Well... ever since I've commited myself to taking now a definite halt in buying VGM, I've finally come full circle and chose what I believe are my personal 30 albums I couldn't move on without. Plus shoutouts to folks on STC where due. I don't think I would have gotten where I am now if it weren't for you guys to show me the amazing variety in VGM.

So without further ado... here's what I've chosen to keep after roughly 12 years of VGM collecting.

Ai Choaniki (TYCY-5437)

It's one odd album, yet amazing at the same time. Also one of the few scored fully solo by Taku Iwasaki to my knowledge. The man has style, that much I know. I have Paladin (from Chudah's Corner) to thank for acquiring this very unique disc. Thank you, good sir !

Akumajo Dracula Best 2 (KICA-7902~3)

This is a collection of what I personally consider the top 3 best Castlevania soundtracks. SCV4 will forever remain in my memories ever since I played it back in '91. As for the two Game Boy soundtracks, it's all about compositional quality, not sound quality.

BORDER DOWN -Sound Tracks- (SRIN-1009)

G. rev and Yack... These two go together like peanut butter and jelly. Or beer and pretzels. Anyways, I believe this is the best Non-Taito Yack OST, not the Senko no Ronde series, despite being also very solid. Chudah was responsible for sending this one my way. I haven't looked back since. Thanks again !

Capcom Music Generation Famicom Music Complete Works Rockman 1~6  (CPCA-1064~6)

It's Mega Man.... on the Nes ! How awesome is that ? Quite awesome indeed. I have Zane to thank for having this one. Thanks a ton, man !

Carnaval (TTRC-0030)

Takayuki Aihara's 2nd solo album, and what an album. Mostly bossa nova in style but perfect for either relaxing or partying !

Cho Aniki -Aniki no Subete- (COCC-15041)

Yep, another Cho Aniki soundtrack, but this one is handled by Koji Hayama. It's everything he is best known for. Goofy, seemingly out of place and some nice synth-guitar thrown in for good measure. Again I must thank Paladin for helping me track this one down. Thanks again !

Daiva (TOCT-6822)

The obligatory late '80s arrange album. I know zilch about the game, but know it is fantastic on its own. I got it from Jodo Kast, his review he posted on his site ages ago was enough to convince me to give it a try. Great little find.

Fable Original Soundtrack (SE-2014-2)

Aside the snooze-inducing choral tracks at the end, the rest is actually quite enjoyable. I also like Elfman's contribution quite a bit.

Final Fantasy IV Original Sound Version (PSCN-5014)

This was the first FF I actually saw the gameplay and heard the music... that was before I even cared about RPGs. It holds a special place in my heart, more so than FFVI. I have avatar! to thank for being able to re-own it after having it sold off back in '05.

Freedom Fighters Original Soundtrack (NANOCD01)

Here's a special album... I like the unique combination of orchestra, synths and choir. Very similar to what Vangelis used to make in the '80s, but it's even better here. I believe it was Crash that offered it during an Xmas Xchange. Thanks again !!

Gaia Crusaders Original Sound Track

Ever since I heard Toshikazu Tanaka on Metal Slug 5, I wanted to hear more of him. This short album is actually a really nice example of short but oh so very sweet. Plus I must give props to GoldfishX to introducing me to Tanaka all those years ago. Thanks, good sir !

Golden Axe The Music (WM-0595~7)

One of the best compilation albums I ever came across. I remember seeing the arcade cabinet for the original and just being amazed by the visuals and sound when trying it out. It's a fantastic blast from the past ! Props to The_Miker for posting about this album here, else I probably wouldn't have known about it.

Gran Chaser (NACL-1188)

The other Hayama album I couldn't possibly go on without. Some really neat synth-rock and quite melodic. I have Musicjack to thank when I received it after I had generously offered to translate some of his Go Game Music interviews to French to broaden the accessibility to people not fluent in English. Thanks again, good sir !

Keep Walking Down the Steps (SRIN-1002)

This is Norohiro Furukawa's only solo album to my knowledge, and it's quite a heavy hitter ! Carl had sold it to me years ago. Even now, I still think this is incredible music. Thanks again, good sir !

METAL BLACK (PCCB-00079)

Ah, vintage Yack. I had to hear this after I had "sampled" the Arrange on SlightlyDark many years ago. Ramza had tracked it down on Ebay, so he gets major props !

