[SotW] Song of the Week - WEEK 139 Voting/WEEK 140 Nominating

Song of the Week. 125 Weeks and counting.
Week 139 Voting is closed.
Week 140 Nominating is restricted.

Results
1). [24/15] Söldner-X Himmelsstürmer Original Video Game Soundtrack - War Above the Clouds
2). [24/13.5] FM Sound Module Maniax - Reminiscence
3). [20] Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito Image Sound Track - Deep Dream-Shadows
4). [17] Baroque - Music from the Original Soundtrack - Invitation To The Future
5). [14] Sonic Blast Man II (SNES Game Rip) - Port Town (Stage 3)
6). [11] FantaVision Original Soundtrack - SOUTHISLAND ~ STAGE1,2
7). [9] Mr. Gimmick (Game Rip) - Good Weather (Level 2, Pirate Fuzzy's Ship)
8). [7] Cooking Mama (Game Rip) - Track 2

Tracks:
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: Baroque - Music from the Original Soundtrack - Invitation To The Future
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: Cooking Mama (Game Rip) - Track 2
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: FantaVision Original Soundtrack - SOUTHISLAND ~ STAGE1,2
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: FM Sound Module Maniax - Reminiscence
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: Mr. Gimmick (Game Rip) - Good Weather (Level 2, Pirate Fuzzy's Ship)
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: Sonic Blast Man II (SNES Game Rip) - Port Town (Stage 3)
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: Söldner-X Himmelsstürmer Original Video Game Soundtrack - War Above the Clouds
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito Image Sound Track - Deep Dream-Shadows

Notes:
An alternate version of Mr. Gimmick has been uploaded to the Extras folder, and is available here.

If you are a member at more than one of the forums in which this event is being held, please nominate and vote in only ONE of the forums. You may, however, comment in the threads at any of the other forums.

Week 140 Nominating
The Nominations Queue can be found here.
The rules for nominating can be found here.

Here is the link to the corresponding thread in the other forum: Soundtrack Central

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Oh, well this list is looking promising already--something I nominated and Fantavision!

Since I kept wanting to vote last round and forgetting, I'm not gonna delay at all this time. D:

Invitation to the Future is a nice if somewhat meaningless groove. It's really well-produced and I like the piano sound, but it's just a bit too backgroundy for me.

"Track 02" (sorry, no idea where in the game this plays) from Cooking Mama is my own nomination and as such, I freakin' love it. I didn't expect much from the soundtrack, but I was surprised to find a wonderful collection of fun ragtime piano pieces. This is one of the tracks with more instruments than just piano, but there are several piano solo pieces that are also really enjoyable. They definitely created a neat unique sound for the game.

I absolutely adore the Fantavision soundtrack ever since I discovered it from a BSC one or two years back. I enjoy it so much in fact that it made me buy the game, second-hand at a steal's price, but still. This track is also one of my favorites on the soundtrack, I love the groove it sets, and the little melody is just great.

I recently found out that Sakuraba isn't my cup of tea from the what seems like millions of nominations in BSC08. Reminiscence actually sounds pretty cool though, I have to say. I love the sound of FM synth, especially when it's well-produced. Having said that, this is a bit chaotic and I don't care at all for the bass.

Good Weather is a fun and cheerful chiptune, nothing wrong with it, although it's not all that catchy aside from the first melody. [EDIT: The new MP3 gives the track a groovy bass and really makes me want to give it a point after all.]

The intro of War Above the Clouds really sounds a lot like it came from a .hack// game, and as such I instantly like it. Of course, that feeling dissipates as soon as the actual song hits, and I have to say it's a bit disappointing. The lead is really lame, and the beat isn't that great either. Later on it gets a bit better, but I've already lost interest by that point.

Port Town is pretty groovy, I like it! Pretty crazy brass bridge, and the whole fusionjazz vibe is something I can definitely dig. Great memorable melodies and cool minimal production, and the sound quality is really good for a SNES tune too. Very nice indeed.

