Ys IV ~ The Dawn of Ys ~ Perfect Collection Vol. 3

Ys IV Perfect Collection Vol. 3 is the best Ys CD I own, no question. The brilliant composition of the JDK Band and the rocking arrangement of Ryo Yonemitsu are, once again, a knockout combination. The question "What is the 'Falcom sound'?" can be answered simply by playing "Theme Of Adoru 1993". This is the good stuff, guys - Japanese power rock in its purest form. Unbridled percussion, synth that goes to 11, and killer harmonies.

I have listened to, studied, and, ultimately, worshipped this disc so many times that I could write a small novel outlining every musical detail of every track - all in an effort to get you to stop reading this review and to go order it immediately. But I think I'll save my breath and try to convince you that the last track alone is reason enough. Never before have I heard a medley as... well, as perfect as "Ys IV Mega Mix Version #3". This track *is* what makes this collection "Perfect". Somehow managing to fuse some of the most unlikely musical genres, Yonemitsu offers a five and a half minute Falcom-fest that deserves your strict attention from beginning to end. Thrash, hip-hop, dance, classical string quartet, slow groove... each musical style gets its own moment to shine and, man, it's blinding every time.

If milk and bread belong in your kitchen, then Ys IV Perfect Collection Vol. 3 belongs in your game music collection. I kid you not, this CD is a *staple*. Seek it out.