Song of the Week - WEEK 52 Voting/WEEK 53 Nominations

I always hope for good weeks but when my own nomination is in the running, I don't necessarily want weeks this good.

A Warrior's Heart - My feelings toward "war" themes are always a little mixed, mostly because I'm not history's greatest fan of conflict in general, hence music which reflects battle strikes a discordant nerve within me. There are pleasant sections in this track, for sure, but when it invariably goes back to the tension, I find myself wishing for the smooth, elegeant strings again. War marches have little to offer pacifists such as myself.

The End of This Passionate Feeling - Another Sato track, something I can always appreciate. Although I feel this isn't the most impressive track on the album, it holds its own very well. I enjoy the Phantom Brave OST for the bold departures Sato made from his usual work while maintaining the style that's earned him many fans. An energized tempo, fanciful woodwinds and deeply contrasting strings make this track a joy.

Bumper to Bumper - I've known about this track for a while now and have always found it rather mesmerizing in how it manages to capture the true essence of the morning rush hour with basic instrumentation. The brass hits are perfect for the blare of car horns. Perfect, I say. I love the staccato rhythm that binds the entire piece together too. As far as the nominations go, this is probably the most inventive track. My only beef is that it takes so long to build. I think the same effect could've been managed with approximately ninety seconds shaved off.

Green Garden - I once listened through this album and didn't find a whole lot to really get excited over. The melodies were bright and bubbly, as I'd expect, but nothing was what I'd call exceptional. It was all very standard fare for the genre, really. Green Garden is definitely one of the top 2 tracks from that album, since I remember this one clearly. And on a different week, this could be a solid silver or bronze. But this week is filled with too much quality and Green Garden suffers for it.

The Maid and the Pocket Watch of Blood - There are a lot of solid tracks this week, which has caused "The Maid" to feel rather average. It doesn't really fail in any regard but, by the same token, it does fail to meet the same level of quality composition that at least half this week's submissions do. Sorry but this one didn't interest me as much as other tracks.

Freedom - My nomination for this round. I brought out the heavy guns this time, since I feel very, very strongly about this track. You do not know how much I absolutely love this piece. Win or lose, Freedom will most likely remain my top-rated VGM track for a long, long long time.
The first time I heard "Freedom", I had to stop everything else I was doing and just listen. I then spent the next half hour replaying the track, soaking in the wonderful depth and sheer elegance of the harmonies. The melody engrains itself into your memory and the lilting strings refrains are magical. The emotion is nothing but sheer release, triumphant and blissful; "Freedom" is a most apt title.
Also, how often do you get to hear such luscious and beautiful use of cowbell in a VGM track? That alone deserves merit.
I can't even say enough good things about this one. Chris Huelsbeck has made me a believer. This track is better than sex. No, strike that. "Freedom" is sex.

Time and Rocks Piled Up - I'm kind of a sucker for percussion-driven tracks like this. I thought the aggressive, yet up-tempo nature was great and the rich brass samples were fantastic. I don't have anything bad to say about "Time and Rocks", so let it suffice that I think it's a wonderful, fun track.

Area 13 & 14 - I like chiptunes, and Capcom's never failed to deliver some of the best. But for the NES, I know I've heard better, and especially from the Capcom camp. I don't mean to hold this track up to the impossible standards set by Wily 1-2 or Ducktales - The Moon, but even amongst lesser Capcom tracks, and NES music in general, I just don't find myself that impressed by Yo! Noid's sound.


Time to score this thing.

3 Points - Turrican Original Video Game Soundtrack - Freedom
1 Point - WILD ARMS the 4th Detonator Original Score - Time and Rocks Piled Up
1 Point - SimCity 4 Rush Hour Soundtrack - Bumper to Bumper
1 Point - Phantom Brave ~Original sound track~ - The End of This Passionate Feeling


I think this was the BEST week SotW has had in several months. Seriously, and not just because a track I love was in the mix. There were no losers this week. That is to say, had they not all fallen into the same regrettable group, every single nomination could've placed during alternate weeks. Props to everyone who nominated.

Originally Posted by Darkcomet72

6 points: Turrican Original Video Game Soundtrack - Freedom

Haha. I appreciate the hearty support, but how's about making the point spread fair so that your vote isn't totally ignored?

EDIT: I'm in a very indecisive mood. Ever since I made my next nomination, I've felt as though I jumped the gun or something. I have a handful of tracks I like and can't decide, so I'm going to hold off on a nomination until my gut decides on something for me.

Sorry if this adds to any confusion for some.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

A question about future nomination eligibilities:

In the case of the "Mad Maestro!" soundtrack, all the tracks are arranged versions of classical compositions. They're recognized scores but completely reworked for the game.

Would this album be allowed for nomination under the "exclusive arrangement" clause that was voted upon in December?

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I've removed my nomination from the queue. I've been trying to decide which track I really like best and just can't decide. Maybe it'll be the one I nominated, maybe not. But until my gut tells me for sure, I'm gonna leave the slot blank.

I edited my earlier post to reflect this. Damn indecisiveness.

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

I am actually surprised it won. The first several days didn't look so good, what with Phantom Brave and Time & Rocks pulling in a lot of support. I was ready to accept a Bronze or even 4th place.

I guess I stopped counting points around Thursday or so. I am quite relieved though, since, of all the tracks I've ever nominated, Freedom is by far my favorite.

But a much appreciated thanks to everyone who voted for it. And especially to Darkcomet, who apparently likes it as much as I do.

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