> Eh, OK. Personally I feel CotY should be someone that has released at least two new titles in the year that are really good to great, but whatevs. My personal criteria on things is obviously somewhat odd compared to everyone else.
You're not alone. That would've been my criteria in any other year.

> Glad to see Dolphin Reef in there.
It's been a minor shame to see this one overlooked. Really hits the sweet spot for those who liked the more energetic/'epic' portions of The Hunt and Our Planet.

> Oof. Kinda harsh for Ghost of Tsushima and Ori 2.
The former plays like a long riff on Last Samurai tropes. Lots of chugging strings. Entertaining East/West fusion, but also a bit indistinct, which is challenging at that length.

The latter makes me wonder if 'long' is the right word to use for the other score hahaha. But it is a very effective 'stream of consciousness' listen if you have to clean your house or cook for 3 hours.

> Curious as to why you disliked Mando S2 more than S1. Is this based off the album or in-show or both?
Both. Some steps forward but also some steps back. Token references to Williams themes are nice.

I feel like we got more substantive development of the main themes in Season 1. I recall being more entertained by the highlights. I wonder if the pandemic compromised the ability to continue that approach, especially since there seemed to be a decent amount of temping in Season 2.

Does every action cue need to have that ticking synth percussion effect? It was tolerable enough in Season 1, but by Episode 6 of Season 2 I was thinking '...again?', and this was just from watching the show!

Tonal whiplash occurs as well. The Eastern approach for the more contemplative parts of the Ahsoka episode aren't bad, but having Mychael Danna-style music suddenly intrude is awkward.

The final tracks of the season are very good. But 'Ship o hoj, Mandalorians!' is quite possibly the nadir of the concept so far; I'd rather listen to 'Jedi Rocks' again.

> I ultimately went with Pemberton on the strengths of Holmes and Chicago 7 both as albums and in-film with the Harley Quinn flick having its moments.
Honestly, outside of the opening montage I don't recall the music of Chicago 7 making that much of an impression in the film, which was the main reason I held off on listening to the music standalone

> ..... wow. I keep forgetting you are our token Lists & Categories Man around here. Imprssive work.
Token...lol. But thanks!