Lurker > rwlh

ELIMINATION 37/59: Kopazzynth
Average rating: 6.4
Average ranking: 3464
Your lucky song: Yume Nikki - Haunted Forest World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNR4F5qyEFI

Thank you for nominating!

60/1720
@Xtlm
Doom II - Running From Evil
Bobby Prince
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuHay9AIhPU

Eyyyyy a classic. Ive heard this before a bunch but never added it to my sheet. I love the build from the ominous bassline with the drums on the eighth note, to a bare-bones melody with some chords and a few twists and turns, then back to the bassline again, then to a big ol guitar solo. What a journey. I like this considerably more than At Dooms Gate.

59/1685
Revolver
Scarlet Nexus - Ensemble Curtain Call
Hayata Takeda, Masato Nakamura
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luaJe1K5Ma0

Its been a while since weve had a good evil laugh song. I am happy to provide you with this, which prominently features an evil laugh in the actual beat of the song. The song is very bouncy, very new jack swing. I do believe Rev found the perfect intersection of our taste, so good job to them for that . Side note: this is a song I had to relisten to all the way through during the writeup, thats how much I was enjoying it.

58/1677
@GameBopAdv
Die in the Dungeon - Be Queen
AFRODISIAQO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sskQo_LY824

The main melody feels pretty minimalist theres other stuff happening around it, such as what sounds like Velcro opening and closing, but the main sequence of slow, repeated notes is pretty minimalist. The song evokes very tactile sensations. Then it totally changes to something more fast-paced before turning back to the original pace. Fun song, would go on this journey again.

57/1676
DeviDoesNothing
Sonic Rush - Metal Scratchin'
Hideki Naganuma
https://youtu.be/oo9pylkO42w

Its been a while since weve had a good evil laugh song. I am happy to provide you with this, which prominently features an evil laugh in the actual beat of the song (2). This reminds me of the Naganuma classic Grace & Glory from Jet Set Radio: both are big, climactic songs, darker in presentation than his standard fare. Metal Scratchin also has a cute gerbil sound effect (or whatever that is), so thats a plus.

56/1666
@Not_an_Owl
Guilty Gear -Strive- - The Roar of the Spark
Daisuke Ishiwatari feat. NAOKI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLu9KQ5rWvs

This one went up from 6 to 8! Pretty impressive. The Roar of the Spark is a typically hot-blooded number by NAOKI, working his incomprehensible singing magic. The guitar solo in this is really neat. Not much to really say about this one except that hard rock songs like this can be very take-or-leave for me, so Im glad I meshed with this one!

ELIMINATION 39/59: tgs2
Average rating: 5.9
Average ranking: 3832
Your lucky song: Lunistice - Forest (Melancholy)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ9XoO6G2Uk

ELIMINATION 38/59: Place
Average rating: 7.5
Average ranking: 2471
Your lucky song: Castlevania - Wicked Child
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byRbiPxNuA8

Thank you both for nominating!

edited in lucky songs

65/1859
@tgs2
Friday Night Funkin' Vs. Ace - Noreaster
Kamex
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WAkEqKhO3A

A super chill FNF song, way chiller than the other FNF noms for sure. I like the Ace songs Ive heard; Ace has nice vocals that mesh well with Boyfriends. The backing is also nicely downtempo. Unlike other fast-paced FNF songs, this feels less like a battle and more like a conversation. Why cant we just talk it out, everybody?

64/1840
@Isquen
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes - Torvus Bog
Kenji Yamamoto
https://youtu.be/Eo_09MsIVno

Torvus Bog uses some of the niftier Metroid Prime sounds I can hear Tallon Overworld mixed in a few places. The song is mostly nice ambience combined with a few parts that legit give me chills. 2:15 is especially great with how it switches to a slightly different melody. More than most other nominations this is what Id call background music, but theres nothing wrong with that at all. Ive put this on a few times already as Ive done other things and its always enhanced the experience.

63/1815
@Snake5555555555
Resident Evil 4 - Regenerador
Shusaku Uchiyama, Misao Senbongi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x36KdrjIio4

Now we get into some spooky/evil horror ambience. I tend to like this stuff significantly more than the average person here! This is a super short song, just under a minute, but its very effective at conveying a mood. The dull clangs and panning create a sense of claustrophobia. There isnt any melody to speak of; the effect is dizzying, like something unknown and horrible could happen to you at any moment. Thats good horror ambience!

