Lurker > loweffortmemes

Tribal Hunter - Dance of Wind
Pokmon Super Mystery Dungeon - Fire Island Volcano
beatmania IIDX 25 CANNON BALLERS - Specimen of Life (Long Version)

MATCH 1

Dance of Wind is pretty neat. It has a decent folky melody too it. I find myself wanting more from it, but it's still a decent song as is.

Cromesthesia is decent but doesn't stand out too much. It has a bit of a 13 Sentinels sound to it without the strong melodic elements of something like Isoleucine. 1:20 and the part after it feels like it could go somewhere but then doesn't really do anything I'd want it to unfortunately.

MATCH 2

Stilt Village is pretty neat! I don't feel very strongly about the buildup, but the melody at 1:02 is really good! If this song was just that melody on loop with some stuff going on around it like at 1:10, it would be significantly better. But that part alone makes the song for me, so it's still a good song when that part makes up a decent portion of one full loop.

Fire Island Volcano is such a fun song with the flute and string melodies! Not a whole lot to say about it despite my positivity towards it, it just hits my music tastes very well.

MATCH 3

Specimen of Life is really cool with the soundscape Akiko Shikata provides with her vocals and the arrangement of all those instruments! Similar to Fire Island Volcano, I don't have a lot to say here, it's just very good. It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Akiko Shikata's music! And that holds true here as well. Hearing these new IIDX discoveries in the contest makes me want to try to play them in game, but the IIDX cabinet at my Round1 stopped working and apparently it's been that way for like a month and a half now, so I guess I'll have to wait to do that! This song's normal chart, looking at it, might be a little too hard for me right now though until I get the muscle memory for my fingers on all the keys.

I like the arpeggio at the beginning of VEX DAY TRANSFUSE.EXE, but the song loses my interest pretty fast after that unfortunately. I just don't really like any of the other things it does.

Specimen of Life (Long Version) > Fire Island Volcano > Stilt Village > Dance of Wind > Chromesthesia > VEX DAY TRANSFUSE.EXE

Secret of Mana (2018) - Danger (ARM Version)
Honkai: Star Rail - Wildfire
DUEL MASTERS PLAY'S - Evergreen

MATCH 1

Danger (ARM Version) is one of my favorite songs to have come out of the Secret of Mana remake (though it was tragically not used over the incredibly grating version they did use)! This version is really hype and fun with the way it was arranged. And the surprise Haruka Shimotsuki vocals are a welcome one (I'm a very big fan of this singer). Last time it was in, it got a really brutal matchup against my own nomination, Five, which I voted for that year. As sad it was to lose it, I remember wanting the winner of that match to retire. Unfortunately, it fell short of retirement that year at the round 4 match, but maybe this year, it'll do it! It's easily my favorite song in this 8-pack, but with Nuedori still in the running, it's not my preferred B4 retiree at this point in time.

:lapras:

MATCH 2

fuwamokou

Wildfire is a really cool song! It took a bit of time, but it's been growing on me little by little, though I thought it was good already! It's pretty strong melodically, and I especially like it during the heavier parts. I just have to lipsync the lyrics at the start of the chorus when it says "we made a choice, go fight against your fate." This was actually an incredibly difficult match when I was filling out my favorites bracket, but after letting these songs sit for a while, Wildfire's slowly been emerging as the song I like more, so I'm going for it here. Still a great match though!

MATCH 3

Mortified by Faith is pretty cool! I like chill house music stuff like this, so it's a good listen and doesn't get stale at any point during the 9-minute run time. The "ooh-hoo-hoo" at parts like 0:53 are probably my favorite thing about the song. Also, I love the name Archie Pelago haha.

Evergreen appeals a lot to my music tastes. Starting with the intro, the Celtic-sounding melody of the flute is really nice, and I also like how it adds the higher octave flute at 0:09 and the lower octave flute harmonizes with the higher flute. As for the verses and chorus, the vocals are great with a strong melody. There's also a lot of great harmonizing going on throughout the song, especially during the chorus when they bring back the flute from the intro and layer it into the background. Really good song!

Evergreen > Danger (ARM Version) > Wildfire > Reach for the Moon, Immortal Smoke > Mortified by Faith > The Best Is Yet To Come

pop'n music 19 TUNE STREET - Nazca no Oka
Final Fantasy IV - The Dreadful Fight
Rusty - Queen in the Dark Night

MATCH 1

I really like the folky vibe of Nazca no Oka! Very nice melodically.

I said during Your Inception's match that it's my favorite of the Cassette Beasts songs this year, but Same Old Story's not too far behind! It has that slight harshness of punk rock in the verse that's really nice and a pretty sounding chorus with the high notes. I feel more drawn to Nazca no Oka, but Same Old Story's good too!

MATCH 2

There's definitely jazz stuff I can get into, but not something like Carrot Carrot unfortunately. I don't know, I'm just not feeling "run of trumpet notes" as difficult and impressive as it may be to play it. Though, maybe it's just the dissonance that happens with some of these intervals that the notes go through because there's a brief moment at 1:36-1:39 where I like it a lot more than the rest of the song. But as for jazz songs, it seems that most of the jazzier stuff I get into is more of a jazz fusion thing? Whatever the case may be, I'm just not getting what I'm looking for out of Carrot Carrot. Phenomenal music video though.

The Dreadful Fight has some slight catchiness to it, but otherwise isn't all that impressive. I do like it more melodically though compared to Carrot Carrot so it gets my vote.

MATCH 3

I'm not really feeling RGB overall, but it got more interesting around the 1:45 mark for maybe 10-20 seconds. Not really sure why.

Queen in the Dark Night has a decent enough melody. Not the greatest, but it's good enough to take my vote here.

Nazca no Oka > Same Old Story > Queen in the Dark Night > The Dreadful Fight > RGB = Carrot Carrot

Arcaea - Lost in the Abyss
Arknights - Morning Dew
Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception - Nuedori

MATCH 1

Lost in the Abyss is super cool! I like all the interlaying of different instruments and sounds throughout the song. That plus the vocals make this a very engaging song.

Black tar is a really fun song to listen to as well. The electric guitar melody from the first half is really cool. The rapping parts aren't all that great though. I think the lyrics at 3:45 are pretty amusing and iconic though. And speaking of the second half, there's some cool synth stuff going on with the vocals, albeit with a few weaker parts here and there.

This is a clear Lost in the Abyss pick, but I really like both songs so it's unfortunate that they had to be matched up round 1.

MATCH 2

Morning Dew was among my favorite song discoveries this year! This quickly rose up in my mind from a song I felt like I enjoyed to something I really enjoyed and wanted to support if at all possible. And at the favorites bracket stage, it shot up to my finalist, losing only to my champion, Before I Rise (the round 2 match versus Nuedori in my favorites bracket was absolutely ridiculous though, it took me like an hour to decide that and I'd make either of them finalists in this bracket). This song's just really heartfelt in a way that hits me just right. I'm always a fan of emotional songs like this. Specifically, songs that make me feel a certain kind of emotion. And I definitely feel the emotion here! It's a bittersweet, longing one. Like trying to keep a brave face when deep inside, you're having a breakdown and struggling to keep it together. The vocals combined with the soft rock drums, acoustic guitar, and piano make for a great feel. And there's also the kind of vocal harmonizing that I really like! Particularly at 0:10 but especially at 0:25 when it goes up a third. It's less the interval though and more the contrast between the harmonizing and the melody, I think? If I had to explain it, the first bit of harmonizing has singing in the same sort of chord tones that the note implies, but the second one doesn't feel the same way. It's like they imply two different chords in the scale almost? Or just one big extended chord, which that's something I like, so maybe that makes sense. Honestly, I'm just kinda spitballing here because I don't know enough music theory to explain, or even identify sometimes, the things I feel in my head. The oh's at parts like 1:03 are also a notable highlight of the song.