Mushihimesama Double Arrange Album (CVAS-003)

I love All-Star arrange albums and this one is no exception. I couldn't find a track that I need to skip. So. Darn. Good. Kotowski gets the credit for hooking me up with it. Can't thank you enough.

Myst V: End of Ages Soundtrack (692522-CD)

This was a complete blind purchase... thankfully it turned out to be amazingly good. I think it was Crash that sent this along with Freedom Fighters during an Xmas Xchange event. Props to you, good sir !

Ninja Blade Original Soundtrack (XQEF-1003~4)

Another mostly blind purchase... and again turned out to be fantastic ! It's Hollywood-like VGM done right !

Perfect Collection Ys I·II Complete Works of Ryo Yonemitsu (NW10102460)

So many people were raving about this particular album, so I had to hear it for myself. Let's say being floored is an understatement. I even prefer this over the recent Ys I & II Chronicles. I think GoldfishX, Ramza and Stephen were responsible for getting me interested on Ys. Thanks, all three of you !

Radiant Silvergun Soundtrack (ABCA-5043)

One of the definitive Sakimoto works to own. It was either this or Final Fantasy Tactics or Vagrant Story. Radiant Silvergun won in the end. Even it's the main theme being used in every track, it's so good I don't even notice the similarities. I have Zane again to thank for this one ! Dude, keep up the awesomeness !

S.S.T. Band Live! -G.S.M. SEGA- (PCCB-00042)

Basically the recording of most of what the S.S.T. Band performed during the Game Music Festival of 1990. With classics like After Burner, OutRun, Golden Axe and Galaxy Force, this album is hard to beat. This was offered as a freebie from Princess Isabella. I know she rarely posts nowadays, but thanks again for sharing this incredible piece of VGM History.

Seiken Densetsu 3 Original Sound Version (PSCN-5026~8)

A lot of people would see Seiken Densetsu 2 as the definitive Kikuta experience. Given SD2 left a bad taste in my mouth during the many attempts at playing and trying to stay interested until the end. SD3 on the other hand, went smoothly. It was the only Seiken game I actually beat. And the music reminds me of all the hardships I endured during my session. I recall beating the last boss (Dragon Emperor since I chose Angela as the lead character) on Xmas Eve of '02 or '03. Can't remember which year, but it was a special experience.

Silent Hill Original Soundtracks (KICA-7950)

Ah Yamaoka... you've certainly knew how to keep someone on his toes. Whether it was just creepy music or ambiance, he always hit the right chords. If it weren't for Chudah, I would've never bothered to dig in this particular album. I know you've likely quit the "scene" now, but thanks all the same for sharing the passion you had at the time.

Street Fighter EX -Arrange Sound Trax- (PCCB-00251)

Here's another little gem I couldn't part with. And also nicely varied with rock, electronic and even a flamenco style arrangement. Props to Abraham for having praised this album and CHz for having provided samples that ensured it was a sound purchase. Thanks to both of you !

Super Mario World (WPCL-233~4)

This is a personal one... like a lot of you, I was introduced to the wonderful world of gaming with Super Mario Bros. on the Nes. When SMB3 hit the rentals, I was already hooked. It only got worse with Super Mario World on the Snes. So aside the awesome jazz arrangements, it's basically a huge part of my childhood right here. I think it's a must for everyone that considers this hobby seriously. Long live Koji Kondo !

Tempest 2000 The Soundtrack (J8909)

I'll start by saying that I've not had the fortune to see the Atari Jaguar nor Tempest 2000 in action. Regardless, the music on this disc is nothing short of amazing. I got this from Zane as a freebie once, so thanks again !

THE ACES HIGH: RAIDEN RARE TRACKS (INDV-0109)

Here's what I consider the best collection of Go Sato music. Two very diffrent versions of Raiden DX plus Super Raiden on Turbo Duo and exclusive arrangements by Sato himself ?  Can it get better ?  Not in my mind. Carl did help in providing a few samples to make me feel at ease. What a collection !

THE MADNESS: BATTLE GAREGGA PERFECT SOUNDTRACK (INDV-0101)

Here is the definitive Manabu Namiki soundtrack. As much as I enjoyed his Cave works, I've always thought this one was truly the one to stand out from the rest. Also that Saturn arrange section and exclusive medley at the end didn't hurt to make this album even better. I had received it from Chudah from a trade. So thanks again for sharing generously.

