Lurker > rwlh

ELIMINATION 51/59: paulg235
Average rating: 5.9
Average ranking: 4360
Your lucky song: Cartagra - Profundity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9Sfa6YdlBs

Thank you for nominating!

120/2853
@Place
Taiko no Tatsujin (2011) - Magical Parfait
https://youtu.be/GcS1ges6jYk?si=DQSlmVywsSJLy7Ay

This is a very dense song. Lots of stuff popping off all over the place: little bells and chimes, beeps and boops, persistent percussion, a cute PAH noise every now and then. Parts of this feel like alien music and parts feel like somebodys ringtone. Its a truly unique experience. Its only not higher because, like virtually everything at this tier, I dont really have a desire to come back to it, but when I do come back to it, its delightful.

119/2848
@failgirlema
Outburst4D - FUTURE EXPRESS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PglnNElc8Dk

Love the crackly opening, then the muffled vocal sample, then this heavenly melody kicks in. Some very strong Indian vibes, and some very nifty sound design and melodic progression. As we exit the 7s soon, get ready for more of these songs that tick off multiple boxes but do so in style. I chose to place this right around the following song, which I used in a mini collab with deo, because I respond to both songs very similarly:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30UcYqSXpBg

118/2847
@banshiryuu
SOUND VOLTEX IV HEAVENLY HAVEN - Spectrum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVxI-7HtaaY

Speaking of deoI placed this song one slot above FUTURE EXPRESS, and Life & Lodge one slot above that. Ranking is an exact science, you see. Spectrum is a mysterious song that never manages to shed its sense of whimsy. This is probably the least rhythm game-y nomination from deo; I could see this in like a Zero Escape soundtrack or something. I love that interplay between the two poles of innocent and dark.

117/2840
@DeadTaffer
Tenchu: Stealth Assassins - Crisis 3 (Onikage)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrH8V5Zdz3k

The best way I can think of to describe this song is sinister Layton music. I dont know. Even though the instrumentation is different, the composition really reminds me of like, a chase sequence in Layton. Do Layton games have chase sequences? If they did, and if the BGM that played during them had East Asian trappings, it would sound like this.

116/2836
@paulg235
Crypt Of The NecroDancer - Konga Conga Kappa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eon9jJDK2q8

Last 7!

Here is an example of a song that improved significantly after the loop point. At first I wasnt feeling this, but something hearing the melody and grungy bass again really made the song improve in my eyes (ears?). Its got great presence: if I was personifying songs, this one would be a very important and powerful person who gets what they want, and has fun doing it, but maybe at others expense.

ZenOfThunder posted...

celebrity product endorsements would be separate from products created by celebrities, right?

the line kind of blurs sometimes though. did george foreman actually make his own grill?

I was thinking the former but if you'd rather do the other, that's fine too.

Okay. Then change:

Run D.M.C.
N.W.A.
Nas
Kendrick Lamar

To:

Grandmaster Flash
2Pac
Nas
Kendrick Lamar

Grandmaster Flash was one of the originators and influencers, and Tupac remains one of the genre's biggest superstars.

rwlh posted...

Run D.M.C.
Public Enemy
Nas
Kendrick Lamar

Change Public Enemy to N.W.A.

You've been smackledorfed!

Relevant to the current discussion (the full title of Barkley Shut Up and Jam Gaiden probably qualifies), here's a nomination that could be fun: Celebrity product endorsements.

Okay, I'll give it a try.

Run D.M.C.
Public Enemy
Nas
Kendrick Lamar

The first two are musical acts. If you want individual rappers, let me know and I'll revise.

Run D.M.C. were some of the earliest and most influential rappers. Public Enemy was (to my knowledge) one of the first rap acts to be loudly political. Nas's album Illmatic was highly influential among rappers. And Kendrick Lamar is probably the most acclaimed rapper of his generation and one of the most celebrated of all time.

I don't really have much input on this except that I think this Rushmore is funniest if Kanye is kept off it.

125/2934
@Prody_Parrot
DANCE aROUND - Star Tune
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J35vbcuV6w4

Why hello its our old friend little girl music. Prodys first drop is a funky dance track with some gratuitous English in the chorus; the singer entreats us to dance dance dance and jump jump jump. Its way catchier than it has any right to be. The song feels like disco. Jessie Wares been real quiet since this dropped

Only Place stands alone with all five songs undropped. But for how long???

