Volume 1: Tank! (Cowboy Bebop)
The queen of music composition, Yoko Kanno, deals out this, the opening theme for the anime series, Cowboy Bebop. One could say that it is worth watching Cowboy Bebop for the music alone, and I could agree. However, the show is such a delight even for non-anime fans that I highly recommend you watch the 26 episodes and one movie. "I think it's time we blow this scene. Get everybody and their stuff together. Okay, 3, 2, 1, Let's jam!"
Volume 2: The Wings of A Boy That Killed Adolescence (Gundam Wing)
Are you familiar with the name Kou Otani? He'll be featured a lot on this list as he composed music for both Gundam Wing and Outlaw Star, two anime that I enjoyed so much I purchased their collections. Nevertheless, Kou Otani has also done video game music as well. Do you know the video game, Shadow of the Colossus? He did the music for that. Regardless, The Wings of A Boy That Killed Adolescence plays twice during the Gundam Wing saga. Once in the first episode as the Wing Zero descends toward Earth's atmosphere and during Zechs' and Heero's fight in Antarctica. It's a rockin' version of Code Name Heero Yuy.
Volume 3: Rewrite (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Rewrite is the fourth and final opening theme of the original Fullmetal Alchemist. It is performed by Asian Kung-Fu Generation, and it really, really, truly rocks ass. I prefer the original Fullmetal Alchemist's soundtrack to Brotherhood. Perhaps it's because I'm more familiar with the original's score. Regardless, I enjoy the second and fourth title themes the best. You'll hear the second in a forthcoming edition of my favorite anime music. Not only do I like the music the best in the original, but the story is much more satisfying to me. Again, it's probably because I'm more familiar with it than the manga-faithful Brotherhood series.
Volume 4: Flight (Outlaw Star)
Whereas Kou Otani used synthetic instruments with real live instruments in Gundam Wing, in Outlaw Star, he uses real instruments through and through. Flight is a theme for when Gene Starwind's ship takes flight for the first time. With Melfina as the operator, naked in a cube of water (I don't ask, I just write the descriptions), and Jim, Twilight Suzuka, and that crazy cat girl, Gene has a tight crew with him to take care of anything. Outlaw Star's soundtrack is compromised of two original soundtracks. I own both, but I think they're bootleg versions. Alas, it's still good music even if I didn't send my monies to the right company.
Volume 5: Robin (Witch Hunter Robin)
Robin is the titular character in Witch Hunter Robin. I've only watched a few episodes, but this theme was common throughout. I would imagine Robin hunts witches with old sorcery ways whereas her companions use new technology to track and kill witches. I do not know if they go after warlocks, male witches. Perhaps warlocks are taken care of differently than witches. Who knows? All I know is that if I were a male witch, I would want to be called a warlock and not a witch. What was I talking about again? Oh, yes. This theme, Robin, has a beautiful piano melody. When it plays again, it is supported by powerful accompaniment that sent chills down my spine the first time I listened to it. If you're unfamiliar with this song or the anime, maybe it will do the same for you?
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There goes this batch of wonderfully wonderful anime themes! We heard some great themes from Cowboy Bebop, Gundam Wing, Fullmetal Alchemist, Outlaw Star, and Witch Hunter Robin. Stay tuned for the next installment where we'll get Brain Powerd, go Darker Than Black, and get help from the Paranoia Agent! Until then, toodle-loo!
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