Deep Dream-Shadows is a very laid back track compared to the others in this week. The buildup is really good and I always like slow waltzes anyway, so this is definitely up my alley. The chorus is a little "I Believe I Can Fly"-esque, but it's not too over the top and provides a nice counter to the mysterious style of the rest of the track. Pretty solid!

Points then!

2 points - Cooking Mama (Game Rip) - Track 02
2 points - FantaVision Original Soundtrack - SOUTHISLAND ~ STAGE1, 2
1 point - Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito Image Sound Track - Deep Dream-Shadows
1 point - Sonic Blast Man II (SNES Game Rip) - Port Town (Stage 3)

Points again!

2 points - Cooking Mama (Game Rip) - Track 02
1 point - FantaVision Original Soundtrack - SOUTHISLAND ~ STAGE1, 2
1 point - Mr. Gimmick (Game Rip) - Good Weather (Level 2, Pirate Fuzzy's Ship)
1 point - Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito Image Sound Track - Deep Dream-Shadows
1 point - Sonic Blast Man II (SNES Game Rip) - Port Town (Stage 3)

How ya doing, buddy?

The links might go dead for a little while as we fix a naming error. Nothing to be too concerned with.

EDIT: The URL changes have been made. Everything should be live again.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Nom Time:

Track : Exia Metropolis
Artists : Shinji Hosoe & Ayako Saso
Album : Namco Game Sound Express Vol. 16 - Attack of The Zolgear
Release Date : October 21st 1994
Catalog # : VICL-15035

VGMDb Link

CHz already got the track through AIM, so no need to upload here.

Votes will come at a later date.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Another nomination!

Track : Zeus' Wrath Divine
Artists : Cris Velasco
Album : God of War Original Soundtrack
Release Date : Mar 01, 2005
Catalog # : N/A

N/A: God of War Soundtrack - VGMdb

I'll upload if necessary.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Finally! I'm up.

(3 points) FM Sound Module Maniax - Reminiscence
(1 point) Baroque - Music from the Original Soundtrack - Invitation To The Future
(1 point) Söldner-X Himmelsstürmer Original Video Game Soundtrack - War Above the Clouds
(1 point) FantaVision Original Soundtrack - SOUTHISLAND ~ STAGE1,2

Artist: Mitsuhiro Kaneda
Composers: Manabu Namiki, Masaharu Iwata
Album Title: THE SECRET LOVER: Mushihimesama REMIX TRACKS
Track Title: Shinju Heading to the Forest -arrange version-
Disc Number: 1 (of 1)
Track Number: 14
Catalog Number: INDV-0107
Year: 2006
Source: INDV-0107: THE SECRET LOVER: Mushihimesama REMIX TRACKS - VGMdb

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Epsilon

Artist: Mitsuhiro Kaneda
Composers: Manabu Namiki, Masaharu Iwata
Album Title: THE SECRET LOVER: Mushihimesama REMIX TRACKS
Track Title: Shinju Heading to the Forest -arrange version-
Disc Number: 1 (of 1)
Track Number: 14
Catalog Number: INDV-0107
Year: 2006
Source: INDV-0107: THE SECRET LOVER: Mushihimesama REMIX TRACKS - VGMdb

In Week 82, an arrangement of "Shinju Heading to the Forest" placed third.

Your nomination is from a different album, and though the arrangement is possibly different, it's essentially the same track. I am inclined to oppose your nomination just because we've had a similar one, based off the same track, place.

FELIPE NO

I am aware of that nomination, but the arrangement I nominated is entirely different, which is why I even considered nominating it. Week 82's arrangement is by Shinji Hosoe and is quite similar to the original, while this one is by Mitsuhiro Kaneda and is quite laidback. I doubt many people have heard this superior arrangement. But whatever, do as you must.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

No, I was hoping for a reasonable defense. If you insist that it's considerably different than the track from Week 82, then I'm okay with the nomination.

My objection is withdrawn.

Most amazing jew boots

3 points » FM Sound Module Maniax - Reminiscence
2 points » Söldner-X Himmelsstürmer Original Video Game Soundtrack - War Above the Clouds
1 point » Baroque - Music from the Original Soundtrack - Invitation To The Future

There were some goofy-ass tracks this week. LOL. My favorite tracks ended up being ones I've heard before. Hmph.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Kaleb made my cutting and pasting easy. These three were clearly the top for me.

