Category: CD’s

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

I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC (Cast: 1980 Fame movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                        RUNNING TIME: 4:59 Min.

From 1980’s Fame film soundtrack, the ensemble cast (vocally represented by Traci Parnell, Irene Cara, Laura Dean, Paul McCrane, and Eric Brockington) performs the tune. Specifically, it narrates the graduation sequence closing out the film.  

REVIEW:

It’s certainly an intriguing contrast to the album’s solo tracks.  What handicaps this tune’s dynamic melody are the peculiar lyrics making an universal allegory about maturing into adulthood hard to follow.  Intended as a show-stopper, “I Sing the Body Electric” benefits from a combination of well-played rock/orchestra instrumentals and endearing vocals. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6½ Stars

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

HOT LUNCH JAM (by Irene Cara: 1980 Fame movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                         RUNNING TIME: 4:10 Min.

From 1980’s Fame film soundtrack, Irene Cara performs this tune written by Michael Gore, Lesley Gore, & Robert F. Colesberry.  The song is performed onscreen as an impromptu lunchtime jam session by students in the High School of Performing Arts’ cafeteria.

REVIEW:

Given the cafeteria-inspired lyrics, Irene Cara’s charismatic vocals somehow transform “Hot Lunch Jam” into a relatively catchy tune.  In part, its up-tempo rock melody syncs well with Cara’s performance.  Though it is the least memorable of Cara’s three solo tracks, this song retains an innocent charm.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        6 Stars

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

GHOST STORIES (by Coldplay)

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 42:47 Min.

In 2014, Atlantic Records handled the North American distribution of Coldplay’s sixth studio album: Ghost Stories.  Its eventual accolades include a 2015 win for Billboard Music Awards’ Top Rock Album and a 2015 Grammy nod for Best Pop Vocal Album.  Ghost Stories consists of these nine tracks:

                                                              Running Time:

  1. “Always in My Head”                                 3:36
  2. “Magic”                                                     4:45
  3. “Ink”                                                        3:48
  4. “True Love”                                               4:06
  5. “Midnight”                                                4:54
  6. “Another’s Arms”                                        3:54
  7. “Oceans”                                                    5:21
  8. “A Sky Full of Stars”                                   4:28
  9. “O”                                                           7:46          

Note: Alternate versions of this album exist, including a Target exclusive with three additional tracks.  

REVIEW:

For aficionados of low-key pop rock, Ghost Stories smoothly fits the bill.  No particular track dominates this album, but the radio-friendliness of “Magic” or “Midnight” are the highlights.  As terrific as this album’s playlist is, Chris Martin’s vocal delivery and the melodies themselves often sound too repetitive to make sufficient distinction between them. 

Ghost Stories, as a result, comes off as a slightly above-average effort from Coldplay.  Yet, the album’s artistic classiness still presents welcome potential in expanding Coldplay’s fanbase.    

PACKAGING:

Sporting some pretty neat artwork, the album insert includes technical credits and other obligatory info.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7 Stars

Categories
CD's Jazz & Blues Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

HIGH HEELS {aka Tacones lejanos or Talons Aigulles} [1991-1992 Movie Soundtrack]

SUMMARY:              RUNNING TIME: 42:00 Min.

Released in 1992 by Island Records, this album is the mostly instrumental soundtrack for Pedro Almodóvar’s 1991 Spanish language crime drama, High Heels (aka Tacones lejanos or Talons Aigulles) starring Victoria Abril.

