Category: CD’s

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Music & Radio Shows Records/LP's Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic Soundtracks (CD's)

FAME [1980 Movie Soundtrack]

SUMMARY:                   RUNNING TIME: 35:08 Min.

Released by RSO Records, collaborators Dean Pitchford, Michael Gore, and Lesley Gore assembled the nine tracks for the 1980 movie soundtrack.  With a few exceptions, the tracks are supplied by the film’s cast.  Two of Irene Cara’s songs: the ballad, “Out Here on My Own,” and the iconic title song subsequently scored Academy Award nominations in 1981 for Best Original Song, with the latter winning the award.

As a hodge-podge of pop sub-genres, the nine tracks are:

SIDE ONE:

  1. Fame (Vocalist: Irene Cara – 5:14)
  2. Out Here On My Own (Vocalist: Irene Cara – 3:11)
  3. Hot Lunch Jam (Vocalist: Irene Cara – 4:10)
  4. Dogs in the Yard (Vocalist: Paul McCrane – 3:13)

SIDE TWO:

  1. Red Light (Vocalist: Linda Clifford – 6:10)

2. Is It Okay If Call You Mine? (Vocalist: Paul McCrane – 2:40)

3. Never Alone (Vocalists: Contemporary Gospel Chorus of the High of Music and Art – 3:23)

4. Ralph and Monty (Dressing Room Piano) (Instrumentalist: Michael Gore – 1:49)

5. I Sing the Body Electric (Vocalists: Laura Dean, Irene Cara, Paul McCrane, Traci Parnell, & Eric Brockington – 4:59)

Note: This title is also presently available in CD and digital formats.

REVIEW:

The album’s content predictably sounds dated forty-three years later.  For instance, though her track imitates vintage Donna Summer, Linda Clifford’s up-tempo disco track, “Red Light,” overstays its welcome.  The film’s rising-star vibe, otherwise, is still readily accessible hearing tunes recorded by Irene Cara, Paul McCrane, and, most certainly, the ensemble’s show-stopping finale. 

If anything, the album’s legacy is primarily due to Cara’s effervescent vocals.  For this reason alone, Fame is worth re-discovery in whatever audio format listeners prefer.       

PACKAGING:

While the tracks are listed on the album’s back side, the tracks (and their running times) appear on the actual record.  The album’s interior is a vivid double-page spread of film stills. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          7 Stars

Categories
Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

ORIGINAL OF THE SPECIES (by U2: How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb)

SUMMARY:                   RUNNING TIME: 4:40 Min.

“Original of the Species” is Track # 10 of U2’s 2004 album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.  

REVIEW:

Too reminiscent of U2’s traditional sound, this likable ballad isn’t remarkable on its face.  The tune is simply filler material for the album. Yet, both the track’s melody and some thoughtful lyrics are still a cut above U2’s lesser competition in the alternative rock genre. 

“Original of the Species” won’t likely justify a solo download, but this song holds up alright nearly twenty years later.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    5 Stars

Categories
CD's Country, Folk, & Bluegrass Music & Radio Shows

TAKING THE LONG WAY (by The Chicks aka The Dixie Chicks)

SUMMARY:          RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 6 Min.

Released by Columbia Nashville Records in 2006, Taking the Long Way is The Chicks’ (aka The Dixie Chicks) seventh studio album.  All three members (Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, & Emily Strayer) are co-writers on all fourteen tracks. 

Track 14: “I Hope” was subsequently nominated for two 2007 Grammys – specifically, Best Country Song and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal.  Track # 3: “Not Ready to Make Nice” ultimately scored three Grammy wins: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.  Taking the Long Way’s fourth and fifth 2007 Grammys would be for Best Country Album and Album of the Year.