(3 points) Baroque - Music from the Original Soundtrack - Invitation To The Future
(2 points) FM Sound Module Maniax - Reminiscence
(1 point) Söldner-X Himmelsstürmer Original Video Game Soundtrack - War Above the Clouds

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Baroque - Music from the Original Soundtrack - Invitation To The Future
This is something I'd listen to when I want to relax. The instrumentation got me under its spell.

Cooking Mama (Game Rip) - Track 2
Lively and fun. Yet I couldn't get into it as much as I wanted to. Maybe this is due to the simplicity of this track and/or the fact it comes from a GBA(?) game, so the sound is not as realistic as could be (although it's great for handheld audio).

FantaVision Original Soundtrack - SOUTHISLAND ~ STAGE1,2
Was too repetitive for its own good. The fact I didn't notice any strong melodic elements brought this piece further down. But it's good for background music and the sound palette is enjoyable.

FM Sound Module Maniax - Reminiscence
I was already familiar with "Reminiscence" and it's definitely one of the best tracks on FM Sound Module Maniax (I also like Kenji Ito's "Last Night" very much). The mood is a little tense, which can be a turn off for me, but the piece as a whole is well balanced to keep it within my acceptable limits. A great Sakuraba track!

Mr. Gimmick (Game Rip) - Good Weather (Level 2, Pirate Fuzzy's Ship)
Good light-hearted chiptune. Makes me feel nostalgic even if I didn't play the game. However, I find the sound is tiny compared to when I play the NSF because the bass is all cut down, so there might be something wrong with the recording.

Söldner-X Himmelsstürmer Original Video Game Soundtrack - War Above the Clouds
Rafael Dyll cited Chris Hülsbeck as one of his inspirations when composing game music and I think that it couldn't be denied here. There's a nice European synth vibe to "War Above the Clouds" and it sets an atmosphere I dig. On the other hand, I didn't find the melodic aspect to be very elaborated. Not that it's a must, but a strong hook usually helps a song to be memorable.

Sonic Blast Man II (SNES Game Rip) - Port Town (Stage 3)
Being a big fan of Art of Noise, I can get into the vocal sample usage. Hopefully the other participants will accept it as well even if the human voice appears to be a taboo for many VGM fans. Kind of a follow-up to your Savage nom, eh Draconis? The tune is funky and groovy, and I like that.

Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito Image Sound Track - Deep Dream-Shadows
Beautiful and charming. Well performed too, which is always a plus. While it's not the kind of music I listen to the most, "Deep Dream-Shadows" will now be part of the playlist when I'll be in the mood for soothing orchestral + vocal material.

------------------

(3 points) FM Sound Module Maniax - Reminiscence
(2 points) Sonic Blast Man II (SNES Game Rip) - Port Town (Stage 3)
(1 point) Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito Image Sound Track - Deep Dream-Shadows

------------------

And before I forget, here's my next nom:

Composer: Stephen Root, Neil Palmer
Game Title: Fantastic Four (PSX Redbook Audio)
Track Title: Large Wars
Track Number: 9
Year: 1997
Source: VGM Rush

I'll send the track to the SotW server.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Here's another recording of Good Weather. Not sure if it's better, but it doesn't have that joint stereo sound that some people may find annoying in the version being used above, and I think the bass may be a bit clearer.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Here's another nomination. I have no idea if this is like, obscure or not though, so if anyone has an opinion about it let me know. I just grabbed all of this composer's Megadrive work since his soundtrack for Shining II is great, and this track really stood out for me with its badass bassline and drums.

Title: Talk to the Wind (vgz game rip)
Composer: Motoaki Takenouchi
Game: Jewel Master
Date: 1991
Download here!

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

I was really feeling the ambience of Baroque - Music from the Original Soundtrack - Invitation To The Future, and things just got better when the piano came in alongside the downtempo ambient pads. Didn't like the guitar touches I heard, and the electronic developments were kind of odd, but other than that this is a fine track.

