Metropolis
A dazzling and atypical musical score is the perfect tone for the gorgeous visuals of this anime film. Toshiyuki Honda's Dixieland jazz-influenced music is a daring counter to the futuristic vision of the three-tiered, near-robotic society. The title track is reminiscent of Woody Allen's theme for his futuristic filmSleeper. Half of Honda's score uses more characteristic orchestrations for several of the films' action scenes and the love theme ("Sympathy," which is later reorchestrated in the so-so end-credit song "There'll Never Be Good-Bye"). This is one of the indispensable anime soundtracks, and wonderful listening for even the non-anime fan. One demerit for the CD not containing Ray Charles's "I Can't Stop Loving You." The song beautifully counterpoints the explosive conclusion and is a vital part of the whole music score.--Doug Thomas