62/1795
DeviDoesNothing
Sonic Rush - Bomber Barbara
Hideki Naganuma
https://youtu.be/L4KIxqTYGGI

This is the only Sonic Rush nomination I didnt know before, and its quite the treat! Naganumas sample mastery is on full display; I dont know what any of the vocal clips are saying but they add an energy to the mix thats just off enough to make the rest of the song uneasy. This feels like the theme for a final stage of some sort.

61/1774
@Place
Gunmetal - Nataflbrqzka
Keith Gillard, Craig Joseph Huxtable
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAxqE0Xp9Ok

This is in contention for weirdest song of the ranking. I said that before, sort of, but its true here too (more than one song can be in contention!). It starts out relatively conventional, with a funky groove, but there are these long stutters and a huge burst of feedback starting at 2:05. Then at 2:30 it completely changes! Now its like being played backwards or some shit. Then at 2:55 its totally different again. Now it fully embraces its weirdness. Theres overt glitchiness and high-pitched beeping and all sorts of things that the average listener might find unpleasant. All throughout Im kept on my toes, wondering whats going to happen next. Its an experience only a few songs have managed to simulate for me in this ranking, so even though its just shy of the top 60, I have to salute it.

Pleasantly surprised that the rap song was my highest nomination. Glad some of what I nominated resonated with you!

Faade

The Rushmore is just the two people from Faade arguing with each other. That's my vote

ELIMINATION 40/59: Anagram
Average rating: 6.4
Average ranking: 3375
Your lucky song: Suikoden II - La Mia Tristezza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qnm7jfD8BHo

Thank you for nominating!

Hey, five is better than zero, right?

-

70/1949
@MaxGalactica
inMomentum - Kinetica
Gareth Coker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyDngP0bJwU

A very uplifting song. Coker is really light on his feet here, dancing around with this joyous melody. This is one of the happiest songs in the ranking, and like all happy things, it comes tinged with sadness, or at least melancholy. Its another song that exists for me at the boundary of two seemingly competing emotions. Very impressive effort.

69/1937
@Disillusion
Kirby Air Ride - Sky Sands
Shogo Sakai, Tadashi Ikegami, Jun Ishikawa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TL6CqvvEAM

Speaking of weirdly sad songs, Sky Sands (woo alliteration) is both sad and haunting. Nothing happy here! I dont know what the context is in the actual game, but Im picturing traveling through an abandoned city, or even an abandoned civilization. Kirby games often have these pieces that are super melancholy and achingly beautiful at the same time.

68/1930
MaxGalactica
ESC - Machbeats
Lena Raine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVmL3-jfmYk

Sorry for double drop This is Lena Raine as Ive never heard her before, in full glitch mode. Many listeners would probably find this repellent, with all the crackling and glitching. It feels like the electronic version of mouth noises on a vocal track, very up close and unpleasant. But I really like it! The whole song sounds intimate, despite its electronic origins.

67/1914
@Anagram
Your Turn to Die - Kaisou
Nankidai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXFxUglf7Ck

This is my favorite of the YTTD songs, or at least its the one that wound up ranked the highest I feel like these songs are a little interchangeable and dependent on my mood when I listen to them. But theyre all pretty great! This one has percussion that sounds like a clock, so naturally Id put it in first~

66/1902
@Haste_2
Theresa - that goat only respects one man
I uh think this is zan-zan-zawa-veia
https://youtu.be/DREhTriwdI8?si=WdWcgPLJDJg-VAnb

I really like everything about this one. The off-kilter melody, the off-putting synths, the squeaking, the factory-esque background shuffling, and especially the cut up vocal samples. This is a song with immense character. I feel like this could fit right in on the GiFTPiA soundtrack, which is a huge compliment! I think this game, whatever it might be, got into a BOST some years back and I didnt pay it much mind. Now I kind of regret that

Can it be, a day without writeups?!

sergiocornaga posted...

Can I request in advance that I also get the song directly above my highest ranking song (my 'unlucky' song)?

Sure!

Arti posted...

funny that my lucky song is actually my own upload

That's why I added LOL, yeah.

ELIMINATION 42/59: GavsEvans123
Average rating: 5.4
Average ranking: 4415
Your lucky song: Etrian Odyssey IV - Labyrinth V - Forgotten Capital
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZzU1Z2y5A0

ELIMINATION 41/59: Arti
Average rating: 6
Average ranking: 4033
Your lucky song: Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland - Dark Domain (LOL)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X21ig41AFe4

Thank you both for nominating!

75/1998
@JONA
REFLEC BEAT limelight - Last Hometown
Naoyuki Sato
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQJ8N8DZjQ4

Top 2000!!!!!!!

