Rules: -Listen to both songs. You're expected to be familiar with both songs in a match before casting your vote; this is why links have been provided. You should judge based on the songs, not the games or the context or what have you. If I have suspicions you're not doing this, your vote may be DQd. -Always vote on the specific versions of the song provided, not versions from different games. -If you're not going to be around and you want to vote in advance, that's cool - there are links available. Just post your advance votes in the bracket/discussion topic. -No alts, no rallying, no funny business - you all know this. -Please don't post tallies/score updates in the middle of the match. I don't want people changing their votes based on the results. -Topic lasts no longer than 24 hours (even if the new one isn't up yet), though if a match isn't particularly close I may end it early. -You don't have to vote in both matches, but it'd be cool if you did!
Two good songs against two disinteresting songs. This is an easy day. Round 2's match between the winners might be a bit tougher, although I have my pick for that already.
I like this song, but I don't know if I should. It's wildly busy, putting most (but not all) Touhou music to shame in this category, but it's not busy in a completely awful way. It stays interesting throughout, progresses through a lot of different material, doesn't use any completely grating sounds, and at just under two minutes successfully does not overstay its welcome. I can't decide what's busier - the music, or the name. Judging by the name of the song, I can only assume this game is some kind of aztec rhythm game. I would play that, if it was a thing.
Meanwhile the Sonic song was boring and lame let's move on.
Donkey Kong Country Returns - Automatic Action
We have a problem here. See, Automatic Action has no focal point - no melodic material that draws the listener's attention to it. Shop Music has about five of these all competing simultaneously. It's an unfortunate lopsidedness, one that threatens to upset the very balance of nature itself.
Now, I understand that Automatic Action is a track intended more to create ambience than to be in your face, but I think there is sort of a misconception about how ambient music functions. It may not be big on melodies, but that doesn't mean there shouldn't be a focal point. I'm expecting some part of this song to draw me in and make me listen to it, but nothing wants to step up. I think ambient music is better thought of as slowly leading you through various focal points. Like a slow, pleasant boat tour of interesting musical concepts. This is in stark contrast to Touhou's roller coaster of madness, where you're going 100 MPH through loop-de-loops and someone is vomiting in the seat next to you.
The point is that while Automatic Action has a lot of neat sounds - the jazzy piano chords, the dark bassline, that loud clack that stands out in the foreground - all very nice, but there's no melody, no overarching idea that's weaving them all together, they're just sort of there, and then when it does get to the bridge part that could have a melody, it backs off. Almost a good reimagining of Fear Factory, but the original managed to keep things progressing with melodic content. Goodness, that was a lot to say about that song. You'd think I didn't hate music there for a second or something!
Anyway Shop Music has like a f***ton of different focal points, all in the foreground, all fighting each other in some kind of ugly melee of melodies. A... meleelody. This is now how I will refer to the giant clusterf*** going on here. I only have two ears and one brain, Machinae Supremacy! I can't sort all this out so fast. One thing at a time. Slow boat tour. On your left you'll see a wailing guitar solo. Notice how it flails about madly and without purpose. Now, on your right, you'll see the cheesy synth pad...
Jubeat Ripples - Macuilxochitl Jets'n'Guns - Shop Music
Fear Factory isn't retired ... I'd easily go original here. Nice layering in the Jets'n'Guns piece.
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... as if rights are like muscles - the more you use it, the better it gets. Indeed he may be exercising his first amendment-- but he's an IDIOT! - A. Scalia
Both very easily. The first because Rooftop Run is incredibly boring. And the second because Shop Music is pretty great. Never liked Fear Factory much.
I can't think of anything else to say here, except for two things:
1. Why is Rooftop Run so incredibly repetitive? I mean, can't the drummer do anything else other than hitting the same drum over and over again on every single note?
2. I think I like Shop Music way less than it actually deserves, but it's still really messy at times.
-- SuperNiceDog waggs his tail better than your regular, standard dog. -If someone scares the hell out of you, then are you protected by God?
Sonic Generations - Rooftop Run (Modern) Jets'n'Guns - Shop Music
Actually found myself liking Rooftop Run more than I expected, with Machuilxochitl seeming short and not really doing much. Automatic Action is sort of boring, Shop Music is more interesting, default win for it.
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You laugh at my Celtic Guardian, until I use my Scapegoat, and then United We Stand, Mage Power, and 3 Axe Of Despairs, with Gaia Power out. 11900/7800
Sonic Generations - Rooftop Run (Modern) Jets'n'Guns - Shop Music
Rooftop Run really wins because Macuilxochitl was, while interesting, slightly cluttered at the same time. As in, it's tough to pinpoint the best part of the song since so many spots are trying to do just that, to the point where, on a third relisten, just didn't get it. I may even listen to it again post-contest, but Rooftop Run is more focused and smooth than its opponent; even though Classic is better, it still works out well for the Sonic Song. At least, to me.
Meanwhile, Automatic Action only passes as portraying an accurate area (factory). Beyond that reason, of which I'm not even allowed to vote based on, the Shop Music blows it out of the water. I have never expected a decent video game song in an item shop of all things. It has a good synth and is generally fun to listen to. Shop Theme doesn't really bore me like its opponent almost lulled me into sleep, either.
...I guess. Not the best version of Rooftop Run, and Rooftop Run in general isn't the best Sonic has by any means.
Jets'n'Guns - Shop Music
This is a much better match and I'd be fine with either song winning. Automatic Action is a better version of Fear Factory I think, and Shop Music is better than I remember it being. yay for pleasantly surprising matches.
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"The courtroom is the garden of holy judgment. Those with lechery in their hearts should leave this sanctuary at once!" ~Franziska von Karma