Japanese composer/musician Ryuichi Sakamoto produced and performs most of the soundtrack; however, Spanish vocalist  Luz Casal performs Tracks 7 and 15.  The album’s twenty tracks are:

                                                              Running Time:

  1. Tema Principal                                              3:05
  2. Taco – Nes Lejanos                                       1:58
  3. Trauma                                                        3:04
  4. La Guitarra de Becky                                     1:04
  5. Plaza                                                           1:12
  6. Besos                                                           1:12
  7. Un Ano de Amor (performed by Luz Casal) 3:21
  8. El cucu 1                                                     4:28
  9. El cucu 2                                                     4:20
  10. Aesinato                                                      0:35
  11. Interroga – Torio                                           4:25    
  12. A Punto de Confesar                                     1:09
  13. Tele 7                                                           0:14
  14. El Arresto de Rebeca                                     1:04
  15. Piensa en Mi Sonata de Otono (performed by Luz Casal) 4:30
  16. Sonata de Otono                                            0:52
  17. La Liberacion de Rebeca                               1:58
  18. El Secreto de Letal                                         0:58
  19. El Viaje en Ambulancia                                 0:22
  20. Titulo Final                                                   3:03  

REVIEW:

Not overstaying its welcome, this mostly jazz-flavored soundtrack briskly flies by.  Suffice to say, it consistently exudes a sultry vibe updating film noir, with some occasional bits of levity.  The only exceptions are Tracks 8-9, which resemble pulsating techno-dance, but they still seamlessly blend into Ryuichi Sakamoto’s deft handiwork. 

Including Luz Casal’s classy chanteuse-style tunes, the High Heels soundtrack offers a solid addition to any favorite jazz or soundtrack playlist.    

PACKAGING:

The case’s back cover, as well as an insert, list all twenty tracks, but neither one provide running times.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6½ Stars

Categories
CD's Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

THE VERY BEST OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER: THE BROADWAY COLLECTION (by Various Artists)

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 70:00 Min.

Released in 1996, by Decca Broadway Records, this compilation album consists of eighteen tracks from nine Lloyd Webber productions.  More importantly, the tracks are provided by their most popular performers.  The tracks are:

                                                                            Running Time:

  1. “Jesus Christ Superstar” (title song)                             4:16

Performer: Murray Head

2. “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” (Jesus Christ Superstar) 3:33

Performer: Yvonne Elliman

3. “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” (Evita)                           5:53

Performer: Sarah Brightman

4. “High Flying, Adored” (Evita)                                       3:46

Performers: Evita’s Original Broadway Cast

5.. “Memory” (Cats)                                                          3:37

Performer: Betty Buckley

6. “Mr. Mistoffelees” (Cats)                                                4:06

Performers: Cats’ Original Broadway Cast

7. Lloyd Webber’s Requiem: Pie Jesu                                  3:56

Performers: Sarah Brightman & Paul Miles-Kingston

8. “Love Changes Everything” (Aspects of Love)                     3:29

Performer: Michael Ball

9. “The Phantom of the Opera” (title song)                           4:18

Performers: Sarah Brightman & Michael Crawford

10. “The Music of the Night” (The Phantom of the Opera)       5:16

Performer: Michael Crawford

11. Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” (The Phantom of the Opera)   3:06

Performer: Sarah Brightman

12.  “Any Dream Will Do” (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat)  2:39

Performer: Michael Damian

13.  “Close Every Door” (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat)  3:48

Performer: Donny Osmond

14.  “With One Look” (Sunset Boulevard)                           3:14

Performer: Glenn Close

15.  “Sunset Boulevard” (title song)                                    3:06

Performer: Alan Campbell

16.  “As If We Never Said Goodbye” (Sunset Boulevard)         4:15

Performer: Barbra Streisand

17.  “By Jeeves” (title song)                                                3:20

Performers: By Jeeves’ Original London Cast

18. “Gus: The Theatre Cat” (Cats)                                      5:10

Performers: Sarah Brightman & Sir John Gielgud

REVIEW:

Superb!  As a glorified sampler of Lloyd Webber’s best productions, one receives a classy musical treat meant for both long-time fans and casual listeners.  It’s accurate that some of these tracks may come off as overdone puff, in terms of outstaying their welcome.  Still, given the diversity of tracks and a satisfying running time, consumers absolutely get their money’s worth. 

