Board 8 > Raetsel ranks 631 songs. [Rankings]

Topic List
Page List: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ... 10
Raetsel_Lapin
11/24/20 4:26:18 PM
#101:


NFUN posted...
should've done a parody of King of Fighters 2020 though


That was primarily 1-on-1 instead of team based. Also I'd have to add pictures to fully sell the joke and that'd take effort.
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
sergiocornaga
11/24/20 5:01:50 PM
#102:


Raetsel_Lapin posted...
579: MAZEDUDE - BONE WAGON, FOR BONES
Neat! This bodes well for my hope of nominating an album varied enough to be spread throughout the entire list.

This is the first song I heard from this album back in 2005, as I learned of it from a news post on a LucasArts fansite that mentioned this track in particular (it was either mixnmojo.com or some Grim Fandango-specific site that no longer exists). It's probably my second least favourite track, though I still like it.
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/24/20 6:12:58 PM
#103:


And lets end the night with three more drops to get us up to 10 for the night. 10s a good numberthough dragging this topic out for two months is less than ideal, 10 should at least be an easy number to hit and I can see about speeding back up a bit later.

===============

575: STURGILL SIMPSON - LAST MAN STANDING:

https://open.spotify.com/track/6V2pwCqVqFS3rcFW0Pe3kL

Nominator: Xeybozn (20/20)
Source: Sound and Fury (10/10)

Initial Score: 0 [#585]
Revised Score: 0.88 [#586]
Final Score: 25.40 [#575]

(First Thoughts: The first verse is great. The second verse makes me want to throw it into absolute last place because theres not much worse than a song that I actually like with one part that completely & utterly ruins it.)

There are few songs with as big a drop in quality as this one. The first verse is great and close to perfection:

I'm gonna ride off into the sunset
While it all burns to hell behind me
Somewhere I haven't been yet
Somewhere they can't even see


I love lines like that and this...distorted country rock thing the song has going for it and I question how a song like this could have possibly ended without any points.

...then we get to the lyrics of the second verse and Im tempted to let it drop to last place.

[Final Thoughts: Why yes, I will completely destroy a songs ranking based entirely on one line. I really dig the sound, I think his voice perfectly suits this type of song, the first verse is great and I cant rightfully say its the worst song nominated, but...no.]

===============



================

574: TOOL - FORTY SIX & 2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIuZUCpm9hc&list=OLAK5uy_k_Z0-DYw0_cGPvZm6icNUGbefRT4wktdY&index=5

Nominator: Steiner (22/26)
Source: Aenima (12/15)

Initial Score: 49.87 [#425]
Revised Score: 27.49 [#562]
Final Score: 27.49 [#574]

(First Thoughts: The lyrics are intriguing, but I find this singer very exhausting

[Later: This writeup trails into nothingness there, lacking any punctuation or a closing bracket. Presumably I found this too exhausting to even finish a thought.])

Im bouncing hard off of this tonight.. Right now find this to be unbelievably tedious, pretentious, and just incredibly unenjoyable. I think my dislike of this song is best summed up by Apus shut up, shut up, I cant believe you dont shut up!.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbcE9BXZNfk

To be fair, theres a chance I may actually like this song if I heard it on a day where I was in the mood for...whatever this is. But Im very strongly opposed to it right now.

[Final Thoughts: One of the more exhausting songs on the entire list, my eyes just kinda glaze over as I wait for it to end. It doesnt actively throw me into a coma like certain songs on this list, but its just so... very, very tiring.

I suppose I like some of the lyrics and that they offer an excuse to study some of Carl Jungs completely insane theories about chromosomes? But the theory is such ridiculous gibberish that its scarcely worth the effort to even Google it and.... ugghhhh...]

===============



================

573: STURGILL SIMPSON - A LITTLE LIGHT:

https://open.spotify.com/track/0e4GxC1u8gzQ98RrbQTiCn

Nominator: Xeybozn (19/20)
Source: Metamodern Sounds in Country Music (10/10)

Initial Score: 1.00 [#576]
Revised Score: 29.99 [#557]
Final Score: 28.00 [#573]

(First Thoughts: I believe my ideal song would be the opposite of this, in all ways.)

Eternal nights with no tomorrows sound wonderful, so the song loses me as soon as it starts talking about finding the light.

With all the talk of mortal sin, Heaven, and Lord with a capital L this song feels a bit too religious for my blood... I know that it isnt really (especially considering everything else on the album), but the choice of wording isnt doing the song any favors..

And... well thats about it really. I want all of the lyrics to be the exact opposite of what they are. Song is probably fine, its just the complete reverse of what I actually want to hear.

[Final Thoughts: Im sure in some alternate universe Im hailing this as the best thing ever, but in this reality, we praise the darkness.]

================
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/25/20 9:15:48 AM
#104:


=================

572: THE EIGHTFOLD ROAD - BATTLE I:

https://familyjules7x.bandcamp.com/track/battle-i

Nominator: The_Mighty_KELP (32/32)

Initial Score: 40.00 [#510]
Revised Score: 34.40 [#543]
Final Score: 28.05 [#572]

(First Thoughts: Ive said it before and Ill say it again: I dont like RPG battle themes that want to be epic, but only bore me. This is... well, not as bad as certain other songs, but is antithetical to the type of VGM I like listening to.)

I really have nothing left to say about this genre of music. I dont like this type of song and Ill probably never like it.

[Its once again time for: Raetsel talks about completely unrelated songs to kill time.]

Ice Ice Baby VS Straight Up:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwWsNWXO1-Y

One of the better mash-ups Ive encountered. I know its cheesy and ridiculous, but I love itfrom the way time slows to a halt and rewinds at the first Is it gonna be youuuuu..... to the comedy nostalgia of hearing the two songs together, to the fact that I actually prefer the way the songs sound together over the way they sound individually. Straight Up always sounds wrong whenever I hear it separately now, since my mind is always waiting for Ice to provide backup and it feels like the song is actively missing a vital part.

Like, Ive never liked Ice Ice Baby (even in an ironic way), but somehow pairing it with Paula Abdul results in a song that I cannot get enough of.

(I nominated that for the VGM rating topic on July 3rd. What do you think will happen firstthat song appearing to be officially ranked or this writeup officially being posted?

...wait, I seriously nominated Rock n Roll Dixie? *laughs* Oh man, i love that song, but I dont think many people will agree with that. Which is all the more reason to nominate it places, I know, I just have no memory of doing that.)

[Later: Ice Ice Baby VS Straight Up was posted for ranking long before this topics rankings started.]

[FInal Thoughts: Considering how many artists worked on this album of Octopath Traveler remixes, Im just putting the album title. I should put FAMILY JULES there, but the title feels more appropriate to me somehow.

...and I should be more subtle about this, but lets just say I was not happy with this album doing 8 EPIC BATTLE songs in a row. I get why the album is structured the way it is (playable characters, then locations, then battles), but I really wish they changed the order instead of hitting me with all of those right in a row. There definitely are some RPG battle themes I like, but Im fairly confident its my least liked VGM genre. Certainly the one Id be least interested in hearing at any rate.

(Thats not to say theyre all getting low scores, but trying to go through all of them in a row was certainly ill-advised.)]

[Final-er Notes: 8 characters, 8 locations, 8 battle themes. How did I not notice that before? Doesnt change anything, but at least I noticed things eventually.]

===============

DING! You are now leaving the 20 point tier.

Coming up next the I didnt like this tier. Dislike feels like too strong of a word for these songs... I mean, were still a long ways from things I like, but theyre not bad and usually have more positive traits than earlier eliminations.
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/25/20 11:16:40 AM
#105:


=================

571: KIRBY AIR RIDE - CHECKER KNIGHTS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQY9ZW-MkKg

Nominator: Hbthebattle (11/11)

Initial Score: 41.26 [#499]
Revised Score: 34.83 [#542]
Final Score: 30.00 [#571]

(First Thoughts: It feels like the soundtrack to a silent movie about the circus, and not a very interesting movie at that.)

Well, today it feels like a Russian circus, which is apparently worth less than a silent movie circus.

*insert Zangief & Gorbachevs dance gif here*

So, I dont usually like Kirby (other than Super Star which is still great), but the games do have some good songs here & there. Some of my favorite discoveries of the last two VGMCs were finding some Kirby songs that I actually enjoythough I cant recall their names, there were some. Pretty sure they werent from Air Ride though. To the best of my knowledge, Ive never liked any of the songs from the OST (or the game itself, or anything about the game). This song is just dull and un-fun and I dont know how it made it so relatively high up the list on the first listen.

[Final Thoughts: I give this song partial credit for feeling like some type of ambience, but Im just not interested in circuses. Not bothered or triggered by them, just not something I care about or want to experience. Which makes this a bit of a dud... still, worth some credit.]

==================



================

570: MAZEDUDE - THE GREAT TENTACLE PIANIST:

https://mazedude.bandcamp.com/track/the-great-tentacle-pianist

Nominator: sergiocornaga (17/18)

Initial Score: 48.00 [#449]
Revised Score: 31.82 [#549]
Final Score: 30.50 [#570]

(First Thoughts: Okay? Im fine with simple piano music, but this...is just okay?)

Unrelated Tangent - Whenever I see this song, I have flashbacks to Amazin Fruit commercials:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLROt3RVXiw

Ive had Its Amazin Fruit! Amazin Fruit, Amazin Fruit, yeah! stuck in my head for so...so very long. Id say it was one of the most effective commercials of all time, but I actually never felt inclined to try the product which probably counts as a failure on its part.

I have no idea why this songs title gives me flashbacks to this commercial since they dont have a single word in common, but thats still where my mind goes.

Aaanywho... song itself is just kinda dull? Not sure why the score was so much higher the first time around.

[Final Thoughts: o.O?

...Okay, I really have no idea where that Amazin Fruit bit came from as I have no memory of typing that, nor can I find any way of connecting the commercial jingle to any aspect of this song. Thats just...weird.

Either way, my thoughts on the song seem summed up by okay? Its...okay, I guess? I certainly dont dislike it, but... okay?]

===============
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
NBIceman
11/25/20 11:26:00 AM
#106:


Sweet, made it out of the 20s untouched.

---
https://imgur.com/UYamul2
Spurs - Yankees - Eagles - Golden Knights
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/25/20 12:40:12 PM
#107:


================

569: LENA RAINE - SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY:

https://radicaldreamland.bandcamp.com/track/spirit-of-hospitality

Nominator: MetalmindStats (23/28)
Source: Celeste Soundtrack (18/21)

Initial Score: 30.00 [#538]
Revised Score: 30.00 [#553]
Final Score: 32.00 [#569]

(First Thoughts: After listening to this the first time, I had to go back and listen to it again immediately because I couldnt recall anything about it to even attempt assigning a score. Its musical white noise and Im not sure how to score that... I guess 30.00?)

The song half tries for a spooky ghost vibe, but it never even comes close to actually nailing it. Its just background noise and not especially compelling background noise at that.

