Spirited Away: Image Album (LP, O.S.T., Studio Ghibli Records)

Spirited Away was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released in 2001, quickly shattering records in Japan and becoming the country’s most successful film of all time. The film’s setting is split between modern day Japan and a fictional parallel world inhabited by spirits, dragons and other magical creatures. Considering the film’s gorgeous animation and fantastical storytelling, it’s no wonder why the film was such a huge success, and why it holds a special place in the hearts of anime lovers of all ages. In-house composer Joe Hisaishi was tasked with soundtracking the film, but before that happened, this ‘Image Album’ (not to be confused with the soundtrack) was made. Like other Image Albums, these songs were created before the animated film was completed, as a conceptual rough draft based on notes from Miyazaki about what the score might sound like. For this first time vinyl edition of the Image Album, the audio has been newly remastered and the packaging is exquisite, with full colour outer sleeve, obi strip, and printed insert with illustrations from the film and liner notes. The accompanying soundtrack is also available on vinyl for the first time. Track Listing Side A To the River of that Day The Night is Coming Gods Yuya People in the Wonderland Side B I’m Lonely, Lonely Solitude Sea White Dragon Waltz of Chihiro.