and immersive; the heartbeat adds to the creepiness, plus that reverb drenched ominous voice. It's a total package. Now, this is not something I'm liable to put on again any time soon. However, unlike other songs Ive said that about, I find this so effective that I have to rate it high. Consistency, am I right?

Haha I didn't even notice!

pyresword posted...

I have been slain

Can't say I'm too surprised. I thought there was a decent chance you might like the HSR song and the Xenoblade one but the others I wasn't confident in at all, and I never really had a great handle on your taste to begin with.

It's funny because IIRC our mini collab went super smoothly. Ah well, I appreciate your nominations regardless!

bebr117 posted...

The lyrics of loli kami requiem are about an elementary school age girl basically domming a bunch of older men. I think it's supposed to be funny?

It's also an *insanely* popular song. I like it, but every time I listen I feel a little uncomfortable.

I didn't even realize that's what it was called, big oof

failgirlema posted...

Jojo's Fashion Show: World Tour is PC only i think, but YEAA the soundscapeee. This was prob my fav song I nominated (and the main song I wanna get in VGMC) lol.

oh oops. Maybe I just assumed because you're a big DS person. But it does sound kinds DS-y to me lol

ELIMINATION 58/59: pyresword
Average rating: 5.5
Average ranking: 4639
Your lucky song: REFLEC BEAT colette - Lilieze to enryuu Laevateinn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-gCackdMks

Thank you for nominating!

Six instead of five right now to bring us to the 7 tier. (Don't worry dowolf, I'll only post four tonight.)

170/3713
Revolver
Alan Wake 2 - The Road
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R9ywOmJqUc

Did not expect to get a trip-hop nomination for this, certainly not from Alan Wake 2 of all things. This is very well produced I especially love the way it gradually slows down in the last half. The vocalist is also a wonderful fit for the song, smoky and a little seductive. Just put this one onto the pile of this is cool but I didnt connect with it enough/it wasnt for me.

169/3710
@pyresword
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - Cliffs of Morytha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIn82wCRrHY

I hear the Brawl theme around 0:40 I appreciate you going for the factory theme with this pick. Theres a lot that I would normally like: mechanical sounds like whirring and pistons, a crunchy industrial soundscape. I think I just wasnt into the overall presentation? I dont know. Its hard when a song does lots of things you like on paper but comes up short on execution. I do appreciate this pick for attempting to cater to my tastes though!

168/3706
@UF8
GROOVE COASTER WAI WAI PARTY!!!! - SHUKUSEI!! RORI GAMI REKUIEMU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci_zad39Uhw

Apparently this is a uhproblematic song. I enjoy it because its cute and bouncy. I also like how it changes into a darker flavor halfway through before coming back around to the bubbly tone. Its interchangeable from most other songs Ive found like this, but thats okay because I tend to like the genre. I did not really watch the video and did not interpret the lyrics, so uhyeah. >_>

167/3703
@Not_an_Owl
Guilty Gear Xrd - HEAVY DAY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPE5UUCPHyY

Some really nice hard rock. I have no idea what the vocalist is even saying except I think theres a heavy day at one point (which I only recognize because of the title). Thats okay: I normally like memorable vocalists, and NAOKI songs always stand out for the unique vocal delivery. Here he even has a bit of country twang to him.

166/3698
@failgirlema
Jojo's Fashion Show: World Tour - Barcelona
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1C68yGX_xo

I want to gush about the soundscape in this song. DS games often have some of the most atmospheric and immersive sounds Ive come across. Barcelona conveys a strong sense of being in a dimly lit, densely packed room, possibly like some sort of catwalk or runway. The vocal samples and funky beats lend a sense of majesty to the track. Very cool!

165/3694
@Anagram
Your Turn to Die - Majority Rules
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXEzdeh7xTQ

Short loop (under a minute) and very bare bones, with a hypnotic series of notes played on strings, broken up occasionally by other passages. Thats the song. This is the highest 6.5 (only two songs from a 7!) because Im very captivated by its simple melody and structure. The nominations from this game youll hear me echo this when they drop are what I wish Ace Attorney music was like.

Let's see...

Green Hill Zone
Back in Time
Escape from the City
Undefeatable

The series' most iconic song, plus three vocal songs of very different style and time periods; I strongly associate vocal songs with the Sonic franchise. Back in Time is because it won last year's VGMC. Should it belong here, in an attraction for the general public? Who truly knows...

Despite being a fan favorite, I don't think Ice Cap is "Rushmore worthy" because Sega literally doesn't have the rights for it so it can't even be included in remasters of the game lol

sergiocornaga posted...

Do you think you ever will play the game?

Highly unlikely. Feel free!

1. A New Way to Say Hooray
2. Around the World in a Tea Daze
3. Star Shpongled Banner
4. Dorset Perception
5. Room 23
6. My Head Feels Like a Frisbee
7. Flute Fruit
8. Once Upon the Sea of Blissful Awareness
9. Shpongleyes

Shpongle is great. I've not found many bands that combine all the sounds they combine into something this amazing. A New Way to Say Hooray is my easy pick for first place - that song gives me chills. I would best describe it as "psychedelic Space Lion."

175/3747
@MargaretAnnMid
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time - I Am the No. 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6M_EGqy9O0

Double drop, sorry! You know, big ups to you for nominating this random-ass rodeo music. Its fun! Its fascinating to hear Sakurabas usual style in this genre of music. His usual prog organ comes out to play a few times, but generally speaking its a fairly conventional song, albeit one with a lot of spirit. The spirit of Texas, that is!

174/3746
@tazzyboyishere
Everhood - Euthanasia Rollercoaster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmZsx5Uo7aU

Every time I click on an Everhood song I worry its going to sound like Revenge. Mercifully this one doesnt. Unfortunately it sounds like Hopes and Dreams from Undertale, which I also dont like, lol. But this song is more palatable for me I think it does what Hopes and Dreams tries to do in that tone of final triumph, that sense of arriving at the end of your journey and believing in the power of friendship. The drums sound like theyre being played through a sock though, holy jesus. Reading this writeup I do wonder how this song got such a comparatively high placement, but something about it just appeals to me, I gues-

*gets to 3:00*

Oh right it glitches out. Thatll do!

173/3734
@banshiryuu
KALPA -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEtf3YPcNfE

An odd song here; parts of it sound underwatery and parts sound very crisp. There is some beeping and glitchiness. I dont have a lot to say about it it does that thing rhythm songs sometimes do where itll stop halfway through and then pick up again like it started, but surge up with more intensity. A few other songs on this list do that too.

