It actually makes me upset when I hear people say "I play with the music turned off" (not touhou, but any game). I mean...ugh... I know everyone is entitled to their on likes and dislikes, but playing a game without listening to its music is almost like reading every even chapter of a book and skipping the odd ones for no good reason.
I can prove that theory wrong using one game. "GTA SA" oh god the music in that was bloody horrible. I know they were matching it to the atmosphere, but I really dont like that kinda music. so I used to plug in headphones to my CD player and turn radio volume to zero :V
Generally, music for me is an inspiration source. A drive. When I am drawing, when I am traveling, when I am working out at the gym, when making danmakufu scripts. I don't think I can live a life on this planet without music. Probably every human being on this planet ( I hope ) has taken music a certain source of "energy". As a kid I would hum my own improvised songs while playing with toys and stuff.
Its become too true for me lol. Always listening to doujin music now everywhere. Seems like I cant get on with life without it now lol. Work - need music. Bus? need music. Just feel like I'd go mad without it. (not that I dont listen to regular music... very ocassionally)
But more on topic, I think ZUN's done a fantastic job of matching themes to the battles and characters. I think thats what makes him a genius and what makes his games so popular is just that. Only a few themes I think are slightly off, Lettys i think was a bit too quick for its position. Not to say it isnt a good theme though, heard some good mixes of it.
Love the way the boss themes tie in so well, but I'd love theme more if only I could actually hear them all the way through for a change! *Bzzwaarp life gone* Border of life is probably my fave, not only for the song but the danmaku patterns, the enviroment, character, story, it all fits I think. Excuse me... I'm off to play PCB