Paratroopa1 posted...

I wanted to really like Morning Dew, but it's a little bit too early-Taylor Swift country rock for me.

This is funny because I actually love early Taylor Swift haha. Speak Now and Fearless have all of my favorite Taylor Swift songs, Mine being my favorite of them all, but also Back to December, Love Story, and You Belong With Me. So maybe this shines more of a light on why I love Morning Dew so much lol.

I've said before that I don't really care for operatic vocals very much, and that's no exception with Morning Light Hymnus, unfortunately. I like it a lot more when the vocals aren't present, for instance at the very beginning with the choir and orchestra. That's definitely more my thing. Kind of funny though that I love choirs but I'm averse to opera. The middle part's kind of meh too.

MATCH 3

Vector to the Heavens is nice with the piano and strings. I also like Dearly Beloved, so the motif there is certainly appreciated. This is a really strong day of songs though, and unfortunately, Vector to the Heavens, while I'd happily take it in other matches, doesn't really stand a chance against its opponent here.

Nuedori is still a great song! I think it was in the contest once before a couple years ago? So I probably don't have anything new to add compared to last time. Suara vocals are great and the arrangement is neat as well. Not my favorite Utawarerumono vocal song, but it's still easily one of the best songs in Bracket B.

Morning Dew > Nuedori > Lost in the Abyss > Black tar > Vector to the Heavens > Morning Light Hymnus

DDRMAX -Dance Dance Revolution 6thMix- CS - Kind Lady (Funk Disco Extended Mix)
NieR: Automata - Weight of the World/Nouveau-FR Version
Miitopia - Battle: The Skyscraper

MATCH 1

Kind Lady is probably the song that's grown the most on me since the contest started. It's very catchy with a good melody and vocals. The middle part kind of drags though. If that were condensed a lot more and the vocal parts made up a greater portion of the total song, this would be even better! I like the buildup the long version has that the short version lacks, so that would be a good way of having the best of both worlds.

Some DDR rambling as an aside, I was at an anime con two weekends ago where they had a DDR cabinet in a room set up for video games. I forget which one specifically, but it might have been DDR Extreme. Anyway, I was scrolling through the songs and saw Kind Lady was on it, so you better believe I instantly played it haha. I've been getting more into rhythm games lately, but I never really gave DDR much of a try. I did actually try a little bit of DDR later at Round1 and it was pretty fun! I somehow managed to clear Endymion's beginner chart, which was pretty cool. Tried to do Valkyrie Dimension's beginner chart and got my ass handed to me though lol. Too much density for my skill level.

Battle Deoxys is really cool too! I really like the ascending melody after the introduction. The trumpet melody afterwards is pretty neat too. Unfortunately, Kind Lady's more my kind of song.

MATCH 2

I can't say I view the different language versions of Weight of the World higher or lower than any of the others. I like them all! The emotional melody packs a punch all the same. Even though it's not my favorite Nier Automata song, I still really enjoy listening to it.

Whereas Weight of the World creates a somber mood with its emotion, Death by Glamour makes you want to dance like Mettaton with its energy. It's a very fun song to listen to, though my favorite part has to be the It's Showtime motif in the way it's worked into the song. Strong match, but I gotta give it to Weight of the World.

MATCH 3

Isolated Island Consigned to Oblivion has a really cool start with the mood that's created those two alternating notes in the background mixed with the low strings. I actually don't find the song all that great once that part ends though. It's still pretty decent, but melodically, it doesn't capture my interest as much as I'd like it to.

Battle: The Skyscraper has a very fun melody! Kind of reminds me a little of some of the Mad Rat Dead songs that have been in the contest. This is a fairly tough match, but I think Battle: Skyscraper is more consistently good.

Weight of the World/Nouveau-FR Version > Kind Lady (Funk Disco Extended Mix) > Death by Glamour > Battle: The Skyscraper > Isolated Island Consigned to Oblivion = Battle! (Deoxys)

These are all fairly close.

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp - Sensei's Theme (CO Power)
Xenosaga Freaks - [ai]
Musashi: Samurai Legend - Jungle Journey

MATCH 1

Don't really like Sewers. It's okay in the beginningthough I wouldn't have voted for it here for that part alone eitherbut 0:37 and beyond is a noticeable step down for me. Though, that rapid string section at 0:45 in the background's not bad. It is, however, made worse by the other instrument that plays here.

Sensei's Theme isn't all that great either, but it's definitely the pick for me here. It's nothing special, but it doesn't do anything I dislike, unlike Sewers.

MATCH 2

Stylistically, The Magnificents is pretty neat. I'm not sure that I like the execution all that much, but I can definitely get behind this otherworldly feeling I get from this song. Feels like something that would play in an abandoned ruins or something, but there's something potent and magical inside. The instrumentation, though, isn't really something that stands out to me. Maybe with a different arrangement, I'd like it more! One thing I'll say is that the deeper vocals during the part at 1:06 almost sound like they're saying "nyaa" so I'm just picturing a deep-voiced cat meowing as the backup singer lol.

[ai] is pretty nice! I like it the most for the vocals. During the beginning part of the song, the vocals have an interesting synthetic feel to it that almost makes it feel like you're listening to a Vocaloid. The instrumental is okay, but the vocals definitely make the song as good as it is. The chorus-sounding part at 1:42 is really nice too with the vocal melody! I think it's kind of funny how everyone in the image for this video is all smiling and happy and then there's KOS-MOS who just looks thoroughly unamused.

MATCH 3

Funny that Jungle Journey is by Junya Nakano because this does feel very Threads of Fate haha. This song has a really good atmosphere to it with the plucky instrument in the beginning and the part right after it too. Okay that's like the whole song basically lol, but yeah, it's pretty good! Definitely my favorite of the songs from this game in the bracket.

I'm Your GPU's pretty decent. I'm not too big on the robotic vocals, but it's catchy enough. Not to pick in this match though, unfortunately. The strings at the beginning are probably my favorite part of the song.

Jungle Journey > [ai] > I'm Your GPU > The Magnificents > Sensei's Theme (CO Power) > Sewers

Mario Hoops 3-on-3 - Sherbet Land [CD]
Cassette Beasts - Your Inception
jubeat beyond the Ave. - Prowler

MATCH 1

I like the vocals in Sherbet Land. Has this cool R&B feel to it. The second half of the song without the vocals isn't as good, but it's still fine. Also, what, this is Soken??? I don't know why I'm so surprised by this, but that's amusing to me hahaha. I guess it's neat seeing the things he did prior to FF14 and also something that doesn't sound like any FF14 song I've heard.

Marionation Gear is okay. Some parts of the melody are fine but others like at 0:37, I don't really care for. Sorry I couldn't be part of the Mario Nation.

MATCH 2

Your Inception is my favorite of the Cassette Beasts songs in the bracket! It has this really cool 2000s alt-rock feel to it. Something like Paramore maybe. My favorite part of the song is the "ou-ou-ou-out" part of "you'll figure it out" in the chorus at 1:38, but the whole song is pretty consistently good with the vocals and electric guitar.