172/3729
@Prince46
Super Mario Maker - Castle (Super Mario Bros.) (Edit)
https://youtu.be/Jv4V4Cevoj4

lol points for weirdness I guess. This is a silly and surprisingly effective arrangement of the Super Mario Bros. Castle theme. It goes ham on the warbles (theres a phrase) and manages to make the most out of what is essentially a five second loop. Docking points because, while it is fun, I cant really ever see myself wanting to listen to this again, haha.

171/3721
bea
F-Zero Maximum Velocity - Tenth Zone East
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qONPNBrPkA4&

Nice melody here that fuels the song forward, very hot-blooded. I dont love the samples though. I feel like Ive been shitting on the GBA a lot so far its just that GBA samples often have this unpleasant fogginess to them that I have trouble getting around. (When that don't have this issue for me, they can be big hits, like Ultimate Card Games or the Mega Man Zero series.) Tenth Zone East falls into that trap a bit, but the melody is strong enough for me to overlook that.

That's another 25, so I've updated the playlist!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9FyX-bNcVjNDqgefrKF0BsrsFvAIzVp1

180/3764
@Bane_Of_Despair
Kingdom Hearts - Hollow Bastion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nlCNVewMjA

Is this the most well-known song in the ranking? Its either this, Running from Evil, or CORE. I never really gave much thought to Hollow Bastion. Its very ominous and atmospheric, which I like. It actually kind of reminds me of PowerOne from Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter in a weird way? That sort of atmospheric buildup that morphs throughout but doesnt lead to a greater melody. PowerOne is a top ten song for me, so its hard to do better for comparisons!

179/3761
@PIayer_0
The Last of Us Part II - Wayfaring Stranger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvCd-9W_8Gk

VGM unplugged. This reminds me of the acoustic version of Will the Circle Be Unbroken from Bioshock Infinite, which is a 9. This is just two singers and a guitar. The singers are pretty rough are these the voice actors from the game? but that adds to the charm of the song, a stripped-down and vulnerable number. I prefer the male singer, who takes over in the second half, for his gravelly, barely-even-singing delivery.

178/3758
@dowolf
Punishing Gray Raven - Sie liebten sich beide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuOae6-GA-g

A transcription of my notes:

The opera in the beginning is neat, but Im not as into the symphonic backingbut then it changes around 1:55 and becomes um a totally different ass song? Then it changes AGAIN????? The fuck am I even listening to???? No it's okay because it keeps getting more interesting; its still not really engaging but points for variety. Movement 4 brings opera back with dubstep? What a creative song; movement 4 is my favorite.

Punctuation!

177/3755
@cakophon
Manifold Garden - Strange Worlds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPx-B1ilQ

Very immersive, big sounds. This reminds me of Todd Baker/Monument Valley but more grandiose and with vocals. Pretty unique soundscape, very easy to get lost in. The song does this cool thing at 1:10 that I really like.

176/3753
@MargaretAnnMid
Suikoden II - The Great Street Performers
https://youtu.be/9JSmBXlDWh0?si=iO7BfC-RI0qkNYuN

Nice and lively. I really like the instruments and percussion. This song screams Suikoden music to me if you gave it to me without any metadata and asked me to name the series, Id probably be able to do so. That main instrument I cant identify is a hallmark of this series musical identity, and it fits super well in this song.

TomNook posted...

Nominate anime characters in honor of Akira Torayami

Nominate non-Saiyan Dragon Ball characters.

185/3801
@handsomeboy2012
A Dance of Fire and Ice - Pulse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR3sxQ8Lh9Q

7/8 time The instruments here all feel super fake, but thats not necessarily a bad thing. I like how this feels like a genuine prog song, with long, meandering passages and a little drum solo at the end. Again, not something Im aching to go back to any time soon, but I enjoy listening to it well enough.

184/3789
@Hbthebattle
Bravely Default - That Person's Name Is
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNDmLA5a5zg

Intense violin action. Im pretty sure this is one of the highest songs in the ranking that I can say this isnt really my thing about. I dont love strings like this and the song sounds like its being played through a wall and there even dips and peaks in volume that make me dizzy. But dangit, it actually sort of works for me. I think its the intensity of the composition. I can really feel Revos intent here, and that sort of overrides my general distaste for the style.

183/3781
@OrangeCrush980
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim - Seaside Vacation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKdIhT3Feks

This is such a weird song. I feel like theres big context Im missing. But even without that, its weirdly inspirational, with a sweeping melody and bells (again with the bells) and CLAPPING I love clapping. The singer also doesnt go ham, which I appreciate. If I ever played this game I get the sense that the song would make it to like 8.5, so 6.5 is pretty good!

182/3775
Hbthebattle
Zwei: The Arges Adventure - Floating Continent Arges -Main Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB0NWwjoyJE

sry 4 double drop This comes dangerously close to happy town music, which I didnt say I didnt want, but I definitely didnt want. But! This ones fine. I get real Chrono Cross vibes both from the instrumentation and the composition: that woodwind sample is good, plus that synth at 1:30 is fun too. I know Ive heard that particular sound before in other games that I cant recall. Maybe I like this so much because its not happy town music at all its wistful town music. And wistful music is more my thing.

181/3765
@cakophon
beatmania IIDX 8th style - murmur twins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCXp29Gc5K0

cuddlecore is this more little girl music -me, a few weeks ago

This is a cool song with a lot of great energy and some prominent piano. Its not any higher because the mixing irritates me by doing that thing I generally dislike where the vocals get buried behind the other instruments. Change that up and its an easy 7. Ah well!

Nominate Joni Mitchell - Blue

Joni Mitchell is an artist I've always meant to listen to more of. Blue is probably her most acclaimed album, 10 songs of singer-songwriter goodness.

Sample song: A Case of You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqYpK3CFmMk

190/3875
@loweffortmemes
Heaven Burns Red - Before I Rise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReJsfzGeIXE

This might be a surprisingly early drop, as Ive seen this song talked about occasionally in the community. I love the weird timesig (I always enjoy it when I cant follow the timesig). The song takes a curious turn into a dance number pretty quickly, which always surprises me when I listen, as I assume its going to stay contemplative and slow-paced. Its pretty. I dont know. Maybe Ill relisten for VGMC and get really into it; for now, 6.5 is a good fit.

