[SotW] Song of the Week - WEEK 105 Voting/WEEK 106 Nominating

Song of the Week. 100 Weeks and counting.
Week 105 Voting is closed.
Week 106 Nominating is restricted.

Week 105 Voting
The rules for voting can be found here.

Results
1). [27] Atelier Iris GRAND FANTASM Original Soundtrack - Rain of Blossoms
2). [20] Gacha Mecha Stadium Saru Battle Sound Tracks!! - Mech Break
3). [14/10.5] Sword of Xuan Yuan IV: The Black Dragon Dances, and the Cloud Flows (Game Rip) - Battle01
4). [14/9] Devil Crash / Alien Crush - Devil Crash "Heavy Metal"
5). [12] Planet Puzzle League (Game Rip) - Bodkin Point
6). [9/7] ANOTHER MIND ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK - Reconciliation
7). [9/6.5] Blinx the Time Sweeper (Game Rip) - Staff Roll (Blinx Theme Remix)
8). [3] Herakles no Eikou 3 - Kamigami no Tinmoku (Game Rip) - Battle

Tracks (links):
ANOTHER MIND ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK - Reconciliation
Atelier Iris GRAND FANTASM Original Soundtrack - Rain of Blossoms
Blinx the Time Sweeper (Game Rip) - Staff Roll (Blinx Theme Remix)
Devil Crash / Alien Crush - Devil Crash "Heavy Metal"
Gacha Mecha Stadium Saru Battle Sound Tracks!! - Mech Break
Herakles no Eikou 3 - Kamigami no Tinmoku (Game Rip) - Battle
Planet Puzzle League (Game Rip) - Bodkin Point
Sword of Xuan Yuan IV: The Black Dragon Dances, and the Cloud Flows (Game Rip) - Battle01

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

Week 106 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.

Tracks are currently uploading.

In the meantime, my tentative next nom:

Title: There is Weather / Decisions Are Made (End Credits)
Artist: Stephen Rippy & Kevin McMullan
Album: Age of Empires III Original Soundtrack
Track #: 27
Source: GMR

It's very hard for me to decide on noms lately. It's not that I can't think of good songs, it's that I can't decide which good song to pick from my list.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

We are disgustingly low on nominations. How low, you ask? So low that someone has had a nomination in both Week 104 and 105.

This is a problem. (No slight to ikkei. I'd say this if I were the one with consecutive nominations.)

I will do my part at the end of this post. Please do yours.

• Artist: Masako Ohgami, Junichi Nakatsuru
• Album/Game Title: Venus & Braves: The Witch Goddess and the Alchemist of Destruction (Game Rip)
• Track Title: Cup of Story
• Track Number: 51
• Year: 2003
• Additional Information: Absolutely the wrong track to nominate from this game, but I have a history of nominating tracks that sound absolutely nothing like the rest of the soundtrack. And besides, everyone loves credits jazz.
• Sources: IGN: Venus & Braves: Majo no Megami to Horobi no Yogen, GMCL

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

Then let me expand the list. I'm eligible to nominate again. This one looks good:

Album: Napple Tale Vol. 2: Illustrated Guide to the Monsters
Artist: Yoko Kanno
Track Title: Wild Wind
Track Number: 27
Year: 2000
Catalog Number: MJCG-80043
Source: GMR Online
Notes: I've never nominated a Kanno track before but I think everyone is entitled to one.

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

This is bad... I'll participate again:

Artist: O'Bits
Album: V' BALL
Track Title: SeaSide Walker (L.A. Theme)
Track Number: 6
Year: 1990
Catalog Number: MECG-28002
Additional Information: Arranged soundtrack of the NES game "Super Spike V'Ball". WHAP!
Sources: Game Music Revolution

I was speaking idiomatically.

Time for my next nomination.

Album: Astal (Saturn Game Rip)
Artist: God I wish I knew I've been looking for a while
Track Number: 12
Track Title: Glacial Rift
Year: 1995
Source: Viewing file list of Astal (Saturn Rip)

I've come across this on GH, but I've had a hard time finding any kind of information besides the obvious.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

One from Dragon God as well. Keep the nominations coming, especially from people whose tracks aren't up for voting this week.

