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

NOTICE: VOITING EXTENDED ONE WEEK DUE TO BSC
Week 97 Voting is closed.
Week 98 Nominating is closed.

Week 97 Voting
The rules for voting can be found here.

Tracks (links):
Black Belt (SMS Game Rip) - Boss
Carnage Heart Portable Original Sound Track - Moonwalk (BATTLE BGM5)
Kameo - Elements of Power (Game Rip) - Chillin' in the Trainer's Hut
Lennus ~ Memory of the Ancient Machine Original Album - Chiezuni and Midia
Love Escalator Original Soundtrack - Rocket punch
Melty Lancer Original Soundtrack - Charge
SUDEKI Original Soundtrack - New Brightwater
Within a Deep Forest (Game Rip) - Diamond Meditation

Tracks (streaming):
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: - Boss
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: - Moonwalk (BATTLE BGM5)
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: - Chillin' in the Trainer's Hut
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: - Chiezuni and Midia
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: - Rocket punch
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: - Charge
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: - New Brightwater
Get the Flash Player to play this audio file: - Diamond Meditation

Notes:
If you are a member at more than one of the forums which this event is being held at, please nominate and vote in only ONE of the forums. You may, however, comment in the threads at any of the other forums.

Week 98 Nominating
The Nominations Queue can be found here.
The rules for nominating can be found here.

Here is the link to the corresponding thread in the other forum:
- Soundtrack Central

Jam it back in, in the dark.

• Artist: Tatsuya Watanabe
• Album/Game Title: Air Buster
• Track Title: Seaside Front [Arrange Version]
• Disc Number: 1 (of 1)
• Track Number: 1
• Catalog Number: PCCB-00025
• Year: 1990
• Additional Information: The arrange version unfortunately doesn't have the best part of the original: the epileptic seizure bassline.
• Sources: http://www.gmronline.com/info.asp?CatNumber=PCCB-00025

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Originally Posted by CHz

Dragon God changed his mind and is now going seriously retro.

• Artist: Yellow Magic Orchestra
• Composer: Ryuichi Sakamoto
• Album/Game Title: Solid State Survivor
• Track Title: Technopolis
• Disc Number: 1 (of 1)
• Track Number: 1
• Catalog Number: ALCA-288
• Year: 1979
• Additional Information: Ryuichi Sakamoto composed the game L.O.L. Lack of Love. (All three members of YMO have VGM credits, actually. )
• Sources: http://www.discog.info/YMO-discog.html

Originally Posted by orion_mk3

I think that that nomination is really stretching it, to be honest. Yes, Sakamoto wrote that game, and contributed a title track recently, but a piece from 1979, before games even had music to speak of?

I might as well nominate something from Danny Elfman's Serenada Schizophrana. Oh, he wrote one track for a video game, so it's in! Nevermind that it has absolutely nothing to do with VGM, and couldn't pass for anything other than a concert piece, but the rules allow it!

I might as well past this in so it doesn't get lost with the change of voting weeks. If no one agrees, I will nominate "I Forget" or "Quadruped Patrol" from Serenade Schizophrana in protest

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

Thanks for pasting, since I did in fact miss that.

Originally Posted by Nomination Phase - Rules - Footnote 1

A "professional VGM composer" is defined as a person who has composed at least one musical score specifically for, and featured in, a published video/computer game. This definition can still be put up for debate on a per-artist basis, such as if the quantity of scores composed seems lacking.

Seeing as he has composed a grand total of one VGM track, the main theme to Fable, I submit that Danny Elfman's quantity of scores composed seems lacking.

I do get your point, though. Do you have any ideas for general solutions besides outright banning all original compositions*? One thing I've tossed around in my head a couple of times is that only original tracks written after the first VGM composition would be eligible; after all, the person certainly wasn't a VGM composer before that, were they? However, that criterion has always struck me as being arbitrary for some reason that I just can't place my finger on.

*: I expect this will be brought into the discussion at some point in time, but let's just put it off for a little bit, since that's a matter unto itself.

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

<> Composer(s) : Daichi "Ace" Hasemi
<> Album/Game Title : Detective Jinguji Saburou KIND OF BLUE Original Sound Tracks
<> Track Title : Just Bourbon
<> Disc Number 1 (of 1)
<> Track Number : 4
<> Catalog Number : JING0001-2
<> Year : 2004
<> Source(s) : GMR database; Chudah's Corner
<> Download: http://www.sendspace.com/file/rdivbc

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by CHz

Seeing as he has composed a grand total of one VGM track, the main theme to Fable, I submit that Danny Elfman's quantity of scores composed seems lacking.

