© 1998,2025 Lawrence Tuczynski

Title Sound Monster ~ Akira Ifukube for Children
CD Label King Records
CD Number KICC-1630
Music by: Akira Ifukube
Music Performed by: Tracks 1-7: Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Yasuzo Takemoto (Chorus on Track 2: Bukimisha)
Recorded March 30-31, 2021, Tokyo College of Music
Tracks 8-12: Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Tetsuji Honna, recorded Septenber 8, 2003, Ota Ward Hall Aprico
Number of tracks 12
Running time 40:01
Number of discs 1
Year of release/manufacture May 21, 2025

REVIEW

July 05, 2025

Review courtesy of Sam Scali

This CD, which is clearly aimed at a younger audience, collects performances that appeared on two previously-released King Records CDs. Tracks 1-7 are taken from a 2021 collection titled SYMPHONIC FILM SPECTACULAR 12 (KICC 1581), which featured new renditions of classic film themes by Akira Ifukube, Masaru Sato, Toru Takemitsu, Sei Ikeno and other famous Japanese composers. The Main Title from KING KONG VS. GODZILLA (Track 2) is particularly notable, as it features Takeo Yahiro's Bukimisha chorus (this time featuring both male and female members), who contribute a typically impressive vocal performance. The LITTLE PRINCE AND THE EIGHT-HEADED DRAGON Symphonic Suite (Tracks 8-12) was initially released in 2003 on THE ARTISTRY OF AKIRA IFUKUBE VOL. 7 (KICC 440), and it is a worthy orchestral presentation of key themes from the 1963 Toei anime film.

Sound Monster ~ Akira Ifukube for Children (KICC-1630)

    Sound Monsters - Akira Ifukube for Children

  1. "Godzilla" Main Title Listen
  2. "King Kong vs. Godzilla" Main Title
  3. "Attack on the Monsters" Main Title
  4. "Attack of the Monsters" March
  5. "Attack of the Monsters" Tokyo Raid
  6. "Giant Monster of the Sky Radon" Pursue Radon
  7. "Kaiju War" March

    8. Symphonic Suite: The Little Prince and the Eight-Headed Dragon

  8. Chapter I. "Prelude ~ Izanami's Ascension"
  9. Chapter II "Susanoo's Departure ~ Land of Fire"
  10. Chapter III "The Dance of the Ame-no-Uzume"
  11. IV. Chapter "Izumo no Kuni ~ Slaying the Great Serpent"
  12. Chapter V. "The Finale"