The track list is as follows:

  1. The Long Way Around  4:31
  2. Easy Silence   4:02
  3. Not Ready to Make Nice   3:58
  4. Everybody Knows   4:18
  5. Bitter End   4:38
  6. Lullaby   5:51
  7. Lubbock or Leave It    3:54
  8. Silent House    5:23
  9. Favorite Year   4:29
  10. Voice Inside My Head   5:52
  11. I Like It    4:34
  12. Baby Hold On   5:04
  13. So Hard   4:28
  14. I Hope   5:25

REVIEW:

This album’s quintet of Grammys is merited.  Top to bottom, Taking the Long Way is an exceptional effort, as all fourteen tracks are well-played. 

As easy as it is to deem Track # 3: “Not Ready to Make Nice” this album’s best asset, it’s really more the one that leaves the most lasting impression.  Frankly, the other thirteen contemporary country tunes are just as exquisitely written,  performed, and produced, even if they aren’t all designed as radio hits. 

Impressively, Taking the Long Way offer several welcome shifts in tempo, tone, and well-structured melodies that emphasize the trio’s first-class originality.  Case in point: Track # 6: “Lullaby” is a gently low-key ballad and a simply classy effort.  The subsequent track: “Lubbock or Leave It” is a rollicking honky-tonk caper that immediately lifts off.  Though the pacing could have varied more throughout the album, the Chicks’ teamwork ensure their tracks exude the right amount of vocal energy.    

Suffice to say, more than just country music fans get their money’s worth with Taking the Long Way.  Appealing to a wide demographic beyond the genre, it’s a Chicks album definitely worth re-discovery.   

PACKAGING:

The CD is well-protected in a standard casing.  The insert is nicely produced.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      9 Stars

Categories
Music & Radio Shows Records/LP's Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

GHOST IN THE MACHINE (by The Police)

SUMMARY:                RUNNING TIME: 41:03 Min.

As The Police’s fourth studio album, A&M Records initially released Ghost in the Machine in 1981. In addition to his work as bassist and on saxophone, Sting wrote all eleven tracks, though band members Stewart Copeland – drummer (Tracks # 7 and # 11) and Andy Summers – guitarist (Track # 9) also contributed.

Recorded in Canada, this album’s eleven tracks are:

SIDE A

  1. Spirits in the Material World 2:59
  2. Every Little Thing She Does is Magic 4:22
  3. Invisible Sun 3:44
  4. Hungry for You (J’Aurais Tojoures Faim De Toi) 2:52
  5. Demolition Man 5:57

SIDE B

  1. Too Much Information 3:43
  2. Rehumanize Yourself 3:10
  3. One World (Not Three) 4:47
  4. Omegaman 2:48
  5. Secret Journey 3:34
  6. Darkness 3:14.

Notes: This title is available in multiple formats (i.e. CD and digitally). Evidently, the album title is a nod to Arthur Koestler’s 1967 non-fiction book.

REVIEW:
Unsurprisingly, the majestic Track # 2 (“Every Little Thing She Does is Magic”) steals the show on Ghost in the Machine. Otherwise, this pop-reggae album’s recurring shifts between commentaries on real-world issues and metaphysical/sci-fi subject matter is at least an intriguing hodge-podge.

While Tracks # 1 and # 3 are distant favorites behind the iconic Track # 2, they still comprise a welcome opening trilogy. Afterwards, Track # 4 is performed primarily in French (for some reason). The fifth song is best known as a same-name inspiration for the cheesy 1993 Sylvester Stallone/Wesley Snipes action film. Suffice to say, Tracks # 4 and # 5 make for some good background noise, but neither one is memorable.

Track # 6 (“Too Much Information”) adds some disco flavor; if anything, this tune feels far more applicable in the Internet Age. Side B’s remaining five tracks are okay listening, but none leave much of an impression. If anything, Ghost in the Machine originates perhaps the Police’s best-ever song, plus an entourage of ten generally likable tracks that are a step above middling.

For Police fans, this album serves up a nostalgic treat. For others, it’s more like hearing a one-hit wonder.

PACKAGING:
Aside from listing the track titles, it’s ultra-sparse. The record itself lists both the tracks and their running times.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         6 Stars

Categories
Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

NIGHTSHIFT (by The Commodores: 20th Century Masters – The Best of The Commodores: The Millennium Collection)

SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME: 5:06 Min.

