Multiple Artists, ‘New Age Soundtracks from TV, Anime & Manga (1984-1993)’

ALBUM OF THE DAY

Various Artists, “TV, Anime & Manga New Age Soundtracks 1984–1993”

By

Lewis Gordon

· April 25, 2025

In recent years, our understanding of New Age music has undergone a serene transformation. Once dismissed as a simplistic blend of tranquil sounds, it now resonates with the visionary artists featured in notable compilations like Kankyō Ongaku: Japanese Ambient, Environmental & New Age Music 1980–1990. With “TV, Anime & Manga New Age Soundtracks 1984–1993,” we are invited to experience a soothing auditory journey that captures the vibrant spirit of an era where this genre flourished.

This gentle collection, comprising just eight tracks, serves as an introduction rather than a definitive oath to the genre. It guides listeners through the evocative landscapes of late-20th-century Japan, intertwined with the imaginative realms of anime and manga. The album opens with “Fushigi Song,” a piece crafted by Chumei Watanabe for the sci-fi series Space Sheriff Shaider. In contrast to the polished electronic symphonies often associated with cyberpunk, this track carries a primal essence, blending joyful funk rhythms with ethereal chants that delicately blur the lines between nostalgia and intrigue.

Such thoughtful contrasts are prevalent throughout the album, revealing the diverse expressions within each track. Composer Yas-Kaz’s journey to Bali in the mid-1970s contributed to the creation of the ambient masterpiece Jomon-sho (縄文頌). In “Hei (Theme of Shikioni),” we uncover a glimpse of the artist’s energetic rhythm, while the enigmatic collective Geinoh Yamashirogumi enchant us with “Kaneda,” drawn from the Akira (Symphonic Suite). Here, the gentle sound of rain-like woodblock reverberates alongside digitally enhanced choral harmonies, breathing life into the story’s passionate protagonist traversing the intricate tapestry of Tokyo—a compelling blend of past, present, and future.

“TV, Anime & Manga New Age Soundtracks 1984–1993” invites us to explore captivating contrasts in musical textures: the delicate digital chords of “Tassili N’Ajjer” entwined with traditional string melodies, and the refined piano in “Gishin Anki” layered beneath lively metallic sounds and celestial synths. This compilation encourages us to broaden our appreciation of New Age music, nudging the genre away from tranquil self-help anthems rooted solely in Western ideals, towards a more authentic representation of its diverse historical roots.

This adventurous assembly of innovative, occasionally experimental music—a harmonious blend of acoustic and electronic elements—embraces exploration and playfulness over mere serenity. Even when detached from the visual narratives these compositions were originally woven for, the auditory experience is rich and transporting, celebrating the dynamic spirit of its era.

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