You know, I dont think I stipulated that I loved Nekomata Master, yet I was given at least three songs by him. Do you all just know me that well? Last Hometown is quintessential Nekomata: world music vibes, feels like its being performed by a bunch of people dancing in a circle, etc. Ive said this before about his music but an average Nekomata song is like a 7.5; this doesnt break any new ground but its very enjoyable.

74/1994
@Prody_Parrot
Taiko no Tatsujin: Nijiiro Version - Ka
LeaF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsOU0V2kpUI

This song exemplifies the trait of I have no idea whats going to happen next. Ka is glitchy. Not just glitchy it cycles through glitch and more standard fare, though even the more standard stuff is still amelodic and weird. The repeated breathing noises are terrific. I know I said I dont watch the videos when I listen to music on YouTube, but check out this video: it perfectly goes with the song. I think I understand the songs intent after watching it in a truly profound way.

73/1990
@GavsEvans123
Crash Team Racing Nitro Fuelled - Megamix Mania
Ashif Hakik arr. Nicolas Tremblay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT3l3g1Tj58

Of all the nominations, Megamix Mania was probably the biggest surprise. I really didnt like this song on the first loop I thought it was your standard cutesy platformer washed out guitar song, whatever that even means. Then it looped at a faster pace (final lap!), and I just absolutely fell in love. Maybe its that the song is best when at a fast tempo? But then I relisten to the standard tempo and it also sounds good. I guess it just took a few listens for it to click. But yeah, great stuff, glad I could look past my initial negative impressions.

72/1954
bea
Xenosaga II - Subconcious Domain (Summer)
Shinji Hosoe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgdqBv-KTrQ

In previous rankings Ive used the term crystally a lot to refer to music with a very specific type of note run. I havent trotted out the term much yet, but it absolutely applies here, a song that feels more winter than summer. One thing a lot of these high-ranking songs did (which again I dont think I said I even wanted! You just knew) is background wind noises. For this song, the background wind enhances the spooky, desolate main instruments. Its a piece thats light on melody and high on ambience, and those songs can often be a big hit.

71/1951
@Arti
Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Cornered ~ Spell Breaker
Yasumasa Kitagawa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8gKrIeW1dM

As befitting a crossover, this song sounds like it takes solid elements from both its originator series. Weve got the intense Cornered vibe from Ace Attorney, but weve also got the slower, more ominous vibe from Professor Layton. Yasumasa Kitagawa combines both styles in a very aurally pleasing way. Those big orchestral hits are so delicious you could serve them with a nice pot roast.

ELIMINATION: kamakazilika
Average rating: 6
Average ranking: 3664
Your lucky song: Genetos - Price of Prosperity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2nRIyjMowg

ELIMINATION 44/59: bebr117
Average rating: 6.9
Average ranking: 3263
Your lucky song: Ar tonelico: Melody of Elemia - EXEC_CHRONICLE_KEY/.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob7Y3r5JqA8

ELIMINATION 43/59: Mihark
Average rating: 6
Average ranking: 3965
Your lucky song: 7th Dragon 2020-II - Shutoko - Spiral Maze
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu9wS4WcBQw

Thank you all for nominating!

80/2026
kamakazikila
Hyper Duel - Cosmo Babylon
Hyakytaro Tsukumo
https://youtu.be/1r3iBxKXBTI

So I dont love the opening to this song, but then it gets real good. The melody is great, and the arcade soundchip is put to great use. Really just an all-around terrific piece of music. The specific sounds this chip is able to produce lend the song a lot of gravitas; this is a song a VGM composer would write for a king.

79/2025
@bebr117
Galerians - Cain Battle Theme
Masahiko Hagio
https://youtu.be/G4ZwUdXTggs?si=v5sbhgL4-cWVVDx3

Can I just say that I was actually disappointed in how after the first few seconds of mostly static, this turned into, like, an actual song? I was really into the static. Ah well. For an actual song (lol) this is really cool. Lots of crinkly crackly sounds that enhance the song bursts of static, nails on a chalkboard. The pacing is slow but deliberate; its not in a rush to go anywhere. Like the dude in the video, it has you right where it wants you.

-

8/10

-

78/2013
@Prody_Parrot
SOUND VOLTEX EXCEED GEAR - TOKAKU=ALMiRAJ
MYUKKE.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm2PBlJNLbA

Were now in the elite tier of music 8s and higher! These are, more than anything else so far, the songs I keep coming back to. This one is particular is what I call rhythm game sugar rush music. Not sure if this would be classified as denpa. Its got a little bit of everything: chopped up vocals, notes that sound like rainbows, glitchy effects. What more do you need?

