Song of the Week - WEEK 97 Voting/WEEK 98 Nominating

I believe we've always reserved the opportunity to reject nominations on an individual basis because some cases really do ride the fine line between technical eligibility and abuse of the rules.

I like CHz's distinction of what constitutes a VGM composer, that independent works are fine, but only those created after the composer's name was attached to a video game.

A fine example of this would be the track, "In This World" from the "Mr. Bones OST" that I nominated a bit ago. Ronnie Montrose is certainly not a traditional VGM composer. He's more renowned for his work with several well-known classic rock acts, particularly Van Morrison and the Edgar Winter Group. It wasn't until 1996 that he penned the soundtrack to "Mr. Bones" and added "VGM composer" to his list of accomplishments.

By this rule, any of Montrose's original (meaning no reprisals or remasterings), independent work recorded after 1996 would be eligible (though still somewhat tenuous, given that he hasn't done VGM work since.) But nominating "Frankenstein" by the Edgar Winter Group, that'd be a no-no. (I once joked to CHz that "Frankenstein" was, in fact, eligible, due to this same loophole.)


If this is to be an acceptable standard, then I'd have to say that the Sakamoto track is then ineligible.

It's unfortunate, but the line has to be drawn somewhere or else I'll have no choice but to nominate a track from the "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" movie soundtrack, on the grounds that Elfman simultaneously recorded music for the video game of the same name, providing a clear, distinct connection to VGM and making both albums eligible.

Most amazing jew boots

Ok, all debate aside, there's actually music to be heard as well. This week...damn.

Black Belt (SMS Game Rip) - Boss: My friend used to own this game. We'd spend hours trying to beat it. We never understood why you had to leap approximately 50 feet into the air to catch flying oil drums for strength, but whatever. It beat playing "Snail Maze" all day.
This track is a tad simplistic, though the melody is still cool after all these years. But after the Chiptune Contest, this feels rather sparse. Once the nostalgia factor is removed, it's on the ordinary side.

Carnage Heart Portable Original Sound Track - Moonwalk (BATTLE BGM5): This is right up my alley. Energetic! Rockin'! Groovy synths! It all comes together in a complete package. No complaints here. I'm keeping this one for sure.

Kameo - Elements of Power (Game Rip) - Chillin' in the Trainer's Hut: Quite subdued, but not bad. The ethereal quality of the ukelele prevents it from feeling derivative or bland. I guess my chief complaint is a petty one: it's rather short. I feel as though this track could be expanded to great depths if someone cared to arrange it. For what it is, though, it's really pleasant.

Lennus ~ Memory of the Ancient Machine Original Album - Chiezuni and Midia: Another elegant track. Though it suffers from a harsh beginning, it quickly gives way to some soothing woodwinds, strings and harps. The piano solo, in particular, is rather captivating, acting as a bridge into an enjoyable, baroque section of pianos and harps. I feel as if this entire piece is taking place underwater. At first, I felt as though this track was only okay but successive hearings have let it really grow on me. The second half is particularly enchanting. Another keeper.

Love Escalator Original Soundtrack - Rocket punch: A bit of synth-groove now. In it's own way, this track's quite good. It does lack the emotional resonance of several competing tracks, but this track also has one element the others do not: COWBELL.
I do think this track may be overshadowed by the competition, though. A shame, as it would've done quite well in other weeks past.

Melty Lancer Original Soundtrack - Charge: The name of this track is a little deceiving, as neither half of this suite really feels forceful at all. One half is a jazzy piano number, supported by some playful brass synths. The second half is a bit of a syrupy, 80s love ballad without words. Neither part on its own is bad, but they don't feel connected either. The cheesy guitar <3 and brass synths try their best to bring it on home, though. It's not the best track this week, but it's far from intolerable. (I still have no idea why it's named "Charge", however.)

SUDEKI Original Soundtrack - New Brightwater: This track is great. There's a warmth to it that can barely be described. Straddling the line between ambience and folk improvisation, the combination is fittingly aquatic. The sweep effects and rich bass guitar strumming sell this one completely. I don't think I've been this mesmerized by a track's simple beauty since "Blue Whitecaps" way back in Week 54. Wow...excellent pick!

Within a Deep Forest (Game Rip) - Diamond Meditation: A rather peculiar blend, no? The "meow" effects are quirky but not grating at all. The rest is like someone emptied out a folder of never-been-used synth effects and did their best to make them work together. Somehow, it actually does. Pretty good stuff.


Although this week had some rather unusual nominations, none of them were dull or irritating. This makes it especially hard to hand out points. I was blown away by one track and very pleasantly surprised by many others.

2 Points: SUDEKI Original Soundtrack - New Brightwater
1 Point: Carnage Heart Portable Original Sound Track - Moonwalk (BATTLE BGM5)
1 Point: Lennus ~ Memory of the Ancient Machine Original Album - Chiezuni and Midia
1 Point: Within a Deep Forest (Game Rip) - Diamond Meditation
1 Point: Love Escalator Original Soundtrack - Rocket punch

I really wanted to give the SUDEKI track the full three-point-monty, but there were just too many good tracks this week. Since many of them were equal in my mind, I had to resort to emotional impact in choosing the point spread. Tough call, nonetheless.

A very strong week, for sure.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Oh god, that made all the difference. The Black Belt track sounds so much better. Now it's good enough to save!

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Drakken

Observation: While I still find DH's noms to be very good, it seems GFF's tastes have shifted away from the kinds of songs he nominates. They used to get golds practically every time, and now they don't even place. Odd.

I don't know that it's so much a shift in preferences as it could be a general rise in the quality of nominations we've been getting. This week in particular, everyone submitted a track that had a legitimate chance of placing. In weeks from several months back, "Charge" surely would've done well, perhaps even earning another gold for DH. At this moment, the competition is quite good and the variety is some of the best in a long time.

It's not that DH isn't bringing his "A" game, or that peoples' tastes have shifted dramatically. I think many others have simply stepped up.

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

Originally Posted by goldsac

Also, would a nom from Secret of Evermore be considered too mainstream? The recent Seoule interview made me think of it.

That's a tough call. Those SNES RPGs are among some of the most well-loved, but mostly from a very vocal minority.

I say it could squeak in under the threshold. That game seems to be more popular for its gameplay than the music. I know I can't recall the sound.


Also, surprised by Diamond Meditation's stealth victory. It goes to show that a consistent supply of 1 and 2 point awards can still earn gold over the flashy 3 point recipients.


OH RIGHT: Is anyone going to put the little gold medal symbol next to "To A Distance" for winning the last battle?

I was speaking idiomatically.