• Artist: Hyakutarou Tsukumo, Namihei
• Album/Game Title: BROKEN THUNDER -project THUNDER FORCE VI-
• Track Title: CIEL -Jeteveux- [Complete Version.]
• Disc Number: 1 (of 1)
• Track Number: 20
• Catalog Number: FNAG-0003
• Year: 2005
• Sources: FNAG-0003: BROKEN THUNDER -project THUNDER FORCE VI- - VGMdb beta

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by TheKnightOfNee

Artist: God I wish I knew I've been looking for a while

"Astal" was composed by Tatsuyuki Maeda. Really good track by the way!

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

(2 points) Atelier Iris GRAND FANTASM Original Soundtrack - Rain of Blossoms
(2 points) Gacha Mecha Stadium Saru Battle Sound Tracks!! - Mech Break
(1 point) Devil Crash / Alien Crush - Devil Crash "Heavy Metal"
(1 point) Sword of Xuan Yuan IV: The Black Dragon Dances, and the Cloud Flows (Game Rip) - Battle01
(close) Planet Puzzle League (Game Rip) - Bodkin Point

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Here's my next nomination:

* Album Title: Freedom Fighters Original Soundtrack
* Composer: Jesper Kyd
* Track Title: The Battle for Freedom
* File Location: Download 06_the_battle_for_freedom.mp3 from GH
* Source: Game Music Revolution
* Disc Number: 1 (of 1)
* Track Number: 6
* Catalogue Number: NANOCD01
* Year: 2003

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I've got nothing else to do at this moment, so I'll critique and throw out some points. Yayyy!

ANOTHER MIND ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK - Reconciliation: This walks the precarious line between "soothing" and "dull". I like the tone and the instrumentation just fine. All it really needs is a more impactful melody.

Atelier Iris GRAND FANTASM Original Soundtrack - Rain of Blossoms: My nomination. I chose this track for no particular reason other than it exudes quality. The tempo is awesome, the sounds are interesting, and there's no lack of variety or creative elements. "Rain of Blossoms" is what I'd consider an all-around great track.

Blinx the Time Sweeper (Game Rip) - Staff Roll (Blinx Theme Remix): I heard this awhile back but passed on its nomination. The segments, when considered seperately are mostly cool, but when heard as one, continuing piece, the whole thing becomes too frenetic and discombobulated. I'm not a fan of the eponymous vocal samples either.

Devil Crash / Alien Crush - Devil Crash "Heavy Metal": This one is merely okay. It's not the greatest rockin', as there seems to be stronger emphasis upon gimmicky guitar tricks than creating a strong, steady melody. The bass synth was also a bit on the annoying side. But I could stand to hear it a few more times.

Gacha Mecha Stadium Saru Battle Sound Tracks!! - Mech Break: I tried three times in the past month to download this album, just because the title seemed interesting, but each attempt was met with problems. Now I'm not sure if I missed anything; this piece felt a bit lacking. I hope the other tracks have more teeth.

Herakles no Eikou 3 - Kamigami no Tinmoku (Game Rip) - Battle: Sorry, I wasn't impressed with this one. A predictable, militaristic theme in SNES quality sampling just isn't for me.

Planet Puzzle League (Game Rip) - Bodkin Point: I like frothy, lighthearted tracks and "Bodkin Point" is no exception. My only criticism is that there's a significant amount of repetition; it could've used some stronger variations throughout. But the mood and chosen instruments are really nice.

Sword of Xuan Yuan IV: The Black Dragon Dances, and the Cloud Flows (Game Rip) - Battle01: This was a nice surprise, as the military vibe is mixed with a more exotic, feudal Japanese flavor. The instruments are quite strong and there's a mood that is intense without becoming oppressive. A good find.


The Numbers Racket

3 Points: Atelier Iris GRAND FANTASM Original Soundtrack - Rain of Blossoms
1 Point: Sword of Xuan Yuan IV: The Black Dragon Dances, and the Cloud Flows (Game Rip) - Battle01
1 Point: Planet Puzzle League (Game Rip) - Bodkin Point
1 Point: Devil Crash / Alien Crush - Devil Crash "Heavy Metal"

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

2 points: Atelier Iris GRAND FANTASM Original Soundtrack - Rain of Blossoms
2 points: Devil Crash / Alien Crush - Devil Crash "Heavy Metal"
1 point: Gacha Mecha Stadium Saru Battle Sound Tracks!! - Mech Break
1 point: Sword of Xuan Yuan IV: The Black Dragon Dances, and the Cloud Flows (Game Rip) - Battle01

Average week. Nothing else warranted receiving points. Also Herakles no Eikou Battle reminded me of Shining in the Darkness' battle theme for some reason.

