© 2004 Lawrence Tuczynski

Title Godzilla Raids Again
Japanese Title Gojira No Gyakushu
Movie also known as: Godzilla's Counterattack
Gigantis, The Fire Monster
CD Label Toho Music Corporation
CD Number G-002
Music by: Masaru Satoh (aka Sato)
Number of tracks 39
Running time 54:29
Number of discs 1
Year of release/manufacture September 20, 2004
Year Movie Released in Japan 1955
Year Movie Released in U.S. 1959

REVIEW

October 24, 2004

I have never been a big fan of Masaru Satoh's Godzilla soundtracks as music to a Godzilla film. Don't misunderstand me, I do enjoy Maestro Satoh's music in this and other films. It's just after hearing Akira Ifukube's music which I feel is the definitive Godzilla film music, Mr. Satoh's scores seemed too different. Yes, I enjoyed them, but they just didn't "feel" like Godzilla music.

This second disc probably has the most number of bonus tracks coming in at a total of sixteen (16) of them. And out of all of Masaru Satoh's Godzilla scores I probably like this one the best. I don't know if it was on purpose or not but much of the music on this score reminds me of and seems somewhat similar to the music found in the 1933 "King Kong" film. If you read my original review on the Futureland disc, TYCY-5346, you'll see this score didn't impress me much. However over the years since I wrote that review both the music and movie have grown on me. I still see the movie itself as a quickly done sequel to cash in on the first film which I guess surprised many in the business on how well it did on a world wide scale and especially in the U.S. where it was butchered and had scenes cut in starring Raymond Burr to make it more palatable to an American audience. However the film itself is not really all that bad for what it is and Masaru Satoh's score does compliment it.

The bonus tracks start with track # 24. Track 37 runs over 5 minutes and is the raw sound used to make the roar of Angilas. The sheer rawness and length of it quickly get on one's nerves, or at least got on mine.

Godzilla Raids Again

  1. Main Title (M1AT2)
  2. Koji Kobayashi's Crisis* (M2) Kobayashi Koji is played by Minoru Chiaki
    * (Original Worker's Tune)
  3. Battle At Iwato Island (M2A-2.58)
  4. The Quiet Peace (M4)
  5. Godzilla Located (45-1.62)
  6. SDF Scramble (M5)
  7. Godzilla In Osaka Bay (PS mix)
  8. Flares & Godzilla (45-1.58)
  9. Scarlet Chain Reaction (M7)
  10. Osaka In Flames (M2A-2.62)
  11. Death Battle At Osaka Castle (45-1.62)
  12. Aftermath Broadcast (TV Announcement) literally, 'Ruins Broadcast'
  13. Osaka In Ashes (M8)
  14. Northern Land With Dancing Snow (M9)
  15. Godzilla Advances (G1)
  16. Fighter Sortie (M12)
  17. Kobayashi's Plane & Godzilla (M12A)
  18. Death Of Kobayashi I (M14A)
  19. Death Of Kobayashi II (M14)
  20. Memories Left (M15)
  21. Battle To The Death (M17)
  22. Last Attack (M19)
  23. Ending (M20)

    24. Bonus Tracks

  24. Main Title (M1AT2)
  25. Godzilla Location ~ SDF Scramble (PS45-1.62 cycle + M5)
  26. Kobayashi's Death (PS composition roll)
  27. Main Title (M1AT1)
  28. Kobayashi Koji & Godzilla (M12B, unused)
  29. Godzilla's Theme (45-1.test)
  30. Godzilla's Theme (45-1)
  31. Godzilla's Theme (M2)
  32. Godzilla's Theme (M2AT1)
  33. Godzilla's Theme (M2AT2)
  34. Harp, Gong, Cymbal Samples
  35. Harp, Gong, Cymbal Mix
  36. Couple on the Lakeshore
  37. Angillas' Cry (Samples)
  38. Godzilla-san (ie Mr Godzilla)
  39. Angillas Strike

Tracks 38 & 39 Record: Victor Entertainment Stock Company
Lyricist: Yoshi (not sure, could be read a number of ways) Saeki
Composer: Masashi (not sure) Yoshida