77/2009
@Mihark
League of Legends - Quinn And Valor
Michael 1NST1TUT10N Barry, Christian Praeco Linke, Sebastien Chemicalseb Najand, Dan marignak Negovan, Alexander Scherzophrenia Temple
https://youtu.be/nmgH1ZSBv3w

There was discussion on Discord the other day about the role of orchestral music in VGM, particularly when it comes to AAA titles. I dont know if this song would fit that bill, but I would offer it to anyone looking for solid orchestral VGM. Its very theatrical, with plenty of flourishes (like the dip at 1:35) that surge and flow around a very compelling melody. I was very pleasantly surprised by this one, as normally I can take or leave such pieces. You also can tell I really liked it because there was an annoying key change near the end and I still gave it an 8!

76/2008
@failgirlema
Abnormal Check - Fake-Bangla
Akihiko Ishikawa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4XQBjid09I

Okay, finally we get to a song that Ive actively listened to a bunch since my initial listen. The only other song I can say that about was Silent Dragon Last Stage (all the way down at #155), which was a recent hit for me. Fake-Bangla is just so catchy. I love songs with middle Eastern/South Asian vibes (sorry, not sure what culture this is meant to be evoking guessing Indian from the Bangla title), and its got a nice crunchy arcade sound chip to boot. The unexpected vocals were a real treat. Given that this game is essentially a quiz show, I have to wonder where this song even plays

UF8 posted...

shimomura has done basically the whole aster tatariqus soundtrack*

*allegedly (if there was anyone else they were uncredited besides the other guest vocal songs), it's probably the biggest soundtrack she's ever done if so (there's a solid 200+ songs before counting jingles) but frankly there's a lot of stuff in there i didn't think she would've done

in any case, i have to admit i actually can't tell if it's meant to be an arrangement of an existing song on the soundtrack or whatever tbh but i don't recognise it, skimming the gamerip. as far as i can tell, it was the only unique song in the crossover event with her and it wasn't even in the gameplay (they just had the music video accessible from the hub screen at the time) so the source cut was probably just not public

it would actively not surprise me if the original sounds absolutely nothing like the music video, i think there's a reason it has separate arrangement and mixing credits

Interesting! I didn't know anything about the game. The song doesn't sound much like "stereotypical Shimomura" imo.

85/2128
@azuarc
Genshin Impact - Gilded Runner
Yu-Peng Chen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIclOmL1LGg

When I first heard Gilded Runner, I giggled at how mischievous it sounds. It feels like a great song for sneaking around, much like azus previous drop. I sense a theme! This song famously uses a timesig based on the Fibonacci sequence, but it still feels less like odd time than other, less complicated songs. I dont know why that is! Its cool, but I wouldnt put that as a principal reason for why I like the song. Its so evocative, particularly the part around 2:35.

84/2125
@UF8
Aster Tatariqus - XION
Yoko Shimomura arr. Shota Horie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liCsjACEeJA

NOW IT IS TIME TO MAKE A CHOICE

This is a great guitar-piano combo, particularly the guitar solo at 1:25. The singer is wistful but authoritative (see the above quote). The whole thing has an overall good energy, like an epic rock song but more low-key, if that makes sense? I was surprised to see Yoko Shimomura on composer credit here should I be familiar with the original version of this?

83/2082
@TunnelScene
Digimon World 2 - Kernel Zone
Koji Yamada, Satoshi Ishikawa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAw46GqJcKA

Bells again. Not just bells evil bells. This is Afternoon in Crossbells wicked cousin, who hatches potions out of pigs blood and sings off-key nursery rhymes to impressionable children. This feels like a very short loop but I dont mind that like the Your Time to Die songs, Kernel Zone is very effective at accomplishing what it sets out to do. Those off-key bells are really something else. Maybe for the next ranking I should stipulate how much I love bells

82/2053
DeviDoesNothing
Sonic Rush - What U Need
Hideki Naganuma
https://youtu.be/neN6N5tKTTU

I was given five Sonic Rush nominations, four of them by the same person, plus a song from Bomb Rush Cyberfunk. Until now, only one of those songs has dropped. I told you I liked Naganuma! Anyway among the other Rush songs this ones a bit lackluster for me, but Naganuma is like Nekomata, and lackluster for him is probably still a keeper. Not much to really say about this one; if you like Naganuma, youll probably like it.