Initially released in 1985, this tribute to late R&B vocalists Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson is the title track of The Commodores’ first post-Lionel Richie album.  Drummer Walter Orange tag-teams with J.D. Nicholas (the band’s replacement for Richie) on the track’s lead vocals.  “Nightshift” subsequently won a Grammy in 1986 for ‘Best Vocal R&B Performance by a Duo/Group.’ 

Among various compilation albums “Nightshift” has appeared on, one of them is 1999’s 20th Century Masters: The Best of The Commodores – The Millennium Collection (Track # 10).

REVIEW:

Even without Lionel Richie, this poignant and ultra-classy Commodores track is timeless.  Nearly forty years later, “Nightshift” belongs on any definitive R&B/Soul playlist.  Highly recommended!     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    9 Stars

Categories
Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE (by Kansas: The Best of Kansas)

SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME: 3:40 Min.

This popular Kansas rock tune was initially released on their 1983 studio album, Drastic Measures.  In addition to its music video, the track has subsequently appeared on numerous compilations (including live versions), such as 1984’s The Best of Kansas.   

REVIEW:

This pulsating rock track is ideal for pop-rock and workout playlists.  It was evidently ahead of its time given how “Fight Fire With Fire,” would have been ideal accompanying Hollywood dogfight sequences for either Top Gun or Iron Eagle in 1986.  Case in point: this Kansas tune is reminiscent of King Kobra’s subsequent title song, “Iron Eagle (Never Say Die).”  Either way, “Fight Fire With Fire” delivers a welcome download blasting forty years into the past.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7 Stars

Categories
CD's Jazz & Blues Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

UNFORGETTABLE … WITH LOVE (by Natalie Cole)

SUMMARY:                RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 12  Min.

Released in 1991 by Elektra Records, Natalie Cole’s thirteenth studio album covers jazz-pop standards previously recorded by her father, Nat King Cole.  Concluding the album, her album’s title track was electronically crafted as a ‘duet’ performed by Cole with her late father’s archived vocal track.  The twenty-two tracks are:

  1. The Very Thought of You (4:15)
  2. Paper Moon (3:25)
  3. Route 66 (3:00)
  4. Mona Lisa (3:45)
  5. L-O-V-E (2:31)
  6. This Can’t be Love (2:13)
  7. Smile (3:37)
  8. Lush Life (4:19)
  9. That Sunday That Summer (3:31)
  10. Orange Colored Sky (2:26)
  11. For Sentimental Reasons / Tenderly / Autumn Leaves – medley (7:31)
  12. Straighten Up and Fly Right (2:39)
  13. Avalon (1:51)
  14. Don’t Get Around Much Anymore (2:34)
  15. Too Young (4:32)
  16. Nature Boy (3:23)
  17. Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup (3:24)
  18. Almost Like Being in Love (2:11)
  19. Thou Swell (1:50)
  20. Non Dimenticar (2:57)
  21. Our Love is Here to Stay (3:29)
  22. Unforgettable {with Nat King Cole} (3:28).

REVIEW:

Backed by top-caliber jazz instrumentals, Natalie Cole’s pristine vocals justify the album’s sentimental title.  Case in point: though saved for last, “Unforgettable, ” including its technical wizardry, is a phenomenal treat. 

As a time machine exuding her father’s greatest hits, Natalie Cole’s classy Unforgettable … With Love is highly recommended!

PACKAGING:

The CD is well-protected within a standard casing.  The well-designed insert completes a mighty class package.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                10 Stars

Categories
CD's Classical, Electronica, & New Age Holidays Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

CHRISTMAS EVE AND OTHER STORIES (by Trans-Siberian Orchestra)

SUMMARY:          RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 1 Min.

