Outlaw Star

OUTLAW STAR
SOUND AND SCENARIO TRACKS
Copyright © Victor Entertainment
VIZL-35
Available Now
¥3,200

—by Charles McCarter

CD 1

1. Kaisai ~ Ride on the Night 1:32

Meeting

2. Tsuchi Ichi 1:42

Information Part One

3. Ronri Ganman Hakkinboi 27:05

Lonely Gunman Platinum Boy

4. Tsuchi Ni 4:25

Information Part Two

5. Tough & Rough / Jim and Jean 5:27

6. Tsuchi San 2:41

Information Part Three

7. Futago no Kutaaru Shuurai 13:21

Twin Kutaru Invasion

8. Saiken 4:49

See Again

CD 2

1. Indication 1:48

2. Energy 3:07

3. Compass 1:36

4. Gravitation 3:04

5. Crest 3:38

6. Hiru no Tsuki ~Melfina Mix~ 3:21

Vocal: Melfina

Having enjoyed the Outlaw Star OP CD single, I thought that this soundtrack would prove just as entertaining. Unfortunately, sometimes buying things "blind" leads to some disappointing choices. This was one of them.
The CD proudly proclaims itself to be a 2 CD set; in truth, it is. But the second CD is a CD single, not a full-length CD. So maybe they're stretching the truth a little bit. If that was the only offense, it could be overlooked.
Again, it's not. The First CD contains "scenario tracks." This is apparently a new way of saying it's a drama CD. And while I like OUTLAW STAR well enough, Drama CDS have really never been something that I have particularly wanted. As a result, I didn't pay very much attention to the story or what was going on. Most people will not find them particularly enjoyable unless they (1) are already very familiar with OUTLAW STAR and its characters and (2) like drama CDs anyway. Amidst the Scenario tracks on the first CD are a disappointingly TV-sized version of the opening theme and one other vocal, "Tough & Rough." An amusing rock song performed by two of the voice actors, it is unfortunately not enough to save this CD from mediocrity.
Ironically, the second, smaller CD is the one worth listening to. It contains a sample of the background music from the show, what I bought this CD for in the first place. While there is a certain amount of electronic instrumentation used, the credits list a very well-instrumented orchestra in the music credits. The music is full and rich, and sounds vaguely similar to the works of Wada Kaoru (of KISHIN HEIDAN and SILENT MÖBIUS fame). The first track, "Indication" sounds mysterious and spooky, like something out of an episode of BABYLON 5. The synthesizers and electronic sounds produce a very vibrant mood for this piece. "Energy" begins with blaring lower brass and pounding timpani, and sounds like it is used during a space battle. Trumpets add brilliant accents to the more active portions of this piece, while the strings are left to convey the sense of urgency as the drums pound relentlessly forward.
The only vocal on this CD is "Hiru no Tsuki," sung by Melfina. A quiet ballad, this song begins a capella, with some light string instrumentation slowly moving into the background. A haunting melody and capable singing make this song one of the most memorable tracks on a CD. It is very similar in its sound and feel to MACROSS PLUS's "Voices."
In short, even OUTLAW STAR fans may find themselves disappointed by this rather misleading and lackluster CD. Packaging tricks aside, this CD just really isn't worth the money, unless one is passionate about drama CDs.