[Its time for the third installment of: Raetsel cant find anything to say about this song and talks about a completely unrelated song (though who knows what order these writeups will be posted in when things are finished)]

Cyanide:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_2C_9jLmNc

After my brief obsession with Creepers song Misery last year, I tried a few more of the bands songs at random. I cant recall any of the others that I listened to, but Cyanide quickly made it onto my regular playlist. The song does a lot of things that, in theory, I should hate... but this track works for me.

References to hell, the pale moonlight, being fugitives from Heaven that shall never be forgiven... what can I say, I love their choice of imagery. It also comes close to being too explicit, but the band wisely decides to back off and leave things just vague enough that it doesnt bother me. While the song is no Misery, its still pretty good and a welcome addition to my song list.

[Final Thoughts: I was going to have this as one of the most consistent songs by giving it exactly 30 points again, but Ive given the score a slight bump because its at least attempting to do things that I like. I do like me some retro styled beeping tracks, and I do like spooky ghost ambience, but it doesnt really nail either aspect. Its not even child wearing a sheet with eyeholes cut out spooky, its like...fan making a slightly odd sound but still running perfectly fine spooky.

...I dont care how stupid that simile was, Im sticking with it.]

================



================

568: LIVE - SPARKLE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilgNJS6vtHE&list=PLBB25BAC1F72C0DE4&index=3

Nominator: azuarc (28/28)
Source: The Distance to Here (13/13)

Initial Score: 55.18 [#301]
Revised Score: 23.49 [#570]
Final Score: 32.29 [#568]

(First Thoughts: Changed my mind from hate to faith makes me think this is probably a very praise Jesus type of song, but Love will overcome is a nice enough message that its hard to object and the religious references are vague enough that they dont bother me.)

Im feeling significantly less objective about things tonight and have a rather strong dislike for this. It just comes off way too preachy to be enjoyable.

...no further comments.

[Final Thoughts: Just one of those songs that Im not really connecting with, though I dont actively dislike it like the second time around (though I also dont like it like the first time; its somewhere between those reactions). I think I see the appealsinging about love overcoming all and unity, its something I want to like. I cant fault the subject matter, the deliberately vague spirituality, or anything specific. Theres just some disconnect happening between me and the song.

Eh, give me a sec, I need to try comparing this to something.

Robbi Robb - In Time (with added guitar intro):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdXU1tMcnpU

My old standby choice for songs about humanity coming together, I talk about it a lot (including at the first ranking topic for some reason). This song was so beautiful and soothing that I pretty much listened to it on an infinite loop for a while. Actually bought the Excellent Adventure soundtrack purely for this song and grabbed Bogus Journeys soundtrack at the same time just in case it any hidden gems like this one. (It didnt, but it was still a pretty good soundtrack. I was also quite disappointed that the guitar intro was never included on any official release of this song, but I go off-topic).

One heart, one soul, one mind
Our eyes will not be blind
We'll see this rain come down without this sound
We can all, we can all break free


It tries to go for a similar vaguely spiritual thing, but it actually connects. I think my issue with Sparkle is that the music sounds too harsh? In Time is still a rock song, but its very restrained and subdued. Even when Robbis voice intensifies and almost shouts we can all break free, the volume is relatively lowthe song is about peace and unity, and even at its strongest its still peaceful. The song is beyond anger or rage and there is only peace.

Sparkle lacks beauty or peace. The guitar is too harsh, the vocals too loud, the instrumentals too overpowering. Theres nothing wrong with being a harder rock song, but its directly at odds with the feelings the song presumably wants to convey and it creates this disconnect in my mindtoo spiritual to rock out to, too busy and noisy to evoke feelings of peace. I wouldnt call it lyrically dissonant, but it just does not work for me.]

===============
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/25/20 1:35:44 PM
#108:


===============

567: TATSUHIKO ASANO - STROLL MUSIC:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWV5BzZqjUA

Nominator: rwlh (15/15)

Initial Score: 13.76 [#568]
Revised Score: 28.99 [#559]
Final Score: 32.60 [#567]

(First Thoughts: i always say its impossible for a song to be too weird, and then someone reminds me this exists.)

[A portion of this writeup featuring a rave.dj mashup has been removed because links to old mashups are busted and unlikely to resume functioning anytime soon.

I should have backed some of them up, but didnt.]

...This worked much better with the mashup.

Alright, so, this is a really weird track. Its interesting, but not exactly pleasant to listen to. It needs a little something extra to make it click. Mixing it with a commercial or something to get some odd vocals and/or faint backing music seemed to elevate the track. It made it feel more like weird music instead of just weird.

And since I cant provide examples, youll just have to take my word for it.

[Final Thoughts: ...Well since I had to delete all the text and start over thanks to losing that mashup, the above was the final thought.

Actually, Im just noticing this song jumped up a tier each time. Thats kinda interesting.]

================
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/25/20 2:58:24 PM
#109:


===============

565 [TIE]: CRASH BANDICOOT 2 - BEAR IT, BEAR DOWN, TOTALLY BEAR:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhf9dfwgNRU

Nominator: paulg235 (14/15)

Initial Score: 36.15 [#522]
Revised Score: 13.74 [#582]
Final Score: 33.00 [#565]

(First Thoughts: Ive actually never liked the Crash Bandicoot series or the soundtracks to any of its games (well, that Ive heard anyway, I cant say Im incredibly well-versed on the series OSTs), but this isnt too bad.)

Ive changed my mind, I very strongly dislike this. Which, as you probably expect from the earlier writeup, can be said about every Crash Bandicoot song ive ever heard.

(This writeup is going to be so awkward if I suddenly decide I like the song that has said earlier writeup...)

I also have no nostalgia for the series; tried playing the first game when it was new, didnt care for it in the slightest, and saw no reason to ever try any of the sequels. It just felt like generic animal mascot platformer #5000like even Awesome Possum seemed to have more personality than in-game Crash and Awesome Possum was unplayable garbage.

I wonder if Awesome Possums soundtrack was as terrible as the game itself was?

Awesome Possum - The Rain Forest:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3igl6PmyyOg

...Not great, but actually not bad. Lets try another short one:

Awesome Possum - Review Questions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWm3enONEug

Overly ominous for a trivia question song, but I do rather like how dramatic it is. Yeah, I think these are both above average songs, so thats nice.

[Not-Quite-Final Thoughts: I still dont like this song, but dislikes a bit too strong of a word... Im going to set this aside for a bit; its definitely going up to the 30 point tier, but Im not sure exactly where I want it to be yet.]

[Final Thoughts: 33 points sounds good. I dont really care for this songs musical style, but its not particularly bad and having a chance to reflect on my feelings towards Crash is...something? I wouldnt say its relevant or important, but it is an oddly strong reaction I should probably get to the bottom of.]

===============



================

565 [TIE]: MAZEDUDE - ZAPPERS FREEDOM:

https://mazedude.bandcamp.com/track/zappers-freedom

Nominator: sergiocornaga (17/18)

Initial Score: 45.27 [#474]
Revised Score: 30.00 [#553]
Final Score: 33.00 [#565]

(First Thoughts: Dull.)

A failed ambiance track. I have no idea what the composer was aiming for with this track and I get nothing from it at all.

Its sad because Catherines Freedom is....good?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eb2Gyd_c8M

Not my favorite ambience, but I like it (60-something points). The samples Mazedude went with do not work at all for this type of song and practically ruin it.

[Final Thoughts: This is a song that I just dont get, on any level. It doesnt really sound or feel like anything. Catherines Freedom is mysterious and foreboding, as though youve tampered with forces beyond your reckoning and things are going to end very, very badly for you in the immediate future.

Zappers Freedom...conveys nothing. I cant say I dislike it because that would require the song to have inspired a negative feeling. I think if I knew anything about music, thered probably be a lot of value in trying to contrast what the two songs actually did and why I dont feel it worked, but thats obviously beyond my current capabilities.

Ive got it tying with the Crash Bandicoot song because theyre both in that same sort of area. I didnt really like either of them, but I do like the thinking exercises they offerBears personal reflection on probably misplaced aggression & Zappers more academic what actually went wrong with this song.]

================
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
sergiocornaga
11/25/20 4:24:09 PM
#110:


Raetsel_Lapin posted...
565 [TIE]: MAZEDUDE - ZAPPERS FREEDOM:

https://mazedude.bandcamp.com/track/zappers-freedom

Nominator: sergiocornaga (17/18)
This is actually 16/18 for me, I think.

I like this song! I wouldn't describe it as ambiance, but the original arguably is, so maybe you meant that it fails to capture the ambiance of the original. It's an attempt at mimicking the style of this song, but knowing this probably won't affect your opinion one way or the other: https://youtu.be/d3S2LeHyBwA
... Copied to Clipboard!
rwlh
11/25/20 5:25:03 PM
#111:


Raetsel_Lapin posted...
567: TATSUHIKO ASANO - STROLL MUSIC:

This was the only video game song I nominated for you. It's from Doshin the Giant, a weird little game for the Nintendo 64DD peripheral. I didn't realize you had already rated it for Rate the VGM (you gave it a 2). Had I known that, I would have given you something else, ideally something you hadn't heard before. Ah well!
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/25/20 5:32:25 PM
#112:


^[The track by Zapper] is not a bad song, though I dont know if I like any more than Zappers Freedom. Id probably have to listen to it a few more times to tell.

================

564: SCORCHING PING PONG GIRLS - AlwaysHokuHoku:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dMwLIqSZLA

Nominator: pyresword (7/7)

Initial Score: 23.56 [#551]
Revised Score: 32.68 [#547]
Final Score: 34.00 [#564]

(First Thoughts: ...I feel like even this score might be too high.)

I kind of like the first 10 seconds of the song, with its simplistic computerized beeping. Then the louder, heavier beat comes in and the song loses me almost completely. Theres still some artificial beeping sounding music, but its almost completely drowned out.... then the song just has a complete mental breakdown, becoming almost painful to listen to. (Which is odd because I think I usually like that sort of thing).

Ive never heard of this anime and decided to skim the Wikipedia page. Kimiko Hamu: Nicknamed Nom-Nom due to her constant chowing down of food in her mouth.

...I love that the article feels this person is important enough to be described and that they had to clarify that she uses her mouth when chowing down. It raises so many questions about why the author chose to describe it that way and why they felt this was important to our understanding of what the show was about.

[Final Thoughts: I have so many questions about Kimikos existence that I almost want to watch this now.]

===============

===============

563: PIANO OPERA - KEFKA:

https://open.spotify.com/track/1Moc3Rw04T8okzXEnO5W1o

Nominator: Haste_2 (19/19)
Source: Piano Opera Final Fantasy IV/V/VI (12/12)

Initial Score: 50.12 [#400]
Revised Score: 37.84 [#535]
Final Score: 34.60 [#563]

(First Thoughts: Technically impressive, but Im not wild about it. This is a good arrangement though, a definite improvement over the originalnot sure how low Id drop the SNES version, but Im definitely not a fanso I can say this version of the song is probably as good as Kefkas theme could ever be.)