THE SHOOTING LOVE: XIISTAG & Trizeal PERFECT SOUNDTRACK (INDV-0108)

I knew this one was going to be a keeper from day one given I was already fammiliar with Trizeal's music thanks to Musicjack during an interview he got with composer Naoto. Thanks for making me aware of such awesome music once more !

Tommy Tallarico Virgin Games Greatest Hits Volume One (7243-8-28445-2-5)

I know not many like the man because of his attitude at points, still you should admit he was able to make some seriously rocking music. I don't think I need to go further than this album for proof that he was capable of good music. I had gotten this from Ongakusei from Chudah's Corner(not sure if he ever frequented STC) and cannot thank him enough for this.

Whew ! Now I can finally get on with other projects.

Next this is acquring a Yellow Fat-Tail scorpion and getting it as safely as possible in its tank. No room for error here, eeep !

Quality>Quantity, huh? Your post really makes me wish vgmdb had a recommendations page ala discogs. Do you have stored data on all of the cds you had collected throughout the years before you sold them?

pimpin' ain't easy either...

Interesting picks, quite a bit of variety in there.

Regarding "Perfect Collection Ys I·II Complete Works of Ryo Yonemitsu", do you not find Ys II PC's shift in arrangement style and production values a bit jarring?  The first Perfect Collection is quality but I found the second disappointing.

And the PC Engine CD redbook trumps both IMO... have you heard that to compare against?

His second compilation album is still in my collection and although some of it is quite clearly derivative there's some fun stuff (Earthworm Jim, Skeleton Warriors) on there.

Ongakusei was one of the "old guard" here actually.  Not sure what he's up to these days.

So glad to see Daiva on that list, that album is really a real hidden gem.

vert1 : Unfortunately, I have no such records of what I've owned over the past 12 years... I'd say I've likely owned close to 500 CDs give or take.

Adam : I've noticed a diffrence between Ys and Ys II, but it doesn't bother me all that much. Sure, Ys II lacks the guitar in lots of tracks, but the synth shines in most tracks anyways.

Razakin : Daiva is indeed a diamond in the rough. The tracks may be short, but it's definitely a pleasant listen nonetheless.

I'm very happy Dirt Fox isn't on that list, DG.

I haven't heard (or heard about) most of the albums on your list, but I surely agree on the choice of S.S.T. Band, Metal Black, Silent Hill and Seiken 3. [Not too much into Freedom Fighters and DAIVA though.] I would listen to them, but I don't know where to start. Got any specific recommendations for my electronic, spacy and concentrated mood?

But where is Dragon Saber, Cybersled, and all those Square albums (La Romance, Grand Finale, Creid)?

Hi Grassie,

Dirt Fox was neat, but it's the same track played over and over with very little variation.

For Daiva and Freedom Fighters... just try to start from track 1 and go from there ?   Seriously, I think it's all good and definitely worth looking into.

Dragon Saber, Cybersled ?  As awesome as these albums are, I always found Hosoe was slightly better at arranging, so he is featured equally with Saso on Street Fighter EX, Mushihimesama, Battle Garegga and Border Down. I haven't forgotten about Supersweep at all ! Still lovin' it !

Square arrange albums ? I know I'll get many stares by saying this.... but I haven't looked at any of the arrangement albums the company did save for the 1st Seiken Densetsu on Game Boy... only because it was packed with the OSV.

Hope that explains a bit !

As always, I tend to be extremely indecisive...there are some albums I could do without.

Myst V, Seiken Densetsu 3, Silent Hill, Fable and Radiant Silvergun, Metal Black have been replaced.

Some I felt were too good to go without...

Burai Prototype

The best 2$ I ever spent. Show-Ya definitely knew how to rock.

iS : Internal Section

This is what introduced me to Shinji Hosoe. It is still amazing.

Kaiser Knuckle

Yack at his very best during the Taito days. A fighter vs fighter score like no other.

Senko no Ronde Duo

Yack still being downright awesome at G.rev. Plenty of great jazzy tracks to enjoy.

Silent Hill 2

The first one was quite unique, #2 is even better. So depressing, yet awesome.

