[SotW] Song of the Week - WEEK 133 Voting/WEEK 134 Nominating

Originally Posted by CHz

Dragon God's new, non waiting period-affected nom

Yay for more Konami!

Also, I was wondering if Dragon God was posting about SotW somewhere else besides STC since I never see him nominate himself, which I find kind of strange unless he was banned from this forum (or is really too shy, or don't give a damn)?

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Originally Posted by Djinova

Nom.:
eleison <zts, NUMBER 201> - [01] Days -a conclusion-
Year: 2005

Yay for more Z**!

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Superb week!

Boktai 3 Sabata's Counterattack (Game Rip) - Solar Tree Yggdrasill

Sounds older than its age with its charming retro flair. The composition is interesting as well, light and reflective, and quirky at times. I like it, but let's see what this week has in store before attributing points.

Legend of Game Music 2 ~Platinum Box~ - POWER DRIFT - LIKE THE WIND (B Course)

Quite representative of upbeat retro arcade Japanese VGM. I say it's good, but maybe a bit too standard for the first half to rise above the heap of similar tunes, yet I like the breakdown and soloing that begins at around 2:00 and consider it the saving grace of my earlier critic. All in all, a solid chiptune. Point-worthy? Not certain yet, but it's a good candidate.

Maple Story (Game Rip) - Tree Dungeon

Is it an American song? Hmm, seems not. Oh well, I once heard that American VGM is known for poor progression, so that must be what confused me... (Hello!)

With this aside, "Tree Dungeon" is an enjoyable and relaxing piece. Nothing is done wrong, but I find it a little too simple to score this week.

Okage: Shadow King Original Soundtrack - Vampire Evil King Battle

A battle theme usually sets a tense mood, which is not how I always like to feel. How about today? OK, I can take it, but not for too long. Well, that's good since this theme is rather short (but I would have preferred it to be longer and more developed). Does not sound evil either, but I guess the game is of a lighter nature than, for example, Silent Hill. Any merits? Certainly! I like the progression (it's Japanese VGM after all. Hi again!), and the rising rhythmic segment.

Sekaiju no MeiQ Super Arrange Version - Battle - Destruction Begets Decay

Ooh, now we're talking. A generous song, offering various distinct segments and a sweet performance. The melodic hook is rather simple, but as long as there's one, it enhances the memorability of the piece. I liked how it was first played on piano and then picked up by the guitar. Great energy, not too oppressive, awesome arrangement. This one is getting points.

A critic however: Yuzo Koshiro is not an obscure composer, and sometimes, I feel like there will be two reasons tp celebrate at week 200: the 200th week and the 200th Koshiro nomination. An hyperbole, yes, but not totally unfunded in my opinion. But at least it's not Uematsu, yet I feel like some nominations were not dug from so deep into the obscureness of VGM.

Storm of Progear Original Soundtrack - To the Blue Sky -Stage 1-

From the start, this song rises you into the sky. A decent structure, but it felt like a melodic lead was missing from my point of view. Or at least to make this song stand out as being "awesome".

Tr3s Lunas - Tr3s Lunas

The title track from the soundtrack written by one of my all-time favorite new age musician, Mike Oldfield (British by the way, hi hi!). His skills as a guitarist are excellent and a taste of them can be heard in "Tr3s Lunas", although I don't consider it to be his best composition or performance. His trademark ultra-clean Stratocaster is there, which is a sound that wins me every time. As a whole, the song is relatively simple and repetitive, yet the main melody is performed differently each time, which helps avoid making the listen to become boring. Also, the accompaniment could have been better in my opinion, as it often sounds somewhat generic. Another critic: the ending segment is slightly too long.

Even with these faults, I love the sound, the structure, the melodies, and how "Tr3s Lunas" hypnotizes me and can relax me without putting me to sleep.

Yogurting Original Soundtrack - The Student Council is Very Busy!

The good: Lively and bouncy, this is an entertaining song for sure. Great sound, neat usage of the harmonica, very cohesive and catchy as a whole.
The bad: Slightly simple and underdeveloped/short, yet I prefer a good and concise piece of music over a long and elaborated piece of crap (but I prefer even more further developed good music).
The ugly: Nothing. Oh wait, maybe the breakdown at 1:30-1:40, but I wouldn't go as far as saying it was ugly, just weaker than the rest.

Plain yogurt is good, but when there's more flavor to it, like "The Student Council is Very Busy!", it can taste even better.

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(3 points) Tr3s Lunas - Tr3s Lunas
(2 points) Sekaiju no MeiQ Super Arrange Version - Battle - Destruction Begets Decay
(1 point) Yogurting Original Soundtrack - The Student Council is Very Busy!

Sacrifices had to be made... Thanks to all nominators for the good selection!

Jam it back in, in the dark.