I think I overvalued this originally just because I was impressed it was so much better than the original, when really, I still dont quite like it. Taking a song I strongly dislike it and improving it is impressive, yes, but the result is quite still not something Id want to listen to.

On some level, I get the song or think I do anywayit starts off goofy and clownish, then develops elements of a military cadence like Evil Military Clown but I dont like particularly like either of those aspects, which results in a song that is quite good at not being what I want to hear.

[Final Thoughts: Personal bias against it aside, I think this song largely succeeds at what it wants to accomplish, so well done.]

===============
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/25/20 5:37:15 PM
#113:


rwlh posted...


This was the only video game song I nominated for you. It's from Doshin the Giant, a weird little game for the Nintendo 64DD peripheral. I didn't realize you had already rated it for Rate the VGM (you gave it a 2). Had I known that, I would have given you something else, ideally something you hadn't heard before. Ah well!


Sorry about that, though as I implied with its regularly increasing score, it is starting to grow on me. Wouldn't give it a 2 these days.
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
rwlh
11/25/20 6:03:12 PM
#114:


It's my fault, not yours! I always go out of my way to pick songs the rankers haven't heard before, so this was an oversight on my part. Hopefully the other fourteen are new discoveries.
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/26/20 10:42:53 AM
#115:


===============

562: TOOL - PUSHIT:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGm72iNBF8E&list=OLAK5uy_k_Z0-DYw0_cGPvZm6icNUGbefRT4wktdY&index=11

Nominator: Steiner (21/26)
Source: Aenima (11/15)

Initial Score: 41.07 [#501]
Revised Score: 40.42 [#528]
Final Score: 35.10 [#562]

(First Thoughts: Uuuugghhhhhh....

I mean, I dont hate it, but theres no interpretation of these lyrics that I want to think about or discuss, at all.)

I do not want to listen to this, I do not want to talk about it, and I do not want to think about it. If I had to say something nice: I kinda like the instruments in the intro (it has a buzzing-like feel which is kinda nifty) and the outro, while too violent, does mention claws... which, yes, I am very easily manipulated by anything even remotely animalistic. I know clawing out throats doesnt imply even metaphorical claws, but... well, one takes what they can get.

I feel like I should probably have this song even lower, but it at least has a few parts that I want to offer praise to, which I guess keeps it from going any lower on the list? Barely.

[Final Thoughts: Per usual, remove all of Maynards lyrics, and Id probably like this.]

================



================

561: FATE/STAY NIGHT HEAVENS FEEL 2 - I BEG YOU:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfIVndsm3ic

Nominator: pyresword (6/7)

Initial Score: 35.193 [#525]
Revised Score: 32.25 [#548]
Final Score: 35.19 [#561]

(First Thoughts: I find everything about this song incredibly off-putting. The lyrics seem appropriately sad, but seeing as I dont care for...anything about the song, theres only so far sad lyrics can carry it.)

Welll, suffice it to say, everything that happens to Sakura is way too far on the soul-crushing axis, to a point that if the song actually went into any details, this probably wouldve landed somewhere in the bottom tier. Perhaps thankfully, the song keeps things vague enough that I dont instantly hate it. But I certainly dont like it either; not a fan of the singers performance on this particular track, I dont think Im a fan of this genre (not that I can place it to anything), not a fan of the subject matter. Its not the worst, but theres basically no chance of this getting out of the 30s.

[Final Thoughts: Another of those songs that Im supposed to like. Weve got sad lyrics that arent quite soul-crushingly sad, a line about the light dying (not exactly what I want, but I can work with it), anime songs have traditionally done well for themselvessee Just Communication earlier in this topicbut Im just not enjoying it.]

================
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
azuarc
11/26/20 11:02:14 AM
#116:


Raetsel_Lapin posted...
568: LIVE - SPARKLE:
(First Thoughts: Changed my mind from hate to faith makes me think this is probably a very praise Jesus type of song, but Love will overcome is a nice enough message that its hard to object and the religious references are vague enough that they dont bother me.)

[Final Thoughts: Just one of those songs that Im not really connecting with, though I dont actively dislike it like the second time around (though I also dont like it like the first time; its somewhere between those reactions). I think I see the appealsinging about love overcoming all and unity, its something I want to like. I cant fault the subject matter, the deliberately vague spirituality, or anything specific. Theres just some disconnect happening between me and the song.

I guess I was wrong. Surprised this is the first one out; I really like Sparkle. I'll admit, I don't focus very much on the words to Live songs. If you do, then I'm going to suffer some very bad placements here because 90% of them don't really make sense. I just love the sound of their songs, the instrumentation and the sound of his voice.

Ed Kowalczyk was on a very generically spiritual bender during that time period. You'll hear it again in They Stood Up For Love, plus overtones in a lot of the other songs. I don't think any of it on The Distance to Here is especially Christian or otherwise associated with a particular faith. He does occasionally reference religious icons in his writing, though. (Selling the Drama: And to Christ, a cross. And to me, a chair. I will sit and earn the ransom from up here.)

---
Video Game Music Contest 14 champion: Idola Phantasy Star Saga - Endeavour
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/26/20 12:08:28 PM
#117:


===============

560: THE APEX THEORY - SHHH... (HOPE DIGGY):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckdokzpHIfQ

Nominator: Murphiroth (21/21)
Source: Murphiroths Extra Songs (7/7)

Initial Score: 20.22 [#556]
Revised Score: 33.11 [#546]
Final Score: 36.00 [#560]

(First Thoughts:

YouTube commenters posted...
Note the lyrics... almost prophetic.

Your words are important and good.

The lyrics are so meaningful.

Supercharges your spirit.


Apex Theory sang...
Tiny tip is tired and will not tolerate toilet tokens!


*twitch*

The sad part is that I cant tell if everyones being sarcastic or not...)

Im glad to have a chance to listen to a style of music that doesnt get nominated oftenagain, not that I actually know genres of music, but rapcore doesnt seem like a thing Ive had much exposure to, if any.

Perhaps with more familiarity with the style, I could have a better appreciation for the way it (Im told) combines a variety of styles & mixes serious and nonsensical lyrical together to create... whatever it was I just listened to.

...that or Id still just see the overly alliterative sections as more annoying than anything else and still give this a terrible score. One or the other, probably.

[Later: I would either like this more -OR- I wouldnt, probably one of those two things

Hard to believe were not being paid for such brilliant insights...]

[Final Thoughts: I think Ill try one more song by them after the ranking ends. Different enough to be worth the second chance, probably.]

================



================

559: STURGILL SIMPSON - LIVING THE DREAM:

https://open.spotify.com/track/2eD05M0sROqhQpkQJ9ze8x

Nominator: Xeybozn (18/20)
Source: Metamodern Sounds in Country Music (9/10)

Initial Score: 38.26 [#516]
Revised Score: 36.55 [#538]
Final Score: 36.55 [#559]

(First Thoughts: Nah. Im sure you thought I dont have to do a Goddamn thing except sit around and wait to die would count as the type of sad Im looking for, but...no. Partly because the song isnt actually sad, partly because waiting to die is a bit too far on the scale of bleakness if it were trying to be sad.)

Im dropping this a bit on the second listen. I blame the multiple references to God, even sarcastic references feels like more than I want to deal with tonight; factor in that I was never really a fan of the song and yeah, its easy to see why this is dropping a few spaces this time.

Beyond that... I do like some traditional country sounding songs, so the genre and actual performance are fine, but I have no interest in the lyrics. Dont see much point listening to this when I could just find a country song with lyrics that I actually like.

[Final Thoughts: Nothin else to add. Its a perfectly fine song, but just not one I want to hear at this point.]

================
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Murphiroth
11/26/20 12:15:04 PM
#118:


Fun fact, the lead singer of The Apex Theory (later renamed Mt. Helium) was the original drummer for System of a Down before injuring his hand in martial arts practice and being replaced by John Dolmayan the year before they really blew up.

And much like System, The Apex Theory was (mostly) compromised of members of Armenian descent.
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/26/20 12:24:40 PM
#119:


azuarc posted...
I guess I was wrong. Surprised this is the first one out; I really like Sparkle. I'll admit, I don't focus very much on the words to Live songs. If you do, then I'm going to suffer some very bad placements here because 90% of them don't really make sense.


Sorry, somehow didn't notice that post. I swear the new message notification never popped up...

Either way, incomprehensible lyrics aren't a deal breaker. They have a bit of a spotty record--Fair to Midland songs tend to be word salads I find completely incomprehensible, but I quite liked one of their songs at the first topic and was excited to see them nominated again. (Not really a spoiler, as it says nothing about feelings towards the song itself)

But Hope Diggy didn't do great, so strange lyrics are more of a null-tell than an actual factor.
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/26/20 2:00:49 PM
#120:


^^Neat. I obviously dont know much about the bands or artists nominated because I rarely try to look such things up, but I do appreciate learning little trivia like that.



================

558: PIANO OPERA - PROTECT THE ESPERS:

https://open.spotify.com/track/2ixtTKCi28tnZBOuYbUzL2

Nominator: Haste_2 (18/19)
Source: Piano Opera Final Fantasy IV/V/VI (11/12)

Initial Score: 10.00 [#570]
Revised Score: 36.98 [#537]
Final Score: 36.98 [#558]

(First Thoughts: Its like Im watching a silent film. I can almost see Buster Keaton running alongside a train for some reason... either way, a silent film without the film part is rather pointless.)

Its odd. Usually any song that makes me picture any scene gets at least 50 points and its not like a Buster Keaton film is the worst thing Ive ever imagined. I suppose the silent film era just isnt a time Ive ever wanted to return tothe early 1900s just dont seem like a particularly interesting time? And I have no particular feelings towards silent movies. I dont have a negative opinion of them, per say, so much as Ive...never really experienced one or ever wanted to experience one?

[Final Thoughts: I started with a very strong dislike of the song, though its obviously moved up a couple tiers since the first listen. Its still not something Id seek out, but I dont really mind it much. I just wish it inspired more amusing imagery than it does; as is, I have no connection to it and its just...alright enough, I guess?]

[Final-er Thoughts: ...Just noticing that Checker Knights also fell after reminding me of a circus. I cant recall any reason for that to be a negative association, but I suppose thats something else I should try to make a note of.]

================



==================

557: PRODIGY - NO GOOD (START THE DANCE):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svJvT6ruolA

Nominator: Djungelurban (15/15)

Initial Score: 40.00 [#510]
Revised Score: 35.26 [#541]
Final Score: 37.10 [#557]

(First Thoughts: ....Right. Im a bit tired of saying that I dont like dance songs or songs that just keep repeating the same lyrics. Its fine for what it is, Im sure, and I dont actively dislike it much, but.. no?)

I find myself equally uninterested by each part of the song. When it starts playing the same sampled vocals on a loop, I think to myself I wish this song would do something else; then it becomes a dance track and I think wow, I think I preferred the repetitive samplesuntil they come back and I have to accept that Im just not really into anything this song does.