Violin de Hiitemita Makai no Shirabe / Scream no Hito

Anime music arranged by VGM composers ? Oh yeah. Delicious.

Downsizing to 25.  Guh.

2197

Easily one of the best "omnibus" style albums out there. Every track has something unique.

Ai Cho Aniki

While Koji Hayama's original is equally awesome, this one manages to edge out because of higher quality and better composition. Way to go, Taku Iwasaki !

Akumajo Dracula Best 2

One of my earlier VGM purchases back in '99 I think. Just plain good Castlevania music !

Burai Prototype

Best 2$ I ever spent ! Show-Ya manages to bring out all the good things that came with the'80s.

Carnaval

Takayuki Aihara's take on the bossa nova style of music. So. Damn. Good.

Chaos Field Sound Track

Easily the best work by Nagata and Hayashi. Great album to get me pumped up for just about anything.

Daiva

One of the earliest arrange albums. All done on Yamaha synthesizers too ! Woah, this is quite good considering it was made back in '87.

Dance!

Ayako Saso brings on the groove here ! Great partying music !

Driving Emotion Type-S/Bushido Blade Original Soundtrack

Solid, solid, solid music by Hosoe, Saso and Aihara all around. What's not to like ?

Final Fantasy IV Original Sound Version

Vintage Nobuo Uematsu. Need I say more ?

Freedom Fighters Original Soundtrack

Jesper Kyd at his finest. Great mix of orchestral, choral and electronics.

Gaia Crusaders Original Sound Track

Toshikazu Tanaka taking a mostly oriental approach here. Fantastic melodies regardless.

Gran Chaser

Koji Hayama's best original game soundtrack. The action-packed racing themes are timeless.

Kaiser Knuckle

Yack's best Taito work IMO. Lots of unique and original themes here.

Let's Tap Soundtrack

The best rythm-based soundtrack in a while. Love the Basiscape and Supersweep tracks.

Mushihimesama Double Arrange Album

Cave's biggest and best arrangement project thus far. So many arrangers, so many styles of arrangement.

Myst V : End of Ages Soundtrack

Tim Larkin struts his Jazz stylings along with Myst's ambience to give us one of the best american OSTs in a very long time.

Ninja Blade Original Soundtrack

East meets West done just right. Easily one of the best examples where high production values really does something special.

Perfect Collection Ys I & II : Complete Works of Ryo Yonemitsu

Classic Ys arrangements. These are simply perfect. Not even Ys I & II Chronicles managed to outdo this.

Raiden II

Vintage Go Sato. Catchy melodies with an infectious beat. It's that simple.

Silent Hill 2 Original Soundtracks

100% Emotional. 100% Instrumental. 100% Yamaoka.

Street Fighter EX -Arrange Sound Trax-

If rock is what one wants, this album offers it quite generously.

Super Mario World

Yummy Jazz arrangements on Disc 1 is already a great reason to own this. The enormous nostalgic goldmine on Disc 2 makes it complete. Easily the best Mario album ever released aside the Super Mario Galaxy OSTs.

Tommy Tallarico Virgin Games Greatest Hits Volume One

Love or hate him, Tallarico knew how to rock in the day. Shame he no longer does many tracks in this style.

Ys Origin Original Soundtrack

The new Falcom JDK Team is on the right track with this album. I'm especially fond of the various dungeon tracks here.

Whew ! So this is it. If this isin't a varied collection, I don't know WHAT is.

Adding an additional final 10.

These are simply too awesome not to keep.

Blind Spot

SST Band's original album released in 1992. Just some very nice rock-based music from one of the industry's best early sound teams.

Claymore

Hyakutaro Tsukumo and some friends trying their hand on an original album. As you'd expect from Tsukumo, plenty of synths and guitars in the mix... even the occasional violin solo.

Giants : Citizen Kabuto The Official Game Soundtrack

Lush orchestral music from the Soule brothers. Good stuff all around.

Headhunter Redemption/ Headunter Original Soundtrack Recording

While Richard Jacques may have been critisized at his early Sonic R work, the Headhunter OSTs show he can do some seriously awesome stuff. Love the contrast between the synth-based Redemption score and the orchestral nature of the original.

Lost Files

A collection of unreleased tracks from Hiroki Kikuta. Some tracks do sound dated but overall it's actually really good.

