SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:56 Min.
The 1987-90 CBS TV opening credits theme was composed by Mike Post. Covering the theme is The Daniel Caine Orchestra for its 1999 instrumental tribute album, NYPD Blue: The Best of Mike Post.
REVIEW:
In this extended cover, The Daniel Caine Orchestra nails Mike Post’s TV theme. For fans seeking the TV series theme, this stellar cover may be the best option available.
BRIAN’S OOD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:59 Min.
Composer-conductor John Barry provided the original score to Disney’s same-named 1979 sci-fi film. From Lifestyles’ 2001 Night at the Movies 2-disc cover album is this instrumental suite recreating “The Black Hole.” This particular cover appears on Disc 2.
REVIEW:
Considering the film soundtrack’s availability is sparse, this faithful cover at least offers a five-minute sampler. For what it is, this suite does some dynamite work.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:46 Min.
Composer-conductor Michael Kamen devised the instrumental, “You’re the One,” for the soundtrack of the 1995 romantic Irish film adapting Maeve Binch’s same-named novel, Circle of Friends. A few years later, the Seattle Symphony Orchestra performed this track for the 1998 Michael Kamen’s Opus retrospective album.
REVIEW:
Definitely well-played! With its gentle piano-driven melody, “You’re the One” proves a quietly underrated gem. Composer Michael Kamen builds the track with a romantic music box-like sound that is tough to surpass. This poignant theme would be ideal for instrumental and classical music playlists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:22 Min.
From her 1996 album, This Fire, Paula Cole duets with Peter Gabriel on the tenth track.
REVIEW:
Exuding poignancy, this ballad’s low-key, piano-driven elegance sounds a bit reminiscent of Amy Lee and Evanescence. Yet, what stands out more is the vocal chemistry between Paula Cole and Peter Gabriel, though they don’t actually sing in unison. It’s more like she passes the baton on to him later in the song and then it goes back to Cole – this creative choice adds another distinctive element to “Hush, Hush, Hush.” The song’s haunting thematic content re: the impact of AIDS on a father and his dying son proves hard to shake off. “Hush, Hush, Hush,” is a song of the same caliber as Eric Clapton’s unforgettable “Tears in Heaven.” Highly recommended!
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:43 Min.
This live 1993 performance of 10,000 Maniacs comes from their MTV Unplugged album recorded from the same-named cable TV series. Natalie Merchant was still the group’s lead vocalist at the time.
REVIEW:
In all likelihood, this track is the group’s definitive rendition of “Because The Night.” With Natalie Merchant at the top of her game and the group’s flawless instrumentals, 10,000 Maniacs have never sounded better. As a download option, this version of “Because The Night” is a must-have for any fan of 10,000 Maniacs. Absolutely recommended!
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:06 Min.
Released as the first of four singles for their 2000 album, All That You Can’t Leave Behind, U2’s smash hit song would help revive the band’s prospects after floundering for the latter half of the 90’s. The song would go on to win many Grammy Awards, such as Song of the Year and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, just to name a few.
REVIEW:
“Beautiful Day” mixes up the band’s original sound with electronics – and the result works! The handcrafted lyrics and unique sound co-mingle the new and old that, overall, reminds listeners of U2’s ability to adapt. The song’s best element is how, in spite being done in the 2000’s, it won’t be mistaken among the likes of The Backstreet Boys or The Calling, standing as a testament to U2’s unique style and versatility.
Yet, this classic track does feel outdated listening to it two decades later. Keeping that in mind, “Beautiful Day” deserves to be held in high regard as one of the group’s best songs and their best effort of the 21st Century.
ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:53 Min.
It’s the tenth track on U2’s seminal 1987 album, The Joshua Tree.
REVIEW:
The song starts off beautifully as an ode to the sea before inexplicably going silent for several long seconds. Finally returning in a whisper, “Exit” has Bono’s faint vocals slowly build towards a low-key yet pulsating melody. This intriguing rock tune, during the song’s second half, reverberates to life in a few spurts before fading out again. Perhaps U2 meant “Exit” as an experiment of sorts, but, for casual listening, this track isn’t close to satisfying.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 3½ Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:45 Min.
Performed by Gladys Knight & Kenny Loggins, their duet appears on 1985’s Rocky IV film soundtrack.
REVIEW:
Considering the big names involved, “Double or Nothing” should be an appealing collaboration. In terms of their vocal chemistry, Knight & Loggins readily live up to their fame. Yet, the feel-good pop lyrics they’re stuck pitching are by no means special, let alone make sense, if applied to Rocky IV’s Rocky & Adrian Balboa. Despite the album being packed with testosterone-charged tunes, the classy sound of “Double or Nothing” blends into Rocky IV’s playlist well enough. Yet, the tune comes off as nothing more than a paycheck song.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:00 Min.
From her 1996 The Girl Next Door album, Crystal Bernard from NBC TV’s Wings performs this country-western tune.
REVIEW:
To her credit, Crystal Bernard delivers a polished vocal performance on the bittersweet “Eleven Roses.” The song itself, however, doesn’t stand out all that much. One can attribute it to a standard-issue country-western melody that sounds merely sufficient. Bernard’s endearing voice makes up some of the difference, as “Eleven Roses” should be a fine choice for country playlists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:45 Min.
As part of their hit 2000 album, All That You Can’t Leave Behind, this U2 song was eventually released as among its singles.
REVIEW:
This one literally makes no sense. First digging a ‘hole like a mole,’ but then now there’s an elevation? The worst part about this one isn’t the ridiculous lyrics, sadly. “Elevation,” on top of having one of the most expensive music videos of all time, is a hot mess that never seems to have a true meaning. Bono himself even said that it was just a song to let loose, making listeners wonder if “Elevation” maybe came straight out of Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
