Copyright © Daichi Akitaroh * MADHOUSE / Bandai Visual

16 tracks; 36:04

1.		Main Theme	4:19
2.		Title Back	0:12
3.		Odago Koinosuke ~ Sanbyakunen no Toki o Hedate (Odago Koinosuke ~ Isolated by 300 years)	1:11
4.		Hontsuru Kokou no 2 Nen B Me (Hontsuru Jr. High Class 2B)	1:37
5.		Yabou (Ambition)	2:37
6.		Bankara	1:53
7.		Omoi (Memories)	1:59
8.		Kageriyuku Kokoro (Heart of the Kageryu School)	2:39
9.		TO * DA * BA * TA	1:29
10.		Yasashii kimochi, itsudemo… (I'll always have these kind feelings)	2:52
11.		Hisshi no Omoi (Thoughts of Certain Death)	1:42
12.		Rakyaku (Opponent)	1:27
13.		Taiketsu (Showdown)	3:47
14.		Nidaime, Yagyu Jubei (Edo Warrior Yagyu Jubei)	2:24
15.		Shirobantamaru Saotome	1:41
16.		Forever	4:15
		Vocal: 1999 Shojoutai

If you're not familiar with the television show JUBEI-CHAN: SECRET OF THE LOVELY EYEPATCH, then this CD probably isn't going to mean much to you. However, you're not alone, since there were two versions of this soundtrack released in Japan. The first is this, the Original Soundtrack for the areas in which the show was broadcast. The second soundtrack, which was released where the show wasn't shown on television, is more of a collection of characters songs and the like.
This, however, is the soundtrack to the sometimes serious, usually hilarious JUBEI-CHAN. As this is part comedy, part drama, and part magical girls show, the music for the show represents a sampling from each of these genres.
The first track, for example, the main theme, is not only the show's main theme, but also the music that plays when Jiyu transforms into Jubei-chan. One of the seeming requirements for "magical girl themes" is that they be very catchy, and this is no exception. The piece is over 4 minutes long, and contains taiko drums, a lone violin, and an assortment of other instruments. The main melody line occurs several times, but in each place, it's slightly different from its first appearance. First is serious, then lighthearted, then darker, and back to the original. This is probably the best track on the CD.
The next track deals with the lonely samurai Adago Koinosuke, who was Jubei's disciple when he died. Since then, he has wandered the earth for 300 years in search of the person who fulfilled Jubei's requirements to be his successor. It starts off with a slow guitar strumming and a lone flute. This track is mostly serious and melancholy, but with a little bit of humor thrown in.
There are actually a number of serious tracks on this disc, including "Omoi" ("Memories") and "Hisshio no Omoi" ("Thoughts of Certain Death"), both of which go with the more moodier moments of the show. "Memories" is a slow piano piece, and "Thoughts of Certain Death" is one of the pieces used for the more dramatic battles. It sounds a little bit like music from a western. That is, until the electric guitar comes in… Track 12, "Rakyaku," is another battle piece, and begins with the beating of taiko drums. It then moves into a more dissonant style as it sets the atmosphere for the battle scene.
There are some lighter tracks as well, for example, the 4th track, which is the "Hontsuru High Class B" theme, is the music played during the school scenes. It's bright, light and bouncy, reminiscent of some of the earlier RANMA music in its style. And there's also the theme of the Bantaro trio, "Bankara," which is basically their pseudo-march somewhat out of tune theme song. It's a fun track in its own right, but only if you know who the Bantaro Trio is.
The only vocal on this disc is the ending "Forever," which was the only vocal used in the show. It's a sweet, peppy upbeat song sung by a trio of girls know as the 1999 Shojoutai. It's a fun song and is nearly as catchy as the opening.
There's a fair amount of music here for the fans of JUBEI-CHAN, but not that much, as the disc is under 40 minutes long. For some, the title theme alone is worth the price of the disc. But keep in mind that enjoyment of this CD will depend heavily on how much you know and like the show. It's really not a great CD to listen to on its own.

Victor Entertainment
VICL-60381
¥3,000
Available Now in Japan
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