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

FISHERMAN’S SONG (by Carly Simon: Have You Seen Me Lately?)

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 3:53 Min.

From her 1990 album, Have You Seen Me Lately?, Carly Simon composed and performs this track.  Lucy Simon and Judy Collins contribute back-up vocals, with bass guitar support rom Will Lee.  Collaborating with illustrator Margot Datz, Simon subsequently interpreted the song into a 1991 storybook of the same name.     

REVIEW:

The poetic wistfulness embedded in “Fisherman’s Song” demonstrates Carly Simon’s articulate storytelling talents.  Imagine an old-fashioned fairy tale by the sea where the romantic twist becomes one of rejection by the solitary fisherman.  Yet, as channeled through Simon’s voice, his ex-girlfriend poignantly imagines her own happy ending to their love affair. Judging by its descriptive magic, one can readily understand why Simon would have been inspired to make the song into a storybook.  Suffice to say, “Fisherman’s Song” offers first-class entertainment.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              8½ Stars

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

FLASH – DIGITAL REMASTER {Flash Gordon movie soundtrack} (by Queen: The Platinum Collection)

SUMMARY:                                         RUNNING TIME: 2:49 Min.

In its original form, this anthem is Queen’s opening credits theme for the 1980 live-action Flash Gordon movie soundtrack.  However, for 2002’s Platinum Collection edition (which collects Queen’s Greatest Hits Vols. I-III), the digitally-remastered version utilizes movie dialogue clips rather than Ming and Klytus’s villainous narrative in the movie’s pre-credits sequence.  

REVIEW:

Hearing Freddie Mercury sing the praises of Flash Gordon and declaring him the ‘Savior of the Universe’ is such a blast.  Not only is Queen’s upbeat rock melody deliriously catchy, a fresh insertion of campy movie dialogue clips (including Melody Anderson’s Dale Arden & Max von Sydow’s Ming the Merciless) and a few movie sound effects is another stroke of genius.  It’s a shame that this track doesn’t stretch an extra minute or two longer, as it wouldn’t wear out its welcome.  Suffice to say, Flash Gordon aficionados will thoroughly enjoy hearing Queen’s magic again. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 9 Stars

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

DON’T DROP THAT BOMB ON ME (by Bryan Adams: Waking Up The Neighbours)

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 6:00 Min.

As the fifteenth track, it’s the finale to Bryan Adams’ 1991 album, Waking Up The Neighbours.  Adams co-wrote this track with frequent collaborator, Robert John “Mutt” Lange.  

REVIEW:

The somewhat self-righteous lyrics live up to the song title, as this track is Adams’ commentary criticizing a war-happy world.  Considering its excessive running time, the song’s melody still holds up remarkably well.  Adams’ vocals are also in good form, but, unfortunately, the song itself just seemingly goes on forever. 

Had the song been ninety seconds or even two minutes shorter, “Don’t Drop That Bomb on Me” might make a greater impression with listeners.       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                6 Stars

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Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance Soundtracks (CD's)

FOLLOW MY RAINBOW (by Sheena Easton: The Lover in Me)

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 4:56 Min.

From her 1988 album, The Lover In Me, Sheena Easton would perform this ballad in character as singer Caitlin Davies-Crockett in the Miami Vice TV episode, “Deliver Us From Evil,” serving as its fourth season’s ominous finale.  The song also appears on 1988’s Miami Vice III soundtrack album and 2004’s Miami Vice: The Ultimate Collection CD.

REVIEW:

Oddly contradicting the steamy sex appeal theme imbuing The Lover In Me album, Easton’s effervescent “Follow My Rainbow” is an underrated gem.  Treading on gospel-like optimism, this soaring pop ballad delivers Easton’s voice in vintage form.  Its poignancy re: following one’s ‘rainbow’ to save a troubled romance by staying on course with resilient personal faith makes for an uplifting listening experience.  Even if this effervescent song doesn’t age too well, it’s a reminder of Easton’s considerable talents when she is supplied a worthy song.          