Released in 1996 by Atlantic Records and Lava Records, Christmas Eve and Other Stories is Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s debut studio album.  Re-imagining traditional holiday fare and melding it with original material into a rock-metal  symphonic opera, the seventeen tracks are the following:

  1. An Angel Came Down (3:51)
  2. O Come All Ye Faithful / O Holy Night – instrumental (4:18)
  3. A Star to Follow (3:48)
  4. First Snow – instrumental (3:52)
  5. The Silent Nutcracker – instrumental (2:21)
  6. A Mad Russian’s Christmas – instrumental (4:41)
  7. The Prince of Peace (3:32)
  8. Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12/24 – instrumental (3:24)
  9. Good King Joy (6:34)
  10. Ornament (3:36)
  11. The First Noel – instrumental (0:54)
  12. Old City Bar (6:17)
  13. Promises to Keep (2:40)
  14. This Christmas Day (4:19)
  15. An Angel Returned (3:51)
  16. O Holy Night (2:39)
  17. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (1:15).

REVIEW:

Christmas Eve and Other Stories is a gem capable of appealing to any age demographic.  Case in point: up-tempo instrumental tracks # 4, # 6 and, most definitely, # 8 are superb!  This album provides an ideal rock antidote for anyone needing to re-energize his/her holiday spirit. 

PACKAGING:

The CD is well-protected in a standard CD case.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               9 Stars

Categories
Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

CITY OF BURNING LIGHTS (by U2: How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb)

SUMMARY:                      RUNNING TIME: 5:46 Min.

“City of Burning Lights” is Track # 5 of U2’s 2004 album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. The song would later appear on the 2006 film soundtrack of The Devil Wears Prada.

REVIEW:

Combining an effervescent rock melody with intriguing lyrics conveying a sense of awe, “City of Burning Lights” is a dynamite U2 tune.  Definitely recommended!       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

Categories
CD's Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

WILD YOUNG HEARTS (by The Noisettes)

SUMMARY:               RUNNING TIME: 36:00 Min.

Released in the U.S. by Mercury Records in September 2009, Wild Young Hearts is the second studio effort from British pop-rock/soul band, The Noisettes.  Lead vocalist/bass player Shingai Shoniwa and bandmates Daniel Smith (guitar/keyboards/back-up vocals) and Jamie Morrison (drums/percussion/back-up vocals) co-wrote the tracks.  They received additional songwriting help from George Astasio (Track 6) and John Frederick Fortis (Track 7).

The album’s ten tracks are:

  1. Wild Young Hearts   (2:56)
  2. Don’t Upset the Rhythm – Go Baby Go   (3:42)
  3. Never Forget You   (3:11)
  4. Saturday Night   (3:14)
  5. Atticus   (4:16)
  6. Every Now and Then   (3:41)
  7. 24 Hours   (3:49)
  8. Beat of My Heart   (3:24)
  9. Sometimes   (4:06)
  10. Cheap Kicks   (4:38)

Note: The band’s British distributor is Vertigo Records, which had released this album five months earlier.

REVIEW:

No matter how obscure it may be, this album’s pure fun quotient is impressive.  Anchored by Shingai Shoniwa’s effervescent vocals (sometimes reminiscent of classic doo-wop), Wild Young Hearts gleams by blending pop-rock, R&B/soul, indie rock, and dance into a bubbly pop cocktail.  For instance, with such well-written lyrics, hearing an up-tempo track inspired by Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird (Track # 5) is something else. 

Kudos should really go to The Noisettes for the depth of the album’s lyrics.  Frankly, there is not anything shallow emanating from Wild Young Hearts, especially as each track’s lyrics and melody is distinctive.

The sole detriment is that this album flies by almost too fast. Including a few bonus tracks would have been much appreciated, as there is no risk of Wild Young Hearts wearing out its welcome.  Despite falling off the Grammy Awards’ radar, this ultra-appealing 2009 Noisettes effort merits re-discovery. 

PACKAGING:

Th CD is well-protected inside a standard casing.  Without track numbers, the song titles appear on the case’s back.  Accompanied by several terrific pictures of the band, the insert booklet provides song lyrics (in poetry form), thank-you’s, and technical credits.  However, the track running times are not included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8½ Stars