Town in Upheaval is also really cool! This too has a good melody to it. I think Your Inception is more my kind of song, but this is fairly close. I think the thing with Town in Upheaval is that it doesn't do anything to push it over the top like with Mixed Melody from 2 contests ago, so it stays in that "good but not great" territory that a lot of songs fall into sometimes. Granted, Your Inception's sort of in there too, but I have a soft spot for alt/indie rock. Also, another fun surprise in Jake Kaufman doing the arrangement for this song. Did not know he worked on a Dodonpachi game. Both this and the Soken composition for Sherbet Land are things I'm just finding out now as I write this up while looking in the thread.

MATCH 3

When I first heard Whisper of Relics, I genuinely thought this was an old PMD song I forgot about. I think the choir was a big reason for that as well as that arpeggiated instrument. And probably the DS quality too lol. But anyway, this song is pretty cool melodically. The arpeggios hold the song together well like a glue in my eyes and make the other melodies shine a little bit more.

Prowler is a really fun song rhythmically with a great sounding electric guitar melody as well! The whole thing sounds great, but I want to highlight that slide at 1:01 in particular as being a part I really liked. I don't know what it is, it just sounds so clean haha. I chose this as my B3 retiree, but there's a lot of good songs in this division. Kinda wish now that my Round1 had a jubeat machine so I could try this song out on it lol. I'm looking at Zenius -I- Vanisher right now, though, and there's apparently two places in my general area with jubeat machines? Definitely did not know that. Neither of them have this newest one, but still cool to see.

Prowler > Your Inception > INTERCEPTION - Town in Upheaval (Stage1) > Whisper of Relics > Sherbet Land [CD] > Marionation Gear

LaTale - Chimera Lab
Taiko no Tatsujin: Kimidori Ver. - Necrofantasia ~ Arr.Demetori
Fire Emblem: Three Houses - The Apex of the World (Rain)

MATCH 1

Birdman is fine but not very interesting to me.

Chimera Lab has a cool futuristic sound to it. I like the arpeggios that happen from to time to time throughout the song. The main melodies are pretty solid too.

MATCH 2

We form in crystals has a neat backing melody with its somber arpeggios, but I don't really care as much for the main melodies for the most part. The violin at around 3:49 or so is nice, but I wish that melody was more developed. The fast-paced ascending notes from the violin elsewhere are not really my thing.

This is a really good metal arrangement of Necrofantasia. I also really like the original version of this, and the Demetori arrange keeps all the melodic stuff I like about it while putting it in a fun and energetic metal arrangement.

MATCH 3

Jeroen Tel has some pretty cool songs, and Robocop 3 theme is no exception! I don't tend to be a big fan of songs from NES games, but what I think I prefer about this song compared to other NES games is how much is going on in the song at once. The main melody is pretty nice as are the rapid chords underneath. Tel definitely did a good job of making a console with a limited amount of channels for music sound more full than other VGM tracks from that era!

Apex of the World is still good. Somewhat close match maybe? Both songs are kind of in the "good but not amazing" camp, but I feel like Apex of the World is more my kind of song.

Necrofantasia ~ Arr.Demetori > The Apex of the World (Rain) > Main Theme = Chimera Lab > We form in crystals > Birdman

Last Bible III - Devil Forest
Xenoblade Chronicles - Mechonis Field
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III - Spiral of Erebos

MATCH 1

Carpathians is quite the song haha. Not really the kind of song Id listen to, but the metal parts are actually pretty cool. I wouldve never expected to hear straight up blast beats in video game music lol. As a black metal fan, I approve of that. Melodically, the other parts of the song arent that bad either!

Devil Forest has a pretty solid melody and chill song. I like how the lead melody is layered over the arpeggios in the background from the intro.

MATCH 2

Flamerock Refuge is nice, but I wish it went somewhere beyond what it does throughout the song.

Mechonis Field, by contrast, has a really great buildup in intensity. I already like the first part of the song more than Flamerock Refuge in terms of melody and sound generally. I think the extra instruments and how theyre arranged creates a really cool atmosphere. 1:24 and after are my favorite parts of the song. 1:51 is definitely the peak of the song for me. The rest of it is really great too. Feels like theres more depth harmonically going on here that I really enjoy.

MATCH 3

Im very happy to see Spiral of Erebos in here. Such a cool song! Sort of similar to Mechonis Field, theres this buildup of intensity at the start to the main parts, only its way better in Spiral of Erebos. And I really like Mechonis Field too! The piano melody is just so good here. The violin at 0:52 though is even better! And the part at 2:37 is also really great. This was an easy pick for my B2 retiree.

Kitsch is pretty decent. Solid enough melody throughout. Not much to say about it.

Spiral of Erebos > Mechonis Field > Devil Forest > Even in the Carpathians, taking a train is still faster than riding a ghoul > Kitsch > Flamerock Refuge

Triangle Strategy - Song of TRIANGLE STRATEGY
Pokmon Scarlet/Violet - Cascarrafa
Spark the Electric Jester - Lunar Bass

MATCH 1

Song of Triangle Strategy is a really cool song that has a steady and smooth progression with how it changes up the different things it does. I really start to get into the song after 1:09 when the drums come in. There are some cool transitions throughout the song, but the one Id highlight the most is at 4:08 when the drums go from that steady 1-2-3-4 to a 1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and. Gives it so much more energy with those extra drum hits and the guitar solo only adds to that.

Norfair has this interesting almost cyberpunk feel to it at the beginning that turns into this dancey beat. The synth melody at 0:54 is pretty neat, especially when layered over those stabbing strings at 1:03. Pretty cool song! But Song of Triangle Strategy is more my kind of song.

MATCH 2

Love that intro to Cascarrafa! The synth melody is really bright and catchy. The rest of the song is pretty cool too, but the intros definitely the highlight of the song to me. Though, I also find the clarinet melody catchy.

Faster Than Light has a neat somber tone to it with good vocals. Not much to say about it, but I unfortunately prefer the catchiness of Cascarrafa here.

MATCH 3

ARCANA has some very cool stuff going on with the j-metal sound. There are a few parts I dont really like, such as 2:39, but other than that, I like it! Though, despite that, I get this sense that I feel with anime sounding songs sometimes that even though I like the style and everything, it feels like its missing something that pushes it over the top. I dont know what that thing is for ARCANA, but compared to something like the Caligula songs Id push to the top of my favorites bracket in years past, ARCANA just doesnt feel as engaging to me for some reason, which holds it back from being really good as opposed to just good.

Lunar Bass is a really cool song from start to finish! I love the different melodies that go on throughout the song from the keyboard in the beginning to the violins after the drop. This is a really solid match, but I feel pretty comfortable voting Lunar Bass here as the more engaging song that I feel more strongly about.

Lunar Bass > ARCANA > Song of TRIANGLE STRATEGY > Cascarrafa > Norfair > Faster Than Light

Good day of songs today!

Zoo Hospital (Wii) - Enclosure South America Jungle
Heaven Burns Red - Before I Rise
Arcaea - Take

MATCH 1

Across Dimming Asterims isn't very interesting to me. I don't think I've been a fan of any Genshin Impact music, to be honest. Though, one song I listened to that I thought was kind of cool was No Turning Back, which I think got nominated this year. Maybe there's something from this game that's for me!

Enclosure South America Jungle has a cool melody going on with the electric guitar in particular. 1:36 is my favorite part of the song. The descending note and ascending note slides are pretty neat (feel like I slightly prefer the descending ones?) I also really like that higher-pitched note that's thrown in there (1:36, 1:40, 1:48, etc.).