124/2918
@Haste_2
Kirby Super Star - Flying Through Outer Space
https://youtu.be/tgQ0AyOMiAo?si=EZrZNekVgOn8HSgr

I think this song is largely in14/4? Is that a real time signature? Thats how it sounds to me at least. Like the best Kirby songs, this twinkles like the stars, captivating me with bubbly melodies and shockingly complex rhythms. God, this must be a great song to just get fucking baked to. Kirby music really brings out the poet in me.

123/2882
@sergiocornaga
Monument Valley - Sounds from Shattered Seashells
https://youtu.be/Y5_6gcl6UHM

I love the big, immersive sound in the Monument Valley soundtracks. While this isnt quite as high on my list as other examples (Amateur Cartography is the highest ranked song from the series, at #303), it still does a great job at setting the tone with big chords and a slow, deliberate rhythm. This is a good song to get lost in.

122/2871
@tgs2
UEFA 2000 (GBC) - Statistics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtBaaRuEg8I

Why yes I like Alberto Jose Gonzlez, thanks for asking. Is Gonzlez the most consistent VGM composer of all time? I feel like if you like one song by him, youll like everything by him. This sounds just like his other work, which I also like, so this is fine by me Like every solid Gonzlez track, its got a catchy melody and some delightful Game Boy Color arpeggios (which, hey, I guess not every song of his has).

121/2854
@GameBopAdv
corru.observer - Fractured City
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHeSVh5XgY0

A short song, under forty seconds. Everybodys always talking about how songs are too long but I would absolutely listen to six and a half minutes of this. Its the closest to literal noise in the whole ranking. Noise music always calms me down when Im feeling stressed; I can put on Crazybus and within seconds feel calm neurotransmitters flowing through my brain. This is a song that I absolutely want more of, a testament to how much I liked what was here.

Expect another five tonight - just posting now to say that I updated the playlist through song 126 (Lathouse).

ELIMINATION 52/59: tazzyboyishere
Average rating: 6
Average ranking: 4224
Your lucky song: Abzu - Seriola Lalandi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4XsxGS-VtM

Thank you for nominating!

hey guess what i'm a fucking liar

-

130/3040
@Arti
The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero - Afternoon in Crossbell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBkrcWMgJdo

Nice vibes. Very pleasant. What sets this track apart from other nice/pleasant songs is these atonal bells that are used throughout that give it some nice heft. Its like two bells in harmony, but one is off-key, and its really lovely. When I revisited this song for the second listenthrough, I noted that it felt like I was returning to an old friend.

129/3024
@DanKirby
Star Ocean: The Second Story - We form in crystals
https://youtu.be/ZA0Pk5DKKSY

As you may have gleaned from earlier writeups, Im not the biggest fan of Motoi Sakuraba. But We form in crystals is a strangely compelling song. I especially like the wolf howling that appears periodically. The song is almost six minutes long but it doesnt feel long at all, at least not in a bad way; like a walk through a darkened forest, there are new discoveries and a hint of danger around every corner.

128/2974
@Paratroopa1
Life on Earth: Reimagined - Stage 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRaC60Y5_Ps

Yes this FM synth sound on this is so good. Songs like this, with minimal melody but heavy reliance on a particular soundchip, get by for me partially on the percussion. This track has a lot of really solid percussion, nice crunchy drums and a deep THROBBING bass. Heres actual footage of me with the FM synth in this song:

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/forum/6/6a6ed352.jpg

127/2960
@tazzyboyishere
Lumines - Shinin'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr5ey9HNorE

This is A Big Song. Ive used the term maximalist a few times so far and Im not sure if Im using it correctly, but Ill use it again here to refer to a song with big sound design. Lots of energy, Wall of Sound production, heavy reverb sometimes. Shinin does all of these things. Much like SHAKE YA BODY, the Lumines nom from last VGMC, its repetitive, but it holds my interest all throughout. This is an example of a song that uses repetition in a way that I find engaging and fun. It even changes up 2/3 of the way through to a more acoustic tone, so if youre bored with the song, skip ahead

126/2944
@Collen
The Urbz: Sims in the City - Lathouse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rMzApMW3Yw

This song has everything: sex noises, someone muttering in French, funky beats, and beeping. All in the first 30 seconds! When the dude comes in speaking in Simlish or whatever, it transcends to another level. Its fun if nothing else! This strikes me as an example of microhouse, a genre Collen introduced me to in the album ranking. (Fans of the Ballz 3D Title Theme may wish to take notes on this one.)

