Kenji Kawai released some fine scores. 'Ghost in the shell' is superb and his 'Avalon'
soundtrack i can fully recommend.

'Ghost in the shell' is ambient -slightly electronic- and Avalon is full on symphonic.

both worth getting though

flambeur, September 14, 2005; 5:59 PM

I agree on Ghost in the Shell and Avalon. Howl's Moving Castle is also worth a listen. If you feel adventurous, you could try Akira, it's musical approach is more modern, it is not dance or pop music nor is it easy listening! But it could turn out to be a very rewarding experience after some time.

WimArnhem, September 14, 2005; 8:47 PM

almost all symphonic works by Jo Hisaishi are great.
his other anime works are:
- Kiki's Delivery Service
- Porco Rosso
- My Neighbor Totoro
- Laputa: Castle in the Sky
- Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind

also check out these:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion
- Grave of the Fireflies
- Pom Poko (Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko)
- My Neighbors the Yamadas
- Jin Roh: The Wolf Brigade

there are lot more great scores out there.
Great composers on that area are are Yoko Kanno, Jo Hisaishi, Shiro Sagisu..........

have fun ^^

1701, September 14, 2005; 11:13 PM

Thanks Guys for all your help, my mind is reeling! I cant wait to track down these scores.

gerry.hill, September 15, 2005; 12:27 PM