SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:48 Min.
It’s the third track on Coldplay’s 2014 album, Ghost Stories.
REVIEW:
Though it isn’t remarkable, “Ink” has an appealing low-key vibe that keeps listeners engaged. This track would be a solid download choice for soft rock playlists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:26 Min.
Released on the follow-up installment for the Mike Myers-headlined 1998 54 film soundtrack, this disco track is a collaborative effort from international songstresses Jocelyn Enriquez, Amber, & Ultra Naté — dubbed “Stars on 54.” However, don’t mistake this tune as a cover of Margot Kidder’s same-named track from 1978’s Superman: The Movie. No, this frequently-covered tune was first recorded as a folk song by Gordon Lightfoot in 1970. Curiously, this track is approximately twenty-three seconds shorter than the somber Lightfoot version.
REVIEW:
Somewhat reminiscent of Selena’s likable mid-90’s cover medleys, the Enriquez-Amber-Naté trio re-imagines Lightfoot’s ruminating melody with a dazzling R&B/disco beat. Despite spot-on vocal harmony, the trio’s energetic performance is an odd contrast to the song’s enigmatic lyrics. While the narrative of a romantic break-up remains, Lightfoot’s gloomy metaphors make too little sense, at least when dressed up as this glitzy dance tune.
Even so, this catchy 70’s retro-style track is worth adding to any workout playlist.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:59 Min.
In 1989, Patti LaBelle simultaneously recorded this track for her album, Be Yourself, and the soundtrack to Timothy Dalton’s last James Bond film, Licence to Kill. In 2007, this song resurfaced on 20th Century Masters – The Best of Patti LaBelle: The Millennium Collection album.
Note: Among the song’s subsequent cover renditions is Celine Dion’s 1992 version for her self-named English-language album.
REVIEW:
As heard over the end credits to Licence to Kill, Patti LaBelle’s exuberant rendition remains an underrated gem. Her voice is aptly paired with a gorgeous R&B melody. Comparatively, Celine Dion’s high-profile cover is terrific as is, but LaBelle’s glowing original remains the best.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:10 Min.
It’s the fifth track from Joan Jett & The Blackhearts’ 1988 Up Your Alley album.
REVIEW:
If there was an imaginary prize for Worst Song Title of 1988, then this one is likely the winner (or, more accurately, the loser). For an ‘80s hard rock tune, there’s no mistaking Joan Jett’s husky vocals, including several caterwauls she throws in for good measure. A catchy melody far too similar to her “I Hate Myself For Loving You” (from the same album, no less) is also included.
Yet, the song’s awful title spells out why its lyrics are cringe-worthy. The tune might well have been salvageable, had it been limited to an instrumental only (and a much-needed title change, of course). Despite her considerable talents, no amount of Jett’s catty yowling can disguise this wreck of a tune. Fans are much better off sticking with “I Hate Myself For Loving You” as a can’t-miss download option.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 2 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1:33 Min.
This track appears on 2016’s Music of DC Comics, Volume 2. Courtesy of composer-conductor Danny Elfman, this opening credits instrumental accompanied the single-season CBS live-action Flash TV series starring John Wesley Shipp.
Notes: This theme is also a bonus TV track on Elfman’s 1996 double-disc compilation album: Music for a Darkened Theatre, Vol. 2.
REVIEW:
Is this theme derivative of Elfman’s own 1989 Batman theme? Definitely, yes! — but one suspects that’s most likely by Warner Bros./DC’s corporate design. Case in point: Elfman’s originality is more evident distinguishing his two Batman film scores from his Spider-Man movie work a decade later. However, that’s not the case here — his Flash TV theme merely plays off his cinematic Batman style. While Elfman doesn’t imbue Shipp’s Flash with his own unique theme, this rare instrumental is still a cool ninety seconds.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:14 Min.
For the eleventh track of her 1995 A Portrait album, Italian mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli performs this elegant rendition of Franz Schubert’s “La Pastorella.” She is accompanied by pianist-conductor Sir András Schiff.
REVIEW:
Gifted with a regal voice, Cecilia Bartoli sounds absolutely wonderful on this track. Though the song itself is short, Bartoli’s version is a gem!
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:43 Min.
As Track # 4, this low-key Ennio Morricone instrumental narrates a pivotal character’s demise late in the film. The orchestra, however, isn’t identified.
REVIEW:
Though this track isn’t likely recognizable to non-fans, the poignancy that Ennio Morricone imbues this old school noir-ish instrumental can’t be overstated. Simultaneously conveying a routine evening at a home and a ruthless homicide, its dual purpose is quite effective. While killing a nosy cop comes off as just another ‘day at the office’ for Al Capone’s hitmen, the reverse effect has Kevin Costner’s Eliot Ness grieving over the most personal casualty yet in this ongoing war. Well-played!
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:26 Min.
Performed by John Cafferty and The Beaver Brown Band, this upbeat R&B tune helps narrate an early ‘60s flashback sequence in the 1989 film, Eddie & The Cruisers II: Eddie Lives! While actor Michael Paré is the on-screen ‘Eddie Wilson,’ Cafferty provides the fictional Eddie’s singing voice.
REVIEW:
In a homage to exuberant R&B, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band demonstrate terrific versatility by incorporating their own contemporary rock spin. For instance, the upbeat saxophone work from Michael ‘Tunes’ Antunes (aka the fictional ‘Wendell Newton’ from Eddie’s band) is dazzling. For this change-of-pace tune, Cafferty reliably delivers his vocals in conjunction with classy R&B support by the female back-up singers.
In terms of overall originality, “Emotional Storm” is arguably the soundtrack’s best individual option. Even one isn’t an Eddie & The Cruisers fan, this song certainly merits a chance for re-discovery.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:20 Min.
The instrumental “Flashback” was recorded by Jan Hammer for Miami Vice’s first soundtrack, which was released in 1985. This track was frequently re-used throughout the 1985-89 NBC TV series.
REVIEW:
Arched by its slightly haunting sound, “Flashback” is a solid effort from Jan Hammer. For Miami Vice fans, it’s definitely a familiar addition to the soundtrack.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:03 Min.
This tune recorded by Queen is among the background songs heard during the 1986 Highlander film. “Friends Will Be Friends” appears on both A Kind of Magic’s original 1986 release and its 1991 re-issuing.
REVIEW:
It’s another solid Queen hit from the Highlander film, even if it isn’t remarkable. Smartly, it’s utilized in the background in one scene vs. a more high-profile placement in the movie. If anything, Freddie Mercury’s endearing vocals still make this tune worth four minutes of your time.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
Note: There’s a digitally-remastered rendition of this song also available on Queen’s 2002 Platinum Collection.