189/3856
DeviDoesNothing
Geometry Dash - Dash
https://youtu.be/uLgpk2Vc2Tk

My notes say fun enough song I guess and thats it. Its catchy with a good beat and it does a thing where it fades out and then fades back in again, so thats cool. I could do without the man telling me what game its from though. Weird that it fades out when it does I wouldve liked to hear more.

188/3852
@MaxGalactica
opoona - At Tokione
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGp2F3gJswk

A very, very pretty song. I love how it opens with solo piano and then opens up into this world of possibility: bright synths, spacey effects, subtle bass and drums. Its cool. Its only this low for the highly subjective reason of Im just not that into it. The 6.5s are full of songs like this: cool experiences that I dont have any desire to seek out again. So yeah, this is great to listen to right now, but once its over, its over. I do need to go through this soundtrack at some point and figure out the keepers.

187/3829
@NFUN
Panzer Dragoon Orta - Legacy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv-cdV9PZBs

Legacy has a pretty slow but promising start. I love those big drums that come in and ground the song mixed with a flute-type instrument and an overall tribal vibe. I dont love this but Im very immersed in it, maybe more than any other song so far. Its very compelling. I especially like the bit at 3:20.

186/3817
@Chaeix
Teamfight Tactics - Maestro x Disco x 8 Bit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Mi5XNYjfMI

As with some of the other nominations that are comprised of multiple songs, I can only judge this by the overall package. This song is split between Early and Late sections. Early is pretty whatever to me; by itself it might not even make it to a 5. The strings really irritate me in Easy. Late, howeverby itself Late is probably a 7.5. Late has a fast-paced Celtic vibe to it that really resonates with me; the strings are much more tolerable here. Theres probably no way to separate the two not that youd even want to but thats the risk you take with composite songs like this.

LeonhartFour posted...

I haven't seen a cereal commercial in probably over a decade at this point so I don't even know what "storylines" they have anymore

This is a good point - I haven't either. For all I know the Trix Rabbit's fortunes may have shifted by now.

Cap'n Crunch
Tony the Tiger
Lucky the Leprechaun
Trix Rabbit

Those four are probably the most recognizable to modern audiences, at least in the US - not sure if other countries have different mascots. Such is the power of Tony the Tiger that he is the only one of my four who doesn't have his product in his name and he still conjures up the product. Tony also has possibly the most recognizable catchphrase among the cereal mascots, though the Trix Rabbit is close. Does Cap'n Crunch even have a catchphrase?

Trix Rabbit has an ongoing storyline in a way that the other mascots don't have ("storyline" might be generous but his commercials have plots, albeit the same plot). Lucky has sort of the opposite story ("they're always after me Lucky Charms!"), but I don't associate it with him as much as I associate the tragedy of the Trix Rabbit with the rabbit. Then again, it might just be me - the "lucky charms" line is pretty enmeshed in pop culture. Either way, they're both on the Rushmore, so why split hares (get it).

This video is also highly relevant to the discussion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-qq8_svEv0

195/4031
@bebr117
Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim - Armored Bane
https://youtu.be/gYMns-Q5GS4?si=Rvt9htCAyKmEWhm-

This is a very chaotic song! I especially like the more chaotic bits, like at the start, where theres so much stuff going on. The amount of panning in my headphones sort of gives me neck pain though lol. This feels like a song that would be very polarizing to listeners; if it gets into VGMC I would expect it to lose in round 1 but keep it close. I would give Armored Bane to anyone who thinks Falcom is all guitars and violins.

194/3997
@loweffortmemes
beatmania IIDX 22 PENDUAL - Chrono Diver -PENDULUMs-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtwJ1M5gZXg

Into the top 4000! Great job everybody. I used the -fragment- version of Chrono Diver in a guessing game. This isnt my favorite Nekomata Master, but like Hideki Naganuma, even Satos off songs are still generally winning picks for me. This shows off his energetic/frenetic side, though without the bombast that characterizes something like Despair of ELFERIA. Also big bonus points for ticking clocks. I think thats the first appearance of ticking clocks, but it certainly will not be the last.

193/3982
@banshiryuu
MUSYNX - Life is PIANO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf9vXkvjRro

A peppy dance song that attempts to back up its bold claim that life is, indeed, piano. Remember what I said about ticking clocks? Heres another song that uses them, this time for a brief interlude halfway through. This is a big pop song that I can picture a choreographed dance routine to.

192/3926
@Paratroopa1
Phantasy Star Online - Tricktrack Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pioIQLRfzuw

This is a fascinating song for me because I love how it starts with those foggy samples coming in, but then it focuses on a melody I dont care for, probably because of the samples. I think if this song had a different melodic line or even straight up cut out the melody altogether, Id like it more. Which is a shame, because it does a great job at being atmospheric and evocative and all those things I like. Like around the 1:45 mark is when the song peaks for me because that pesky melody isnt there and the rest of the song has room to stretch and breathe. Still cool though!

191/3882
@NBIceman
Arc Rise Fantasia - Unexpected Fight
https://youtu.be/pBwYmG7bU2U?si=vYaX8sTi4TR-oLUn

File this under did not expect to like as much as I did. My relationship with guitars is questionable at best, but NBIceman gave me a song with guitars that soundedwell, maybe not real, but unique. That opening note is killer, and I love how the song circles back to the specific sound of that guitar. The actual composition feels pretty by the numbers, but the guitar gives it a really visceral quality.

loweffortmemes posted...

Though, I wasnt really sure how youd treat adult vocals that sound childlike as opposed to an actual child singing something haha

I don't think I'd ever thought about it before this ranking! I guess the answer is "they're okay sometimes." Big commitment there.

200/4170
@tgs2
Shadow the Hedgehog - Prison Island
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AvJHFiu_Tw

Ive heard songs from this game I like more. Like Lava Shelter does everything Prison Island does but it all lands more for meexcept Prison Island does have a runaway piano that takes over the song and the other instruments have to try to catch it. This is my headcanon for this song. I also like how the main guitars sound off but in a pleasant way.

199/4130
@PIayer_0
DJMAX RESPECT V - NEON 1989
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIzSFgcdQLA

Hey its city pop! I like Plastic Love and this song covers some of those same beats for me. Sadly I dont love the singer that much (although she seems like a fun person based on the video), but the other production is all solid, very evocative of a decade that ended thirty years ago.

198/4117
@loweffortmemes
Nukige Mitai na Shima ni Sunderu Watashi wa Dou Surya Ii Desu ka? - Hijitsuzaikei Joshitachi wa Dou Surya Ii desu ka?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEdxpCjGxUM

First up on our tour of little girl music is this absurdly long titled nomination. I found this song pretty predictable (I predicted the key change) but its still enjoyable, with random chiptune segments and a brief guitar solo. This is possibly the most anime the list gets, which is an achievement Im sure some of you were shooting for!

