Best Anime Song Contest

Well, I don't see anything wrong with having just OP/EDs (or insert songs/image songs, etc) since, well, they tend to be the most identifiable themes of a series. Try to think of the music of any series and a vocal song of some sort probably comes to mind quickly.

On the other hand, there are (as mentioned) some great instrumental tracks which have just as big an impact on the viewer as the vocal songs. It'd be a shame not to include them.

My only concern is that it's going to be hard making one single nomination list for both vocal songs and instrumental tracks.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Excrono

Do we only nominate VGM title tracks in the BSC because they are more memorable to people? In fact, we tend to nominate tracks from really obscure albums that most people aren't even familiar with so a melody being identifiable to the listener isn’t an issue there. I was under the impression that these types of contests were about comparing the musical merit of each track, and being introduced to new music; not the popularity of the series they were written for. I know I wouldn’t like to participate in a contest where I will only hear tracks from series I am already familiar with, it just wouldn’t be interesting.

So basically, I don't see why we should be enforcing a double standard when it comes to Anime soundtracks.

You're taking me the wrong way. I'm not saying we should nominate only OP/ED tracks because they're easily identifiable -- rather, because they are easily identifiable, it's easy to nominate them. Isn't greater accessibility a good thing?

Furthermore, I never mentioned anything about a series' popularity so I am unsure where you pulled that out from.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Excrono

So the whole point of going OP/ED only is to nominate tracks most people will know/identify with? That kind of defeats the purpose of creating an interesting, varied contest and emphasizes series popularity over quality. As casual participants will recognize and nominate only what they are most familiar with, it will consist mainly of Bebop, Fullmetal, Eureka 7, etc.

But of course I could just be the only one who doesn't go with the grain.

Look, I'm not really sure how you keep inferring from my statements that "IF IT'S POPULAR IT MUST BE GOOD," but I will say this: identifiability and being able to place the particular piece to a scene definitely accounts for something. Some songs only have as great an impact on you because you are able to recall the scene in which it was used, and thus you remember the various emotions you felt then as well.

Also, don't flatter yourself about not going "with the grain." There are a great many diverse arrangement of tastes here -- I doubt you'd find a single regular poster whose playlist consists solely of tracks from just the big-name series.

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

Look, maybe I need to explain myself further. I am not saying we should or should not restrict a contest to OP/EDs or whatnot, or that only popular music should get in. Anyone who knows me realizes that the stuff I listen to is reasonably diverse in terms of popularity or obscurity.

What I am saying is chill out. People seem to be getting offended at the idea of a popular song making it, which I have no problem with. It's usually popular for a reason, right? All you have to do is nominate that which you like, and all will be fine.

Here's another nod in approval of separate OP/ED and instrumental track contests.

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

Originally Posted by arch_slayer

By the way, I'm still looking for a quality anime music hub (VBR or CBR320). I find that WAY too often anime music is either ripped in 192kbps and 128kbps, and I like to keep my archive collection as high quality as possible. Anyone have some suggestions?

If quality is your primary concern, shouldn't you be getting lossless? ;(

I was speaking idiomatically.