Music in the Kanto region

Pokémon is an anime of impeccable quality, through and through - something that has been lost in this decade of decadence. Indeed, what have the younger generation, our successors, to base their childhood memories upon but cheap imitations of the splendours of a fallen age (the late 90's and early 2000's). Perhaps it's the nostalgia speaking? Of course his childhood was the best. I believe, however, that beyond the blissful delusion of a euphoric youthhood lies ultimately some definite factor of veritude: as tangible as a Tangela. Let's analyze one factor that made Poketto Monsuta a pinnacle of imported anime.















Any fan of 8-bit video game music is captivated by an orchestral rendition of his or her music; we, as Pokémon fans, are no exception. Fortunately for our musical palettes, Shinji Miyazaki delivers an exceptional compilation of Pokétunes, implementing full orchestral sections and ample amounts of electrical riffs where called for (think the Battle Theme).


Pokemon Episode 36, the Bridge Bike Gang is an exemplary of Miyazaki's phenomenal score, featuring tracks such as: 'Setting Off' (the endearing Route 1 Theme) 'Go with the Bicycle' (a rendition of the GB Bicycle Theme); 'Silly Psyduck' (from the GB theme Following a Trainer to the Gym); and 'Total War' (from the GB OST Hall of Fame theme); as well as the standard Pokemon tracks you might expect to hear in any given episode (i.e. 'Pokemon Battle!' and 'Burning Battle Field' - both fantastic renditions of the GB Battle theme.

Episode 36 also divulges some of the vague history of our antagonists. As it turns out, 'Big Jesse' and 'Little Jim,' were members of the infamous Bridge Bike Gang, before they became Rocket grunts, and the reunion is one of long separated friends, reminiscing fondly on their youthful delinquency. Things have change, of course - for one thing, Team Rocket has done away with handle bars.














'Real gangs ride unicycles' - James

As the plot climaxes, our heroes agree to take a bag of Pokémon medicine across the bridge. Through goodwill and an abiding love and dedication to Pokémon, they succeed in winning over the support of the rough bikers. The triumphal tune: 'Absolute War' plays, as the Bridge Bike Gang escorts Ash and company to the Pokémon Center to deliver the medicine to the sick Shellder.And so we close upon a heartwarming scene, having glanced into the past of Team Rocket. As Little Jim puts it: 'Well I guess our secret past isn't secret anymore.' To which Ash remarks, 'I kinda wish it still was a secret.'
Having visited yet another of the memorable Game Boy locals (Cycling Road), we eagerly anticipate the next twist of the indispensible Pokémon anime. Stay tuned, as we at Pocket Monster Pals! strive to bring you the most lighthearted and affectionate reviews of this Pokémon adventure.