Probably no writeups today, maybe not tomorrow either. But we'll be back soon!

135/3144
@JONA
The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood - Sisterhood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6Rhdpxi0kU

This song starts out in 10/4 and then switches to 5/4 (or maybe its always 5/4). It feels super prog in that its constantly shifting and throwing new musical ideas around, but everything feels so cohesive. Its a fun song to see develop and to revisit.

134/3137
@MargaretAnnMid
Suikoden III - Theme of Narcissism (Once Again)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NofniC4T7U

I really hope this plays on a boat because its making me seasick. I mean that in a good way its disorienting in a palpable way. The notes feel ever so slightly off, and the runs happen dizzyingly fast. The whole thing feels like its tilting me sideways. I dont know if Narcissism is the name of someones boat or just their belief that theyre the center of their underwater kingdom, but its such a visceral song. Was this the reaction you expected from when you nominated this?

133/3125
@xx521xx
PokPark 2: Wonders Beyond - Battle Theme 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUU7S8TuXJY

More of that garage band sound that I didnt know I particularly enjoyed! This is somehow a Pokemon song. Very intense but in a playful way. This might be a childs first exposure to rock like this, with big dramatic cowbells and drum flourishes and such. Grownups can enjoy it too!

132/3112
@DeadTaffer
Bunker Punks - Earthshifter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGSmeqMx-Xo

A pretty intense rock song with some dubstep elements. In contrast to the previous song, this ones all business, with guitars that sound like nails on chalkboards and an intense drumbeat. I didnt expect to like this one quite so much rock can be a tough sell for me, but these two songs prove that this old genre still has plenty of surprises.

131/3048
@Collen
else Heart.Break() - Safe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akhCH8B_qAk

Safe is a song full of wonderful surprises. Its over seven minutes long (I know thats sacrilege to some of you) and it holds my interest the whole time. Parts of it sound like dinosaur noises and parts of it simulates the feeling of my ear collapsing. If thats not a recommendation for you to give this one a spin, I dont know what it is!

ELIMINATION 53/59: Hbthebattle
Average rating: 6.2
Average ranking: 4154
Your lucky song: Sable - Beetle Detour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEDqMdmCygg

Thank you for nominating!

140/3343
@Hbthebattle
Blue Dragon - Release the Seal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrUx_F6plEw

AHHHHHHH

AHHHHHHH

AHHHHHHH

This is certainly an Uematsu ass final boss song. Lots of rip-roaring guitars and a steady, rhythmic beat straight out of The Extreme. At 1:50 the song really kicks into high gear as all the elements come together nicely. This feels weirdly like it has OP energy, like this is a reprise of the main theme at parts? Either way, its very cool!

139/3324
@sergiocornaga
Tangledeep: Legend of Shara - Lands Above the Clouds (Realm of the Gods)
https://youtu.be/FudJUVH85x8

The Schala is strong with this one. Maybe a little too strong, lol. Fortunately for you, I like Schalas Theme a lot (#582 on the sheet!), enough to push this past some of the reservations I still sort of have, like how it doesnt feel as full to me as other, similarly styled songs. But I love the shimmery effects the notes have throughout, and the excellent SNES-style percussion. Honestly Id probably still like this if the Schala influence wasnt there.

138/3251
@bebr117
Cytus II - VIS::CRACKED
https://youtu.be/35SxtEFwVZ4?si=hWx71AHacYjhqWQu

This opens with what can charitably referred to as mouth swirling and then transitions into heavy wubbing and kitchen-sink production. I really like it around 0:50 when that Nekomata Master-esque instrument comes in. Frums already made an appearance at song #202; this one is less aggressive with wubbing but more with the overall sound production, which is a lot of stuff thrown together. I dont always like that, but here it works for me. Also, did you know Frums is smurF backwards

137/3173
@GameBopAdv
Rhem 4 - Over Strange Waters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRu4v5oIoC8

Good ambience is an underappreciated musical genre. Over Strange Waters is mostly wind and a spooky airy effect and a few stray piano keys and its very lovely. Creepy as hell too. This would fit well in a psychological horror movie (Snake, are you taking notes?). The whole thing feels like silk. Love it. (Its also a hilarious transition from the last song, haha.)