Note: Curiously, in Track 2, one might detect a source of inspiration for The Lion King’s “Circle of Life” melody; just listen  and decide for yourself.  Composer Tim Rice wrote the lyrics for both songs.

PACKAGING:

With top-flight production values, Della Broadway Records provides all the pertinent track information.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   9 Stars

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

UP YOUR ALLEY (by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts)

SUMMARY:                         RUNNING TIME: 37:00 Min.

Released in 1988 by CBS Records and Blackheart Records, it is Jett’s sixth studio album with her band, The Blackhearts.  The ten tracks are:

                                                                      Running Time:

  1. “I Hate Myself for Loving You”                          4:06
  2. “Ridin’ With James Dean”                                3:17
  3. “Little Liar”                                                   3:59
  4. “Tulane”                                                        2:54
  5. “I Wanna Be Your Dog”                                   5:10
  6. “I Still Dream About You”                               3:22
  7. “You Want In, I Want Out”                              4:15
  8. “Just Like in The Movies”                                 3:04
  9. “Desire”                                                         3:52
  10. “Back It Up”                                                  3:31   

REVIEW:

Aside from a knockout opener and Jett’s trademark caterwauling, Up Your Alley is frankly a disappointment.  Too many of the melodies sound alike, as Jett mostly refuses to expand her patented hard rock formula. 

Case in point: with Track 6,  the instrumentals powering “I Still Dream About You,” practically replicate Jett’s popular Early 80’s hit covering “I Love Rock ‘N Roll.” Still, this tune, along with “You Want In, I Want Out,” and “Little Liar,” might  provide added incentive to purchase the album.  Yet, the less said about dubious tracks like “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” and a bubblegum cover of Chuck Berry’s “Tulane,” the better.

Up Your Alley kicks off with a definitive Jett hit, but, beyond that, casual listeners aren’t missing much skipping the rest of the album.    

PACKAGING:

The CD provides the essential product information re: Jett’s ten tracks.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     4 Stars

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

VH1 DIVAS LIVE (by Gloria Estefan; Mariah Carey; Celine Dion; Aretha Franklin; Shania Twain; & Carole King)

SUMMARY:               RUNNING TIME: 74:00 Min.

Released by Epic Records in October 1998, this album is a highlight package from the televised VH1 Diva Live: An Honors Concert for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.  Recorded on April 14, 1998, at New York City’s Beacon Theatre, the roster of female celebrities consist of: Mariah Carey; Celine Dion; Gloria Estefan; Aretha Franklin; Carole King; & Shania Twain.  Most of the singers supplied her own band.  For multiple tracks concluding the concert, the six ‘Divas’ team up.

The fourteen tracks included are:

                                                                       Running Time:                     

  1. Mariah Carey – “My All”                                   5:44
  2. Mariah Carey – “Make It Happen”                      5:28
  3. Gloria Estefan – “Turn the Beat Around”             5:06
  4. Gloria Estefan – “Heaven’s What I Feel”              4:53
  5. Gloria Estefan – Mega Mix                                3:32

“Dr. Beat/Conga/Rhythm is Gonna Get You/1-2-3/Get On Your Feet”

  • Shania Twain – “Man! I Feel Like a Woman”       4:33
  • Shania Twain – “You’re Still the One”                  3:37
  • Aretha Franklin & Mariah Carey – “Chain of Fools”  4:23
  • Celine Dion – “River Deep, Mountain High”          5:48
  • Celine Dion & Carole King – “The Reason”      5:58
  • Celine Dion – “My Heart Will Go On”               5:12    
  • The ‘Divas’ – “You’ve Got a Friend”                      5:28
  • The ‘Divas’ – “A Natural Woman”                       5:14
  • The ‘Divas’ – “Testimony”                                    9:45    

REVIEW:

Unlike watching the actual concert (there’s some moments of a predictable ego-fest where two octave-blasting stars try upstaging each other), this highlight CD is a treat for fans.  Hearing snippets of banter from the performers to the audience between songs is a nice supplement, too.  Instead of a typical Grammys team-up, hearing these performers in succession, as well as together, the vocal chemistry is readily there. 