Im not sure if I like this more or less than the Kelly Charles song they used for samples:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMCIXZWrieg

The backing music is actually a bit more annoying, but it does at least have more lyrics and I kinda like her voice... yeah, I think I prefer the song that was sampled. Its probably in the high 40s, maybe low 50s. Not great, but its an improvement.

*listens to a few other Kelly Charles songs*:

Kelly Charles - Now You Know:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk9HJ65saXA

Okay, now thats something I like. Something about the overly exaggerated bass makes the song sound wrong, but wrong in a way I really enjoy. Id say low 80s on this one? Wish it was on Spotify so I could save it somewhere.

[Final Thoughts: Now You Know would have to score somewhere in the low 90s. It wouldnt win, but its still something I love. I need that incredibly deep bass and shes got a pleasing voice that complements the song quite nicely. Its not the deepest song on any level, but I just thoroughly enjoy it and now I wish she had a bigger career so I might find other songs like it.

...I really need to start adding an award for people who indirectly lead me to a new song that I love. Perhaps if theres a fourth annual ranking topic, we split into three phases: The R#s, songs I only found as a result of nominations and want to talk about, and an actual list? Itd let me give awards to songs like this one or Sidney Gishs Impostor Syndrome from last year.

(Well, that or just lump the indirect discoveries in with the R#s to make that list a bit longer or something, as there arent all that many arbitrary discoveries like this... I only remember four this topic that I particularly want to rank.)

On the plus side, this nominated song doesnt have an overpowering beat? Still not a fan of it, but it doesnt do that thing I hate, so thats...almost a compliment?]

=================
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/26/20 2:52:39 PM
#121:


===============

555 [TIE]: THE WEEKND - COMING DOWN:

https://open.spotify.com/track/3PsS445MHcmtroGTstfTbm

Nominator: Player_0 (22/30)

Initial Score: 0 [#594]
Revised Score: 37.41 [#536]
Final Score: 39.20 [#555]

(First Thoughts: I didnt like the original version of this song, but it at least had a random Fate/Stay Night section. Removing that removes the one nice thing I had to say about that; Hey, you know that song you dont likenow its considerably worse! How many points is that worth??

Apparently no points. Its not as bad as some of the other songs on the album, but being a worse version of something I dont like renders this song completely and utterly worthless.)

Looking back, I have to admit that I dont actually hate this. Im still not a fan, clearly, but theres no sense punishing this song just because a better version of it was nominated before. If I try to distance myself from the disappointment of losing the one aspect of the song I actually liked, I find that this is... not actively bad? The lyrics repeat themselves too much, and theres no part of the song that Id say I actually like, but its not so bad that Id refuse to listen to it or anything.

[extra filler text here]

[Final Thoughts: This is the first eliminated song in which I actually praise his voice. Parts of this song have a very smooth vocal performance and these lists could really use more smooth R&B songs (its not something that gets many songs nominated. I think?).

Unfortunately, as I said, Im not a fan of the lyrical content or how often the title is repeated and removing my favorite part of the original song doesnt help it any. But its the first time I think I could actually see the appealnot for me, but I do kinda, sorta, technically think I get it or can at least acknowledge positive qualities in his voice?

...that sounds like a 40 point writeup, but I stand by this score.]

===============



===============

555 [TIE]: SIIVAGUNNER - STRIPTEASE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3qTUUsPukI

Nominator: paulg235 (13/15)

Initial Score: 24.04 [#549]
Revised Score: 39.13 [#532]
Final Score: 39.20 [#555]

(First Thoughts: There was probably a time this would have been an easy pick for last place, but Im finding it easier to tolerate after certain other songs.)

Taking two songs I dont like and mixing them together created... a song that I still dont like, but one that likely does better than either of its component songs would have done by themselves. I do not care for the actual version of Persona 4s striptease in the least and Sex Offender Shuffle is... not the worst comedy song Ive ever heard, but not especially funny either. Adding the comedy song dilutes the annoying dance music vibe Striptease is going for, adding actual music makes Sex Offender Shuffle work a bit better as an actual song.

...but its still not all that funny or the type of music I like, so... yeah...

[Final Thoughts: Another song thats just a bit below the 40 point mark. Definitely not bad, but still not quite my thing.

...Also I am aware there was a bit of Snow Halation in here, but I cant find much to say about that outside of a general yes, I did recognize that part.]

===============

DING! Now entering the 40 point tier.

Im still not a fan of these songs, but I dont really mind them either.
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Snake5555555555
11/26/20 3:24:55 PM
#122:


Made it out of both the bottom tiers let's go!

---
Bare feet on the tile with my head up in the clouds
https://imgur.com/1e1e70S - https://imgur.com/a/bHIYzis
... Copied to Clipboard!
BlackDra90n
11/26/20 3:56:44 PM
#123:


Me too. I'm surprised my songs have made it this far.

---
... Copied to Clipboard!
IhatethisCPU
11/26/20 4:15:02 PM
#124:


Goal has been achieved woooooo ^____^

---
'(Racketeering) is the 'liking Pink Floyd' of war crimes, I mean *what's that*'- Please Stop Talking #43 - Wuv. - hbomberguy
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/26/20 5:25:40 PM
#125:


Bottom five tiers actually: Absolute Zero, less than 10, 10~19, 20~29, 30~39.

...Theres an argument that 0.01 to 0.99 is a whole tier for songs that scored less than 1 whole point without being zerod out, but it seems too...small to be worth the distinction.

(Also the opening post has an error. It should say 0.01~9.99, but says 0.99 instead, creating the impression that its impossible to score between 1 and 9 points Whoops.)



===============

554: STURGILL SIMPSON - ALL SAID AND DONE:

https://open.spotify.com/track/1Gv4gN0AF6qmXOoKmuRPS5

Nominator: Xeybozn (17/20)
Source: Sound & Fury (9/10)

Initial Score: 60.10 [#237]
Revised Score: 39.99 [#530]
Final Score: 40.00 [#554]

(First Thoughts: This feels like a good song, but I dont want to move it any higher up the list. I dont know why not; may or may not figure it out on a future listen.)

I find this song rather agitating tonight for reasons Id rather not get into. Its helpful in terms of trying to build up a higher tolerance for certain things, but thats not exactly an enjoyable experience. Its obviously something I can enjoy without issues (see: liking this song originally), but right now, its just too...well, agitating is a good word for so Ill use that again. Sorry.

[Final Thoughts: Well, the good news is that its not as agitating as it previously was. The bad news is that Im still not particularly into it. My interest in Pink Floyd-esque psychedelic rock fluctuates wildly from day-to-day (in an unrelated writeup Ill actively wish for songs like that, because that was an interested day)... today is a very uninterested day.

Which isnt exactly fair, but it is what it is.]

=============



===============

553: TOOL - AENEMA:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CehYA3omb5o&list=OLAK5uy_k_Z0-DYw0_cGPvZm6icNUGbefRT4wktdY&index=13

Nominator: Steiner (20/26)
Source: Aenima (10/15)

Initial Score: 40.08 [#508]
Revised Score: 30.50 [#552]
Final Score: 40.08 [#553]

(First Thoughts: ...Im not writing about this.)

No.

[Later: I dont want to do this, but I guess Id prefer typing something than nothing, so fine.

1: Not a fan of the title. I know this album has many worse examples, but my response to a song named after enemas is I very actively do not want to listen to this. Its minor enough that I doubt it had any impact on the scoring, but its. Still

2: I find the instruments to be quite vexing. Whatever that main instrument is, bass guitar or whatever, is just...incredibly vexing and I strongly dislike it.

3: The singing isnt as bad as the instruments, but it also annoys me. I cant decide if I want Maynard to shut up or not; on the one hand, not listening to his voice would be nice. On the other, that would mean more focus on the instruments, and that would probably be worse.

4: I like California. Usually Ill give you some points for global destruction or apocalyptic songs, but focusing it on the area Id rather not be obliterated is probably not the best idea.

(But what if its a metaphorical L.A., you would hypothetically ask, and I am so incapable of caring at this moment.)

No aspect of this song works for me on any level. Its competent enough that I dont hate it and I might move it up the list a bit before its eliminated, but no, I do not like this song.]

[Final Thoughts: Competent enough that im moving it back up to the 40 point tier, since I at least see some appeal towards it, but this song is incredibly off the mark for me.]

==============
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Bane_Of_Despair
11/26/20 5:29:17 PM
#126:


Coming Down is one of my favorite Weeknd songs

---
You were the cancer, that's all you'll ever be
I really messed up this contest, but azuarc gave it a Breath of fresh air
... Copied to Clipboard!
PIayer_0
11/26/20 8:18:49 PM
#127:


I see some glimmers of hope in those Coming Down writeups!

---
-Abraham Lincoln
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/27/20 10:50:14 AM
#128:


===============

552: THE EIGHTFOLD ROAD - CYRUS, THE SCHOLAR:

https://familyjules7x.bandcamp.com/track/cyrus-the-scholar

Nominator: The_Mighty_KELP (31/32)

Initial Score: 46.80 [#461]
Revised Score: 41.85 [#515]
Final Score: 40.10 [#552]

(First Thoughts: This song goes too hard. It wants to be HYPER EPIC TO DA MAXXX, but it doesnt really fit the song or the character. Its performed well, but I kinda resent what its doing.)

Today I have a much stronger resentment towards the song. I dont like the original song at all (actually, I dont think I liked any of the Octopath soundtrack that I can recall), but this song misses the mark for the character so hard that I cant think of an appropriate metaphor for this sentence.

I suppose this version of the song is preferable to the original, but I actually prefer this piano cover over both of them:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1maUGI8-g0

Now thats a song that feels like it actually fits Cyrus as a character, Id probably score the piano cover in the high 60s.

[Final Thoughts: Well, somewhere in the 60s for the piano cover. Its a vast improvement over the original and the nominated track, but not really outstanding.

Actual Song: It almost feels like a parody. Like the concept of doing a metal cover of this song was so ridiculous, they decided to lean into it and make it as completely ludicrously over-the-top as possible. I just cant tell if thats actually what they were aiming for. And even if they were, its still not something I particularly like... dont really dislike it either, just have no interest in what its trying to do.]

===============



==============

551: LENA RAINE - AWAKE:

https://radicaldreamland.bandcamp.com/track/awake

Nominator: Metalmind_Stats (22/28)
Source: Celeste Soundtrack (17/21)

Initial Score: 41.27 [#Unranked (would have been #498, if properly counted)]

Revised Score: 40.97 [#523]

Final Score: 40.40 [#551]

(First Thoughts: I completely missed this song until near the end of the second phase of listening to everything, so this is accidentally a very late entry to the topic. I wish I loved this, itd be a great story for a lost song to come out of nowhere and win the whole thing... but Im not a fan of this. Its just a standard sad piano song, which can be great, but this is...alright.)