136/3164
@dowolf
Lantern Lagoon - Rust
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhyafxApKgI

Talking about songs with clear influences, I hear a lot of Midnas Lament in this: the piano sample, the melancholy tone. What Rust does differently is it takes that melody and places it in the background, bringing a clock-esque beat and some unexpected instruments to the forefront. I wouldnt go so far as to say this explicitly has ticking clocks, but its clock adjacent.

Fluttershy_Pony posted...

I'm pleasantly surprised that one lasted as long as it did. It's the most obscure song I nominated, being an unused song from a very small game jam project, but it was such a delight that I wanted to show it off somewhere.

I actually spent a fair amount of time scanning Bandcamp for recently released soundtracks to try and find something interesting & new to nominate, though Stitch 'n' Scuffle was the only discovery I enjoyed enough to use a nom on.

I appreciate the effort! Now to wait and see what you think of my two nominations for your ranking

ELIMINATION 54/59: Fluttershy_Pony
Average rating: 6.3
Average ranking: 4281
Your lucky song: Quadralien - Main Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh2TE8VQWZg

Thank you for nominating!

145/3484
@kamakazikila
GITADORA Tri-Boost - Jauguar Ningen no Junan (Long Version)
https://youtu.be/Xztei-bzB0U

Hey its Kudo rhythm prog! I'm not always into this very specific style. This one has strings and guitars, already an uphill battle. It's certainly interesting but like a lot of prog I struggle to maintain my focus with so many new ideas constantly popping offhowever, the bit at 2:10 is great, and then again when it gets "softer" later; I like modulations like that. By the three-minute mark I really came around on this. This is definitely closer to Trajectory of the Kiyarora Satellite than Jupiter Guns Novel. Cool pick, and thanks for pushing me out of my comfort zone.

144/3474
@azuarc
Final Fantasy - Flying Castle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejJMXQWVvHs

Two Final Fantasy drops in one day! This is another NES classic. Like everything Ive heard from OG FF, its got an impeccable melody and a very effective use of the soundchip. I especially love when the song slows down slightly before the loop, which is a nice touch. I dont fully know the context of this one but it strikes me as a good song for sneaking around.

143/3463
@Bane_Of_Despair
The World Ends With You - New Born (Hybrid)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WipL4pF9F_k

The final TWEWY song to drop, New Born (Hybrid) is a slower-paced affair than the other three songs. Its moody and would fit in well in the esteemed pantheon of 2000s alt rock. This was going to drop a little earlier but it has TICKING CLOCKS and we all know how much I love those :3

142/3454
@Mihark
Pokmon Crystal - Eusine's Theme
https://youtu.be/TWVm0ktFQTY

Another classic chiptune experience. I did a Pokemon song ranking a few years back but there were apparently some high quality Poketunes nobody nominated for that; several of them have made their way onto this ranking, including some that havent even dropped yet. Eusines Theme is catchy, though Im not drawn in by the melody so much as by the overall crispness of the Game Boy Color, one of my favorite soundchips.

141/3365
@Fluttershy_Pony
The One Button - Stitch 'n' Scuffle (Unused)
https://youtu.be/Dk1UW8ue28o

This song is hilarious. Its probably in the top ten, maybe top five in this ranking of songs that sound fake. Nothing is a real instrument in this; its all keyboards and synths. But isnt real instrument a little reductive? If you can make music with it, its a real instrument, thats my take. And this happy tune celebrates its fakeness. You couldnt get the same experience with a real mallet-based instrument, or with a real steel drum. From the fakeness of this song comes one of the realest musical experiences so far.

I decided it might be fun to listen to all the nominated albums in advance of next week. (I would then rank them by how much I want to listen to them again.) Does anybody have a good upload for Garth Brooks - No Fences? The Youtube uploads are incomplete (at least one song is missing). I even registered an account on Spotify but it doesn't seem to be there either. It'll have to get place by default if I can't even listen to it in full.