197/4111
@JONA
SPRAWL - THE CANALS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxc7kfi9Ta4

I like parts of THE CANALS a lot, but I liked it less as it went along because it introduces unpleasant wubbiness that gives me a bit of a headache. Still, the beat is stellar and the way it progresses is very cool too. If there was a version without the dubstep, I would say to sign me up right away. I dont dislike all wubs (see #202, a song that actually places lower but that had wubs I liked more); these ones didnt sit right with me though.

196/4102
@OrangeCrush980
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 - Battle on the Seas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ5maG8Wd4g

This song rose the ranks from like a 3.5 up to a 6.5. Truly a mighty story of underdogs, which fits the heroic tone of the song. Its a little samey a lot of the time and I wonder the loop needs to be this long as a result, but 1:55 gives me Skyrim Dragonborn vibes and that works really well for it. I can definitely picture this as a backdrop for a ship at sea, cruising around the waves and possibly engaging in nefarious acts of piracy. Arrr!

new page, new songs

We are 1/3 of the way through the list!

I have updated the spreadsheet fully. There is now an additional tab for nominator stats, for the 59 people who gave me 5 songs. Only one poor person is there for now, but expect that to fill up fast!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HdQJbfqMqrZnEBNZyxyZAg3ZKWJ1_rvKyoCmFJhRAaY/edit#gid=0

I have also updated the Youtube playlist. I'll probably update this every 25 songs.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9FyX-bNcVjNDqgefrKF0BsrsFvAIzVp1

If you've been following along even a little, has the list gone to your expectations? Have there been any songs you're shocked I didn't like more, or maybe songs you didn't expect me to like as much? Do you have any predictions for your remaining songs?

As you wish! Though I can't promise there won't be future days we'll be at x5 and not x0.

-

205/4224
@PIayer_0
Tchia - Song IV "Chez nous a Weliwele"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2io1swz5DUk

Ooh, is this in French? An interesting style, very tropical and soothing but also energetic. I love the harmony on those ohhhhhs. This feels like a party around a campfire, or maybe a campfire around a party; it feels very alive in a way that I find difficult to capture outside of a live performance. Neat!

204/4219
@Mihark
Pocky & Rocky 2 - October Fields
https://youtu.be/BQ3MwEy3L0Q

Aww yeah, some classic SNES. Some of my favorite SNES songs are the ones that have this traditional Japanese flair, like Legend of the Mystical Ninja or Chaos Seed. Theres a lot to like here, the overall effect is mesmerizing. I especially like the little flutters around 1:10 with what sounds like the equivalent of an SNES woodblock in the background.

203/4214
@banshiryuu
DanceRail3 -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF3rElkk9xc

Evil chimes, evil xylophone, evil glitchy shitjust an evil song all around. I like the nice long pauses, triggering an anticipatory sense of dread. I especially enjoy the glitchy/static stuff near the end. The knocking is creepy too. I do think maybe this song tries a little too hard though? Like you could be just as effective with like half of these evil things. I dont know.

202/4205
@cakophon
NOISZ STRLIVHT - halved halved halved
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAioeZ3gmHg

The aggressive wubbing reminds me of DOOM 2016. But there are also more melodic parts which were a nice surprise. This is probably a little too aggro for me? Songs like this can be real hits but sometimes they miss the mark. I do love how it builds in the second half in a nice synthesis of wub and melody. A very unique song, one I certainly enjoyed revisiting.

201/4202
@Bitto
No More Heroes 2 - Titanium Batt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sq8Q9Lyc38w

My note for this says I cant tell if I like this I think I do? The sound design is interesting, sort of like a Wall of Sound production with warbly guitars and some glitchiness. Parts of this sound like that garage band aesthetic I mentioned in another writeup (and this wasnt even the song I was referring to!). Its short but sweet, full of musical ideas and a sense of playfulness and sarcasm. If a song can be sarcastic, its Titanium Batt.

ELIMINATION: DragonGargoyle
Average rating: 6.25
Average ranking: 4338
Your lucky song:
Muramasa: The Demon Blade - Natural Life A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqbKBg9NEjQ

Thank you for nominating!

(DragonGargoyle only nominated two songs, so they're not factored into the overall nominator ranking.)

At the very least here's the second batch of five for tonight.

210/4269
Revolver
Halo 3: ODST - Neon Night
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDwxjlrE9tY

Quiet and unnerving. I love that Halo has songs like this, the quiet, introspective songs that contrast with the bombast that I normally associate the series with. Neon Night builds subtly and carries the air of mystery. At 1:30, when you think its going to do a big grandiose thing, it turns into a drum circle instead.

209/4267
@pyresword
Hollow Knight - Nosk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wfAVkXxhEw

This was a good idea to give me. Creepy ambience with sounds that simulate the feeling of being watched by, like, evil clockwork spiders or some shit. I honestly dont know why this one isnt higher. It has all the elements in place to be a hit. Theres something missing for me and I cant pinpoint what it is. Ah well. It was a good shot!

208/4261
@Tked
Inferno (PC) - Happy Tune
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPX6JRa4I2U

A very disorienting song. I feel not so much happiness from this as much as a euphoria that exists at the intersection of content and disoriented. In the soundtrack of my life, I could see this playing as I walk down the street after getting a mixture of good and bad news, or waiting on an important decision thats out of my hands.

6.5/10

207/4251
@DanKirby
Revolter - Midnight Chaser
https://youtu.be/Djx8F1j2tWE

Hey, its FM synth, we all love that. Okay but what if we took normal FM synth and made it FM synthier? The result is Midnight Chaser. I find this song physically painful to listen to at times, so FM synthy is its FM synth. But that pain is outweighed by the intensity of the emotion, and the power of the composition. Ive said in some writeups that Im curious to hear what the song sounds like with a different soundchip or with different instruments or something, but I cant imagine Midnight Chaser played back on anything other than a PC-88, at full FM synth blast.

As an aside: we are now in the 6.5s. There are a lot of these. When I clicked on Midnight Chaser just now, I felt compelled to let the whole thing play, despite being 6+ minutes in length. This is a very good sign for the rest of the list.