Sad piano song that doesnt succeed in making me feel sad. Since this song wasnt found until pretty late into the ranking, I saved this to be the last song that would get a Revised Scoremeaning this is officially the final writeup of the Second Phase of this project.

...thats not really an interesting statistic, but this wasnt a very interesting song.

[Later: Well, I missed some songs and messed some things up, so it wasnt really the final writeup. It was meant to be though, which is somehow even less interesting of a fact.]

[Final Thoughts: Well, sad probably isnt the right word for what the song is going for, but then I dont know what word does properly describe it.]

===============
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/27/20 12:03:14 PM
#129:


=================

550: MASAFUMI TAKADA - MONSTER THAT SHOUTS ITS LOVE IN THE CENTER OF HELL (BOSS 2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2D1EWfUlAM&list=PLLmUcHIAJVw_GCWsy10Bv4-rtr6XDQfSU&index=18

Nominator: DoctorJimmy133 (24/27)
Source: Crypt of the Necrodancer Danganronpa (17/20)

Initial Score: 40.09 [#507]
Revised Score: 31.39 [#550]
Final Score: 41.39 [#550]

(First Thoughts: Well its not very monstrous, or shout-y, or hellish, or memorable.)

*yawns*

Seriously, this soundtrack just makes me fall asleep. This isnt annoying, but its...nothing? It tries to be LOUD and ENERGETIC and HIGH SPEED, but I just drift out of consciousness because that type of thing just bores me... then it ends after about one minute.

I cant decide if its too short or not. On the one hand, if it was longer, it might have been able to leave more of an impression. On the other, it seems like the type of song that could easily overstay its welcome, so maybe I should just be content that I dont have any serious complaints.

[Not-Quite-Final Thoughts: Moving this back up to its initial score, at least. Im still not a fan, but I dont really mind it. Its short enough to be inoffensive, its not pulsing or overly repetitive, its...okay. A bit dull, probably a bit too short to really stand out, but its definitely okay.]

[Final Thoughts: Lets go with the symbolic value of it being exactly ten points higher than its revised score was. To symbolic values, huzzah!]

================



================

549: MASAFUMI TAKADA - DISCUSSION -HEAT UP-:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGEDTNabGGg&list=PLLmUcHIAJVw_GCWsy10Bv4-rtr6XDQfSU&index=4

Nominator: DoctorJimmy133 (23/27)
Source: Crypt of the Necrodancer Danganronpa (16/20)

Initial Score: 48.15 [#443]
Revised Score: 40.53 [#527]
Final Score: 41.50 [#549]

(First Thoughts: I got nothing.)

Oh, hello, pulsing beat that drives me completely insane. Welcome back.

I suppose this isnt as bad as some of the other tracks on the album, since theres...something I cant make out in the background that is at least a little interesting. Not interesting enough to make up for the fact that I strongly dislike (almost) this entire genre of music, but enough that its not nearly in last place on the album.

[Final Thoughts: The weird distorted vocals I cant make out, the backing music thats so weird I cant tell whats happening, there are definitely things in this song to like. Like quite a bit in fact, to a point that part of me wants to move this up to at least the 50 point mark... but that beat... its not literally ruining, but it is keeping the song from going any further than this.

(Pulsing Beat Complaints: 3)]

===============
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/27/20 1:09:52 PM
#130:


===============

548: PIANO OPERA - THEME OF FINAL FANTASY IV:

https://open.spotify.com/track/18DQfPPo6dnIdDa42kzSiB

Nominator: Haste_2 (17/19)
Source: Piano Opera Final Fantasy IV/V/VI (10/12)

Initial Score: 50.00 [#406]
Revised Score: 40.64 [#526]
Final Score: 41.80 [#548]

(First Thoughts: I think this song will make a decent baseline; anything lower than it, I can safely say I disliked and anything higher than it as something I liked. Its probably an ill-omen for the album as a whole though, as my true first thoughts were yep, this is definitely taking a song I like and making it worse,, wow I really want to go listen to the actual theme as soon as this ends. Which is harshI cant say I really disliked the experience this song provided, but its certainly not for me.

SNES version would probably be around a 60.00, its nice and all, but Ive gone through FF4 quite a few times and it was never the best song, so Im a bit tired of it. DS is...I dunno, I dont care to listen to the whole thing to decide, its probably somewhere between SNES & Piano Opera in terms of score.)



I feel 50 points was way too generous as I spend the entire song wondering why someone took such an iconic SNES song and ruined it. All emotion of the song stripped out purely for the sake of playing it on a piano. Tragic, really. It not only pales in comparison to the original and the DS, but to every other rendition of the song I can findIm just clicking through remixes of the theme in search of something where I can say well, at least Piano Opera is better than this remix and I can find nothing that Id score lower.

Totally unrelated, but I want to draw attention to a remix of a different song:

Celtic Moon - Rydia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzoorvxOVnc

I dont know exactly how many points Id want to give that song, but its quite pretty and I want to make a note of it somewhere, so I can find it again in the future. Best thing about Piano Opera - Theme of Final Fantasy IV is that it indirectly led me to this remake of Rydias theme.

[Later: Oh, the Celtic Moon version of Rydias theme is so beautiful... the vocalizations dont quite work for me, but I think it would have to score at least 70 pointsprobably somewhere in the 80s..]

[Final Thoughts: FF4 Themes Piano Opera Version is kinda pretty in places, but not so pretty that I want to gush about it and give it a ridiculous number of points. Its kinda nostalgic from being recognizable as a theme Ive heard a lot, but just wrong enough that I want to reject ityou know how it is, where when you hear an inferior cover of a song you like, you just get fixated on all the things it does wrong in comparison to the original and come down harsher on it than it probably deserved?

...At least, I like to think thats a thing that happens to normal people.

And while Celtic Moon Rydia would not win a best indirect discovery competition, its still quite lovely and absolutely deserves me hyping it up for a third time. Such a wonderful song.]

===============



================

547: PSO2 - FALSE CREDO ~ EARTHGUIDE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJuY1_Dzs3w&list=PLeKaE-gusMmaq2FecWApCcMOVGJblcdrD&index=28

Nominator: NFUN (35/37)

Initial Score: 44.76 [#479]
Revised Score: 41.52 [#518]
Final Score: 41.90 [#547]

(First Thoughts: I was tired of this song two minutes in, then it proceeded to just never end. I suppose its fine, but Id rather have something aggressively bad that was worth discussing the flaws in than this seven minute barrage of adequateness.)

This song is one that I could drop anywhere from 0 points to 50 points and itd feel completely justified. I dont really mind it, so a full 50 point neutrality score would be justified ; I strongly dislike how utterly neutral this song is and would prefer songs I actively hated over it, so a 0 would be justified.

Somehow Ive wound up at low 40s which is also justifiable enough, I suppose. Either way, the song is seven and a half minutes of adequacy and I find it impossible to care about it.

[Final Thoughts: So very, very adequate.

...now I want to go back and listen to Adequate from the first ranking topic, but I suppose I dont have time for that detour right now.]

================
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/27/20 3:21:55 PM
#131:


================

546: MASAFUMI TAKADA - 5TH ISLAND THEME (2-1):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMMN3_LBrzk&list=PLLmUcHIAJVw_GCWsy10Bv4-rtr6XDQfSU&index=5

Nominator: DoctorJimmy133 (22/27)
Source: Crypt of the Necrodancer Danganronpa (15/20)

Initial Score: 25.00 [#548]
Revised Score: 30.96 [#551]
Final Score: 42.00 [#546]

(First Thoughts: Sleep-inducing, to a point that I really need to take a break here. Cant keep my eyes open anymore. Tryping with eyes closed, on an off-centered keyboard. WWonder if Im hitting any of the right keys? Eh,, doesnt matter, one of these write-ups is in ROT-13, so an incomprehensible gibberish write-up will fit right in.)

That was strangely coherent for blind typing on this tiny bluetooth keyboard.

Song isnt as sleep-inducing when Im listening to it by itself instead of trying to get through as much of the album as possible (yet another source that would have been better off I shuffled everything). Still not a fan, but I kinda like the mechanical factory sound it has. Not the type of ambiance Id like (why would I want to envision visiting an evil factory?) and I still dont actually like the song, but its better than the First Thoughts gave it credit for.

[extra words]

[Not-Quite-Final Thoughts: This gets a little better each time I hear it. Punting it up a tier to the 40s. Who knows, I might actually like it when its time to hear it again.]

[Final Thoughts: Evil factory with a hint of island ambience. Pretty appropriate sound. Not my type of thing or an imaginary location Id like to visit, but definite credit for creating a musical environment. Since the song has jumped a whole tier each time Ive listened to it, there is a chance that I might start liking it if we kept things going long enough... but right now this is as far as it makes it.]

=================



==============

545: YUKI YUNA IS A HERO - (10 STARS 5 FLOWERS):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-4sNvFTedM

Nominator: pyresword (5/7)

Initial Score: 49.30 [#432]
Revised Score: 40.75 [#525]
Final Score: 42.30 [#545]

(First Thoughts: Fairly generic trying to be ominous chanting song that is not actually ominous or catchy enough to join in the chanting song.)

I think that summed up the song. It wants to be an ominous chanting song (which Id like), but it fails to be actually ominous and doesnt really accomplish anything as a result.

[Tonights installment of talking about random songs to fill space takes us to a Namco Museum song that I dont like, but want to talk about anyway:]

Assault Game Room:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IllpozFh-4I

The intro to this song is great. I love low tones like that and it always convinces me that this is going to be a great song that I love... then it becomes this cheesy faux-metal trash with these goofy monster growls and wow, I do not like the direction this song went.

[Later: Im trying to find something else to say about the song, but no matter how many times I listen to it, I have nothing else that I want to add. Its just not ominous or particularly fun to listen to, leaving it as something Im just not a fan of.]

[Final Thoughts: *continues to talk about Assault Game Room* I should like monstrous growling, but its just so... ridiculous and bad. Its so bizarre. Kinda neat because its so out of place compared to most Namco Museum Songs, but its pretty far off the mark from what I was hoping for.

*as for the actual song*: ...Nah, I still dont have anything on this one.]

===============
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/27/20 3:58:17 PM
#132:


==============

544: MASAFUMI TAKADA - ITS A MONOKUMA WORLD (COLD)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcLOh1zLY7c&list=PLLmUcHIAJVw_GCWsy10Bv4-rtr6XDQfSU&index=10

Nominator: DoctorJimmy133 (21/27)
Source: Crypt of the Necrodancer Danganronpa (14/20)

Initial Score: 49.06 [#434]
Revised Score: 40.86 [#524]
Final Score: 42.60 [#544]

(First Thoughts: Its fine, I suppose.)

Early in the song theres some piano playing in the background and I like that part of the song. Something about the way the beat is playing overtop of that piano with what sounds like a distorted whisper sample playing endlessly... it gives it a chaotic mashup flavor that I actually like a fair amount.

