The Best Music Box Collection from Hayao Miyazaki Film (CD)

Hayao Miyazaki's animations are favourites with children and adults alike, and his artwork combines with stunning original soundtracks to keep audiences coming back for more. Joe Hisaishi has worked with Miyazaki for many years, providing tracks for many of Miyazaki's most famous films, including Nausica? of the Valley of the Wind (1984), My Neighbour Totoro (1988), Princess Mononoke (1997), Spirited Away (2001), Howl's Moving Castle (2004) and, most recently, Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.

Hisaishi's music is hugely versatile, the melodies stunning and playful regardless of the instruments used to perform them. Seiki Omotani's Slack-key Guitar Ensemble is featured, providing a relaxing and romantic Hawaiian feel to Hisaishi's tunes. But, for some listeners the 'music box' versions do not match up to the originals.

If you do like the unusual sound of this album, on the other hand, you will likely find it difficult to make a top pick from this collection of 14 tracks, as each is unique and attention-grabbing in its own way.

This is a great album to chill out with on the weekend or whenever you need to unwind. Stick it on as you make breakfast, and get the day off to a great start.