Anime music reviews has been something we’ve been considering for awhile, but just wasn’t sure how to pull it off. Or if people were even interested in hearing what he have to say about a CD release. But with so many companies licensing soundtracks and the amount of people searching the net for information regarding those soundtracks -- But finding very little information. We decided to change things up a bit. Behold! Our latest column, The Sound of Anime. Each update, to this, we’ll provide reviews and product round-ups of the latest and recent anime CDs released. And what better way to do this, than to give you a heads up hands-on review, of three CDs coming out next week by Pioneer.

Haibane-Renmei : Haibane Renmei OST

If you had the wings of an angel, what type of music would you listen to? Perhaps the Haibane Renmei soundtrack would come pretty close, with 19 tracks of thoughtful, ethereal melodies from the fan-popular Haibane Renmei anime series. This CD soundtrack also features outstanding English language songs ("Wondering" and "Love Will Light the Way").

Haibane Renmei: the latest anime release from the creators of Serial Experiments lain and NieA_7. This soundtrack, available for the first time in North America, will be packaged with a CD booklet containing an interview with composer Yuki Otani and a vocalist profile.

Run Time: 52 min

SRP: $14.98

Street Date: August 5, 2003

The Low Down!

Upon first glance, the case doesn’t look very appealing. It doesn’t even mention the title of it… at least not any place clear… (And in English.) The back however does reveal your usual bits of track information.

Inside? We get a nice 10 page booklet which contains some bits I’m sure many fans will enjoy such as an interview with the composer for this Kow Otani. Further more; the English lyrics to Wondering and LOVE WILL LIGHT THE WAY are also here. The rest of the pages, consist of artwork for the most part.

Much of the music consists of instrumental music, you know, the nice clam peaceful music, like what you’d hear in the doctor’s office. Needless to say, this might not be the most heard CD in your collection. Maybe if you’re a fan of this series, or just looking for something slower, if not then passing this one up might be a good idea.

Rating: 6/10

-BURN- Heat Guy J Original Soundtrack

Just like the anime, the "Heat Guy J" Original Soundtrack makes a memorable impression. This CD's 20 tracks of instrumental and vocals is an eclectic mix of cool jazz, rave and other alternative music genres!

Available for the first time as a domestic anime CD release, the CD release will be cross promoted with the release of the DVD in national print and online advertisements. The CD booklet also includes an English translated interview with the "Tryforce" band members!

Run Time: 58 min

SRP: $14.98

Street Date: August 5, 2003.

The Low Down!

The Heat Guy J soundtrack, didn’t really wow me over.  All that it consists of is a small booklet with the track listings, and some lyrics. The songs offered on the CD however wasn’t bad. Much of the soundtrack was done by TryForce, so many of the songs have a rock or just some kind of high upbeat feel to it. I spent quite a bit of time listening to this one, quite a few good songs on it; however I doubt I’ll come back to it again. Then again, I haven’t seen Heat Guy J. So who knows, I might find my self coming back to this after I watch it… and maybe not. A good buy for those looking for something fast pace this week.

Rating: 6/10

Mahoromatic Original Soundtrack 1

How many housemaids can say that they moonlight as a combat android and have their very own CD? Not many, unless it's Mahoro from the hit anime series, Mahoromatic! This soundtrack features 27 tracks, as well as 5 bonus tracks, including both the vocal and karaoke versions of the opening song ("On the Way Home") and the catchy closing song ("Mahoro de mambo")!

The latest anime release from Gainax (Evangelion, Fooly Cooly, His & Her Circumstances), the Mahoromatic soundtrack is available as a domestic anime CD release for the first time and the CD booklet will include the bonus comments from Music Composer Toshiro Masuda translated into English!

Run Time: 61 min

SRP: $14.98

Street Date: August 5, 2003

The Low Down!

Mahoromatic is a series that’s quickly growing on us here at Otaku Aniverse. And now… the soundtrack has spent quite a bit of time in our CD players. What can I say? This CD has got 1 hour of music. That consists of 27 tracks of songs and 5 amusing skits with Mahoro. All songs rang from upbeat amusing tones, to soft and clam songs. A prefect blend what ever your taste is… Well almost. Regardless if you enjoy Mahoromatic or not, this soundtrack is still something worth the cash to grab.

Rating: 8/10

The Rap up!

Well that’s it today, I’ll see about making another update soon, we’re thinking of other things we can add to the updates to this column (Anyone up for some J-pop reviews?) Like it? Hate it? Let us know what you think!

Later Otakus!

-- Eddie Hicks, Otaku Aniverse