But I very strongly dislike the parts of the song without the piano because were back to the pulsing beat that I dislike type of song [NOTE: We warned you this complaint would be frequent]. Those sections would score in the low 20s and severely hold the song back. As is, I think the parts I like and parts. hate average out to the low 40s, but I will say having parts that I do actually like does make this song probably better than my scoring is reflecting.

[Final Thoughts: That stretch of the song from 0:40 to 1:07 is great. Its an example of how a song with that type of pronounced beat can still work and theres a solid argument to be made for moving this up to the exactly 50 point tier...

...but the parts I dont like are longer and more frequent than the parts I do like, so its the end of the road for Cold.

(Pulsing Beat Counter: 4)]

==============



===============

543: PSO2 - TEARS OF THE MOON ~ ARTEMIS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shxkuHn98tI&list=PLeKaE-gusMmaq2FecWApCcMOVGJblcdrD&index=14

Nominator: NFUN (34/37)

Initial Score: 46.82 [#460]
Revised Score: 41.08 [#522]
Final Score: 42.90 [#543]

(First Thoughts: Possibly undervalued because its just a worse version of Selene. Might go up in the rankings a bit when I listen to it on another day.)

Or it could have been overvalued, thats a thing that happens too.

*checks comments*

Ohh, this is an inferior version of a Beethoven song (Moonlight Sonata), that explains things a bit. Actually the first movement of Moonlight Sonata is kinda nice and the third isnt bad... dont think Id like to listen to the entire 15 minute long piece in one sitting, but I like parts of it, at least.

...hey dont blame me for going off topic on this one! Haste started it! Haste started it and you engaged with him. This is merely the inevitable consequences the two of you set in motion. </.<

[Final Thoughts: This song basically demands more analysis than I am able or willing to provide. It spends its six and a half minute runtime rapidly going through different phases. From this is moonlight sonata, only worse in every measurable way at the opening, to a worse version of Selene, to strangely hopeful, to... I dont even know what in places.

I cant say Im a fan of any part of it, but its distinct and fairly impressive.]

================
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
NFUN
11/27/20 4:04:24 PM
#133:


sorry beethoven, but kobayashi's got you beat

---
You shine, and make others shine just by being near them.
... Copied to Clipboard!
pyresword
11/27/20 4:55:24 PM
#134:


Raetsel_Lapin posted...
(First Thoughts: Fairly generic trying to be ominous chanting song that is not actually ominous or catchy enough to join in the chanting song.)

I think that summed up the song. It wants to be an ominous chanting song (which Id like), but it fails to be actually ominous and doesnt really accomplish anything as a result.

[Tonights installment of talking about random songs to fill space takes us to a Namco Museum song that I dont like, but want to talk about anyway:]

I always thought of this as more of a driving/action chanting song rather than an ominous one. Comparing it to Nier songs (same composer btw), I'd compare it to something like Emil ~ Karma rather than something like Shadowlord which does feel more ominous to me. Though I've never actually seen the anime the song is from, so I don't really know what type of scene it actually plays in or anything like that.

I do agree with the generic part more or less--it's just that "Keiichi Okabe song with generic chanting" is an easy recipe for a great song as far as my tastes go.
---
I didn't do guru this year but azuarc can be in my sig anyways.
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/28/20 10:51:14 AM
#135:


That is interesting, though I dont like Emil - Karma either. </.<

Actually, I didnt care for the original Niers soundtrack at the time, though I did enjoy Automatas. Havent gone back to listen to the original to figure out if my tastes just changed so much over the years or if Automata is just that much better.

I also havent seen Yuki Yuna either, but the main character and Miyoshi Karin have really nice versions created for M.U.G.E.N., so I know a little bit from having to research those two for gaming reasons. It seems like its probably a good show, but probably a bit too dark for my blood. Minor Spoiler: The characters seem to have powered up states (Mankai), but activating them costs the use of part of their body. In game, this tends to prevent you from using certain attackslike if you lose your arm, then you cant punch anymore.

Seem like itd be played for a bit too much dramatic tragedy for me. Certainly neat from a gameplay perspective though.




================

542: LIVE - FEEL THE QUIET RIVER RAGE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LzP5DlXn14&list=PLBB25BAC1F72C0DE4&index=9

Nominator: azuarc (27/28)
Source: The Distance to Here (12/13)

Initial Score: 45.70 [#472]
Revised Score: 41.30 [#520]
Final Score: 43.00 [#542]

(First Thoughts: Doesnt really work for me, sorry.)

A harder rock sound than most songs on the album combines with vaguely spiritually gibberish about being saved by an invisible river that keeps the singer from turning to hate, creating something Im not really interested in.

I dont have any really specific complaints; its not so harsh that its unpleasant and its not a really preachy kind of spiritual, but theres nothing in the song that I can point to as something that I really like either.

[Final Thoughts: There are spiritual songs I like, really. Were... well were still got days to go before we get to the positive scoring songs, but some exist!]

================



================

541: LIVE - STAGE:

https://open.spotify.com/track/7jzYeq5zKzb5Lt0VyBcxC2

Nominator: azuarc (26/28)
Source: Throwing Copper (15/15)

Initial Score: 46.00 [#470]
Revised Score: 41.41 [#519]
Final Score: 43.10 [#541]

(First Thoughts: Is there a band & song name combination more boring than Live - Stage?)

Oh boy, I cant wait to watch Live play Stage live on stage, said no one, ever.

...Alright, fine, so maybe someone did. I cant pretend to know if this song had fans.

[Uhh... dont really have a space filling song in mind...]

*aimlessly scrolls through Spotify suggestions*

Year of the Cat, huh? The Spotify app knows too much. Ive only listened to that on YouTube and yet, here it is. Like how last year it decided to start playing that Japanese wrestling theme that Id only heard on YouTube for ranking purposes.

*scrolls through most listened to songs by year*

Ah, heres something I havent heard in quite some time.

Neil Sedaka - Laughter In The Rain:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-Nu8QeFJgQ

Nostalgic early 70s sound, easy listening, a saxophone, a rainstorm, and romance that isnt even the least bit explicit. *contented sigh*

[Final Thoughts:

There with the beat of the rain on the leaves
Softly she breathes and I close my eyes
Sharing our love under stormy skies


...Would you believe I didnt see a connection to Just Communication until right now? Like, I didnt think it was that easy to connect Neil Sedaka to Gundam, but here we are.

*coughs*

Right, right, the nominated song. Lets put aside the smug snark about the song name aside and attempt to say at least one vaguely coherent sentence about this.

A bit of a harder rock song than Id like. Its not really hard, but Id prefer a more typical pop rock sound for the song. I also cant get anything, positive or negative, out of the lyrics.

He was a rock and roll messiah
She was known for her child care


I see a few people claiming this song is about Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, but I dont really know a lot about either of them or have much interest in learning. I didnt even know she was a performerI just vaguely know her as that person who sued the makers of Guitar Hero over Cobains appearance in the game and fail to see any reason to learn more than that. I dont even know how the lawsuit ended (I presume with an out-of-court settlement and a patch to the game, but I dont think I have anything to base that on.)

Not that Im saying it is about those twoI have no other theories, its just...ya know...some lyrics I dont have any connection to or particular interest in, regardless of if it actually is about those two or not. The song is fine enough, but

[EDITORS NOTE: The writeup again trails into nothingness there, for whatever reason.]]

================
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/28/20 1:11:18 PM
#136:


================

540: SONIC COLORS - SWEET MOUNTAIN (ACT 3):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfc26SSfEf0

Nominator: Hbthebattle (10/11)

Initial Score: 44.39 [#480]
Revised Score: 41.63 [#517]
Final Score: 43.15 [#540]

(First Thoughts: I do usually like modern Sonic music, but this I dont like. Feels too...abrasive and makes me all twitchy & on edge, but not in a fun way.)

I dont know why I dislike this song exactly. I know that I dislike it and get fairly agitated it by its existence, but its not bringing up any specific memories so I can place why Its making me feel agitated.

...It kinda reminds me of those 60s beach party films? But not quite. And even if that was what Im thinking of I dont have any.particular issues with that genre of film. Not sure Ive ever seen one in its entirety, but Id describe my feelings as a complete lack of interest and not actively agitated by anything reminding me of them.

Oh well.

[Final Thoughts: Im afraid I still cant place whats bothering me about this track. The fact that it does bother me makes it interesting and possibly relevant, but it also means that I dont...ya know...enjoy the experience.

...That kinda makes this the musical equivalent of Brussels Sprouts, I guess.]

==============



==============

539: MAZEDUDE - CARVOSITY:

https://mazedude.bandcamp.com/track/carvosity

Nominator: sergiocornaga (16/18)

Initial Score: 52.50 [#340]
Revised Score: 42.29 [#511]
Final Score: 43.25 [#539]

(First Thoughts: I guess I like this some amount.)

Wow, Im bouncing off this song hard tonight. I like the idea of the songa remix of a remix, but nothing about this song is working for me. Its slow, uninteresting, and I find it just generally unpleasantthe choice of instruments & the repeated vocal sample are just....*shudders*

But I apparently liked this at one point, so I dont want to drop any lower than the low-40s (at the time of this writing, anyway) and theres a chance I may regain interest in this in time for the final ranking.

[Final Thoughts: Low 40s still feels right for this song. Its a dramatic improvement over the Tommy Tallarico version being remixed:

Tommy Tallarico - Carver Media:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A848BOqX5QU

Which is so, so dull that itd be lucky to escape the 20s. I dont know the name of the Bond song Tallarico was working with to guess how that would have fared.

Either way, Carvosity is kinda intriguing, but not a fan of it. Today, anyway. I still havent figured out why I liked i the first time.]

==============
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/28/20 3:45:26 PM
#137:


==============

538: MASAFUMI TAKADA - DANGANRONPA (LOBBY):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYaQstZPVxg&list=PLLmUcHIAJVw_GCWsy10Bv4-rtr6XDQfSU&index=1

Nominator: DoctorJimmy133 (20/27)
Source: Crypt of the Necrodancer Danganronpa (13/20)

Initial Score: 46.53 [#464]
Revised Score: 42.07 [#513]
Final Score: 43.35 [#538]

(First Thoughts: Its not as bad I thought it might be?)

Full disclosure: I hadnt been a fan of any of the Necrodancer or Danganronpa songs Id heard, so this album was the one I most dreaded listening to based on the name alone. At least the opening song here is not unpleasant, like I expected it to be.

I dont like the voice saying the name of the game (I dont know why that type of thing tends to annoy me, but it usually does), but it really isnt that bad.

[Final Thoughts: I do typically like computerized voices, but I typically dislike songs that state the games name without even bothering to work it into an entire lyric or something. So thats a bit of a wash.

At least this isnt like that one song from Ar tonelico 2 that feels the need to spell out the games title while saying it. (A-R T-O-N E-L-I-C-O, Ar tonelico!) Hate that song. Its also just stupidly catchy enough to get stuck in your head and something that plays often enough that you have to hear it a lot.]