MATCH 2

I actually really like Blue Desert Hotel! I think I first listened to this song during the year Partizans retired? That was VGMC14, I think, so four years ago? Man, that seems like so long ago, but who knows when I actually first listened this song lol. In any case, I really liked the bright and cheery melody of the song. This one of those songs where all the instruments come together really nicely. From the piano to the flute to the oboe, they all mesh together very well. I considered supporting this song, so I'm glad to see it in!

Unfortunately for Blue Desert Hotel, though, it got an absolutely horrendous draw against my Bracket B champion (and my own nomination), Before I Rise. This is probably the strongest round 1 match in the bracket for me, so this is really unfortunate since I probably would've taken Blue Desert Hotel over most songs. But anyway, as for Before I Rise, I went listening to some other Heaven Burns Red songs after last year's contest because I really liked White Spell, and Before I Rise was definitely the biggest standout from what I listened to. So as with White Spell, Before I Rise already off to a great start having Jun Maeda and Yanagi Nagi on it. I've always really liked music from Key visual novels, of which Jun Maeda has composed a lot. And Yanagi Nagi's a great singer whose works I've also really liked (last year, I think I mentioned her vocals on the OPs for Oregairu, which still holds true here. I haven't listened to them as much since finishing that show, but they're still as great as ever), so together, they make a great musical pair! Before I Rise is just a very pretty song! The brightness in the piano and vocal melody is really pleasing to hear. The vocals in particular only get better once the chorus hits, and there's an even stronger emotion there. The harmonizing vocals are very nice too! Especially at 1:45 as the main vocals get quieter and you can hear the backing vocals more prominently. Another thing I really like about the chorus is that bit at 1:38. But it's a great song all the way through, and there was really nothing that came close to stopping it in my favorites bracket in its road to champion. I'm not exactly expecting this song to win, but I'm glad it has an opponent I really like as well in the event that this does lose.

MATCH 3

I always like that shimmering sound of chill pad chords like in Portals. Unfortunately, though, this is another case of me just not being super into ambient music like this. Put these pad chords in a more melody-focused song, though, and you might have something for me! Map and Diving from Waterworld are the first songs that come to mind for these types of pad chords.

Take is just a really fun song to listen to. I love these types of silly denpa songs that are intentionally goofy in how they sound and don't take themselves seriously.

Before I Rise > Take = Blue Desert Hotel > Enclosure South America Jungle > Across Dimming Asterisms > Portals

Tone Sphere - Astra walkthrough
Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection - Secundum Abandoned Mine
Rogue Legacy 2 - Subterranean Sunrise

MATCH 1

comment te dire adieu is decent but not my preferred kind of song in this style. The melody isn't all that interesting to me. Also, the laughing noises starting at 5:07 are kind of annoying. Despite that, it's not a bad song.

Secundum Abandoned Mine, by contrast, has a really nice melody! Particularly with the violin. There's a certain emotion I'm sensing in it that I can't quite put my finger on. Wistful almost? Maybe something a step or two down from it. I don't know, it's something about the way the violin harmonizes with the marimba and whatever that lower instrument is way in the background. Whatever it is, I really like it! The rest of the song is good too, but that's definitely the best part.

MATCH 2

I liked Subterranean Sunrise quite a bit last year! Looking back at the results, wow, it was only 4 votes from retiring! I took J-E-N-O-V-A over it last year round 1, but it was a good match for sure. This year, I was able to have it win a match in my favorites bracket before unfortunately falling to Secundum Abandoned Mine. Anyway, I like the build-up to this song, but 1:52 is where it really shines.

The grimy synth of d3molish is actually pretty neat. I kind of wish it went somewhere that I'd want it to, though. It feels like I want it to build up to something, but where it goes isn't really something I find myself enjoying. I think it'd be pretty cool if it turned into something...I don't know, Hotline Miami-esque after 0:20.

Astra walkthrough > Secundum Abandoned Mine > Afternoon in Crossbell > Subterranean Sunrise > comment te dire adieu > d3molish

The Jackbox Party Pack 8: Weapons Drawn - Credits Song
Cytus II - Fight Another Day (Andy Tunstall Remix)
The Kingdom - The Kingdom

MATCH 1

Credits Song has a decent enough melody in the vocals. It's kinda catchy, to be honest! I didn't like this song as much when listening through the bracket for my favorites bracket, but definitely sounds better now.

Good Riddance has some nice emotion in it, but I don't find it very interesting melodically. I actually did pick this song initially in my favorites bracket because it was very close when I was filling it out and was very slightly feeling Good Riddance more, but now that I'm liking Credits Song a little more, it's managed to overtake Good Riddance.

MATCH 2

I really like Fight Another Day! This is definitely the kind of pop-sounding song that I really get into. I like the vocals, and there's some nice melodies going on with the guitar. The chorus is super good and definitely the highlight of the song for me! The more energetic guitar along with the drums compliment the vocals very well. This was my runner-up for the B1 retiree spot.

Petal Bridge is pretty nice melodically! Not the best Etrian Odyssey song, but it's good. Unfortunately, not good enough to beat its opponent though.

MATCH 3

You Can Do Anything is another song that has some cheesy lyrics that I don't really care for with the talking/rapping part. The singing parts are nice though.

I've seen the name Tigran Hamasyan floating around a lot in my time on Discord and this the first time I'm actually listening to a song of his. It's not bad! The synth and piano arpeggios are pretty neat. 1:51-2:41 is the only part I don't really like that much.

...Honestly, I have no idea why I picked You Can Do Anything in my favorites bracket lol. I know there's a decent portion of The Kingdom that I'm not a big fan of, but it feels like a relatively easy pick for me today.

Janus5k posted...

why did I go against The Kingdom in my bracket LOL this kinda rips

Yeah me too Janus, me too lol.

I flipped on two whole matches today from my favorites bracket which usually doesn't happen haha. I guess the lesson is, don't fill out your favorites bracket at like 2 in the morning.

Fight Another Day (Andy Tunstall Remix) > Labyrinth IV - Petal Bridge > The Kingdom > Sonic ~ You Can Do Anything > Credits Song > Good Riddance

NieR - Kain / Salvation
Tone Sphere - Astra walkthrough
Musashi: Samurai Legend - Aeolic Guardian

MATCH 1

Kaine / Salvation is one of my favorite songs in the whole Nier/Drakengard series! The emotional weight that comes from the piano and vocals is just indescribable. Really, the melody hits just right here, and that's pretty much what elevates this song to such a high status for me. This was my retiree for A4 and my finalist for Bracket A in my favorites bracket, only losing to my champion, Spring Wind Skylark.

Something about Shining Eyes makes me think that parts of the song individually would be fine, but I'm not a big fan of how they sound when all combined together. I don't know what it is, but something about this song puts a giant question mark in my head.

MATCH 2

Afternoon in Crossbell is a nice, peaceful song. It sounds like exactly what the song name says. I can picture myself on an afternoon stroll in this city. Prince said it has a mix of visual novel sound to it, and I do see that. Slice of life visual novel music is always nice, and I feel like I enjoy this song for similar reasons.

Astra walkthrough really hits you hard with that introduction and doesn't slow down from there! Really interesting melodically with some pretty sounding pianos and then the harsh FM synth plus some cool stuff from the other synth instruments. It has a lot of variety to it, and it's all really cool.

MATCH 3

The instrumentation of Aeolic Guardian is pretty cool, and has a light and playful melody with the violin and flute. There's lots of good harmonization in the background too with the different backing instruments!

Let's Go, Mt. Corel gives me a similar impression, albeit with a more upbeat and climactic sound. This song also has a lot of cool stuff going on with a good melody to it. Tough match, but I find myself gravitating more towards Aeolic Guardian. Would be happy with either song advancing though.