206/4239
@DragonGargoyle
Tribal Hunter - Shadow of a Dream
https://youtube.com/watch?v=aPrV24B2UNk

This is a goofy song with a lot of heart. Theres what sounds like a harpsichord mixed in with a poppy beat, and then some trumpet sample comes in. It feels exuberant, a celebration of possibility. I could kind of see this as an instrumental on a modern pop or dance song. Very cool!

I kind of want to post 15 today to get us to an even 200 left. Would anyone object to that? I know some of you are trying to listen to everything.

215/4313
@Isquen
Warframe - Cetus
https://youtu.be/E4AETR5X0ig

This was originally a 4.5 but I upped it to a 6 on relisten. The percussion does the heavy lifting for me, a winning combination of industrial and tribal. Theres also some nice acoustic guitar. Pretty neat!

214/4303
@paulg235
Civilization VI - Georgia Theme (The Atomic Era)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPGLgjdWm2Q

Another this is cool but isnt really for me song. I appreciate the layered singing and the bombastic symphony mixed with softer, more melodic passages. Its not normally my kind of music but I found it somewhat pleasantly unpredictable. According to the description the song is based on two hymns, but its clear the composer made the song their own.

213/4298
@-hotdogturtle--
Hypnospace Outlaw - Confuzed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ7uouRHH3U

I cant get into this soundtrack. Every song Ive heard has fallen flat for me. I get what its going for but I just dont find it engaging. Confuzed is almost certainly my favorite song Ive heard from it; I like the synth groove and the beat is great and the bubbles effects are trippy, but it doesnt really do much other than that for four minutes. Theres stuff to like here but it still misses the mark, which is a shame because I love when songs take risks like Hypnospace does.

212/4291
paulg235
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance - It Has To Be This Way
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYAPgPH9hsI

Oops double drop, sorry. On paper this seems like a song I would normally despise: an energetic, guitar-heavy rock song with earnest lyrics. However, I kind of like it! The muddy production actually works in its favor as all the elements of the song blur together in a fast-paced audio slurry. I dont think Id like this as much with clearer audio quality. (I know, I probably criticized a few songs earlier for having poor production. I am large; I contain multitudes.) This is so cheesy and over the top but I actually kind of like it.

211/4279
@Xtlm
Bottom of the 9th (PC) - Credits and Theme Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdePEXhRzKk

Oh hey I didnt know Morrissey recorded VGM. (Its not just me, right?) Some nice barbershop harmony here. This is one of the nominations thats so unlike everything else nommed. I didnt know I needed barbershop baseball VGM, but here we are. Sadly I dont rank it any higher because I dont actually want to ever listen to it again, but its a really neat find!

220/4425
@-Chaos-Zero-
Bzzzt! - Jump!
https://youtu.be/1BOZiwKpUQA?si=6IMFbUKKefLuNXk5

Fun with Commodore 64 retraux. I dont normally see this specific style of fake chip too often; usually its like weird chiptune adjacent stuff, or chiptune mixed with rock or something. This shifts away from the C64 style into a fuller sound, but I wish it wouldve stayed with the chip. Just a personal preference. Its a fun song, but I didnt find it especially engaging.

219/4417
@sergiocornaga
Double Dragon Neon - Mixtape - Weapons Up (Full Version)
https://youtu.be/FuzMk3-0W5w

This is like N.W.A., but less aggressive and more cartoony. The rapping feels a little, uh, amateurish? Maybe thats the production, not sure. The real draw for me is the lyrics. They rhyme with constable with obstacle and irresponsible, that takes a lot of poetic clout. I find this charming.

218/4354
@cakophon
Taiko no Tatsujin 12 - Dun Aonghasa no Fuefuki
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJNNjy7L8vE

In my notes I have this song down as music to listen to while skipping in an anime field. It would probably be higher if some of these notes werent so high-pitched. Like, pitch this down a little and Im sure Id like it a lot more. Shoutout to the odd time section halfway through.

217/4332
@GameBopAdv
Tower of Druaga (Wonder Eggs) - Risolute ~ Dragon Castle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdt86_i-OAY

An inscrutable song. I love the percussion and how it seems to build throughout. The meter is fun to try and follow too. This is a very unique nomination that I had trouble figuring out how to process, but I think I settled on this placement due to the fact that my focus waned a few times and also I just wasnt connecting with it all that much? One of those objectively this is cool, subjectively this isnt for me songs.

216/4319
@handsomeboy2012
Return of the Obra Dinn - Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0asI8EoYy-E

My note for this one just says BELLS

BELLS

That is my takeaway for this song. I like the old-timey Eastern European immigrant feel it has, but those BELLS are my favorite part. There are actually a number of bell-adjacent songs in this ranking; in this one, the bell samples feel very rich and add to the song.

225/4546
@tgs2
SOUND VOLTEX IV HEAVENLY HAVEN - Dreadnought
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucVROW6MOow

Big open EDM. I generally like this style. This ones pretty okay. I like the part at 0:45. Not much to say about this one!

224/4529
@tazzyboyishere
Sonic Rush - Right There, Ride On
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkD7ee0Qz64

A rare Naganuma miss? Sad to say Ive always found this one kind of annoying. Its the combination of the grungy guitar and the vocal samples not cutting it for me. Naganuma is still my boy but hey nobodys perfect

223/4521
@Mihark
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Frozen Rito Village
https://youtu.be/SOjlFcZkR30?si=cckQDmMoXkXtHzLn

I love the overwhelmingness of this soundscape. It really makes me feel like Im in the middle of a blizzard, or in some icy terrain. Like I can practically see my breath in front of me as I type this, which is very impressive! It just once again wasnt really my thing. I dont love it but I appreciate it.

I dont love it but count = 4

222/4461
@DanKirby
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time - Cutting Edge of Notion
https://youtu.be/cAAqqGjymCM

This is probably meant to be a really intense battle theme but it sounds silly to me. Like its a battle, but its against like a troupe of clowns, and they juggle status effects. I dont know. This is not my favorite shanty Sakuraba has composed on his endless prog organ, but it gets the job done. Please convince me this isn't the same fucking song as The True Mirror.

221/4436
@DragonGargoyle
BROK the InvestiGator - Graff's Second Exam
https://youtube.com/watch?v=zFBhctFfZXc

Nice moody atmospheric piece. Im sure this is great at setting a mood for whenever it plays in the game (during an exam, apparently). I like the sad Chrono Cross-esque sample that carries the melody around. A very 6/10 song, possibly the most 6/10 in the whole ranking.