===============



==============

537: PSO2 - ECLIPSE FOR ESCA:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKg-Gragbhc&list=PLeKaE-gusMmaq2FecWApCcMOVGJblcdrD&index=12

Nominator: NFUN (?/37)

Initial Score: 42.50 [#489]
Revised Score: 42.40 [#510]
Final Score: 43.42 [#537]

(First Thoughts: At only 30 seconds long, this is more of a musical cue or something than an actual song.)

Dramatic chords that build up the reveal of a Big Bad, then...stop very quickly. I can only assume this song was tied to a very short cutscene and never intended to be listened to on its own because theres really nothing here.

[completely unrelated song discussion GO!]

Sonic Galactic Unused Track - Man VS Machine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHPuqa4sgSQ

The songs creator was unable to continue working on the games soundtrack, so this song doesnt actually appear anywhere in the game. Which means I cant really nominate it anywhere, unfortunately. Its a pretty neat track! I like the sample that gave the track its name at the start & I like the Sonic CD vibe it hasits not going to be my one of my favorite Sonic songs or anything, but for a fan made track (especially a fan track that never even made it into a game), this is actually really good and deserves more exposure than its likely to get. The world could always use more Sonic CD styled songs.

[Final Thoughts: I do like how dramatic the song is, but its just too short to really enjoy.]

===============
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
DoctorJimmy133
11/28/20 4:30:52 PM
#138:


As badly as this has been going for Dangandancer there is apparently something on the OST you like more than I do But yeah, while it doesn't sound much like Necrodancer music (genre aside) the soundtrack doesn't offer much if you don't like Danganronpa music.

---
azuarc is quite good at predicting GameFAQs bracket battles.
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/28/20 5:58:41 PM
#139:


^Well now Im curious which one, but I suppose well get to that whenever it drops.

================

536: LENA RAINE - RESURRECTIONS:

https://radicaldreamland.bandcamp.com/track/resurrections

Nominator: MetalmindStats (21/28)
Source: Celeste Soundtrack (16/21)

Initial Score: 41.98 [#494]
Revised Score: 43.39 [#501]
Final Score: 43.45 [#536]

(First Thoughts: This did not need to be nine and a half minutes long. Its a fine song, but I found most of my time to be spent wishing it would hurry up and get to the next track, which is unfortunate. The opening is mysterious enough to be interesting and the outro is ominous, but theres not enough interesting parts to sustain the song for that length of time.)

Good intro, good outro, nine minutes of forgettable music that goes on too long in the middle.

I cant think of anything to add to that and my battery is about to die, so Im just going to call it here, instead of trying to stall by talking about unrelated topics.

[Final Thoughts: That last 30 seconds or so, that type of dread the song seems to be going for, thats something I want more of.]

================



==============

535: THE WEEKND - ROLLING STONE:

https://open.spotify.com/track/29fTi7Tdh9CiU8HuVDaqVY

Nominator: Player_0 (?/30)

Initial Score: 26.31 [#547]
Revised Score: 42.73 [#507]
Final Score: 43.50 [#535]

(First Thoughts: No.)

I can at least see why people like this song. Hes got a nice voice on this track and its a massive jump in quality from a lot of songs on the album, but as weve established, I do not like the things he chooses to sing about, so I still dislike listening to this. I especially dislike the way it sounds like a siren during the intro and outro.

[Final Thoughts: Alright, I like the use of reverb on his voice in this track.

...still not a fan of the song, but you know, progress.]

===============
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/28/20 6:34:45 PM
#140:


...As an aside, if you see any Question Marks in place of numbers (see song #537), it just means I forgot to insert the proper number. Since songs keep moving around the list, I leave everything as question marks until they have (what is presumed to be) a final value.

...And naturally sometimes I forget to actually put numbers in. Again, advanced apologies for how many times thats inevitably going to happen.

===============

534: THE EIGHTFOLD ROAD - A SETTLEMENT IN THE RED BLUFFS:

https://familyjules7x.bandcamp.com/track/a-settlement-in-the-red-bluffs

Nominator: The Mighty KELP (30/32)

Initial Score: 34.29 [#528]
Revised Score: 42.84 [#506]
Final Score: 43.55 [#534]

(First Thoughts: Dull and repetitive.)

Ive listened to this song three times in a row trying to find something to say about it (I hate these contentless writeups as much as you do), but this song inspires nothing in the way of reactions.

So lets go the almost exact opposite of this song and talk about Placido Domingo for a minute:

Why Do All The Good Times Go Away:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srXW1JJlqug

Not the best song on the album (that would be A Love Until the End of Time), but its one of the better songs from it. Its from a very brief period of time where Placido Domingo was releasing songs in English, in a rather...pop music type way. As such this doesnt really show off his full vocal range and its certainly not the most complicated song lyrically, but its the type of thing I want to be listening to & I have a lot of nostalgia for this album in particular, so Ive been listening to the song quite a bit lately.

[Later: It is astounding how little impression this song leaves, as I have no recollection of ever hearing it before. Its one of those songs that vanish entirely from memory the second it ends.]

[Final Thoughts: This still feels like a completely new song to me, but still not an interesting one.

...I mean, its so uninteresting that its mildly interesting how it can be so uninteresting, but if I go any further down that train of thought, Im just going to get stuck in an infinite loop.]

================



================

533: PSO2 - METAMORPHOSIS TO ESCA FALZ:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU0dMT2rsMc&list=PLeKaE-gusMmaq2FecWApCcMOVGJblcdrD&index=15

Nominator: NFUN (32/37)

Initial Score: 36.27 [#520]
Revised Score: 43.50 [#500]
Final Score: 43.60 [#533]

(First Thoughts: A fairly dull song that doesnt seem to go anywhere.)

Another song that has a dramatic opening that gets me hyped up and then the song never really does anything. We get an intense look at the POWER of this final bosss ULTIMATE TRANSFORMATION opening and then...uhhh...some background music that isnt as dramatic or epic as it seems to think it is, which drags on aimlessly for four minutes.

Also this isnt related to the song itself, but I just cant adjust to the Falz naming. I grew up with Dark Force and that just sounds so much more natural than Dark Falz; I know Force is wrong, but when youve spent your entire life saying Force the change just feels....wrong.

[Final Thoughts: Thats overly harsh, but I cant think of much I want to say about it right now. Its at least a full song, unlike Eclipse which was just an intro?]

================
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
MetalmindStats
11/28/20 8:42:33 PM
#141:


Well, I sure can't say I agree with your Resurrections take. Ah well, variety is the spice of life.

---
"I believe in a universe that doesn't care and people who do."
Hylian hits dizzying heights others daren't aim for. He's the Celeste of Board 8 users.
... Copied to Clipboard!
PIayer_0
11/29/20 2:05:57 AM
#142:


progress!

---
-Abraham Lincoln
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/29/20 2:33:30 PM
#143:


================

532: POKEMON MASTERS - BATTLE! LANCE/STEVEN/CYNTHIA MEDLEY:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0X3_OiNBDY

Nominator: Hbthebattle (9/11)

Initial Score: 30.24 [#535]
Revised Score: 44.60 [#490]
Final Score: 43.64 [#532]

(First Thoughts: Oh hello again, RPG battle themes that try to be intense and bore me to sleep as a result, its been a few days since I got to complain about you.)

Overly epic RPG battle theme that lulls me to sleep with its boring attempt at epic-ness? Check.

Overly pulsing beat that I complain about CONSTANTLY? Check.

But... song is not too bad actually. As far as songs from this genre go, its probably one of the better ones. I dont actively dislike it, and its fine enough for what it wants to be, but its still not something Ill ever choose to listen to.

[Final Thoughts: I really dont think this dropping with a low score is a surprise. Its from the category of songs Im least interested in hearing (RPG battles) and has an overly repetitive beat throughout most of the song. Its tolerable and probably helping to make it easier to tolerate other songs like it, but it really didnt have much chance of getting a high score.

(Pulsing Beat Counter: 5)]

=================



================

531: TOOL - EULOGY:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vc9Mz2tfHM&list=OLAK5uy_k_Z0-DYw0_cGPvZm6icNUGbefRT4wktdY&index=2

Nominator: Steiner (19/26)
Source: Aenima (9/15)

Initial Score: 46.13 [#468]
Revised Score: 43.72 [#498]
Final Score: 43.72 [#531]

(First Thoughts: I just cannot be bothered to care about this in the least.)

Well, the original version of this writeup was based on some faulty information, so Ive deleted it and replaced it with this one at the last minute.

...Not that I have anything I want to say about this track. At first, I could just bluff my way through a conversation by talking about the theories about who the song is about (and how ineffective this song is at attacking someone when no ones entirely sure who your target even is), but finding an old interview that explicitly says the song is about the tendencies of people and not anyone specific rather kills that detour.

[Final Thoughts: At least the scoring is fairly consistent?]

================



==============

530: IOSYS - DANZAI YAMAXANADU:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYXxnR9ioRI

Nominator: IhatethisCPU (15/15)

Initial Score: 49.90 [#423]
Revised Score: 42.62 [#508]
Final Score: 43.75 [#530]

(First Thoughts: Right, lets get the high points out of the way.

1: While I still havent played any Touhou games, I have used enough of the characters in MUGEN that I actually get most of the character references.

2: The references to Ace Attorney are a nice surprise.

3: Its a villainous song without being too evil, so youre on the right track.

BUT

A: Give me 300 grams of your boobs. I dont think I can honestly say its the worst line of the topic, but

B: I dont think I actually like the song? Too fast-paced and abrasive.

Decent odds that I wind up moving this above 50 points on a re-listen, but for now, the dislike overpowers the like.)

Yeah, I dont like the singers voice here and the entire song is just too abrasive. I still like the idea of the song and some of the references & lyrics, but Im not really into it.

[Final Thoughts: Sorry. It does check a lot of boxes and was a very good attempt, but Im just not that into it.]

===============
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
IhatethisCPU
11/29/20 3:09:44 PM
#144:


That's fair, no worrs. ^_^

---
'(Racketeering) is the 'liking Pink Floyd' of war crimes, I mean *what's that*'- Please Stop Talking #43 - Wuv. - hbomberguy
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/29/20 3:38:34 PM
#145:


================

529: DANGANRONPA V3 - BRAIN DRIVER:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFmP4UTMZhw

Nominator: paulg235 (12/15)

Initial Score: 41.39 [#498]
Revised Score: 43.06 [#504]
Final Score: 43.80 [#529]

(First Thoughts: Im still not a fan of Danganronpa music, but this is weird enough that I see value in it.)

Yeah, this is probably the best song Ive heard from an actual Danganronpa game, but Im still not a fan. Id say the only thing it has going for it are the odd choice of vocalswithout those its....what, a fifth rate Magical Sound Shower and I wasnt a fan of that in the first place?

(I just learned theres a Hatsune Miku version of Magical Sound Shower, but I dont like that either. Though its not actively painful like her rendition of the Space Harrier theme.)

...what were we talking about again?

