SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:00 Min.
Covering composer Dennis McCarthy’s TV theme, conductor Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra include it as the eighth track on their 1996 Symphonic Star Trek instrumental album.
REVIEW:
It’s virtually identical to the original. If McCarthy’s version isn’t available, then this cover is the next best thing for any sci-fi playlist.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:23 Min.
The 1980-88 CBS TV opening credits theme for Tom Selleck’s Magnum P.I. was composed by Mike Post. Covering this tune as an extended cover is The Daniel Caine Orchestra for its 1999 instrumental tribute album, NYPD Blue: The Best of Mike Post.
REVIEW:
Even if it isn’t a free ticket to Hawaii, this first-class cover certainly brings Mike Post’s theme to life. For fans and/or TV soundtrack enthusiasts, it’s a nostalgia gem.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
Note: Post’s original theme appears on 1990’s Television’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 3: ‘70s & 80’s album.
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:09 Min.
Recorded by Air Supply for 1984’s Ghostbusters film soundtrack, it serves as the movie’s love theme.
REVIEW:
It’s hard to fathom this poignant track belongs to Ghostbusters, but “I Can Wait Forever” delivers high-caliber Air Supply. To its credit, Ghostbusters’ love theme holds up in spite of its obviously mid-80’s melody and, more potently, an overdose of schmaltzy lyrics.
If anything, this Air Supply tune balances spot-on vocals with sharp instrumental work (i.e. the piano accompaniment) making a welcome addition to easy listening playlists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 0:56 Min.
As the theme for the Dale Arden/Ming the Merciless ‘shotgun’ wedding, Queen performs this minute-long instrumental. The track was composed by Queen’s Brian May.
REVIEW:
If one is ever seeking an electrified rock version of the classic wedding march (by Queen, no less) for that special day, then this is it. No matter how short this track is, this novelty gem proves a keeper.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:13 Min.
Written and recorded by Eric Clapton, this soft rock tune is the fourth cut on 1985’s Back to the Future film soundtrack.
REVIEW:
Clapton is in decent form. Still, like Lindsey Buckingham’s paycheck-cashing “Time Bomb Town,” Clapton’s “Heaven is One Step Away” is utterly no match for Huey Lewis & The News on this same album. Even the tracks by the movie’s fictional ‘Marvin Berry & The Starlighters’ sound far more alive than either Clapton or Buckingham.
Instantly forgettable, “Heaven is One Step Away” is a demure filler tune that is best enjoyed as part of the complete soundtrack.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:01 Min.
From Jamiroquai’s 2005 album, Dynamite, “Seven Days in Sunny June” was recruited the following year for The Devil Wears Prada movie soundtrack.
REVIEW:
It’s got a pleasantly funky sound. Jamiroquai’s “Seven Days in Sunny June” also deftly incorporates British R&B and jazz, with a twist of dance/electronica. This lively musical cocktail should make a welcome option for various home playlists (including workouts & dinner parties).
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:23 Min.
Performed by Sammy Hagar, the song appears on 1984’s Footloose film soundtrack. The tune is included on the album’s 15th Anniversary edition released in 1998. Hagar collaborated with composer Dean Pitchford creating this rock tune.
REVIEW:
Considering Footloose’s storyline is about high school kids, it’s probably best not to contemplate this song’s insinuated context. Still, if one likes old school Sammy Hagar, then “The Girl Gets Around” is a potential keeper. Loud and loaded with top-notch instrumental work, this catchy tune is worth adding to hard rock playlists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:24 Min.
Performed by Phil Collins, this pop track was initially recorded for the 1989 film, Buster, which Collins also starred in. The song inspired a music video that was in regular rotation for months on VH1 after its release. Collins composed the tune with Lamont Dozier. “Two Hearts” notably appears on Collins’ 1998 Hits album.
REVIEW:
Upon first impression, it’s Collins at his exuberant best. The bubbly, retro-jazzy pop sound powering “Two Hearts” is an instant antidote for gloom. In that sense, it’s a deliberately opposite mood shift away from the downbeat “A Groovy Kind of Love,” which Collins also performed for Buster.
The song, style-wise, recalls a previous Collins hit: “You Can’t Hurry Love,” as far as its upbeat vibe grabbing listeners. Though the tune tends to overindulge on pop fizz, it’s still a refreshing option for ‘80s pop, soundtracks, or British-themed playlists
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:15 Min.
British performer Gabrielle recorded and co-wrote this romantic tune for 2001’s Bridget Jones’s Diary movie soundtrack.
REVIEW:
Seamlessly blending R&B and pop, Gabrielle’s engaging vocals make this tune a semi-gem. Between the spot-on instrumental work and its classy lyrics, “Out of Reach” offers a welcome addition to R&B and soundtrack playlists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:04 Min.
As Track #11, this instrumental helps narrate Kevin Costner’s Eliot Ness and his team charging on horseback for a Canadian border raid to intercept Al Capone’s goons. Composer-conductor Ennio Morricone’s orchestra isn’t identified.
Note: As clarification, the same-titled Track # 1 (the film’s end title) is essentially a full-length reprise of Track # 11.
REVIEW:
Bringing Eliot Ness and his squad’s quest soaring to virtuous life, Ennio Morricone is at the peak of his storytelling powers. Think of it this way: “Al Capone” (Track # 2) and this track define both sides of the movie’s battlefront. The ominous main title: “Strength of the Righteous” (Track # 8) then pits them against one other. For instrumental and soundtrack enthusiasts, this one (and/or its end title version) is absolutely worth adding to a favorite playlist.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
