Great idea. I like that. Something like Obsidian did in New Vegas - a new soundtrack with merged original themes by Mark Morgan from the classic Fallout.Axeface wrote: (maybe even reuse the old tracks or update them a bit?), much like the old games, .
My desired choice of music for X4? Less banging cinematic driven into-your-face type music. Less cheesy music.
I really hated that in Albion Prelude, where many combat tracks where mixed with newer tracks often differing in fidelity and volume. One time you got those classic electronic combat tunes and in next fight banging drums and aggressive synths. That really sucked and what i was doing every time before new gameplay - replacing them with more suitable themes to match the old ones or completely new ones in the spirit of pure electronic music.
What I would like to hear in X4? More like ambient with some sequencer driven themes. Generally slower moving and imagination evoking pieces ideal for reflection and awe on life in space. I hope X4 will feature some nicely written sector descriptions and properly matched soundtrack themes for each sector in such case.
I'm a huge fan of classic and highly atmospheric soundtrack from X2 and XBTF and I never get tired of them (well maybe sometimes


Music in older X games was doing the job done, was unique rather than generic really. To the point I became a huge fan of such music - ambient, electronic, psychill, etc.
Internet was little sucky back in 2002 in my sector, no youtube, personalized music and bam! you have a game with enchanting music you could listen for hours. Even today when I have breaks from X3, I like to listen to the soundtrack once in a while.
My suggestion if you have extra good budget get Carbon Based Lifeforms or Solar Fields (yes they do soundtracks and commissioned works, but they are big names now). Nevertheless there are many talented artists from younger generation like Stellardrone or Aythar, and their music really hits the spot as well. I'm not surprised that Rockstar Games went for the best of best - Tangerine Dream to compose GTA V soundtrack.