If anything, VH1 Dives Live delivers a welcome blast of female-powered Late 90’s nostalgia.   

PACKAGING:

Epic Records does a solid job providing the CD’s necessary details without going overboard.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     8 Stars

Note: As enjoyable as this album is, it’s a shame that one wasn’t produced for 1996’s original VH1 Honors concert (featuring Gloria Estefan, Natalie Merchant, Bryan Adams, & Sheryl Crow, among others).  Among the highlights is Peter Gabriel unifying the other talent as back-up singers on an all-star rendition on “In Your Eyes.”  

Categories
CD's Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

BE A MAN (by “Macho Man” Randy Savage)

SUMMARY:                  RUNNING TIME: 45:00 Min.

In 2003, Big 3 Records released “Macho Man” Randy Savage’s only album consisting of fourteen spoken rap tunes backed by hip-hop professionals and/or heavy metal instrumentals.  Savage’s fourteen tracks are:

                                                                        Running Time:

  1. Intro                                                       0:48
  2. “I’m Back”                                              3:19
  3. “Ru Ready”                                             4:15
  4. “Hit the Floor” (featuring DJ Kool)     3:37
  5. “Let’s Get In On”                                     2:38
  6. “Remember Me”                                        4:01
  7. “Tear It Up”                                            3:21
  8. “Macho Thang” (featuring AJA)             3:00
  9. “Be a Man”                                             3:00
  10. “Get Back”                                              3:25
  11. “Feel the Madness”                                   3:20
  12. “”What’s That All About”                        3:43
  13. “Gonna Be Trouble”                                 3:37
  14. “My Perfect Friend” (featuring Primary Colorz)  3:55  

Notes: Savage co-wrote Track 9: “Be a Man.”  Curiously, neither a rendition of Savage’s signature entrance theme, “Pomp and Circumstance,” nor one of his later WCW themes is included.

REVIEW:

In one interview hyping “Be a Man,” a 51-year-old Savage had claimed this debut album would be his post-retirement answer to trendy memoirs penned by his wrestling colleagues.  Given his trademark gravelly voice (and a mastery of charismatic wrestling promos), Savage might have sought to imitate someone like John Cafferty (i.e. the singing voice of Eddie and The Cruisers), as “Macho Man”-style rock. 

Then again, if he meant to display a self-deprecating sense of humor, perhaps this project would involve some celebrity duets, i.e. how about a hilarious tag-team with Lionel Richie good-naturedly warbling “Say You, Say Me?”  Sadly, neither possibility resembles the finished product, as Savage swallowed epically bad career advice from his music industry contacts.    

There’s no mistaking that Be a Man extends Savage’s desperate (skin-tight black leather, silver chains, and an earring), mid-life crisis gimmick from his 1999 ‘Team Madness’ phase during WCW’s final years.  More so, it isn’t a coincidence that the pulsating dance instrumentals and super-loud back-up singers fail to hide Savage’s weak vocal performances.  Upon enduring Be a Man, there’s one stark realization for listeners.  Specifically, prior to his tragic passing in mid-2011, Savage should have opted for a ghostwritten memoir worthy of his legacy. 

Aside from the album’s finale: a poignant tribute to the late “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, the vast majority of Savage’s tracks are excruciatingly awful.  Even his Track 9 dissing of Hulk Hogan falls flat, as it sounds more like a cringe-worthy publicity gimmick than any airing of personal grievances. 

Had Savage merely released a passable single (i.e. Track 11’s “Feel the Madness”) to regain pop culture relevancy, the “Macho Man” would have surely gotten off easy with a mild reprimand from the public.  Instead, he brashly goes full bore into this misguided vanity project. His subsequent humiliation becomes immortal playing Be a Man in its entirety.