I wouldn't really nominate that except to make a point. But you have to admit that, under the current rules, it would be technically eligible. And I'd definitely put Sakamoto in the same boat as far as quantity of scores, seeng as his contributions were few and widely spaced.

Originally Posted by CHz

I do get your point, though. Do you have any ideas for general solutions besides outright banning all original compositions*? One thing I've tossed around in my head a couple of times is that only original tracks written after the first VGM composition would be eligible; after all, the person certainly wasn't a VGM composer before that, were they? However, that criterion has always struck me as being arbitrary for some reason that I just can't place my finger on.

I don't know if I'd ban original tracks altogether, but you're right in noting that's another discussion. I would submit that, in general, original tracks should be made during or after a composer's VGM career, or should be directly linked to it in some way.

I also think that the quantity of scores someone has composed is an issue. Sakamoto composed one OST and one main theme, but that technically makes his considerable output as a solo artist eligible, when I think most people would agree that he only moonlights in VGM and rarely at that.

Perhaps a rule change isn't even in order--if people speak up when something this far out of bounds comes up, that is. Letting a single track or a single OST make solo works by an artist who isn't primarily a VGM composer eligible seems counter to the spirit of SoTW, after all.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

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.

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Originally Posted by orion_mk3

I wouldn't really nominate that except to make a point. But you have to admit that, under the current rules, it would be technically eligible. And I'd definitely put Sakamoto in the same boat as far as quantity of scores, seeng as his contributions were few and widely spaced.

. . .

I also think that the quantity of scores someone has composed is an issue. Sakamoto composed one OST and one main theme, but that technically makes his considerable output as a solo artist eligible, when I think most people would agree that he only moonlights in VGM and rarely at that.

Sakamoto does have two more VGM credits: the opening and ending themes to Seven Samurai 20XX and the PC Engine CD-ROM soundtrack to Tengai Makyou: Ziria.

That's just a quibble, though, because the point still stands that, out of his sizable discography, the fact that he only has two major and two minor VGM credits compared with eighty-four albums means that maybe the guy's just a composer who ocasionally writes VGM music instead of a VGM composer proper.

But how exactly do we draw the line? We could drop some math: a person isn't a VGM composer if he has twice as many non-VGM works as VGM works, or three times, and so on, but if he has above a certain threshold of VGM works, say five, then he's definitely eligible. But that idea's stupid; I say we just wing it SotW-style and do it case-by-case.

Originally Posted by orion_mk3

I would submit that, in general, original tracks should be made during or after a composer's VGM career, or should be directly linked to it in some way.

What do you mean by linked? Something like the composer arranged one of his earlier original works for a game, and you want to nominate the original piece?

Originally Posted by Crash Landon

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.

Did he really? Last I checked, Winifred Phillips composed the game, unless some of Elfman's music was just copied from the movie (licensed?).

Also, we do have this little number:

Originally Posted by Nomination Rule #4

To clarify further, the following are NOT allowed:
. . .

• Film/anime music

I've been meaning to add TV music to that bullet point for a while, and think I will, unless someone objects.

Additional Spam:
I also just wanted to say that this week is amazing.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by CHz

That's just a quibble, though, because the point still stands that, out of his sizable discography, the fact that he only has two major and two minor VGM credits compared with eighty-four albums means that maybe the guy's just a composer who ocasionally writes VGM music instead of a VGM composer proper.

Precisely. And I have a very hard time seeing a piece of independant electronica fron 1979 fitting in with the spirit of SoTW. The distance between the song and the dawn of VGM proper, coupled with the small number of tracks (mostly opening and ending themes) makes the connection to VGM tenuous at best.

Originally Posted by CHz

What do you mean by linked? Something like the composer arranged one of his earlier original works for a game, and you want to nominate the original piece?

By "linked" I was thinking of things like demos, rejected tracks, and whatnot, though I suppose a composer arranging an earlier work for the game would be reasonable within limits.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by orion_mk3

Precisely. And I have a very hard time seeing a piece of independant electronica fron 1979 fitting in with the spirit of SoTW.

Guess what ?

YMO influenced more than HALF of all major composers in the scene today. This was a catalyst to the VGM boom. When you hear the piece, you'll understand.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Dragon God

Guess what ?

YMO influenced more than HALF of all major composers in the scene today. This was a catalyst to the VGM boom. When you hear the piece, you'll tunderstand.

That may be so, but I'm still not convinced. Star Wars influenced VGM too, as did The Beatles, but neither the "Imperial March" nor "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" is appropriate for SoTW.