81/2036
@skulltrumpets
Kaze no Notam - Tranquility
Ryuji Nishida
https://youtu.be/6sf8KI6xEf8?si=byAj104Xd_shL1Gb

Kaze no Notam is a very top-heavy soundtrack from my experience. I adore Phantom and Solitude (both 9s), and while I find other songs vaguely pleasurable, nothing seems able to cross the 7.5 threshold. Nevertheless, Tranquility is a really great song. The word immaculate comes to mind. Its such asensuous song? I derive great tactile pleasure from listening to it. Not quite a 9, but no slouch either.

ELIMINATION 45/59: MacArrowny
Average rating: 5.5
Average ranking: 4276
Your lucky song: Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 5 - Lightning Dance(GameVersion)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9jQCrrU1JI

Thank you for nominating!

90/2214
@Isquen
Samurai Shodown 3 - 3 Destinies of Lamentation / The Charon's Sorrow (Basara)
Shin Sekai Gakkyoku Zatsugidan
https://youtu.be/1Ivl1a5fngU

This is a pretty messed up song. The long, drawn out notes and atonal melody and off-key(?) piano runs all add to a feeling of menace and unease. Its an example of a song thats overwhelming not by throwing a bunch of competing or loud sounds at the listener, but rather in the sense of its tone. This is a song that gets played not when youre stressed out/at your breaking point, but when the serial killer has decided they want to play around with you a little more

89/2211
@MacArrowny
Arcaea - Last Moment
onoken
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_fXX3Y0Pis

anime -300 vgm ranking 2024

Last Moment has super anime energy, with vocals and production straight out of a moody anime show. Thats not necessarily a bad thing though. Its got clapping (and I like some clapping). The overall presentation is slick enough that its a delight to listen to. It even manages to do a key change for like half of the time and I still liked it! Thats saying a lot.

88/2174
@Paratroopa1
Kirby's Dream Land 3 Iceberg
Jun Ishikawa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV_7X_znB9E

I love the many cool breakdowns and shifts! Theres a random bass solo at one point. Around the loop point the meter gets all weird, which is cool. I dont have a lot of specific things to say here beyond this song is super cool and weird and charming and frenetic and intense and everybody needs to listen to it right now

87/2154
@Anagram
Your Turn to Die - Majority Rules B
Nankidai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx2LreJtjPc

This is slightly more complicated than the first Majority Rules song in that there are more parts to it, theres percussion and strings and a sense of being overwhelmed. Like the other YTTD noms, it does a lot in establishing a mood with such a short loop. The link is 5 minutes long but the actual song is under a minute; despite this, I find myself listening to the full extended version every time.

86/2132
@FL81
Pinky Ponky - In the Elevator of the Department Store
Ohshima
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf6G1XGkNBk

Good lord, the bass in this song goes whole ham. Its a relatively normal chiptune but then theres this bass that is just OUT OF CONTROL. Its loud and takes over the song at parts. I think its hilarious. The melody is also catchy in that classic retro obscure gaming system way (PC-98, PC-88, etc. this is from the Sharp X68000). Very fun to listen to!

When You Wish Upon a Star
Under the Sea
A Whole New World
Let It Go

Not too confident in these!

ELIMINATION 46/59: OrangeCrush980
Average rating: 5.4
Average ranking: 4251
Your lucky song: Famicom Tantei Club 2 - Confession of a Murderer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL4hR-Hj2O8

Thank you for nominating!

95/2494
@TunnelScene
The Magic School Bus Explores the Solar System - Music of the Spheres (Custom Mix)
unknown composer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D46P1maMTNE

TunnelScene was kind enough to make a seamless mix of various snippets from this game, turning what could have been a mishmash of musical ideas into something cohesive and coherent. Their upload description says:

Music of the Spheres is a minigame with an interactive soundtrack, featuring short loops that can turn into fuller layered music with your actions. This is an attempt to showcase all possible segments in a way that feels like a single cohesive piece of music, while still simulating the clunky jittery experience of scrolling through the options occasionally. Ironically, despite containing easily the longest amount of music in the game (~40% of this game's music data is for this), this minigame is somewhat hidden and often missed by people playing this game.

I really like the deep bass throughout, and the bright electric squirrely noises at 1:30 are welcome. Later on there are breathing noises, a sprightly percussive melody, and some nice volume mixing throughout (I wonder if that was added by TunnelScene or was already present?).