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

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Classical, Electronica, & New Age Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows

EVACUEE (by Enya: Shepherd Moons)

SUMMARY:                                 RUNNING TIME: 3:50 Min.

It’s the eighth track off Enya’s 1992 Shepherd Moons album. 

REVIEW:

Its ethereal choir-like opening is well-matched by the included sound effect of a rainstorm commencing.  Enya’s elegant vocals and a slow-brewing melody (strangely reminiscent of a Christmas-like choral tune) subsequently converge to create a soothing calm within the storm, so to speak.  For any relaxation-themed playlists, the lullaby effect of “Evacuee” makes an worthwhile download option.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             8 Stars

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

FABLE – MESSAGE VERSION (by Robert Miles featuring Fiorella Quinn: Dreamland)

SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 6:24 Min.

For his 1996 dance-electronica album, Dreamland, composer-musician Robert Cocina (aka Robert Miles) performs this instrumental (Track # 2), with Fiorella Quinn on vocals. 

Notes: “Fable” also has a purely instrumental ‘dream’ variant (Track # 8) on this same album.     

REVIEW:

The pulsating chemistry between Fiorella Quinn’s vocals and Myles’ electronica magic is dynamite!  This track is an excellent option for a workout playlist.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               8 Stars

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

FABLE – DREAM VERSION (by Robert Miles: Dreamland)

SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 7:13 Min.

For his 1996 dance-electronica album, Dreamland, composer-musician Robert Cocina (aka Robert Miles) performs this instrumental (Track # 8).  “Fable” also has a ‘message’ variant (Track # 2), with vocalist Fiorella Quinn supporting Miles.    

REVIEW:

Robert Miles works his pulsating electronica magic on this track.  Its high energy offers can’t-miss prospect for workout playlists.  Yet, the inclusion of Fiorella Quinn’s alluring vocals on the ‘message’ variant, is the more memorable and arguably better “Fable.” 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            7 Stars

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

DON’T WORRY, BABY (by The Beach Boys & The Everly Brothers: Tequila Sunrise movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 3:18 Min.

For Tequila Sunrise’s 1988 movie soundtrack, The Beach Boys team up with The Everly Brothers for this breezy pop tune.    

REVIEW:

In terms of 60’s-meets-the-80’s pop fluff, “Don’t Worry, Baby” is similar in spirit to The Beach Boys’ “Kokomo,” off the Cocktail soundtrack from that same year.  Hence, for fans, it’s more like half of a classy double-feature.  Considering what this undemanding tune is supposed to be, The Everly Brothers blend seamlessly into the familiar Beach Boy sound.  This rare collaboration makes a solid choice to add to any easy listening playlist.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:          6½ Stars

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

DIDN’T I (by Carly Simon: Have You Seen Me Lately?)

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 2:50 Min.

From her 1990 album, Have You Seen Me Lately?, Carly Simon wrote and performs this track.     

REVIEW:

It’s a nice, pleasant tune for adults.  There’s no mistaking Carly Simon’s distinctive voice, as she makes good use of a low-key melody.  Yet, the unambitious song just seems forgettable – at least, in comparison to other Simon efforts. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  6 Stars

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Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

THE ROCKFORD FILES {Cover: TV Series Theme} (by The Daniel Caine Orchestra: NYPD Blue – The Best of Mike Post)

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 2:32 Min.

The 1974-1980 NBC TV opening credits theme was composed by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter.  Covering this theme as an extended cover is The Daniel Caine Orchestra for its 1999 instrumental tribute album, NYPD Blue: The Best of Mike Post

REVIEW:

The Daniel Caine Orchestra does an outstanding job reviving “The Rockford Files.”  It’s really an impressive replica of Mike Post’s work.  For fans and/or 70’s TV soundtrack enthusiasts, one should consider tracking this cover tune.  All is that missing is James Garner’s (as Jim Rockford) answering machine telling callers to leave a message on his voice mail.

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING:                       8½ Stars

Note: Post’s original theme appears on 1990’s Television’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 3: ‘70s & 80’s album.

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