[SotW] Song of the Week - WEEK 124 Voting/WEEK 125 Nominating

Might as well vote since I'm bored at the moment. This seems like a very strong week.

DOUBLE DRAGON II The Revenge - Low Pursuit (Mission 2): This a pretty well done fusion of rock and jazz, though the arrangement seems quite liberal compared to the original track. The saxophone wailing was enjoyable and I found the bassline pretty interesting too. A couple parts seemed to be on autopilot but overall it's still nice. I didn't even know there was an arrangement for this game!

Dragon's Fury (Game Rip) - OMAKEBGM00 (Thunder Force II: Knights of Legend): It took me a couple listenings but I finally decided that I enjoy this track. The sample selection isn't the best it could've been - I found myself desiring more contrasts - but the pace and melody were decent and kept me interested. If it's a chiptune, as I suspect, it could've gone far in last year's contest.

Duck Tales 2 (Game Rip) - Scotland Theme: I was one of the few people lucky enough to get my hands on this game when it first came out, and one of my highest hopes was that the music was equal or superior to the first Ducktales game. It wasn't to be, however. Not that this track is poor or anything but it does help one to realize how much of a benchmark the first Ducktales game was for chiptune quality. My opinion of this track is that it isn't developed quite enough to be outstanding. It could've benefitted greatly from a deeper bassline and maybe a bit less reverb.

Dynamite Headdy (Game Rip) - Schumacher Fly: Always wanted to play this game but never got to it. Now I sort of regret this, as the music is obviously top-tier for the Genesis. If the entire rip is of this quality, I'm going to have to download it. Was this composed by anyone from Sonic Team? I'm detecting many similarities in style. Good stuff.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - To Catch an Owl: For once, an orchestral that isn't over the top. Very relaxed and subdued, rather pretty. I'm not sure if this same score was featured in the movie. I'm hopeful that this was written specifically for the game because I like it and don't want to have it spoiled by knowing it wasn't completely original. I appreciate the airy nature of this track quite a bit.

Kameo: Elements of Power Original Soundtrack - Hero's Theme: Here we go, the ubiquitous march. These always go in one of two directions: angry or triumphant, and I much prefer the latter. This particular piece straddles the fine line between both. It becomes more oppressive toward the end but the key prevents it from being too disharmonious at least. The last thirty seconds were an interesting finish. Not really my thing but I didn't hate it.

Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow (PC Redbook Audio) - The Mojo Mansion: Very quirky, indeed. There's almost a calypso-like vibe throughout and that's pretty darned cool. The drums are excellent too. I've never heard of Maui Mallard but now I'm intently curious. This one's got some serious potential.

Real Bout Garou Densetsu 2 Arrange Sound Trax - Get the Sky ~ With Your Dream (Alfred): I guess I go last this week. This is a powerhouse of a guitar-driven piece. The melody is outstanding, even infectious. However, it's complimented by some very romantic strings and horns, allowing it to maintain a poetic balance; it's neither too aggressive nor too laid-back. Even the little drum solo is pretty cool. I love energetic tracks like this, especially ones that exude such a dominating air of triumph. It all comes together so satisfyingly at the end. <3

Spread 'Em

3 Points: Real Bout Garou Densetsu 2 Arrange Sound Trax - Get the Sky ~ With Your Dream (Alfred)
1 Point: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - To Catch an Owl
1 Point: Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow (PC Redbook Audio) - The Mojo Mansion
1 Point: Dynamite Headdy (Game Rip) - Schumacher Fly

Consolation Prize: DOUBLE DRAGON II The Revenge - Low Pursuit (Mission 2)

A really, really good week. The competition is very tight.


New Nomination

Album: Emperor: Battle for Dune
Track Title: Victory Is Inevitable
Composer: David Arkenstone
Disc Number: 3 (Harkonnen)
Track Number: 15
Year: 2001
Additional Notes: This nomination represents a grand departure from the norm for me but I've got tremendous faith in this one.

Jam it back in, in the dark.