The Library of Congress yesterday listed the first ever video game music (opens in new tab) on the National Recording Registry, forever marking it as one of the "sonic treasures worthy of permanent preservation based on their cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance in the nation's recorded sound heritage."

Now, I know what you're thinking: obviously, Dragon's Dogma's "Into Free Dangan" (open in new tab) has been selected for this prestigious cultural heritage collection. Okay, that makes sense: Into Free Dangan is the English version of B'z's song "Samayoel Aoi Bullet," a technical and artistic masterpiece written for Dragon's Dogma's 2012 release. However, the Library of Congress chose Koji Kondo's Super Mario Bros. theme instead. [The Library of Congress issued a statement on the selection of the Super Mario theme, saying, "No other musician has remained in relative obscurity for so many decades while his work has received international recognition as Koji Kondo. Therefore, he is going to the vault.

The Super Mario Bros. theme was one of 25 songs selected for the National Recording Registry's Class of 2023. Also selected were big hits like Madonna's Like A Virgin, Eurythmics' Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), and Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven. Playlists for Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming services are also available.

"It is a great honor to have this music preserved along with so many other great songs," Kondo told the Library of Congress. Kondo told the Library of Congress. Kondo is also surprised.

All kidding aside, and in hopes of keeping my Twitter notifications from those who think I am 100% serious about this, to see undeniably iconic game music like the Super Mario Bros. theme selected for our shared cultural heritage treasures, It's actually very cool. Frankly, I'm surprised it wasn't selected sooner.

Still, I think it deserves its spot, but let's consider next year a chance to pick songs that really deserve to be chosen: "Into Free Dangan," the theme from "Deus Ex," and the entire "Metal Gear Rising" score: "Into Free Dangan," the theme from "Deus Ex," and the entire "Metal Gear Rising" score: "Into Free Dangan," "Deus Ex" theme, and "Metal Gear Rising. Deus Ex" theme, and the "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance" soundtrack. We have an obligation to history.