The original anime Cowboy Bebop, directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, was broadcast on TV in 1998. Its stylish visuals left a profound impact on viewers, transcending the boundaries of anime and inspiring numerous fans. The anime TV series achieved immense popularity, not only domestically but also internationally. It was subsequently adapted into a theatrical version and even a live-action series on Netflix.
Notably, the music composed by Yoko Kanno, which accompanied the visuals, gained significant recognition. The soundtrack’s first volume, titled “COWBOY BEBOP,” included the iconic opening theme “Tank!” and achieved tremendous success. It was awarded the 13th Japan Gold Disc Award for Animation Album of the Year. The music’s versatility spanned genres from jazz, rock, and French pop to house music. Additionally, the renowned jazz engineer from Blue Note Records’ golden era, Rudy Van Gelder, contributed to the production, further elevating its reputation beyond the confines of anime music both domestically and internationally.
Now, an 11-disc box set, encompassing all 7 albums and maxi-singles of the Cowboy Bebop soundtrack, is set to be released on December 13, 2023. Encased in a deluxe box, each title’s jacket will sport its original design. The artwork, which received high praise at the time of the CD releases, will now come in LP size, a tantalizing prospect for collectors.
In addition, the following three titles newly selected and edited by Yoko Kanno will be released at the same time.
- Tank! Gold COWBOY BEBOP (2 discs)
- The Real Folk Blues Legends COWBOY BEBOP (2 discs)
- Songs for the Cosmic Sofa COWBOY BEBOP (1 disc)
These three titles offer a fresh interpretation of Yoko Kanno’s work.
Furthermore, the soundtrack of the live-action Netflix series, previously only released on vinyl, will now be released on CD.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the TV broadcast of Cowboy Bebop, and various projects have been announced to commemorate the event. Among them, the release of these music products is sure to elevate the excitement for anime and music fans both in Japan and abroad.
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