Hey I remember this tune! ^___^ Cooking Mama (Game Rip) - Track 2 doesn't impress me on a musical level, but the energy and pacing is kind of catchy and amusing. I really like the ragtime melodies in the Cooking Mama games, and this one's no exception!

Soichi Terada is so underrated it hurts my heart and soul. His FantaVision works and more-so his Ape Escape works are absolutely fantastic. FantaVision Original Soundtrack - SOUTHISLAND ~ STAGE1,2 sounds like upbeat, jammin' elevator music. I always get immersed in the electronic soundscape created here, probably because the track sounds so damn cohesive and fluid.

FM Sound Module Maniax - Reminiscence is pretty damn badass for a reminiscence track...it's also kind of lame. It just sounds like a big mish-mash of electronic sound to me. There's no melody, no cohesion and no impressive levels of enthusiasm. *shrugs* perhaps if I listen to it another day it'll sound better?

Mr. Gimmick (Game Rip) - Good Weather (Level 2, Pirate Fuzzy's Ship) is loads of fun, isn't it? The melody's strong and memorable, and parts like 0:22 make me smile from ear to ear. ^.~

*listens to Söldner-X Himmelsstürmer Original Video Game Soundtrack - War Above the Clouds* ...well that was kind of dull, wasn't it? =/ A pointless amalgamation of meandering electronic bleeps and bloops. Nothing really comes together to create a cool break or flourish or anything like that. This one gets a resounding "eh" from me.

Hoo-boy, so much fun this week! Sonic Blast Man II (SNES Game Rip) - Port Town (Stage 3) is cheery, sneaky synth-music at its finest. The brass parts sound really funny and tuneful at the same time, and the ends of each loop are toe-tappin'. This one gets a ^.~ of approval too.

Yes it may have a cheesy chorus, yes it may be a bit sappy, but the overall production values of Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito Image Sound Track - Deep Dream-Shadows are outstanding. The vocals are pitch-perfect and sweetly harmonious, and the backing track...well it goes from creepy Halloween whisper to slow-paced waltz to soothing bridge to the soaring, lovely chorus. My favourite Noriyasu Agematsu-composed vocal track, and that's one hell of a compliment.

BOUNCY POINTS?!1

2 points: Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito Image Sound Track - Deep Dream-Shadows
2 points: FantaVision Original Soundtrack - SOUTHISLAND ~ STAGE1,2
1 point: Mr. Gimmick (Game Rip) - Good Weather (Level 2, Pirate Fuzzy's Ship)
1 point: Cooking Mama (Game Rip) - Track 2
5th: Sonic Blast Man II (SNES Game Rip) - Port Town (Stage 3)
6th: Baroque - Music from the Original Soundtrack - Invitation To The Future
7th: FM Sound Module Maniax - Reminiscence
8th: Söldner-X Himmelsstürmer Original Video Game Soundtrack - War Above the Clouds

For the most part, a fine selection of tunes this week. Very bouncy!

FELIPE NO

I enjoyed this week, quality abounded.

2 Points: Mr. Gimmick (Game Rip) - Good Weather (Level 2, Pirate Fuzzy's Ship)
2 Points: Baroque - Music from the Original Soundtrack - Invitation To The Future
2 Points: Söldner-X Himmelsstürmer Original Video Game Soundtrack - War Above the Clouds

The rest of the tracks were quite good too, actually. But I've been in a mood for trance-like music lately, so the Baroque and Soldner X tracks were welcome additions to my VGM collection. Also, the Mr. Gimmick track is just too fun to not reward.

And thanks to Drakken for supplying the Mr. Gimmick track in better sound quality. That's the version I'll be keeping.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Good week. I liked 6 of the 8 reasonably well, so the choices were a bit tougher. Cooking Mama and Sonic Blast Man sucked. :-)

3 points: Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito Image Sound Track - Deep Dream-Shadows
2 points: Söldner-X Himmelsstürmer Original Video Game Soundtrack - War Above the Clouds
1 point: FM Sound Module Maniax - Reminiscence
Close: Baroque - Music from the Original Soundtrack - Invitation To The Future

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Hmm, the NSF/good MP3 version of the Mr. Gimmick song sure is an improvement! I still don't like the use of the saw for the bass that Japan always insisted upon when they used that VRC7 chip thing, but generally it sounds a lot better. I didn't even realize it was a NES tune from that shady MP3 from before. Is it possible to revise my votes?