If you really want to show the track's influence on VGM, why not nominate something it influenced?

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

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.

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

3 Points: Kameo - Elements of Power (Game Rip) - Chillin' in the Trainer's Hut

-Sure I am biased. Its my nom, the game is awesome as well as the soundtrack. One cannot deny the beauty of it. Even more so if you were actually chillin in this ethereal fantasy world with butterflies flying around and a variety of creatures. Frankly, this would have made a great town theme instead of Enchanted Kingdom (although thats good too) because of the towns peace and tranquility. This track was only in one small damn hut.

2 Points: Melty Lancer Original Soundtrack - Charge
1 Point: SUDEKI Original Soundtrack - New Brightwater

How ya doing, buddy?

To resolve this whole mess, Dragon God has switched to:

• Artist: Toshikazu Tanaka
• Album/Game Title: Shin Gouketsuji Ichizoku Toukon ~Matrimelee~/Original Sound Track
• Track Title: 375 Kg
• Disc Number: 1 (of 1)
• Track Number: 9
• Catalog Number: none
• Year: 2003
• Sources: http://www.noise.co.jp/shop/toukon.htm, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...nct_characters

However, this does not mean the discussion on the rules change is complete! Especially since only three people including myself have weighed in thus far. The two main points I see are:

• Changing the definition of "professional VGM composer" to be more subjective, taking into account the number of VGM works compared with total output.
• Disallowing original pieces composed before the composer's first VGM credit unless there is some "direct VGM link," whatever that may be.

Talk amongst yourselves.

Additional Spam:
Also this week is seriously A+ material.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

I was quite oblivious to the fact that Sakamoto's track was composed before VGM started appearing in games. :P Thought the grey ruling that the independent works by VGM artistes can be nominated for SotW would make Sakamoto's "Technopolis" eligible. But I see the point that a line must be drawn somewhere.

I'm inclined to disqualify independent works by VGM artistes from SotW if they are used specifically for film/anime etc and are not stand alone albums. I think stand alone albums are fine irregardless of whether they are composed before or after the artiste started composing VGM. I don't quite see how composing a stand alone album after composing VGM makes it more a game related album. But I guess it's a convenient cut-off point for clarity.

FELIPE NO

When Atelier Iris 2 was declared ineligible for noms, I mentioned that AI3 was coming that (last) month. It's out, and it has an awesome soundtrack.

* Artist: Ken Nakagawa, Daisuke Achiwa, Revo
* Album/Game Title: Atelier Iris Grand Fantasm OST
* Track Title: Grand Fantasm
* Disc Number: 1 (of 2)
* Track Number: 5
* Catalog Number: KDSD-10015/6
* Year: 2006
* Sources: http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/at...sgf/index.html

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

This will likely change, because I have a lot of songs in my potential noms playlist, and this isn't necessarily one of my favorites. Well, I like it, but I feel there are stronger songs I could nominate.

Album: Elebits (Wii rip)
Artist: Konami (?)
Track Title: Extras Mode
Track #: 33
Year: 2006
Notes: This is from a rip that someone at the ffshrine forums made. Don't know his name, but I can look it up if necessary.

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2 points : Carnage Heart Portable Original Sound Track - Moonwalk (BATTLE BGM5)
1 point : Lennus ~ Memory of the Ancient Machine Original Album - Chiezuni and Midia
1 point : Love Escalator Original Soundtrack - Rocket punch
1 point : Melty Lancer Original Soundtrack - Charge
1 point : Within a Deep Forest (Game Rip) - Diamond Meditation

I would have loved to have given my nomination the full 3 points but this week is way too loaded for me to do that. So many great picks this week, it's not even funny. Even the ones that didn't get in my points spread weren't too shabby.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I would say a composer's original work is eligible if he has been the main composer for at least one game. That seems pretty reasonable to me.

How ya doing, buddy?

Oh man, the uploaded file for Black Belt's Boss Theme sounds pretty butchered. I was bothered with the poor encoding quality enough that I made my own. This is how it's supposed to sound like! Care to use that instead?

On to voting. A very good bunch of tracks this week, though there were a few I didn't care much for.

2 points: SUDEKI Original Soundtrack - New Brightwater
1 point: Black Belt (SMS Game Rip) - Boss
1 point: Kameo - Elements of Power (Game Rip) - Chillin' in the Trainer's Hut
1 point: Love Escalator Original Soundtrack - Rocket punch
1 point: Within a Deep Forest (Game Rip) - Diamond Meditation

That version does indeed sound better; thanks. I've changed it now.