Kain / Salvation > Astra walkthrough > Aeolic Guardian > Let's Go, Mt. Corel! > Afternoon in Crossbell > Shining Eyes

Persona 3 Reload - Its Going Down Now
Temtem - Arbury Whistles
Mario Kart 8 - Mario Kart 8

MATCH 1

I haven't heard a lot of the Reload soundtrack, but It's Going Down Now was a song I decided to check out on a whim when I saw it recommended to me on Youtube, and I'm glad I did because it was a huge hit with me! The Mass Destruction callback is really cool. I like the piano chords during the rap parts a lot. But definitely my favorite part of the song is the chorus. The vocal melody is really good here, especially the ones on "disturbing the peace" and other lines. The piano makes for a good layer of sound underneath the vocals and the drums are similarly complementing. This is my runner-up for A4 retiree, and I really wish I could've retired this song in my favorites bracket because it's really good.

Shop Demo's alright. It doesn't really stand out to me for the most part. That last minute or so of the song is pretty cool though! Still, not nearly enough to beat its opponent unfortunately.

MATCH 2

Arbury Whistles is very cozy with the flute lead! I like its folky melody a lot. The violin accompaniment that comes in midway through the song is very nice too.

Farde Mal Diavolo has some very cool layering with the multiple vocal tracks and other instruments included in the mix. You'd think that from that description, this song would be the clear pick from me, but it's actually not. Melodically, I don't find myself getting into a lot of the song. The best parts are the intro and the part that comes after it and parts like 1:14. But that whole middle section kind of loses my interest. Still a good match! I just think Arbury Whistles is more consistently good.

MATCH 3

Mario Kart 8 (song) has some cool melodic stuff going on. My favorite part is 0:07-0:34 with the brass melody and the electric guitar.

side A isn't really my kind of song. The first half of the song actually isn't all that bad. There's a handful of parts of the song where the melody seems decent in isolation. It does get considerably more grating to me past the 6-minute or so mark though.

It's Going Down Now > Arbury Whistles > Farde Mal Diavolo -Destroy Evil, then Come- > Mario Kart 8 > Shop Demo > side A

LCD Dream Escalator - Neat Beat Retreat
Let's Tap - Tap de Papapaya (Long Version)
Honkai Impact 3rd - Rubia

MATCH 1

Sog-Gees realm is nice with an aquatic feel to it that fits what I assume is the theme for the game, or at the very least the level it plays in. Feels like something that might come out of a Donkey Kong game like Tropical Freeze (immediately after writing this, I checked the composer and saw that it was David Wise, go figure lol). Its not the kind of song Id be singing praises of, but its a nice song that works well.

The big band sounds in Neat Beat Retreat is really cool. The saxophone at 0:58 is definitely the coolest and most memorable part of the song. The part right after thats neat too. I dont really like the vocals in the song though. It has a bit of a bad cheesiness to it to me.

MATCH 2

The SNES guitar intro is very cool and definitely the best part of the song to me. The rest of the song has a pretty decent melody. Probably one of the better Castlevania songs Ive heard to my memory.

Tap de Papapaya is quite the song. I cant get over the Microsoft text-to-speech vocals. Thats actually hilarious to me that they chose to use those default text-to-speech voices as the vocalists. But humor aside, and especially since I try not to take that into account when weighing two songs together for their musical quality, theres a very catchy melody to it with the synth lead and the singer in the chorus. The melody of the vocals in the bridge is pretty good too.

This is actually an insanely difficult match, and I had to listen to these two songs many times over and sit on it overnight and for the rest of the next day to be able to decide this match when filling out my favorites bracket. Even now, its still very close, but I still feel like I have to give a slight edge to Tap de Papapaya.

MATCH 3

Rubia is a very nice, heartfelt song. I dont feel too strongly about the buildup, but the lead-in to the chorus at 1:39 and the chorus itself is great! I really like the song from that point on. The chorus has a really powerful melody thats heavily enhanced by the drums and the strings.

Birdo II is an interesting song for sure. My favorite part is the modulating arpeggios in the intro and elsewhere. The rest of the song is pretty decent prog rock. I definitely like this song!

Rubia = Tap de Papapaya (Long Version) > Can't Wait Until Night > Birdo II > Neat Beat Retreat > Sog-Gee's Realm (Water)

Pretty good day of songs today.

beatmania IIDX 29 CastHour - Nocturnal 2097 (Long Version)
Einhnder - Badlands
Wonderful Everyday ~Diskontinuierliches Dasein~ - Les Enfants du Paradis

MATCH 1

Alternative Root has a really interesting atmosphere to it. Has this big exploration vibe to it. I especially like the melody of the mallet instrument, but the strings and choir definitely add to my enjoyment too. I like the first half of the song more than the second half.

Nocturnal 2097 is pretty neat too. Decent enough melody and solid energy with the electronic synths and beats. The electric guitar is a nice touch too.

MATCH 2

Not really a fan of Obstructor. The pad chords right before the loop point aren't bad though.

Also not really a fan of Badlands. I kinda like the "you are engaged in unauthorized" bit though. There are better Einhander songs out there, though, in my eyes.

MATCH 3

Les Enfants du Paradis is very goofy. A denpa song for a denpa game. It's not really my kind of song musically, but it's kind of fun with its goofiness, so it works. Now, if you want peak goofiness, I'd suggest taking a listen to OMOSHIRO MUSIC (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZBj03M_8RM) from the same game. Les Enfants du Paradis is not my preferred kind of song from SubaHibi, but it's fine.

Younger Brother and Elder Sister and... has some interesting melodic parts to it like at 0:13, but much of it isn't all that special to me.

Les Enfants du Paradis > Nocturnal 2097 (Long Version) > Younger Brother and Elder Sister and... (Stage3) > Alternative Root > Badlands > Obstructor

Child of Light - Aurora's Theme
Arknights - Speed of Light
Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed - Redeem the Future

MATCH 1

Aurora's Theme is decent. It's a nice, emotional song, but I don't feel very strongly about it.

Aurora is a little too ambient for my tastes.

MATCH 2

Speed of Light has this very cool pop feel to it with just a hint of funkiness in the guitar and drum rhythm. The vocals are very nice too. I especially like the chorus the most (see, told you this wouldn't be the last time!). There's some good call and response with the "why do you keep waiting" part. I like that melody a lot too. Same goes for the part at 2:00. The song picks up even more after 2:17 too when the electric guitar becomes more prominent and the extra instruments and melodies get mixed into the chorus the next time through. I didn't pay it much mind during nominations, but it's really good listening to it here in the bracket!

Zero Gravity Area is pretty cool melodically! The arpeggios in the background during some parts of the song are neat too. Unfortunately, Speed of Light's more my style of song.

MATCH 3

Redeem the Future was among my favorite discoveries this year while listening through nominations! It's also my pick for the A3 retiree slot in my favorites bracket. So, I really really like Godsibb from Xenosaga 3, and it's very cool to hear the similarities between that song and Redeem the Future (and also Zanza the Divine from the first Xenoblade Chronicles, though while I like it a lot too, I'd put it at the bottom if I were to rank the three). I think the biggest draw for me is the harmonizing of the vocals. I really love that choir-like feel, but also the fact that it isn't really a choir but just rich harmonies. I don't really know how to put it into words. I, of course, like choirs, but it's really cool to hear one singer with basically multiple vocal tracks harmonizing with each other. Take, for example, Akiko Shikata songs. But on top of that, you have this gradual increase of intensity with each moment being better than the last! The first big moment of me going "oh I really like this addition" is at 1:39 with the piano part in the background. And then 2:11 when the electric guitar kicks in. Very cool transition into the second half of the song! Also nice is how some of the stuff I liked from the first half like the piano gets worked into this more intense second half too. The relatively less intense parts at 4:02 and 4:11 are also very cool though. Probably my favorite part comes towards the end after 4:46 when everything hits peak intensity and comes together. That plus the rapidly intensifying drumming. Such a great climax to the song!

