I recently got a package with the first two discs (真マジンガー衝撃！Ｚ編 Original Soundtrack Vol.1 and ULTIMATE LAZY for MAZINGER) containing the original soundtrack and the songs that accompany the images of Shin Mazinger. Even though both of them have previous entries on this blog, I have taken advantage of this fact to present you these recordings with a little bit more detail. As you can see on the pictures accompanying this text, the cover sleeves for the discs are rather sober, especially in the case of the original soundtrack that tries to mimic those of the ETERNAL EDITION discs, published in 2002 by Columbia Music Entertai
nment, containing the original soundtrack for the old MAZINGER Z series. The sober design is only broken by the giant obi for the ULTIMATE LAZY single showing the now classic image for the new series.
But what these discs lack in presentation they supply in content, because I'm of the opinion that the music is high quality. The single contains just four songs -two of them are instrumental versions of the songs- , but 感じてKnight (Kanjite Knigh
t) is a clear triumph (for an opening song for an anime robot series, that is) and the ballad Unforgettable Days is not without its charm.
Things get better when we talk about the first volume of the original soundtrack. Even if the packaging can be improved quite a lot, Akira Miyagawa's compositions are, in my opinion, a nice and most adequate homage to the music for the old series. Avoiding references to western movies, so obvious in Michiaki Watanabe's score, Miyagawa captures the soul of the series with epic melodies (clearly reminiscent of the excellent music for MAZINKAISER) and brings back the spirit of the 70s with his more uplifting and rhythmic melodies. In the first group, there are pieces like 敵軍信仰！(Tekigun shinkô) and his sister Dr.ヘル (Dr.Hell), 立ち上がれ、怒りとともに (Tachiagare, ikaritotomoni!!) and, especially, the powerful 迎撃戦線 (Geigekisensen) that accompanies scenes like the one with Ashura or Garada beating Mazinger. With a happier and vital tone, the 70s block includes songs like 兜甲児は止まらない!! (Kabuto Kôji ha tomar
anai!!) and its instrumental version, that accompany Koji's take-off with the pilder; 暗黒寺 (Ankokuji), the funny detective's theme -with some cool winds and disco guitars- and the upbeat 出撃!パイルダー!! (Shûgeki! Pairudâ!!) amongst others.
There are other songs that stand out, like the waltzes that make reference to the Central European roots of characters like Count Brocken or Heinrich Stroheim or the mystery-laden atmosphere evoked by the Japanese inspired tunes of 錦織つばさ (Nishikiori Tsubasa).
This is definitely a most recommended record for those who are enjoying the series and also for those who like original soundtracks in general.
nment, containing the original soundtrack for the old MAZINGER Z series. The sober design is only broken by the giant obi for the ULTIMATE LAZY single showing the now classic image for the new series.But what these discs lack in presentation they supply in content, because I'm of the opinion that the music is high quality. The single contains just four songs -two of them are instrumental versions of the songs- , but 感じてKnight (Kanjite Knigh
t) is a clear triumph (for an opening song for an anime robot series, that is) and the ballad Unforgettable Days is not without its charm. Things get better when we talk about the first volume of the original soundtrack. Even if the packaging can be improved quite a lot, Akira Miyagawa's compositions are, in my opinion, a nice and most adequate homage to the music for the old series. Avoiding references to western movies, so obvious in Michiaki Watanabe's score, Miyagawa captures the soul of the series with epic melodies (clearly reminiscent of the excellent music for MAZINKAISER) and brings back the spirit of the 70s with his more uplifting and rhythmic melodies. In the first group, there are pieces like 敵軍信仰！(Tekigun shinkô) and his sister Dr.ヘル (Dr.Hell), 立ち上がれ、怒りとともに (Tachiagare, ikaritotomoni!!) and, especially, the powerful 迎撃戦線 (Geigekisensen) that accompanies scenes like the one with Ashura or Garada beating Mazinger. With a happier and vital tone, the 70s block includes songs like 兜甲児は止まらない!! (Kabuto Kôji ha tomar
anai!!) and its instrumental version, that accompany Koji's take-off with the pilder; 暗黒寺 (Ankokuji), the funny detective's theme -with some cool winds and disco guitars- and the upbeat 出撃!パイルダー!! (Shûgeki! Pairudâ!!) amongst others.There are other songs that stand out, like the waltzes that make reference to the Central European roots of characters like Count Brocken or Heinrich Stroheim or the mystery-laden atmosphere evoked by the Japanese inspired tunes of 錦織つばさ (Nishikiori Tsubasa).
This is definitely a most recommended record for those who are enjoying the series and also for those who like original soundtracks in general.