How ya doing, buddy?

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?

(3 points) Melty Lancer Original Soundtrack - Charge
(1 point) Carnage Heart Portable Original Sound Track - Moonwalk (BATTLE BGM5):
(1 point) Love Escalator Original Soundtrack - Rocket punch
(1 point) Within a Deep Forest (Game Rip) - Diamond Meditation

I thought this week was average. Normally I wouldn't have gone with a biased point distribution on a week featuring my nom but I honestly didn't think any of the other tracks were really that great.

Moonwalk was an ok rockin' track with a decent synth melody but lacked a solo that would have really put it over the top. I liked the use of the synth in Rocket punch and Diamond Meditation especially the solo in the former. Chiezuni and Midia was a pleasant listen and just missed out on points. New Brightwater had a nice relaxing atmosphere but was a little too repetitive. Boss was a nice little tune and is dying for rockin' style an arrangement. Chillin' in the Trainer's Hut was way too short and slow-paced.

As for my nom, although it has a disconnect in the middle, it has a nice variety of jazzy instrumentation and a very catchy melody especially in the last part of the track when the guitar and brass jump in.

FELIPE NO

I think that GFF's been back long enough that I can start posting my points here again, though I think I will mirror the comments at STC to give the thread a bump.

Black Belt (SMS Game Rip) - Boss A cute bit of synthery with a nice melody. Not much aside from that can be said for it, other than it's a solid selection and I enjoyed it.

Carnage Heart Portable Original Sound Track - Moonwalk (BATTLE BGM5) If I had to characterize this track, I'd call it electro-funk or something of that ilk. There are some nice bass lixx and a decent melodic component, although the melody is completely buried by the bass (to the extent you can barely make it out). The forefronting of the rhythmic part of the track (a very poor mixing decision) brings the most repetitive part of the track to the fore.

Kameo - Elements of Power (Game Rip) - Chillin' in the Trainer's Hut I have nominated no less than two selections from the game, so if this places I will be both pleased and bitterly disappointed. The song is attractive, if a little sparse, and is a decent representative of the (terrific) OST's softer side.

Lennus ~ Memory of the Ancient Machine Original Album - Chiezuni and Midia My nomination. I've held off on it for a long time, as medley tracks tend not to do well in SoTW (and I wasn't sure if I should nominate the battle medley instead). Still there are only two themes represented here after a brief opening stinger--the game's gentle "love theme" and its soaring "ariship theme." The love theme is pleasant and melodic, but the airship theme is the real highlight--airy piano combined with swirling strings and new-age effects. A good representative of a terribly underrated OST.

Love Escalator Original Soundtrack - Rocket punch Another chippy selection, this one emphasizing jagged rhythm. Pleasant enough, but at its best when the melody takes center stage.

Melty Lancer Original Soundtrack - Charge They must be charging to the Barcalounger to melt some ice in highball glasses. This is the sort of laid-back funk that passes smoothly but leaves little impression on me.

SUDEKI Original Soundtrack - New Brightwater Another laid-back track, this one going for a new-age sound. I like the overall effect (especially the acoustic guitar, whore that I am), but nothing about the tune signalled it as anything other than easy listening.

Within a Deep Forest (Game Rip) - Diamond Meditation I think this can safely be classified as quirky, and it appears to incorporate a person saying "meow." It's a pleasant bit o'synth that does exactly what it sets out to do.

A nice week, overall. I hope we get some more voters, or we might have to delay the point count for a week, what with the BSC and all. I think I will be the first voter to put the shotgun away, though.

The Point Spread
Chezni and Midia - 3 pts.
Chillin' in the Trainer's Hut - 2 pts.
Black Belt Boss - 1 pt.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

My motherboard is dead and I won't have a new one in until Monday, so I may not be able to listen to this week's tracks. People are saying this one's good too, hopefully I can track everything down later if I miss it. And I still have to vote in 6 and a half rounds of BSC too.

Here's a nomination I'm getting in before it's too late. This wasn't tops on my list, but it was the easiest and first thing I remembered.

Artists - Matt Furniss, Shaun Hollingworth
Album/Game - ResQ (Genesis Rip)
Track Title - Level 4A
Track Number - 14 on Project 2612's game rip
Year - 1993
Additional Info - Was only released in Europe, from what I've read about it. Also, the rip of this has the track looping three times instead of the normal two. Not sure if people will find that to be a problem or if it can be fixed, but I thought I'd point that out.
Source - http://www.project2612.org/details.php?id=184

Jam it back in, in the dark.