ELIMINATION 55/59: Chaeix
Average rating: 5.6
Average ranking: 4536
Your lucky song: League of Legends - Login Screen (ARCADE 2019: ULTRACOMBO)
https://youtu.be/EeyPmIssreo

Thank you for nominating!

First off: playlist updated as of the halfway point. Here's the link again if you need it:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9FyX-bNcVjNDqgefrKF0BsrsFvAIzVp1

-

150/3573
KecleonFan352
Them's Fightin' Herds - The Woodlands (Oleander)
https://youtu.be/28OQJaycrgU

I like the strings and drum samples. This is a song that feels a little empty at parts but still proves satisfying to listen to after all, its got dramatic bells, and everyone loves those. I love the fade in not a lot of vgm seems to have fade-ins, you know and then it goes pretty ham, with harpsichord and strings. Lots of fun.

149/3545
@Chaeix
Lineage II - Shepard's Flute
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqWJz4J3e4c

This is a song I need to be in the right headspace for. Its a lovely piece for guitar and flute(?) and some strings and percussion. Shepards Flute is sneaky because you think its going to be a rinky dinky little Western vgm song but its got a lot of substance; theres a real undercurrent of sadness, a real heft to its presence.

undercurrent of sadness count = 2

148/3544
@andylt
Reflec Beat groovin'!! - envidia Long Version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp2K98m2ELs

Nekomata flamenco hell yes please. This is different enough that if you told me it was someone other than Nekomata Master, Id probably believe you, but its still within his purview enough that Id believe it was him. Its got his trademark world music trappings coupled with a flamenco style. Not much to say about this one except this its super cool; Nekomata is normally a safe bet with me.

147/3519
@Not_an_Owl
Final Fantasy XIV - FINAL FANTASY IV: The Final Battle (Endwalker)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmsSMtswgwA

I love how we go from a brief intro to right into the action. This is a song that Id normally say would benefit from cleaner production these drums in particular sound like theyre very muffled but the whole thing is solid enough that it doesnt bother me. I like the original version of this a good deal but my favorite parts are the new sections at 1:45, with those staccato string hits and that runaway bass and new string part. A nicely updated take on a classic.

146/3499
@UF8
AQUARIUM - Cassiopeia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hPA5g8Nylo

I dont actually know what this song is about (this didnt work out to my favor with UF8s last nom) but it strikes me as a really, really sad song. Maybe its the imagery of this virtual person singing to you, and the knowledge that you can never actually know her (or date her, if thats your thing), but theres this soft piano and plaintive singing and its reallykind of heartbreaking?

Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario World
Super Mario 64
Mario Kart 8

• One of the most influential games of all time
• A game that furthered the vision of Super Mario Bros.
• The big leap into 3D platforming, very influential
• Something to represent the spinoffs. I think this is Mario's best-selling non-platformer?

Super Mario World I'm not too sold on - I didn't pick Super Mario Bros. 3 because I didn't want to double dip per console. Open to arguments!

We have now arrived at the top half of the list!

Huge congratulations to the following nominators for not losing a single song so far:

azuarc
Collen
Place
Prody_Parrot

Wowzers!

Good luck to everyone in the fiercely competitive upper half! Its still (almost) anybodys game!

Posting today's second five early today since I figure a lot of people will be busy with the VGMC preview list on Discord.

-

155/3629
@TunnelScene
Silent Dragon - Last Stage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9E7cj7HUFA

Here we have the first song of the ranking that Ive actively returned to a few times. Theres something infectiously catchy about Last Stage. Part of it is the Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! sure, but its also this interesting amalgamation of sounds that you wouldnt think go together. Like theres strings but also a heavy dance beat vibe, and big arcade sound hits that add flavor. Its pretty great!

154/3623
KecleonFan352
Godzilla: Monster of Monsters - Main Theme/Planet X
https://youtu.be/4F7MnU2ZIc8

Another unrelated Godzilla songor so I thought. It seems the FNF songs are based on some sort of creepypasta for this game? I dunno. Im just here for the catchy NES song. For as much as I said I liked chiptunes, Im surprised not many of you opted for giving me, like, NES songs. The NES soundchip is great! This Godzilla song uses it well, with a great melody that can hang with some of the best in the library.