[Will finish shortly]

Redeem the Future > Speed of Light > Voile, the Magic Library > Zero Gravity Area > Aurora's Theme > Aurora

Ichirin Goes to Burger King - Burger King Futo Lettuce (Futo's Theme)
Silent Hill 2 - Love Psalm
Dragalia Lost - We Are The Lights (Phase 3-4)

MATCH 1

Memories Returned is a nice, heartfelt song. Unfortunately, it doesn't really excite me a lot melodically as much as I'd like it to. Not compared to other PMD songs either. But it's still good!

I really love the alt rock songs like Love Psalm that some of the Silent Hill games have (also thinking about songs like Theme of Laura, You're Not Here). It's hard to say why, this song just hits right, especially when the guitars get more energetic and the drums kick up like at 0:51 and definitely 1:58, which is my favorite part of the song. This was my runner-up for the A2 retiree in my favorites bracket, losing to my champion, Spring Wind Skylark. Definitely the clear second place song for that division too.

MATCH 2

Not really a fan of Lightning Bug unfortunately.

I really like We Are the Lights! It's definitely an exciting song that really gets the heart pumping. My favorite part is definitely the chorus part at 0:40. I don't really know how to convey what I'm feeling except that it sounds very anime and that's a good thing. I would've liked to take this song farther, but A3 is a pretty competitive part of the bracket for me with We Are the Lights, Speed of Light, and Redeem the Future all being songs I really liked. More on the last two in their matches though :)

I should have a counter for how many times I say I like the chorus the most in a song because this will absolutely not be the last time lol.

We Are The Lights (Phase 3-4) = Love Psalm > Memories Returned > Burger King Futo Lettuce (Futo's Theme) > Burning, Churning Power Plant > LIGHTNING BUG/MOO

Tiebreaker match feels noticeably closer today than last time since I'm liking Burning, Churning Power Plant more today, but I'm still feeling Burger King Futo Lettuce more.

RINNE - b10
Parasite Eve - Somnia Memorias
Aurora Memoria - Philosophical Data Session: 2093 - Softbank

MATCH 1

Memories of Memories is pretty nice! There's a section of my music tastes that really appreciates slow, chill songs like this. Though, I wouldn't say that Memories of Memories totally fits in the songs I like in that style. This song doesn't feel as engaging melodically as I'd like it to be. That said, it's still a good song!

Somnia Memorias is in this same camp. I like the vocals and acoustic guitar here! This match felt a bit closer when I was filling out the favorites bracket, but I'm more solidly feeling Somnia Memorias today.

MATCH 2

Tower of Memories is an interesting song. Most of it's not really my thing, to be honest, but that looping melody at 0:00 is very cool and definitely my favorite part of the song. I think I'd be inclined to take this song here if I liked the rest of the song as much, but unfortunately, I don't.

Softbank is pretty cool. Decent melody with some extra stuff in the background to spice things up. Definitely the more consistent song for me.

b10 > Declaration! Imperial Floral Assault Group > Softbank > Somnia Memorias > Memories of Memories > Tower of Memories

Edit: Huh, I'll Remember You has never been in a contest before. Maybe I should nominate it next year...

Ano, Subarashii o Mou Ichido - FM04: Twin Moon
Ichirin Goes to Burger King - Burger King Futo Lettuce (Futo's Theme)
Atelier Sophie: Alchemist of the Mysterious Book - Spring Wind Skylark

MATCH 1

Twin Moon is some nice, chill FM synth. Brings back memories of YU-NO - Other World 1 (haha, Memories of YU-NO, that was not intentional) from past VGMCs, though I like Other World 1 more. I find myself wanting more from Twin Moon, but it's fine for what it is.

I feel like as of late, I find myself liking the idea of Naganuma songs more than the actual songs themselves, if that makes any sense. It might be that I liked them more in years prior and have something of a nostalgia for them. Either way, the funky sample-based stuff sounds cool on paper, but when listening to Funky Dealer, I don't actually feel like I'm getting into it. Now, that's not to say I dislike it! But it's probably not something I'd be inclined to take a lot of the time. Since this has all felt kinda negative so far, I want to say that I do like some songs from Hideki Naganuma! Off the top of my head, Teknopathetic (e-Pop 'n' Disco 80's Mix) is one that I like. NEVER 4EVER is a pretty cool song too. LUV CAN SAVE U popped up in my recommended videos list just now and yeah I like that song too. So maybe it's really just some of the Jet Set Radio songs that I may have liked more in the past that don't feel as good when listening to them now.

MATCH 2

The last thing you want in your VGMC music is someone's Futo fungus. But as it turns out, that might be what you get. I don't actually mind it being here though. Doesn't stand out a lot, but it's decent enough of a song. I like it the most after 0:42 when the rhythm changes. Feels noticeably better with the rhythm being that way.

I mainly like Burning, Churning Power Plant for 0:38-0:49. Other than that, though, the song's kind of forgettable to me.

MATCH 3

Astral - Prison's not my thing.

Spring Wind Skylark is one of my favorite Atelier songs in the whole series! I just love how bright and cheery it is. It very much wears its emotions on its sleeve, and I guess I just really like the fact that I can connect to those emotions in some way. This song's without a doubt my favorite song in Bracket A, and I'm happy to see it make it in the contest this year after I supported it last year too to unfortunately no avail.

Spring Wind Skylark >> Burger King Futo Lettuce (Futo's Theme) > FM04: Twin Moon > Burning, Churning Power Plant = Funky Dealer > Astral - Prison

MementoMori - Rage
Mario Kart 8 - Wild Woods
Paradise Killer - About That...

MATCH 1

Mutants over Broadway is fine, but I preferred the one from last year, Panic in the Sky. I like Mutants over Broadway the most during the chorus part where it has those backing instruments that feel like an homage to the TMNT IV: Turtles in Time soundtrack, which has some pretty cool songs on it, so I'm all for that!

Rage is pretty cool! The vocals + orchestra combination is pretty good here, especially with the other instruments that get thrown into the mix here and there. But my favorite part is definitely the one at 0:54. The melody here is definitely more my thing during this part, which makes an already good song even better. This was my runner-up for the A1 retirement spot and had a very easy run there.

MATCH 2

Moiety Theme is okay. I don't dislike it, but it's not my kind of song either.

Wild Woods is dececnt. Not the best song up today, but I have a clear preference over its opponent. It has a nice enough melody that I can sort of get into, especially with the flute. I feel like I enjoy that first second of the song the most? Maybe it's just that my brain thinks it's going to turn into an Atelier song or something lol.

MATCH 3

About That brings some of that cool funky jazziness that the other Paradise Killer songs have shown, and it's just as good if not better than this game's past entries! Really just a catchy vocal song overall, and that's always a good way to win me over with a song.

Round is really nice too! The main flute motif creates an interesting atmosphere. Something like exploration and this vastness of the environment you're in. And the progressive increase in the complexity of the song only adds to that. Another unfortunate draw here too.