Originally Posted by Draconis

Also Herakles no Eikou Battle reminded me of Shining in the Darkness' battle theme for some reason.

Yes, it most definitely did. I almost forgot I was listening to my SotW playlist, lol.

I was speaking idiomatically.

2 points - ANOTHER MIND ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK - Reconciliation
2 points - Devil Crash / Alien Crush - Devil Crash "Heavy Metal"
2 points - Planet Puzzle League (Game Rip) - Bodkin Point

It appears we have enough nominations to avoid another repeat week for someone, but it would be nice to have even more.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

ANOTHER MIND ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK - Reconciliation A nice ambient track, it ultimately doesn't make much of an impression due to lack of variation and a rather weak melody.

Atelier Iris GRAND FANTASM Original Soundtrack - Rain of Blossoms I was expecting something like Sakuraba's "Shower of Blossoms" out of this for some reason; disappointment might have colored my opinion a bit. It has some decent synthy textures, but neither the instrumentation or melody really stand out to me.

Blinx the Time Sweeper (Game Rip) - Staff Roll (Blinx Theme Remix) I actually rather liked this, despite the fact that it incorporates two of my pet peeves (SFX and vocal samples). It might be that the track's main melody has a nice bit of quirky charm and energy; a version of the song without the aforementioned annoyances would be a sure winner for me.

Devil Crash / Alien Crush - Devil Crash "Heavy Metal" The "heavy metal" in the title made me apprehensive, and while the resultant track was too tinny to really blow anyone's eardrums out, it was completely formless and dominated by various sorts of tuneless noodling.

Gacha Mecha Stadium Saru Battle Sound Tracks!! - Mech Break Some okay techno here with a melody that's not bad. It didn't really impress, but was solid enough, and will probably grow on me with repeated listens.

Herakles no Eikou 3 - Kamigami no Tinmoku (Game Rip) - Battle The real trouble with militaristic tracks, for me, is that if the synth isn't up to the task of conveying the percussion or brass properly, the entire song tends to sound tinny and, franky, silly. That, and a few passages lifted directly from John Williams, make it hard to like this track, though it has some impressive bits.

Planet Puzzle League (Game Rip) - Bodkin Point Inoffensive techno-jazz that doesn't move me much one way or the other. I'm loathe to call it elevator music, since that's an offensive musical term, but it's what I was reminded of.

Sword of Xuan Yuan IV: The Black Dragon Dances, and the Cloud Flows (Game Rip) - Battle01 Another militaristic track, but with better synth chops and a distinct Eastern edge to it. Not too fond of the ethnic elements, but they're underplayed nicely and don't stumble into the realm of cliché.

A pretty mediocre set--only one outright stinker, but several that elicited no more than a "meh."

The Point Spread
3 pts. - Battle 01
1 pt. - Staff Roll
1 pt. - Mech Break
1 pt. - Reconciliation

FELIPE NO

3 pts - Rain of Blossoms (ha, you can't nominate this and expect me not to vote for it!)
2 pts - Devil Crash "Heavy Metal" (I think the "heavy metal" part is a bit exaggerated, but a good tune...I'd say "elevator music" is less offensive than "completely formless and dominated by various sorts of tuneless noodling" though, since I was able to understand what was going in all the parts and found much of the soloing and underlying keyboards exceptionally melodic. This isn't exactly Slayer.)
1 pts - Mech Break (better than the rest).

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

3 points : Atelier Iris GRAND FANTASM Original Soundtrack - Rain of Blossoms
2 points : Gacha Mecha Stadium Saru Battle Sound Tracks!! - Mech Break
1 point : Blinx the Time Sweeper (Game Rip) - Staff Roll (Blinx Theme Remix)

Jam it back in, in the dark.

3 points: Gacha Mecha Stadium Saru Battle Sound Tracks!! - Mech Break
2 points: Blinx the Time Sweeper (Game Rip) - Staff Roll (Blinx Theme Remix)
1 point: Planet Puzzle League (Game Rip) - Bodkin Point
Close: ANOTHER MIND ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK - Reconciliation

"Bodkin Point" reminded me loosely of "Tidal Tempest" from Sonic CD (Japan). Could have easily been a different Good Future theme.

"Staff Roll (Blinx Theme Remix)" had some defaulty SFX I recognized, which was amusing ("31 seconds"), as well as a Ristar feel for some of it due to the FM synths and writing (mainly the jingle for completing a level, but other areas as well).