153/3601
@Anagram
Your Turn to Die - Clown's Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RycfPDf4_Qc

Did I say that I like spooky circus music? If I didnt, then you got very lucky with this one, because I absolutely love spooky circus music. To be fair this doesnt have much of a circus vibe, but I can hear it being the theme of a character calling themselves a clown. Like the prior YTTD song, this song does a wonderful job establishing a mood right out of the gate in such a short time.

152/3581
bea
Batman (Gameboy) - Chemical Factory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3A2j7CTLvY

Another OG chiptune. This one doesnt have as memorable a melody as the NES Godzilla one (see #154), but it makes up for it with that Sunsoft bass. While not as prominent on a Game Boy, Sunsofts NES games were renowned for their special soundchip wizardry. Chemical Factory is a great example of a song that wouldnt be as effective on another platform, with another soundchip.

151/3575
@andylt
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth - Final Phase
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2uISr_5J7k

Danganronpa ass shit, thanks Takada. This is likesad final boss music? I dont really know how else to put it. The brief pause before it resumes is followed by very plaintive choir samples (that sound suspiciously like child vocals!). Its a weird song to place tonally, but I like it; I like when songs can simultaneously exist at the ends of two poles like Final Phase does.

ELIMINATION 56/59: Bitto
Average rating: 5.8
Average ranking: 4523
Your lucky song: Teen Titans Go!: Stellar Showdown - Space Mode
https://youtu.be/LAGH8CTk5VA

Thank you for nominating!

160/3655
@Bitto
The World Ends With You - Give Me All Your Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3mHdyiuJRA

This song has GOOD ENERGY. Its a weird combo of optimism and ominousness. Theres a pulsating beat and murky guitar and brooding vocals. The whole thing comes together impressively, creating an atmosphere of oppression with beams of sunlight poking through. Im not sure how else to describe it! There were four TWEWY nominations, two from NEO (which fell right after the other) and two from the original. I wonder when the last one will drop?

159/3648
@MacArrowny
Goddess of Victory: Nikke - The Collector
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKPYkX0Wr20

I have one note for this song and all it says is whoa. This is how you do a song with suffocating production that really appeals to me. Its sort ofmaximalist, I guess? In its execution? Everything is so big and bold, from the hero chords to the wubs to the disparate things like the ominous Latin singing and strings. This song shouldnt work for me but it absolutely does and Im so glad!

158/3642
@sergiocornaga
KGB - Gorbi
https://youtu.be/Z48ncQu5bh4

What a delightful song! Lots of activity going on, from garbled speech with robotic sounds to really nice FM synth sounding notes. Gorbi feels very airy, like theres a robot blowing bubbles that carry me to the ceiling, or something, I dont know. This is one of my first songs where you will notice that my idea of delightful or happy often differ from the norm

157/3637
@Paratroopa1
Ristar - Crying World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69YtG0eP2SE

For a song that relies so heavily on one melodic aspect (in this case, the stretchy note at the start), its kind of funny how little I like that part. Instead this is, like Gorbi, the previous song, a whole freaking circus of delicious Genesis effects: panned synths and a wonderful drumbeat and that ridiculous Oh! sample. Very cool.

156/3635
@Fluttershy_Pony
Friday Night: Monster of Monsters - Out of Place
https://youtu.be/tmPGU0BrXfk

I wasnt sure if Id like this from the beginning; some of these FNF songs with shrill vocal clips are a tough sell. But theres a surprising amount of emotion packed in here. It sounds like a desperate struggle for the fate of something big. Ive said this before about at least one other song, and it applies here too: this is a song that tells a story, even if I dont know what that story is. Its also the same soundtrack that gave us the John Madden song. Talk about range!

This was hard to come up with. I may add more at a later date.

The Hero(es): Bajirao
Name of Song: Malhari
Source Material/Artist: music by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, lyrics by Prashant Ingole, vocals by Vishal Dadlani
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRlA7JWTj04

Oh! I didn't actually read the post you quoted I guess, because I thought you were talking about Weapons Up. I'd rather not spoil myself on 13 Sentinels.

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.