Raystorm Neu Tanz Mix

One of the first Zuntata albums I acquired... still an appreciated listen after having it for nearly a decade.

Salamander 2 Original Game Soundtracks

I couldn't score either of the Konami Shooting Battle albums or Salamander Pro Fusion during my active years of buying VGM. So this one is a decent replacement. If anything, its groovy nature sets it apart from the Gradius series.

Super Darius II PC Engine World

Had there been a soundtrack release for Lords of Thunder or Sapphire, any of those would have come first. Considering this came out before LoT and Sapphire, it's still a decent effort from T's Music.

Tempest 2000 : The Soundtrack

There is something about this soundtrack that just draws me towards it... It's actually a very good example of how the western composers grasp the techno/trance style. A little something to show it hasn't always been the orchestral genre that is preffered with western games.

The Madness : Battle Garegga Perfect Soundtrack

I knew I had to keep at least one INH set. Why not the very first in their discography ?  Namiki considers this his best work and with reason. Fantastic melodies and a great beat to go with. Plus the Saturn arrangements are icing on an already delicious cake. And then there's the whole region-free deal with the superplay dvd and the huge artbook that came with the set. INH had it right from the start, excellent packaging and smart decision to make the dvd available to all. I can't think of a better album to represent Manabu Namiki, it's the definition of perfect. Ok I'll shut up now

So there. It's stuck at 35. These are the final additions to my permanent collection.

Bam !! (Always wanted to type that)

So I've traded loads of OSTs for a small number of arrange albums.

Most arrange albums provide a further look into the original music.

So... I had 25 VGM albums until now...

I'm down to 5.... Guh. But wait. My selection isin't all that bad.

Ai Cho Aniki

Perhaps not a full arrange album, yet it contains many new elements that didn't appear in the original PCE redbook. And since Koji Hayama is unfortunately out of the picture, I had to keep Taku Iwasaki's first entry into the series. It ain't as crazy as Hayama's stylings, yet remains enough "craziness" to be considered a Cho Aniki album.

Burai Prototype

'80s VGM at its finest. Some great instrumental music and a couple of decent "Engrish" vocals. As good as the JDK albums

Daiva Image Album

A Strategy/Action title (?)... Daiva gets the honor to be one of the first VGM arranged albums to surface aside Dragon Quest Symphonic Suite or All Over Xanadu. Everything is performed on a variety of Yamaha synthesizers, which still sounds amazing despite the lack of real instruments.

Raystorm Neu Tanz Mix
00
How I wanted "Metal Black - The First-" instead of this. Yasuhisa Watanabe has been a great source of enjoyment after I started looking beyond the Squaresoft/Square-Enix moniker. I was able to obtain Tamayo Kawamoto's "magnum opus" Raystorm Neu Tanz Mix. The entire Raystorm OST redone in a techno fashion. How to explain this ? It's...... incredible. A work of art. I'm at a loss for words here.

Street Fighter EX Arrange Sound Trax

One of Arika's first new works. So many styles. So much good. Truly, Shinji Hosoe, Ayako Saso and Takayuki Aihara's highlight of their carreers. And Ayumi Yasui had to show up here. Let's call this a... 99% successful arrange album.

What I'm expecting to achieve my 10 Arrange album goal.

Sanctuary / The Star Onions

I'll be honest here, FFXI's music never really caught me. However, Sanctuary contains so many diverse styles to make it the best SQEX Arrange album ever released. Y'know.... synth-orchestral, funk, rock, etc...

Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children Arrange Tracks

Motoi Sakuraba arranged half of the material... the other half done by a T's Music guy. That is more than enough to make it a must-own.

Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest V Heaven's Bride

I had to get at least 1 DQ SS. I have much nostalgic memories for DQ V after playing the DS version.
I know many folks prefer DQ IV... yet I feel DQ V had more... oomph.

Symphony Ys '95

Pretty much the best Ys tracks arranged by Tamiya Terashima. Synth-orchestral... honestly I would have tought it was a genuine orchestra performing.

Wizardry Llylgamyn Saga

Composed by Kentaro Haneda, arranged by Tamiya Terashima.

I have no idea what to expect of this one. I'm hoping for Ys '95 like arrangements.

So there.

10 arrange albums.

Many different styles.