Hi friends! As has been pointed out, we are 25% of the way through the ranking. If you've been wanting to listen to the songs so far but haven't felt like clicking on a bunch of links, have I got the treat for you - a shiny playlist!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9FyX-bNcVjNDqgefrKF0BsrsFvAIzVp1

I'll try to keep this updated periodically. Enjoy!

230/4628
@Bitto
Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice - Courtroom Rvolutionnaire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WhZInUkekQ

This is the most Noriyuki Iwadare song he ever composed. I assume its Iwadare. I dont think it can be anyone else! This is very much his style: the big epic grandiosity that still sounds like youre some small town kid going off on a grand adventure. It feels like the theme of a superhero, or a JRPG protagonist, which fits this series, lol.

229/4622
@Haste_2
Silent Hill - Harry Is Gone!
https://youtu.be/_OuFFdZS2gk?si=0pPUTJEBgcgl85QM

LOL at this song. This is funny to listen to but unpleasant (or maybe that should be unpleasant but funny to listen to?). It gets points for weird but weird can only get you so far! I think the context of this makes it funnier than just listening to the song.

228/4615
@bebr117
Grand Poo World 2 - House of the Undying
https://youtu.be/EVVVogFGwfc?si=E-kLgJuJlb9YpK3d

Im always bummed when I find an SNES song Im not into, particularly if its from a fangame or romhack, as the SNES is one of my favorite systems for music. House of the Undying has some cool bits I especially enjoy the 7/4 interlude near the loop point but I think Im just not as into the melody. I do like the heavy drums though.

227/4599
@GavsEvans123
Nickelodeon All Star Brawl - Glove World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kiv7dJVtkXU

What a goofy ass song. Its charmingly goofy though I struggle to think of a stage or character in this game that this would fit? Its got this old-timey vibe, weird silent cartoon/1920s thing going.

226/4583
GavsEvans123
Psychonauts - The Meat Circus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEfcgr9cQWk

Double drop, sorry File this one under songs that are cool but that I have no desire to listen to again. The 6/10 tier is full of songs like this. I like the way this builds and the cascading cymbals and the variety of instruments on display, its brimming with personalityits just not for me. Sorry!

235/4671
@Tked
POD Planet of Death - Mix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdGncGOj4GA

Speaking of ALL PHASE MIX this is one of the longer nominations in the ranking, clocking in at just over fourteen and a half minutes. I counted five distinct phases, all of which consistently have nice drumbeats and space effects. The mix doesnt pick up for me until part 3, with a faster beat and a very distinct sense of running through a forest (though this is apparently a racing game?). Part 4 is intense, with a stronger, pulsating beat and some "breathing" in the background; the whole thing paints a vivid picture of a hostile, foreign environment. Notable here is the weird meter. Part 5, the last part (at least that I counted), is more spooky than intense, like Im being stalked by a predator. I think this is more a medley of a bunch of songs than a consistent piece, but everything works together very nicely and builds off each other.

234/4668
@andylt
Sonic Heroes - Casino Park
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZfFI8F7XSY

Bouncy bouncy wheee wheee. I hear this and I dont think Casino, but I do think Park, like a kids park with slides and sandboxes. Maybe thats what Casino Park is, like you gamble on seesaws. The song would be higher if it wasnt as repetitive and didnt replay the same measure over and over. Ah well!

233/4666
@Fluttershy_Pony
Impossible Pixel and the Fate of Destiny - The Evil Pixel
https://youtu.be/PnkHY1em_No

Really nice EVIL atmosphere in this one. I love a good grungy, messy chiptune aesthetic, and The Evil Pixel really nails that. For something as short as it is though, I found my focus waning a bit throughout, which is why its as low as it is.

232/4661
@Snake5555555555
Slay the Princess - Fragmentation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyCaGte56ms

Im not a huge fan of the lo-fi samples here, but they do work to convey a pervasive sense of melancholy. This seems like horror music but its more like, existential horror, like the monster is inside of you all along (I dont know what the game is about). Its a deceptively simple song that manages to still be very evocative.

231/4647
bea
Zubo - Team Pop Party
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gu7pkrIar4

This feels like music for, like, two generations after mine, haha. The energetic melody and sample-infused rock hearken back to childhood. The heee-yaaahhs give it a nice sense of playfulness. Incidentally, this got the same score as another heee-yaaahh song, Celestes Confronting Myself, though the songs are separated by about two hundred places.

Hbthebattle posted...

Well part of it is because this isn't a boss theme, merely the regular battle theme for Deep Space. Kingdom Hearts tends to change its style in sci-fi themed areas, you can see this a lot with the themes for the various Tron worlds.

Maybe you'd like the KH3 version of the song more, it's a bit higher energy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT831QJuTV8

Oh interesting. I like the KH3 version's energy. I actually like the calmer breakdown halfway through too. Not sure where I'd rank the song in comparison, but probably around the same level.

Fluttershy_Pony posted...

The mod is based on the NES Godzilla creepypasta. Said creepypasta had an alternate gag ending where the final boss was revealed to be John Madden all along; so the mod added Madden in an update as part of the joke. I kinda split the difference and nominated both a "serious vocal song" and a "non-serious instrumental song" from the mod since I was having trouble choosing between them.

I was linked to the vocal version on Discord and it's even more ridiculous, though the MADDEN MADDEN MADDEN MADDEN gets drowned out, losing its impact. I don't know anything about creepypasta so all of that stuff is lost on me; I was very confused, but along for the ride.

240/4706
@Chaeix
Danganronpa 2 - Homicide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCfpmW6s37U

Oh hey its Kill Command, sort of. I dont really like Kill Command very much and this doesnt feel different enough for me to have a different opinion! Its a weird song so I give it points for that, with all kinds of swishy effects and warbly trumpets, its just not for me.

239/4705
@Hbthebattle
Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep - Mkaukau?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B28HvWb8bkU

For an intense boss-type theme, this feels sort of weirdly lacking in energy? I really like when the synthy strings come in at 0:45, thats a nice moment. This feelsnot like Shimomuras usual style, though I struggle to pinpoint why that is. Could it be the instruments?

238/4697
@Fluttershy_Pony
Friday Night: Monster of Monsters: MADDEN ATTACK!! - QU4RTERB4CK
https://youtu.be/uve0d2eg-QM

I was given weirder songs than this, but I think this is the weirdest song source in the ranking. From what I can tell its a Friday Night Funkin modabout Godzillabut this song is about John Madden? And not only that, its an instrumental version! Good gravy. I suppose the most accurate thing I can say about QU4RTERB4CK is it sounds like a Homestuck song. I dont know if thats a compliment. Its unique enough to hold my interest, between the intense drumbeat and the MMX guitar, and MADDEN MADDEN MADDEN MADDEN. What a weird and wonderful addition to the ranking; though I ranked it comparatively low, I still got such a kick out of it. Thanks Fluttershy_Pony!