[Final Thoughts: If for some reason you wish to suffer:

Hatsune Miku - Get Ready:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY1qvT_6iGE

Once her voice gets higher pitched at around the one minute mark, the song becomes actively painful, so... cant say I suggest listening to it, but if youre like me and feel I must go listen to that whenever you hear someone describe something as being terrible and painful to listen to, then theres a link for you.

Back on topic: ...Eh, I guess this might be better than Magical Sound Shower? I cant say I want to listen to that song or any of its remixes, so this seems like a bit of an improvement.]

================



================

528: LIVE - WHITE, DISCUSSION:

https://open.spotify.com/track/5Xl8wvp7rKr5lEDUxlGDnB

Nominator: Azuarc (25/28)
Source: Throwing Copper (14/15)

Initial Score: 41.87 [#495]
Revised Score: 43.17 [#503]
Final Score: 43.83 [#528]

(First Thoughts: Im probably just going to have this tie with Waitress and call it a night.)

Well, Ive decided I like this less than Waitress, so I guess they wont be tying after all.

And I agree with this song: Talking is pointless, so Ill honor it by not talking about it any further.

[Final Thoughts: Well, the futility of mankinds conflicts and the end of the world is a bit too serious a topic for me and once the song ramps up in intensity towards the end it quickly becomes one of those trying so hard to be epic that I have a hard time staying awake songs.

But I do kinda like the outroI dont know how to describe the instruments or what its doing, but everything breaking down until only a high pitched whine remains is apparently something I like. And I do like the vocal sampling of whatever crazy radio personality it is. Even the subject matter is more a you already know Im not going to have anything of value to say on this topic, so I fear this writeup is going to be a waste of both of our time than something I actually dislikeIll certainly listen to it and think about it, which is more than can be said for those songs I have an actual aversion to.]

=================



================

527: EVERY TIME I DIE - THE GREAT SECRET:

https://open.spotify.com/track/142l0EWN8kXCWK9LLRjaDk

Nominator: Bane (28/28)
Source: From Parts Unknown (14/14)

Initial Score: 46.54 [#463]
Revised Score: 43.83 [#497]
Final Score: 43.87 [#527]

(First Thoughts: When an album opens with someone screaming Blow your fucking brains out, I know I should just...go to a different album.

...alright so he didnt mean it like that and I cant fault the message in context, its still a more...brutal opening message than Id like. And the song itself is so loud, so overpowering, that its exhausting and tedious.)

[Blow your fucking brains out] refers to blowing your brain out like a candle whose light is inferior to that of the sun.

...Well thats one of the oddest similes Ive heard, alright. The song isnt bad, but its too intense for my tastes and even with the proper context, I have a hard time getting past that intro.

[Final Thoughts: I know this isnt the last time this list that Buckley uses rather suicidal sounding words in his choice of metaphors, but I suppose Ill save the why that song got more points discussion for when it comes up.]

===============
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Bane_Of_Despair
11/29/20 3:55:54 PM
#146:


Oh that's one of my favorite openings to an album lol, I love how vicious it is

---
You were the cancer, that's all you'll ever be
I really messed up this contest, but azuarc gave it a Breath of fresh air
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/29/20 5:13:14 PM
#147:


=================

526: LENA RAINE - CHECKING IN:

https://radicaldreamland.bandcamp.com/track/checking-in

Nominator: MetalmindStats (20/28)
Source: Celeste Soundtrack (15/21)

Initial Score: 41.98 [#494]
Revised Score: 43.28 [#502]
Final Score: 43.90 [#526]

(First Thoughts: Its fine background music, but doesnt really do much with its long runtime. Its just kinda there.)

I wish this song were Checking In from The Simpsons:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTx-9X3Kr34

I actually didnt remember that song at all, I just rediscovered it tonight by searching for checking in song. Classic Simpsons had some truly great songs, didnt it? Good to know this song actually won awards, so people were aware of its greatness.

[The Simpsons song, that is. I doubt Celestes Checking In won any awards, but who knows?]

Celestes song is...well, not much more than my initial reaction portrayed it. It works fine as background noise, but its not atmospheric enough for me to start babbling about soundscapes and its not super interesting either. Its fine, I guess? Sure. Lets go with fine.

[Final Thoughts: It has the sort of low tones and notes I love, I just feel like the song doesnt really do much with them? As soon as the song starts, I feel wow, this song is amazing, how can it possibly be this low?? and then nothing really happens for the next seven minutes. Its so close to greatness, but just lacking something.]

================



===============

525: ALAN SILVESTRI - PORTALS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_mhWxOjxp4

Nominator: @GavsEvans123 (12/15)

Initial Score: 46.72 [#462]
Revised Score: 43.94 [#496]
Final Score: 43.94 [#525]

(First Thoughts: Ah, normal length orchestral music, my grudgingly tolerated frenemy. I still dont really care about you.)

I love that my iPads spellchecker recognizes frenemy as a word.

This song is one of several that.just kinda exists for me. It does indeed sound like background music for an Avengers film and almost assuredly works fine in context since I never had reason to complain about the films score, so mission accomplished, I guess?

[Todays installment of Completely Unrelated Song Writeups takes us back to the early 70s:]

Carole King - Its Too Late:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRPls7hjRfs

One of the all time classics and best breakup songs ever. No anger at the other person, no joy about how easily the other person can be replaced, no misery about how you cant go on living with them, just the quiet acceptance that the relationship is dead and its time for everyone involved to move on.

Also it has some pleasant and mild saxophone-ing, which is always a plus.

[Final Thoughts:

[Raetsel praises saxophones counter: 1]

...Hey, I just realized Carole King also sung Jazzman. Huh. Ive loved both of those songs for so many years and never once noticed the connection.

Portals: Its fine? Orchestral music tends to miss more often than not for me, but I didnt really mind the experience.]

================
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/29/20 5:45:44 PM
#148:


And two more to end the night:

================

524: HIDENARI UDEKI - GET TO THE TOP! - REMIX OF THE END:

https://open.spotify.com/track/4AGBW4uky6MckcAWtVwyg8?si=13wZn7VQTIODPfQ1-vjsNQ

Nominator: IhatethisCPU (14/15)

Initial Score: 39.997 [#514]
Revised Score: 43.61 [#499]
Final Score: 43.99 [#524]

(First Thoughts: A little funny. I dont really care about objective quality, so the singing isnt a dealbreaker... but its not as funny as it needs to be and five minutes is a bit long for this type of singing.)

Its a little funny, but not funny enough.

Its a little inspirational, but...not really...

And thats about it. If you dont find it funny or inspirational, then there is absolutely nothing for you in this song. (I suppose theres nostalgia for Yakuza, but as Im sure Ive mentioned before, Im not much a fan of the series.)

I do like the concept; Ill always praise the idea of songs being performed in character, I like that hes basically improvising his own lyrics, I like that part of it is just meaningless gibberish that confounded everyone trying to decipher the song, and I like that hes inexplicably singing an inspirational song in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. I just...dont think I actually like the song.

[Final Thoughts: It was another good attempt since comedic songs sang in character are very much my type of thing and I wouldnt say I need an actual singer, but someone with a less... Goro type of voice might have helped.]

================



================

523: STURGILL SIMPSON - LONG WHITE LINE:

https://open.spotify.com/track/40Xg69oisdpuP4C7xl3RkK

Nominator: Xeybozn (16/20)
Source: Metamodern Sounds in Country Music (8/10)

Initial Score: 34.34 [#527]
Revised Score: 44.16 [#494]
Final Score: 44.10 [#523]

(First Thoughts: Your task is to find a more boring song about truck driving than this. You have 24 hours and your time starts now.)

I like some classic country and I like the idea of trucking (I actually wanted to be a truck driver for a brief period of time; I like the idea of traveling constantly), and it is a breakup song that is sad without being too sad, but this song just kinda bores me.

Thats...thats about it really. I appreciate his argument that while trucks are part of country music, there arent really songs about trucking. I think, for the type of classic country song this is, he did as good job with it as anyone possibly could have. I just dont have much interest in it, even though it theoretically does a lot of things I should like.

[Final Thoughts: I probably should have kept a running tally for songs Im supposed to like, but dont like as much as I should.]

===============
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
IhatethisCPU
11/29/20 7:41:28 PM
#149:


Entirely reasonable! I do have to admit I was more than a bit hesitant about including that one at all, mostly because of... Majimaness. ^_^'

---
'(Racketeering) is the 'liking Pink Floyd' of war crimes, I mean *what's that*'- Please Stop Talking #43 - Wuv. - hbomberguy
... Copied to Clipboard!
Raetsel_Lapin
11/30/20 3:41:50 PM
#150:


=================

521 [TIE]: THE EIGHTFOLD ROAD - BATTLE III:

https://familyjules7x.bandcamp.com/track/battle-iii

Nominator: The_Mighty_KELP (29/32)

Initial Score: 48.08 [#447]
Revised Score: 45.48 [#482]
Final Score: 44.13 [#521]

(First Thoughts: Better than Battle 1, worse than Battle 2.)

Oh look, an overly epic RPG battle theme, what a completely unique composition that I definitely have things to say about.

That was sarcasm. Its not the best EPIC BATTLE THEME nominated, nor the worst, nor worth much time talking about.

[Lets waste time with a novelty party song!]

Werewolf Bar Mitzvah (Full Song):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6V2oCX3Hn4

Ie listened to this more times than Id care to admit, though I dont know why I wouldnt admit to itits one of those songs created for me. I like 30 Rock, novelty songs, comedy songs, furry songs, and Donald Glover. Combine all of them and of course I like the full version of the song, how could I not?

According to Tina Fey, a lot of the song is Donald Glover (pre-Childish Gambino fame) doing a Tracy Morgan impression as well as playing the role of the producer. So its Donald arguing with himself as two different characters. Allegedly. I dont really hear it, but theres no reason for her to lie about it and hes a great enough performer that Im willing to believe its him doing a Tracy impression.

[Final Thoughts: Zzzz...]

===============



=================

521 [TIE]: ASURA CRYIN 2 - ALTERNATIVE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKNcvEZbjGI

Nominator: pyresword (4/7)

Initial Score: 46.39 [#466]
Revised Score: 45.59 [#481]
Final Score: 44.13 [#521]

(First Thoughts: Another one of those its fine, I guess writeups that is very noncommittal and says nothing.)

Song doesnt make me feel anything. I tried watching the actual intro video to see if anime characters & robots would improve my opinion of the song, but it didnt. Its just anime music, which is fine, I love a lot of anime musicjust not this song that never does anything I find appealing. Or appalling. Or apple-peeling. Or..some...fourth unrelated word that starts with a and ends in ing-ing.

[A few days later: ...You really couldnt think of Amazing, past me?]

[Final Thoughts: This feels like the Epic Battle Theme of anime intro songs, so Im sure theres quite a large market for this song.]

===============
---
Temporary Signature
... Copied to Clipboard!
Topic List
Page List: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ... 10