Minna Daisuki Katamari Damacy Original Soundtrack
What is it about the music in the Katamari Damacy series that makes it so appealing? Could it be the quirkiness that it entails, or the whimsical way that the producers want to experiment with all kinds of sounds, or maybe it's simply because the music is just too damn fun to listen to?
The Minna Daisuki Katamari Damacy Original Soundtrack is the soundtrack to the sequel of the immensely popular Katamari Damacy. The music becomes even weirder in the sequel, sporting unexpected music-making that will no doubt make you laugh. There are also numerous references to the music of the previous soundtrack, which entertained me to no end.
The soundtrack begins with an electric rock introduction of the game's main theme, which is followed by possibly the craziest song on the album. "Katamari on the Rocks" is an acapella version of the main theme that must be heard to be believed. It consists of the entire six minute introduction, in acapella. Imagine the consequences on your ears!
Next is "Overture," which is a jazzy piano piece by composer Yu Miyake, who worked on the first soundtrack as well. This enjoyable song is followed by "Katamari on the Swing," a big band version of the theme, sung by a Tom Jones sound-alike. Next is "Kuru Kuru Rock," which is a fast-paced ska piece. While I appreciate the energy, I can't say that I like it very much.
Singer Alisa belts out "Everlasting Love," an enjoyable rock song with an eighties pop beat. "Bluff Spirit" follows in a lounge-pop style. This nice change in pace is heightened by Yu Miyake's "Beautiful Star," a lovely, care-free song. Imagine sitting by the beach at night, watching the stars, and you've got the mood. "Angel's Rain" continues the slow pace, with YOU's cute vocals contrasting perfectly with the French theme of the song.
The next track is "Houston," a sublime track of lounge/jazz proportions. The vocals are interesting, with a mechanical voice in the background providing good backup. "Blue Orb," a chill-out piece, possesses some unique cut-and-paste sounds that produce a genuinely special track.
Then we have "Katamari Holiday." I don't know how to describe the song, except that it really does seem as if they are on holiday. The vocals are funny, the introduction is hilarious, and it involves lilting strings and great guitar accompaniment. Following that is "Baby Universe," sung by Pizzacato Five's Maki Nomiya. It's a catchy piece that makes me smile, and Maki Nomiya's voice suits the mood perfectly.
My favorite song on the album is "Disco Prince" by Kenji Ninuma. He sang "The Moon and the Prince" on the first soundtrack, and elements of it can be found in this heavy thumping, funky beat of a song. "Scorching Savannah" is next, sung by John the Dog, Bigmouth the Duck, Yuuhi the Crow, Pe the Goat, Booby the Pig, Sexy the Cat, and Nyuu the Cow. Yes, you heard me right. Animal voices sing a medley of the songs in the first album, and on this soundtrack, it's actually rather good. This is another song that must be heard to be believed.
The last two songs are "The Royal Academy of Katamari" and "King of King's Song," both of which are grand orchestral pieces, complete with sweeping strings and blaring brass. While they do sound interesting, I find them arranged on the album in the wrong place, as it ends the album on an anti-climax note. There is a fifteen second bonus track, which is basically just the king of the game speaking in a foreign space tongue. For those who do speak similarly, do email me the translations. I’d love to know what he’s saying.
Minna Daisuki Katamari Damacy Original Soundtrack is only a trend away from the superb first soundtrack. While entertaining, the too-weird songs and anti-climatic ending piece spoils the album. However, the other songs do capture the essence of the Katamari Damacy series, and this album will no doubt leave you whistling the main theme over and over, and over again.