The hard versions of stages were an interesting challenge though.
The music you linked to seems ok, although I wouldn't say it's great (granted it's only level select music however). And chao are pretty awesome. The chao karate and racing was pretty neat as well!
TRUSTING IN WHAT YOU CAN'T SEE
TAKE MY LEAD I'LL SET YOU FREE
Yeah, music seems worse off these days at times. =( I have ranted many a time on that subject! =D Why, back in my day...