94/2408
@Haste_2
Occultic;Nine - THE MUTUAL FORCE
Takeshi Abo
https://youtu.be/d6aX_FuVRWM?si=s_9DTs3xyaUqgHLN

This is some nice electronic ambience that reminds me of Danganronpa, despite not being composed by Takada this time! The layering of different musical elements is handled very nicely here; it feels like theres always something new to latch onto. Ive commented in many writeups about my love of spacey stuff and while THE MUTUAL FORCE doesnt lean into that aesthetic as hard as some of the other nominations, it still conjures up a feeling of looking up at the sky and reflecting on the future.

93/2394
@bebr117
Cytus - The Ricochet
Sta
https://youtu.be/xq41yQAisaM?si=IrJGXuoiBFQt1dJM

If The Ricochet played more with the melody at 0:20, it might have been as high as a 9. That brief melody is so strong that it bypasses some of the other musical elements in the song that I find less interesting: the wubs, choppy textures, etc. Its not like I dislike The Ricochet, but that melody is very clearly the selling point for me, and if it were more present Id like it a lot more. Alas, we must take what were given!

92/2359
@OrangeCrush980
Yakuza Kiwami - Virtical Point
Hidenori Shoji
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc0Q9sfbhwg

Virtical Point is the highest ranked of the four Yakuza nominations. Its nothing like the others maybe this is why it ranked so high? Its a menacingly paced EDM juggernaut that feels more akin to a nightclub brawl than a late night karaoke fest. Virtical Point has the distinction of probably climbing the highest in rating from the initial listen originally it was like a 3? I know Hidenori Shoji primarily from his work on F-Zero GX, and this feels like a different application of that compositional skill.

91/2298
@Place
Humanity - Intersect
Jemapur
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOd4LDvkz-s

This feels like a song that started as an experiment: lets do a song on keyboards, but the melody will be slightly off, and then well see where it goes from there. Intersect has a loose, improvisational feel, between the keyboards and the other strange, almost bird call-like instruments. Its truly unique. I found this song difficult to conceptualize at first; it took another listen for me to find my footing with it, and Im happy to have experienced it.

100/2588
@xx521xx
Cybersphere - Level Music 3
Clay Hellman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1hxE7ApMfg

As FM synth as they come, folks. If you dont like FM synth, you wont like this. But if you appreciate a good brassy chippy song, check this one out. The melody is sort of lackluster but that surge of power the song does all throughout is more than enough to make up for it.

99/2545
@Disillusion
Thunder Force IV - Sand Hell
Toshiharu Yamanishi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOzgUtumOo0

A strangely moving and heroic Genesis song. Really terrific bass here, and the melody is top notch. This is a soundtrack Ive always meant to dive into, so I appreciated this little glimpse into a track I wasnt familiar with. Sand Hell is both soothing and catastrophic at the same time, straddling itself on the precipice of emotion (theres a phrase).

98/2543
@JONA
Tekken Tag Tournament - Yoshimitsu Theme
Nobuyoshi Sano
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsvB0s_bI9U

no eye no ear no nose no hand no body no mind no shape no shape I love how futuristic this sounds, with spacey effects in the background and that robotic chanting of the mystic-sounding body parts. Its a very unique song, yet its one I could only really see coming from the Tekken franchise, the same series that gave us Yodeling in Meadow Hill and Highschool Love alongside classics like this.

97/2536
@-Chaos-Zero-
Risk of Rain Returns - Surface Tension Returns
Chris Christodoulou arr. Damjan Mravunac
https://youtu.be/3YCBbw8LaOI?si=sMHYiOw5uhtYED56

Very cool song. The 5/4 time keeps me on my toes the whole time. I love the interesting percussion and compelling other instruments; they utilize rock elements mixed with electronic and keyboards. Im unfamiliar with the original version but this seems like it would be a fun spin no matter what the original sounds like.

96/2515
@Bane_Of_Despair
Pyre - Thrash Pack
Darren Korb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LMZYnOml54

This distinctly feels like non-VGM to me (which makes sense, given that I associate you more with that category). The drumwork is really terrific here, as is the main guitar riff. I kept expecting vocals to kick in at some point, but Im okay that they dont this is a song that can easily stand on its own. The meter briefly changes up around 2:35, which was a nice surprise.

ELIMINATION 47/59: banshiryuu
Average rating: 6.8
Average ranking: 3478
Your lucky song: Megido 72 - Crafty Reverse Moon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7D7pRrD4cM

lol

Thank you for nominating!

105/2688
@Place
Seven Samurai 20XX - Seven Samurai (ending theme)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFQCDbTdpqM

This a lovely piece thats grounded in piano but incorporates other instruments, notably that warbly Japanese instrument I can never seem to identify (you know the one). Its an understated song. Lesser compositions might go for big sweeping moments, but Sakamoto takes his time, building something truly special. This one went up on the relisten from a 7 to 7.5.

