LogFAQs > #967361765

Kaze no Ne
An Endless Desert
Theme of D4

trying something new this round based on some recent conversations I was thinking about; this will also probably push me to vote a little earlier, since I can't really pull this off on short notice. basically: vgmc is a nice resource to look for more vgm-- tracks that you like might spur you to look more into a soundtrack or composer. to that end I'll take a look at another track in the same soundtrack or by the same composer that I liked for every* round 4 track and briefly talk about it. I'll generally try to avoid previous vgmc entrants (but will probably make at least one exception).

*non-guaranteed, subject to mood and occasional sloth

Legaia 2: Duel Saga - Fight, Then Riot! (Yasunori Mitsuda)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os5HkWALhuA (why are there no regular-length yt uploads of this)

Thought about using Ruined World from Chrono Trigger here (never realized how much of a VLR vibe that track gives to me now; wonderfully atmospheric track that highlights Mitsuda's ability to set mood). Mitsuda's discography is huge and there's a lot of things I could have picked here; this was a relatively early thing I ran into when digging more into Mitsuda stuff back in 2007. This is a very 'intro' track that still showcases Mitsuda's ear for melody and pretty arrangements; I always used to swoon at 0:36, especially the way the guitar interacts with the piano line.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles - Within the Dark Sorrow (Kumi Tanioka)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdInlV1aHok

Was sorely tempted to use Departure here, though it's been in VGMC8. I really like the moods Kumi Tanioka sets in this soundtrack with her choices in instrumentation; while a lot of it is playful and foresty this is darker, more cave/night-like. The pads and echoing percussion really hammer this home, while the cello plays a somewhat languid tune. When the flute comes in to accompany it's a beautiful contrast. Unlike a lot of 'cave/night' tracks this doesn't aim to be eerie or sinister; it's remarkably relaxing, a leisurely exploration of an unlit space.

Mr. Driller: Drill Land - Caballero Night Area (Go Shiina)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-zIV8RDqEk

I love how eclectic Go Shiina is willing to be. This is another darker-sounding track with cello, but much more energetic-- the opening synth lays out a cool vibe and it goes from there. There's a bunch of stuff he throws at this and it's a lot of fun-- hard panning, stuttering and gating at unexpected times, several different electronic elements, while still maintaining a really enjoyable overall feel.

Alto's Odyssey - A Moment of Tranquility (Torin Borrowdale)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyqOQnQmFrE

Torin Borrowdale worked on both Alto games' Zen Mode tracks. I overlook this a lot-- it's tough when Endless Desert is possibly my favourite track by one of my favourite VGM composers-- but it's a lovely composition in its own right. It really is, well, tranquil. It has its moment of grandeur about halfway through but my favourite part is just after that, when the xylophone shows up and just goes for it, and the piano joins in soon after-- it carries a playfulness and energy that elevates the track.