Rage > About That... > Round > Mutants over Broadway! > Wild Woods > Moiety Theme

Minecraft - Aria Math
RINNE - b10
Pokmon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR! - Duel VS Fortress Leader

MATCH 1

14.3 Billion Years is nice and cozy with the banjo melody. Feels like sitting around a campfire. I guess it helps that the thumbnail shows exactly that lol. It's a nice song, but that's about it in terms of my enjoyment unfortunately.

Aria Math, by comparison, has a similar feel to 14.3 Billion Years but is something I find myself enjoying more. I think it's because it feels more "intricate" for lack of a better word? Like there's more going on in the song, and that draws my attention more.

MATCH 2

I echo the sentiments of Imperial Floral Assault Group having that 90's anime feeling to it. I like it! The electric guitar is a nice surprise as well. Maybe it isn't that much of a surprise, but among the brass instruments, it's a noticeable but welcome change. This song isn't my preferred type of "anime song" though. However, while it's not the standout Japanese vocals song of the contest for me, I do, of course, like this style generally overall, so it certainly gets some praise from me for that!

b10 has a very cool atmosphere to it that gives this impression of something foreboding yet awe-inspiring at the same time. It starts with that 3-note repeating part at 0:22 (the D#-E-F# and variations thereof) and continues with the piano part, but there's definitely more to it as well like the backing strings and other instruments I can't individually single out that create a very immersive effect to the song. These are my top 2 songs up today, so rough draw for Imperial Floral Assault Group.

MATCH 3

For what appears to be a children's entertainment game of sorts, T11 has a surprisingly somber and emotional feeling to it! The instrumentation of it reminds me of playing RuneScape as a kid and hearing the MIDI instruments of the songs. Overall, I appreciate the emotional feeling I get from this song.

Duel vs. Fortress Leader is cool and upbeat. I like the feeling it has of "the game is afoot" or something like that. Though I do like T11, I think this song captures my interest a little bit more.

b10 > Declaration! Imperial Floral Assault Group > Duel VS Fortress Leader > Aria Math > T11 > 14.3 Billion Years

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 - New Battle!!!
Donk! The Samurai Duck (CD32) - Main Title
Sonic Adventure 2 - Live & Learn ...Main Theme of "Sonic Adventure 2"

MATCH 1

New Battle is a pretty fun, upbeat song! It feels like it's in a similar style to other jazz-esque Xenoblade songs like Torna's battle theme, but it never feels like it's repetitive or same-y. The interplay between the guitar, piano, and strings is very nice. The key change is also a cool touch to the song.

FightFirstDeusExMachina_Dearest is pretty interesting. It has some nice vocals and background instrumentation, but I feel like it's missing some melodic oomph that I find myself wanting to hear from the song. I think if there was more of a melodic focus to the song, I could see myself taking it here. That's not to say it's bad, though! It's solidly in my top half of songs for today. I'd take it over either of the match 2 songs, but it got a rough draw unfortunately.

MATCH 2

I feel like there are better 90's dance songs out there, but Main Title still has a cool vibe to it with its danciness! It's not exactly a standout song to me, but it's plenty serviceable.

So this is the fabled suite. The Suite. It's not bad! I only really start to get into it towards the end, though, at 7:40. The buildup to it is fine, but it doesn't really hold my interest all that much, although I do appreciate the chill vibes to it.

MATCH 3

While not my absolute favorite Sonic song, Live and Learn is still a great representative in its own right and is an incredibly iconic song. Jam-packed Crush 40 rock at its best!

New Bodhum is pretty cool too! I like the mix of the drums, piano, and acoustic guitar in the first half or so of the song as wells as the vocals. The delay effect or whatever you call it on the vocals that gives it that echoey sound is a cool addition to the vocals as well. There's a few dull parts with the song in my eyes like 2:28-3:06 and 8:08-8:52, and I'm less big on the trance-like back half of the song than the first half, but overall, I do like it! Live and Learn is the clear pick here for me though.

Live & Learn ...Main Theme of "Sonic Adventure 2" > New Battle!!! > FightFirstDeusExMachina_Dearest > New Bodhum ~ New Bodhum -Aggressive Mix- > Main Title > Awakening ~ Nrburgring Suite

Good start to the contest! New Battle and Live and Learn were very close for my A1 retiree pick. Ultimately, I picked Live and Learn, but I'd be very happy with either of them being it.

Just in case.

-- beatmania IIDX 21 SPADA | Verflucht | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu4rfnYgNIQ

Doubling:
+ Drakengard 3 | Blissade/Egregori | https://youtu.be/pIG4qIonBy4

Supporting:
probably nothing lol

Saying goodbye to my remaining 1/1s.

- Arcaea | Alice's Suitcase | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg5EK3koalc
- beatmania IIDX 25 CANNON BALLERS | EMERALDAS | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV6BIKHj9fQ
- Summer Pockets REFLECTION BLUE | It's Blue Here | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNYEkVaBlXg

Supports:

+ Blue Archive | Unwelcome School | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEg_d2f6myw
+ Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed | Redeem the Future | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ93P4NuMtc
+ Arknights | Morning Dew | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU9qCC1dP4Q

- Dal Segno | Pleasure Garden | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzdISCkhu8o
+ NieR | Kaine / Salvation | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnOc_AD79cM

Sorry, I lied, I'm actually risk-averse and not someone who lives dangerously at all.

Actually, whatever, I'll just do this now.

+ The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III | Spiral of Erebos | https://youtu.be/wHvnwxAg5ww

Oh yeah, I should probably do this now. If anyone wants me to bring back any of these, let me know.

- Alan Wake | Children of the Elder God | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-l_kbZbXRQ
- If My Heart Had Wings | Precious Wing | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aPC339gkPM
- pop'n music: Usagi to Neko to Shounen no Yume | white night story | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx77Syta1cU
- SOUND VOLTEX IV HEAVENLY HAVEN | Four Leaves | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBcnpnOgzt4
- Taiko no Tatsujin: Nijiiro Ver. | Isso Kono Mama De | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_ee5euttlc
- Yume to Iro de Dekiteiru | Kore Kurai de | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugtBW1od6NQ

+ Atelier Sophie: Alchemist of the Mysterious Book | Spring Wind Skylark | https://youtu.be/3_vHQ6X-S2Q
+ Drakengard 3 | Blissade/Egregori | https://youtu.be/pIG4qIonBy4
+ DEEMO II | Unravelling | https://youtu.be/EGKwpO_v9UY
+ Persona 3 Reload | Its Going Down Now | https://youtu.be/Yfw7Sr940hY
+ 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim | Seaside Vacation | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKdIhT3Feks

Will continue watching and might push some 5s up or if they become 6s then to lock closer to the top of the hour. Apparently, I like to live dangerously.

Hmm...let's be selfish for a moment and use all my doubles on my own nominations that have supports on them right now. Curious to see if anything comes of it. If nothing happens, I will 100% be changing them back to single supports in the next hour and 15 minutes to make room for doubles on songs I want locked that are close to locking, as needed, starting with the 2/2s (now 3/2s).