104/2628
@Prody_Parrot
Sounds of Succubus - Y0U_R3 AN 1D10T ! !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXApAmeCc3M

Industrial with robot vocals, with some symphonic elements. Its a nifty combination. The song feels both ominous and triumphant alternatingly, particularly triumphant as 1:40 with big robot chords. This was a good attempt at catering to my taste, as its got plenty of chippy beepy shit despite not being a chiptune.

103/2615
@banshiryuu
Lanota - The Last Page
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfsonB9ZCk0

Getting big Crocus vibes from The Last Page (are you listening, p0). The song is a mixture of chippy and more organic sounds, and its unrelentingly hopeful and optimistic. If I didnt tend to like these kinds of songs, Id almost find it a little too saccharine, but it straddles the line here and manages to convey just the right amount of whimsy. I could see this one not just getting into VGMC but also doing well.

102/2602
@TunnelScene
Bleach Heat The Soul 4 - Ichigo's Inner World
https://youtu.be/2vW-o9GIuxI

Ah yes, good old evil, drunk piano. This is a nifty song that keeps adding surreal elements. Woodblock, and distorted synths and glitch. The song opens up at 1:25 when the woodblock takes prominence. I love how off-putting this is. Maybe its the video background but I can conjure images of drifting through a changing void, or falling through a liminal space.

101/2596
@xx521xx
Super Bomberman R - Planet Scrapheap
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4Hk52Noyss

Yay factory noises! Youll be hearing those quite a bit as we enter the top 100. Planet Scrapheap lives up to its name and heavily features industrial percussion and robotic sounds, plus theres even a bonus robo vocal that sounds childlike! Nice job on this one. I get a smile on my face every time I listen to this song.

I will probably drop the number of songs per post once we reach a certain point. But yeah, the eliminations are only going to increase!

Two eliminations at once?!? Well I never.

ELIMINATION 49/59: PIayer_0
Average rating: 6.4
Average ranking: 3992
Your lucky song: Breath of Fire V: Dragon Quarter - Lifeline
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egz-iIQoqcU

Thank you for nominating!

ELIMINATION 48/59: MargaretAnnMid
Average rating: 6.3
Average ranking: 3742
Your lucky song: Blinx the Time Sweeper - Forge of Hours
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bRANXnW_88

Thank you for nominating!

110/2777
@PIayer_0
Genshin Impact - Devastation and Redemption
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbB4YS8xFjI

Yooooo this is cool. Another unexpected musical culture from p0. I love all the dramatic musical flourishes; the vocals took some getting used to but I like them too! They feel like soaring through the sky. This song does the dreaded KEY CHANGE and I still liked it. This one is probably also in the probably wont listen to this willingly but I appreciate it category, but its too engaging when I listen to it for that to be a detriment.

109/2748
@DanKirby
Ys III: Wanderers from Ys (PC Engine CD) - Seal of Time
https://youtu.be/Cw1tERqrqnI

Ive always liked the Ys 3 soundtrack, particularly the PC Engine CD version, which takes an already fabulous song and enhances it with top-quality production and mixing. Theres this weird little discordant note run at the start of the loop that reminds me of jazz fusion somehow; I dont recall hearing that in any other version. I also love the keyboard solo at 1:50. But yeah, solid melody, excellent 90s production.

108/2745
@failgirlema
Mawaskes - BGM#07
https://youtu.be/fUmc2te5-gk

A comment on this video says The synths say house but the beat says new jack swing! and thats a very apt description. At first I wasnt too into the samples, but they really grew on me. The whole thing is structured like an ensemble piece, with sudden trumpet! And tap shoes! And some sprightly bass work. I could see this being performed in a jazz club.

107/2742
@Place
Epic Loon - Even in the Carpathians, taking a train is still faster than riding a ghoul
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9hF0okYl3o

This was among the most challenging songs to rank. The first time I listened to it I had no idea where to place it (no pun intended). It was eerily captivating but I wasnt super into it. Subsequent relistens helped me hone in on the placement. Its a complicated song with what I referred to in my notes as demented ass polymeter and gunshot sounds and a total tone change at 1:40 and some additional Eastern European music vibes. I think Im most into the part at 3:15, which gets big and symphonic and adds a weird horn instrument into the mix. I respect this songs steadfast refusal to be categorized! Live your truth, Even in the Carpathians, taking a train is still faster than riding a ghoul.