If so:


2 points - Cooking Mama (Game Rip) - Track 02
1 point - FantaVision Original Soundtrack - SOUTHISLAND ~ STAGE1, 2
1 point - Mr. Gimmick (Game Rip) - Good Weather (Level 2, Pirate Fuzzy's Ship)
1 point - Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito Image Sound Track - Deep Dream-Shadows
1 point - Sonic Blast Man II (SNES Game Rip) - Port Town (Stage 3)

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Not a very intringuing week except for the fact that still I don't know in what language/s sings in "Deep Dream-Shadows".


(3 points) Mr. Gimmick (Game Rip) - Good Weather (Level 2, Pirate Fuzzy's Ship)
(2 points) Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito Image Sound Track - Deep Dream-Shadows
(1 point) FantaVision Original Soundtrack - SOUTHISLAND ~ STAGE1,2


Nomination

• Arranger: David Matthews
• Composer: Manami Matsumae
• Album Title: Derby Stallion Original Soundtrack
• Track Title: Stable
• Disc Number: 1 (of 1)
• Track Number: 8
• Catalog Number: WDCD-30115
• Year: 1998
• Source: WDCD-30115: Derby Stallion Original Soundtrack - VGMdb

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

3 points: Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito Image Sound Track - Deep Dream-Shadows
2 points: Baroque - Music from the Original Soundtrack - Invitation To The Future
1 point: Söldner-X Himmelsstürmer Original Video Game Soundtrack - War Above the Clouds

close: Mr. Gimmick (Game Rip) - Good Weather (Level 2, Pirate Fuzzy's Ship)

Wasn't quite in the mood for peppy tracks, so the last point went to War Above the Clouds. Pretty nice week, the Baroque track was a pleasant find. It sounds like something Yuki Kajiura would compose, even.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

As per comments, Drakken added an alternate Mr. Gimmick version to the extras folder here. Listen to whichever you prefer.

Nomination:
Composers: Kazuhiko Uehara, Harumi Ueko
Album Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time
Track Title: Sewer Surfin
Track Number: 6

I was speaking idiomatically.

Quick vote

3 points - FM Sound Module Maniax
2 points - Söldner-X
1 point - Baroque

How ya doing, buddy?

Really great tracks this week with some nice bouncy, cheery pieces. The Söldner-X track was a great find. I think I must hunt for the soundtrack now.

(2 points) Söldner-X Himmelsstürmer Original Video Game Soundtrack - War Above the Clouds

(2 points) Baroque - Music from the Original Soundtrack - Invitation To The Future

(1 point) Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito Image Sound Track - Deep Dream-Shadows

(1 point) FM Sound Module Maniax - Reminiscence

Here's my next nomination:

* Album Title: Rockman EXE 5DS & 6 Complete Music Encyclopedia
* Artist: Yoshino Aoki
* Track Title: Two of Braves
* Source: CPCA-10136: Rockman EXE 5DS & 6 Complete Music Encyclopedia - VGMdb
* File Location: Nominations folder (upcoming)
* Disc Number: 1 (of 1)
* Track Number: 33
* Catalogue Number: CPCA-10136
* Year: 2006

FELIPE NO

Quickvote x2.

Invitation To The Future - 2 pts.
Deep Dream-Shadows - 2 pts.
Good Weather - 1 pt.
Reminiscence - 1 pt.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by orion_mk3

Nomination:
Composers: Kazuhiko Uehara, Harumi Ueko
Album Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time
Track Title: Sewer Surfin
Track Number: 6

Pretty good nostalgia pick, since I played that game a bunch back in the day. It was the first SNES title I owned. I've always enjoyed our ReMixes of that theme: Song: 'Sewer Surfin'' (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time) - OverClocked ReMix

Jam it back in, in the dark.