There's nowhere I can't reach.

• Artist: SNK Shin-Sekai Gakkyoku Zatsugidan
• Album/Game Title: The King of Fighters 2000 Arrange Sound Trax
• Track Title: Beauty & The Beast
• Track Number: 5
• Year: 2000
• Additional Information: Theme of Kyokugenryu/Art of Fighting Team 2000
  
• Sources: VGMdb

Originally, I had convinced myself that I didn't have enough time to participate, but that reason is pretty much worn to nothing now. I'll be leaving for Kuwait next month, but hopefully I can get a few votes and tracks in here and there. Hoping for a successful first go.

Cheers, folks.

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

An average week.

(2 points) Atelier Iris GRAND FANTASM Original Soundtrack - Rain of Blossoms
(1 point) Devil Crash / Alien Crush - Devil Crash "Heavy Metal"
(1 point) Gacha Mecha Stadium Saru Battle Sound Tracks!! - Mech Break
(1 point) Sword of Xuan Yuan IV: The Black Dragon Dances, and the Cloud Flows (Game Rip) - Battle01
(1 point) ANOTHER MIND ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK - Reconciliation

How ya doing, buddy?

3 points - Atelier Iris GRAND FANTASM Original Soundtrack - Rain of Blossoms
2 points - ANOTHER MIND ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK - Reconciliation
1 point - Gacha Mecha Stadium Saru Battle Sound Tracks!! - Mech Break

I was speaking idiomatically.

Album: Garakuta Masterpiece Theater Rakugaki Oukoku
Catalog Number: ZTTL-0057
Released On: May 9, 2002
Composed By: Zuntata
Arranged By: N/A
Published By: Zuntata Records
Recorded At: Unknown
Number of CDs: 2
Track: CD1/05 - The City at the Ends of the World ~ La citté delle estremité del mondo



Reconciliation: Is pretty weak and repetitive.
Rain of Blossoms: I don't like the sounds here. Not my style, didn't enjoy it.
Staff Roll (Blinx Theme Remix): Cool beginning. Interesting instrumentation. Playing with rhythms. Nomination + download. I don't mind repeating the melody that many times because it rocks, reminds me of Watanabe.
Devil Crash "Heavy Metal": I don't like it, not my style.
Mech Break: Very good, not better than Staff Roll but good for a little point.
Battle: Sounded more like a circus than a battle.
Bodkin Point: Deserves a point, but not too interesting.
Battle01: I like the layering of the harp in the beginning. The harmonies are a bit dull, but nice instrumentation. 2 points here.

Staff Roll: 3 points
Battle01: 2 points
Mech Break: 1 point
Bodkin Point: no point for you, but close

?? I looked at the votes and found out that Staff Roll is a bit disliked here, I don't understand. Maybe the vocals and the ending.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Flawed week.

(2 points) Atelier Iris GRAND FANTASM Original Soundtrack - Rain of Blossoms
(1 point) Sword of Xuan Yuan IV: The Black Dragon Dances, and the Cloud Flows (Game Rip) - Battle01
(1 point) Planet Puzzle League (Game Rip) - Bodkin Point
(1 point) Gacha Mecha Stadium Saru Battle Sound Tracks!! - Mech Break
(1 point) Devil Crash / Alien Crush - Devil Crash "Heavy Metal"

FELIPE NO

Good tracks in general, here's my selection:

(3 points) Atelier Iris GRAND FANTASM Original Soundtrack - Rain of Blossoms
(2 points) Gacha Mecha Stadium Saru Battle Sound Tracks!! - Mech Break
(1 point) Planet Puzzle League (Game Rip) - Bodkin Point

Most amazing jew boots

(2 points) Atelier Iris GRAND FANTASM Original Soundtrack - Rain of Blossoms
(1 point) Sword of Xuan Yuan IV: The Black Dragon Dances, and the Cloud Flows (Game Rip) - Battle01
(1 point) Planet Puzzle League (Game Rip) - Bodkin Point
(1 point) Gacha Mecha Stadium Saru Battle Sound Tracks!! - Mech Break
(1 point) ANOTHER MIND ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK - Reconciliation

Nom nom:
Artist: nagi
Track Title: Old World
Album: Cradle
Info: nagi was the main composer for the RAY-KUDRYAVKA OST, a shooting game in 2004.
Download: MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service

Jam it back in, in the dark.