106/2717
@MargaretAnnMid
Suikoden III - Mysterious People
https://youtu.be/NbvfyzDSfH4?si=_rYxLCLNLV2gSf2X

Very soothing in that trademark Suikoden way. Nice string and woodwind samples. I dont have a lot to say about this one its simply a song that accomplishes its goal in a wonderfully succinct package. This is one Ill probably come back to again a few times. Thanks! FYI, this song went up from 6 all the way to a 7.5 on the relisten. Relistens can make dreams come true!

I only got halfway through Djesse and Safe Travels once it became apparent that neither would be cracking the top five, and No Fences still isn't available for streaming. Other than that, I listened to everything!

Here's my top five based on how much I want to relisten to them and, given that I don't participate every week, how likely I'd be to do so:

Joni Mitchell - Blue
Knower - Knower Forever
The Seatbelts (Yoko Kanno) - Cowboy Bebop
Garbage - Version 2.0
Viktor Vaughn (MF Doom) - Vaudeville Villain

The top four were a clear tier above the others for me, so for the competitive #5 slot, it was a fight between Innervisions, Vaudeville Villain, and What Up, Dog? I went with Vaudeville Villain because I'm trying to listen to more hip-hop and I think I'd enjoy relistening to that more than the other two. What's Up, Dog? was delightfully unhinged though!

Californication was a nice surprise and might have cracked the top five if the second half didn't exist lol

This was fun, would (probably) do again.

Johnbobb posted...

Does anyone here have recommendations for good glitchpop-type music, kinda like you hear toward the end of Dorset Perception? Like I've been getting really into Sweet Trip lately, something along the lines of that sound

This is what Rate Your Music spat out for recommendations from Tales of the Inexpressible. Some of this probably isn't what you're looking for but it might be a decent start.

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/forum/5/5327bf35.jpg

I probably would've had Love Deluxe as top three, depending on how the other albums shook out. But I can't complain - I didn't submit a list!

ELIMINATION 50/59: NFUN
Average rating: 6.4
Average ranking: 3995
Your lucky song: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater - Way to Fall
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POp9lVSRrG8

Thank you for nominating!

7.5/10

lets goooo

115/2825
@NFUN
Parasite Eve - Somnia Memorias
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9MYXO1nDJc

Spanish vocal BGM, thats a rare treat. This is an airy song that feels like a slow dance and a hot balloon ride while eating linguini and garlic bread. I greatly enjoy the six minutes I spend with Somnia Memorias. It feels sexy without being erotic, and sultry without being steamy. This is the nom of yours I connected with the most, and maybe because its telling me a story, singing me a lullaby, that I can only get from this particular song. I dont think theres another song out there that can evoke the exact same feelings in me.

114/2819
@-hotdogturtle--
Wario Land 4 - Yesterday's Words
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEmalE_04EI

One of the weirder nominations for sure (which believe me is saying a lot), Yesterdays Words is heavy on ticking clocks and other miscellaneous sound effects: cuckoo clocks, Hurry Up!! noises, tinkling keyboard. Theres something resembling a conventional song in the second half but I find that less engaging than the sheer audacity of the rest of the piece. Songs like that are what I was hoping for with this ranking, so thank you for providing!

113/2818
@Prince46
My Memory of Us - Scherzo for Friends
https://youtu.be/iM38sLLKVj0

This is a very nice rendition of old timey Polish-Russian-Jewish music, evocative of the World War II-esque period the game is clearly striving to emulate. This song is nothing like the other two 7.5s so far, but its every bit as compelling to me. This one was a really pleasant surprise, as I dont typically listen to this style of music, but you found an example that resonated with me.

112/2803
-hotdogturtle--
Pac-In-Time (Game Boy) - Jungle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uief1dx_uzI

Oof sorry for double drop This is such a fascinating chiptune. The sound design is just so intense, with long, dense notes that occasionally branch into harmonies. The overall effect is overwhelming (in a good way!). This is a port of a song from the Amiga version of Fury of the Furries (or maybe vice versa?); I like that version more but this goes places the other doesnt, so its very worth listening to.

111/2789
@DeadTaffer
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne - A Single Bloom in an Eternity ~ Illusory Flower
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYhY0KUoHNk

Very dramatic song that seems to tell a story of war and hardship. I love the big horns; there are also a ton of instruments I cant even place, like what is even happening at 1:10? That horn-like instrument is very strong, but there are other facets too, like the drumbeat around 1:50 that feels like a rallying cry to war.

Only five more albums to listen to so I can be an informed voter!

*gasps for breath*

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!