+ Heaven Burns Red | Before I Rise | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O3mo_tF9Hk
+ Sakura no Uta | Dear My Friend | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H04c1f48t4I
+ beatmania IIDX 21 SPADA | Verflucht | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu4rfnYgNIQ
+ Senren * Banka | Koi Kou Enishi | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtiAJc_F2y0
+ The Eden of Grisaia | Eden's Song | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFPrDWexOT4

I was hoping to get through the full playlist before dropping supports, but I'm definitely not on schedule to do that unless I go crazy tomorrow, which is probably not going to happen. So with the steady increase in activity going on, I think now's a good time to drop initial supports. I'm thinking of focusing on songs at 1/1 or 2/1 (and a 0/0) at the top of my list for this batch to see if that helps spark some more movement on them. Tomorrow, I'll drop some of my 1/1s that haven't gotten any public attention from anyone (I have 7 by my count, 9 if I include songs that were on someone's playlist but later removed) and likely use those free slots for pushing songs that have gotten other supports already higher up and potentially to the lock threshold. With that said, here are my initial supports!

+ Chunithm Air Plus | Nekomatsuri | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofs6L8xNs5k
+ Xenoblade Chronicles | You Will Know Our Names | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7yNyhLOIa4
+ Beatmania IIDX 16 Empress | Turii ~ Panta Rhei | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQtgifnqxhM
+ Zaku-zaku Actors | Oriental Piano Attack | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMqpjjiLkTI
+ Heaven Burns Red | Sailing Ship (Broken ver.) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDQc-pOQTiA

Currently a little past day 2 into day 3 of the nominations. Just finished ordering my supports playlist by rough likelihood of support, for those of you who were keeping tabs on it.

Last five nominations from me. This time it's all Japanese vocals instead of only mostly Japanese vocals. Aren't you lucky!

+ Dal Segno | Pleasure Garden | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzdISCkhu8o
+ If My Heart Had Wings | Precious Wing | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aPC339gkPM
+ Yume to Iro de Dekiteiru | Kore Kurai de | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugtBW1od6NQ
+ The Eden of Grisaia | Eden's Song | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFPrDWexOT4
+ SOUND VOLTEX IV HEAVENLY HAVEN | Four Leaves | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBcnpnOgzt4

Supports to come later. Probably closer to the end of the lock deadline. Like last year, I'll just drop the nominations of mine that have no interest to make more room for supports. I'm approaching the end of day 1 (currently at 298 in the playlist). I think I'm on pace to be finished with the playlist by the 27th.

+ Arcaea | Alice's Suitcase | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg5EK3koalc
+ pop'n music: Usagi to Neko to Shounen no Yume | white night story | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx77Syta1cU
+ Taiko no Tatsujin: Nijiiro Ver. | Isso Kono Mama De | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_ee5euttlc
+ beatmania IIDX 21 SPADA | Verflucht | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu4rfnYgNIQ
+ Alan Wake | Children of the Elder God | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-l_kbZbXRQ

dowolf posted...

@loweffortmemes Your link for Before I Rise is, for whatever reason, missing a verse. (Which does play in game.) Would you be opposed to swapping to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O3mo_tF9Hk ?

Not at all!

- Heaven Burns Red | Before I Rise | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReJsfzGeIXE
+ Heaven Burns Red | Before I Rise | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O3mo_tF9Hk

+ Summer Pockets REFLECTION BLUE | It's Blue Here | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNYEkVaBlXg
+ Sakura no Uta | Dear My Friend | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H04c1f48t4I
+ beatmania IIDX 25 CANNON BALLERS | EMERALDAS | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV6BIKHj9fQ
+ Heaven Burns Red | Before I Rise | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReJsfzGeIXE
+ Senren * Banka | Koi Kou Enishi | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtiAJc_F2y0

rwlh posted...

33/988
@loweffortmemes
Sakura no Uta - Tenkyuu no Shita no Kiseki
hana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_QDenecJi4

I have this down in my notes as a true LEM special. This is the realization of the promise made all the way back at #290, Dear My Friend, which I described as the parts of shoegaze I dislike. With this song, all those negative qualities go away. Its the perfect intersection of airy, wistful vocals and j-rock. There are these wonderfully crunchy drums that sparkle through the song. Though I have to askwhats with the part at 2:45 where the song incorporates a layer of noise? lol

I'm glad that this song ended up being a hit with you! I had a few reasons for choosing this, one of which was actually the little beeps and boops interspersed throughout the song, but a big reason was actually that noise part at 2:45. I didn't know you specifically liked glitchy stuff in songs, though it makes perfect sense in hindsight. I just thought that part was in the vein of generally "weird" stuff that you might like. So when I first saw you talk about how you liked glitchiness around the upper 7.5 mark and seeing how this song was still in at that point, I was pretty happy with my pick. As for why that noise part got thrown into the song, I couldn't tell you haha.

I'm glad you liked the vocals too! I really enjoy Hana's vocal work. I can't really describe why in words. There's just a certain energy or emotion to her voice that I really like.

Before I Rise was largely me seeing two other Heaven Burns Red songs being songs you really liked and testing if another song from that game that I really like would do as well. It was also a way I could test out a possible VGMC nomination of mine on someone lol. Speaking of which

rwlh posted...

Maybe Ill relisten for VGMC and get really into it; for now, 6.5 is a good fit.

Stay tuned :)

When I saw ticking clocks on your nomination thread, Chrono Diver -PENDULUMs- was the first song that came to mind. It also ticked the piano that leads to big chords box, and I believe there were several Nekomata Master songs in your list of 9+/10 songs, so I figured from that, it was a good choice. I actually nominated it last year for VGMC, but I think I did so on day 3 so it mightve gotten buried in the nominations playlist, and in any case, it wasnt on your list of songs youve already heard. Glad you liked it!

I had went into this expecting the Nukitashi song to be my first drop, but it turned out to be the second, so I wasnt far off! This was my one wildcard pick for your rankings in that its a song that I dont think is something that would typically be up your alley but also something I wanted to try to see if it could get a decent score anyway. Everything else was more closely based on what I know about various songs you like, but I did think of this song based on the chippy beepy shit and child vocals elements that you listed in the nomination thread. Though, I wasnt really sure how youd treat adult vocals that sound childlike as opposed to an actual child singing something haha. I wasnt really expecting it to do very well, but I figured it could go in any direction, good, bad, or somewhere in between, and I think it makes sense that it was somewhere in between. For a song like this, Im happy to get a 6.5 out of it!

One day, but not today.

rwlh posted...

3.5/10

290/5493
@loweffortmemes
Sakura no Uta - Dear My Friend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H04c1f48t4I

Shoegaze is a tough genre for me. I get overwhelmed a lot of the time with the wall of sound that covers me. I know I said I liked music that overwhelmed me, but shoegaze is more often than not overwhelming in an unpleasant way. I think its the guitars. At least thats the case in Dear My Friend, which would probably be a good hundred spots higher if not for that guitar. Ah, guitars. When will you learn?

Oh wow, that's a bummer. I was actually expecting this to be your favorite of my nominations, though I based this largely on how much you enjoyed The Final Smile from SubaHibi, and to a lesser extent Sakura to Kotori from HimaNatsu, which both share the same composer and singer as the ones on Dear My Friend and are songs I like for similar reasons as why I like Dear My Friend. Though, looking at your writeup, I guess it makes sense because Dear My Friend is a little harsher of a song than the other two. My thought process for nominating this were the similarities I mentioned above plus some "weird" or "interesting" elements of the song that I thought you might like, such as the somewhat unconventional (at least to me) guitar solo, but it seems that was a miscalculation on my part haha. Hopefully, the other Sakura no Uta song I picked fares better! It's definitely a different style of music from Dear My Friend, so that might help it.

As for the bottom songs from yesterday, while I wouldn't give have given them that low of a score (except maybe for the Ballz 3D song), I also didn't feel that strongly about most of them. I did like Silent Howling, though. That one was my favorite of your bottom ranked songs by a decent margin.