237/4695
@tazzyboyishere
Shadow Hearts - Imbroglio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJfhsgsVaTo

Another song with prominent bells. I actually used this in my very first guessing game, but Ive soured on it a little, if only for those bellsthey just wont shut up. Theyre very loud and throw off the rest of the song for me. But the rest of it is super cool! Like a lot of Shadow Hearts music, its very ominous and oppressive.

236/4687
@pyresword
Honkai Star Rail - Pedujara (All Phase Mix)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zma7bOGA1oM

ALL PHASE MIX lets go. Another objectively cool song but it doesnt really click with me that much. Its cool to hear the different phases. Phase 1 is probably the least engaging, which probably makes sense in-game as its the beginning of the fight. Phase 2, however, is super cool! Its got a nice flair to it, with catchy beats and what sounds like some Indian inspiration mixed with more symphonic sensibilities. Phase 3 takes phase 2 and kicks it up for tempo and intensity, with more Indian flair. This wasnt for me but I really appreciate the ambition and scope. I imagine this is a killer fight.

Sixth nomination:
- Super Bomberman 3 - Battle Theme Mash-UP MIX
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWJUIZqiGBU

Nina Simone | Sinnerman (10:19)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IACZdwwJI4
@rwlh

Spoilers for why I'm giving you this, you may want to hold off on reading this until after you've listened:
I know you have a strong aversion to religious music, but this song is quite the experience. It's ranked #2 on Rate Your Music's all-time singles chart. It does things I've never heard in other music, so I think even if you wind up hating the religious themes, maybe you can take something from it all the same. If you hate it, well then maybe my other nom (so far) will make up for it!

-Chaos-Zero- posted...

This is the best Bomberman Battle rendition I've heard, incorporating all the different aspects of each of the versions (but I could hardly submit an unofficial remix).

https://youtu.be/YWJUIZqiGBU?si=VKj4AIkun4Tk1RdB

Ooh I really really like this.

245/4739
@MacArrowny
Beatmania IIDX 28 Bistrover - Ignis Irae
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnENxFJs_4Y

I like the denseness of the sound here, like theres a lot packed into every second, but it doesnt feel overwhelming in a bad way. I also appreciate how it uses OMINOUS CHORUS to more interesting effect than your standard final boss theme. Its not really my kind of jam though.

244/4733
@-Chaos-Zero- -
Bomberman Tournament - Battle Mode
https://youtu.be/11NA3_p6eyY?si=Yi_tmkqBVH268kFe

In my notes I have not my favorite version of this theme. That about sums it up. Its a little too abrasive for me. I can take or leave GBA crunch but this has a little too much of it for my liking.

243/4727
Revolver
Alan Wake 2 - No One Left to Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1H4LNC3KlA

I really dig the unclear meter at the start of this song, where it seems to stumble over itself. Then we have this extended note and it changes up significantly, becomingI dont know what genre this is, it feels pop adjacent but its like intimate, stripped-down vocals. Then it explodes into something fuller. A genuinely cool song! This is the first placement that, were I to rerank everything today, would probably be higher; its landing for me a lot today. Sorry Rev! To those of you (us) who arent in love with the Old Gods of Asgard songs, dont shy away from No One Left to Live its very different.

242/4726
@Disillusion
One Step From Eden - Battle of Ice I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9BFYpGqCQI

This is another song I always think Im going to enjoy more than I do. Its got fun crystally bits and a very poppy melody, but the total package is less engaging for me than I think its going to be. Ive had that reaction to other songs from this soundtrack too maybe its just not for me?

6/10

241/4709
@Arti
Yakuza 0 - Friday Night
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaNmV7Sx5_M

Somebody nominated a song from Hypnospace Outlaw for this. If you gave me all 300 songs and didnt tell where any of them came from, but I knew there was a Hypnospace Outlaw in there, I would assume it was this. Theres so much 80s cheese in this. Its kind of delightful. Very interesting to compare with Kamurocho Lullaby, which is much more serious, whereas Friday Night is super goofy, the perfect song to kick back and dance to on a Wednesday afternoon.

250/4766
@andylt
Octopath Traveler II - Partitio, the Merchant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23F7lA8jbTE

This is just a goddamn Paradise Killer song. The sax sounds identical to Paradise Killer, and the other instruments sort of do too. This is more of a funny aside than a bad thing. The song is soothing but doesnt grab me beyond a general sense of ooh, sax!

249/4764
@FL81
Dragon Poker - Psycho
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nv4nlNBXx7E

Psycho is a song with a lot of buildup and minimal payoff. I wouldnt normally mind that but it feels like theres meant to be something there, and then there isnt. I do like the melody and production. Despite it being ranked comparatively low, I think this would add a lot to any VGMC field.

248/4757
@NBIceman
Paradise Killer - End of the World
https://youtu.be/v6KVvApCCak?si=g33epTzXV3khM19_

This is just a goddamn Octopath Traveler II son-uh, never mind, lol. This is funky. I dig the clapping at 2:15. Clapping is good. 5.5s, everybody!

247/4748
@Bitto
Super Mario Galaxy 2 - Puzzle Plank Galaxy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sJijxXt_d4

I do not in fact love the Mario Galaxy soundtracks! I know, heresy. I never really have. This song at least is an attempt to cater to things I said I liked by giving me squeaky-sounding lead instruments. I enjoy the interplay between the real-sounding strings and the fake-sounding electronic stuff. This is, objectively, a very cool song. As with most of the other music from the duology, however, its just not really my thing. Still, points to you for the squeaky instruments!

246/4745
@NFUN
Power DoLLs FX - Alternative Walls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOtB4fHdTT4

Theres a song I like in here but its buried under samples that give me a headache. I like the methodical drumbeat and the lighthearted intensity (theres a phrase) of the melody, but I cant get behind the lead instruments. In case you havent noticed, thats very important to me in music. I would be interested in hearing a redone version of this with a different sample pack and seeing if my opinion changes.

Nominate Nicktoons. We did Cartoon Network shows, it's only fair!

I have been informed that my math is bad and there are in fact 59 nominators, not 29. Math is hard.

There are two additional folks who nominated two and three songs respectively, so I'm leaving them out of the tally.

ELIMINATION 29/29: TheArkOfTurus
Average rating: 4
Average ranking: 5306
Your lucky song: Poly Bridge 2 - Taking Flight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb_nMrZzZZM

Thank you for nominating!

255/4892
@dowolf
Arknights - Cinders and Ashes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkY9MqeT4qU

There are certain words I try to never use when talking about music: boring, generic, and the dreaded bad. Here I have to fight to not use the g word. Cinders and Ashes feels like a song Ive heard before, like, a lot. All the hallmarks are here. Its fine, slightly above average, but I find it pretty uninspiring. Like I said in earlier writeups though, typical music isnt inherently bad. I dont need every song I listen to to break new ground. But yeah.

254/4885
@NFUN
Phantasy Star Portable 2 - Aire Iglesia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ2ASC4IAYA

I like the spacy stuff. Do I need a counter for that? Im going to be saying it a lot. Aire Iglesia is a weird song because I love the start, but then it falls off pretty hard for me. Most of the instruments seem to be a bitshrill? Like theyre pitched a little too high. And theres some buzzing going on with the lead instrument. The end result is that I feel lost, unsure of what to take from the song. Which is a shame, because it starts out so strong.

253/4881
@TheArkOfTurus
SANABI - The Execution the King's Order
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ8FaHbom4M

Poor TheArkOfTurus. I hope youre not discouraged from nominating something from this for VGMC Im just one person, with one take on these songs. That take has stayed the same for all five noms, so I wont repeat it. Instead Ill say that there are, upon closer inspection, child vocals in this! Creepy child vocals to boot, a bonus I didnt even mention that I liked. So you got closer to my taste here.

252/4805
@Prince46
Brawl Stars - Starr Force Battle Music 2
https://youtu.be/lA44zYvgCWA

This feels a little low budget but kind of a charming way, like its wearing the label with pride. Its goofy and fun. I kind of liked it. Not much else to say!

251/4799
@DeadTaffer
GunZ: The Duel - Lets Rock (Duel Theme 4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itxx_VVzpuk

Maybe its the title, but this sounds like its being played from deep underground, and I mean that both in terms of the tone of the song and the audio quality. The guitar does a lot of good work here, giving off this dreary feel that works for the song. Its got kind of a lo-fi garage band quality to it (not the last time Ill be saying that about a particular song!).

260/5051
@handsomeboy2012
Old School Runescape - Oh dear, you are dead!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43slqnHiHWs

Several songs in this ranking run over 10 minutes, including an all phase mix, a medley of other songs from its game, some deep ambient cuts, and other intriguing musical pieces. I honestly get excited whenever I see vgm with a longer than average runtime (assuming its not a shitty gamerip that loops ten times).

This song is the total opposite: its four seconds long.

Four seconds long!

Im not even sure if theres another nomination that runs under a minute, but this is four seconds long. handsomeboy2012 has given me quite the quandary, quite the navel-gazing dilemma. What is VGM? Can I truly judge this against songs with developed themes, more sophisticated execution? Is this something I could conceivably come back to again and again?

I dont know. What I do know is this little tune, five dissonant notes with reverb, placed higher than forty songs. I am able to recall it, almost perfectly, weeks after my first listen. What is VGM, after all, but music to score something, music to perform an action to, music to fill the void in an interactive experience? For me at least, these four seconds filled that void.

tl;dr: very funny !

5.5/10

259/5041
@Fluttershy_Pony
Chase H.Q. - My Name & Your Name (Name Entry)
https://youtu.be/htvpauM2Cb8

This song is forty seconds. I am proven wrong IMMEDIATELY. Oof.

I get the joke/vibe this is going for, but unfortunately its outclassed by this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzx_lVDvT-o

I love that we live in a world where both of these songs exist.

Also we are now officially in ABOVE AVERAGE ZONE. Very nicely done, everybody.

258/5029
@-Chaos-Zero-
Heavy Rain - Ethan Mars' Main Theme
https://youtu.be/o7-7-E-G270?si=qqnrLkvAA1A4ongr

This sort of reminds me of a Resident Evil theme in its majesty. I like how it swells and builds like VGM of its type do. Im just not really into VGM of its type! Not much to say here really; I appreciate that it commits to the mood fully. I definitely feel something strong when I listen to this, which is more than I can say for a lot of music.

257/4938
@TheArkOfTurus
SANABI - Digitalized Dreams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB6NATqisOI

This has the strongest start of the SANABI noms so far, with faded, distorted sounds straight out of an old gramophone. That lead synth Ive complained about in the previous writeups is still there, but because its not as prominent, this gets top ranks so far. One more SANABI to gohow will it do?

256/4903
@Bane_Of_Despair
Nier - Cold Steel Coffin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df4oPN2j4ig

If you made a bracket out of this ranking, this would be #256, the bottom seed. I think I like the idea of Nier music more than actually listening to it. Sometimes I enjoy it, but a lot of the time its just sort of there. Even a song like Shadowlord can go on and on for me. Cold Steel Coffin has a leg up because its so suffocating, one of the first noms I can say that about in a good way: the soundscape is crushing, squeezing me into a tiny cube. Im justnot into it other than that. But this was a good attempt!

PIayer_0 posted...

I'm happy I at least found some video game enka for you! It's a standard Japanese genre with sentimental lyrics and traditional influences, which makes for a cool sound when they use note scales that Western listeners aren't used to. It got really big some time after WW2, so you could consider it their version of blues or moody vocal jazz. The most widespread example is probably in Kill Bill 1, where a song plays after the snowy duel in Japan. In Yakuza 2's case, the overwhelming emotion convinces a yakuza boss to forgive the singer's debt and give up his gang life for the snowy countryside (it is very cute)

Oh interesting! I sincerely hope you give me such detailed info about all of your noms when they come up!

paulg235 posted...

There IS another arrangement in the game, but it's basically the same arrangement with one or two extra layers of instrumentation added in, and I preferred the track without those additions in, so that's the song I nommed. The arrangement in question (if you wish to judge for yourself);
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfbfKgt-GZI

Hm, that extra warbly layer sounds pretty odd. I think maybe I just want this song to be Fear Factory lol

Nominate:
Rachel Green (Friends)

These topics are fun, thanks for running them!

Circling back to an earlier idea of mine: "Mean Rushmore," where you have a restricted group of five things and we vote for which one to exclude. Somebody gave some good suggestions after I came up with the idea but I don't think it's come up since.

Arti posted...

There's only one Vocaloid in this song! The others are actual singers

I stand corrected! They still sound like they have head colds though lol