For nostalgia’s sake, ‘Macho Madness’ fanatics will come away preferring a DVD/Blu-Ray reliving Savage’s exuberant, mid-80’s-to-early-90’s WWF prime.  Such vivid memories far surpass this tone-deaf dreck masquerading as contemporary hip-hop.

PACKAGING:

A fold-up insert depicts a poster-size pin-up of Savage; its flip side sports five promotional photos (one of which is a black-and-white mid-air “Macho Man” during his patented flying elbow drop).  The writing and technical credits are provided, along with Savage’s thoughtful thank-you’s.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   2 Stars

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

LET IT BE ME (by Audrey Wheeler)

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 61:00 Min.

Capitol Records released this Soul/R&B album in 1987.  Audrey Wheeler’s eleven tracks are:  

                                               Running Time:

  1. “Irresistible”                                           5:11
  2. “Love on The Inside”                             4:57                                          
  3. “Forget About Her” (with Laundon Von Kendricks)   5:36
  4. “Somewhere in Your Life”                           3:58
  5. “Time for Passion”                                     5:13
  6. “I Miss You, Love” (with Larry Graham) 5:59
  7. “Don’t Lose Your Touch”                             5:02
  8. “Let It Be Me (Je T’Appartiens)”                 4:59
  9. “Irresistible” (bonus extended version)  6:10
  10. “Forget About Her” (bonus Club Mix)   6:37
  11. “Irresistible” (bonus UK Remix)             7:33

REVIEW:

Incorporating welcome jazz beats, “Let It Be Me” very much resonates as a template for mid-80’s R&B.  On most of these tracks, Audrey Wheeler’s vibrant sound surpasses what are otherwise mostly average tunes for the genre.  Case in point: her classy talents are on full display in Tracks # 1 and # 7, as they both might have been Top 20 hits. 

Yet, the repetitiveness factor kicks in too soon, as she relies heavily on “Irresistible” – it’s included a whopping three times.  Even if it meant resorting to an industry cliché, Wheeler ought to have tried at least one nostalgic R&B cover; at least, it would have better showcased her vocal range vs. hearing the same song yet again. 

Overall, Wheeler’s appealing presence ensures that her album delivers the necessary goods.  The insurmountable problem facing “Let It Be Me” is that it doesn’t overcome similar-sounding competition from the same era.       

PACKAGING:

Without running times, the tracks are listed on the back cover.  Wheeler’s husband, Will Downing, presents an introduction to the album.  Along with the musical credits, Wheeler includes her thank-you’s. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            6½ Stars

Categories
CD's Classical, Electronica, & New Age Music & Radio Shows

A JOURNEY (by Pretty Yende)

SUMMARY:                   RUNNING TIME: 77:00 Min.

In 2016, Sony Classical released this album showcasing South African operatic soprano Pretty Yende.  Backing Yende is the RAI National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marco Armiliato.  The eight selections are:

  1. II Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville), Act 1, No. 5

Composer: Gioachino Rossini        Running Time: 6:08

2. Lakmé, Act 1, No. 2

Composer: Leó Delibes                   Running Time: 6:13

3. Lakmé, Act 2, No. 10

Composer: Leó Delibes                   Running Time: 8:08

4. Beatrice di Tenda, Act 1, Scene 6

Composer: Vincenzo Bellini           Running Time: 12:36

5. Le Comte Ory, Act 1, Scene 8, No. 4

Composer: Gioachino Rossini         Running Time: 9:46

6. Lucia di Lammermoor, Act 1, No. 3

Composer: Gaetano Donzetti           Running Time: 12:59

7. I Puritani (The Puritans), Act 2

Composer: Vincenzo Bellini           Running Time: 15:2

8. Roméo et Juliette (Romeo and Juliet), Act 4, No. 17

Composer: Charles Gonoud            Running Time: 5:57

REVIEW:

A Journey is a treat channeling old-school Italian opera through Pretty Yende’s youthful and undeniably vibrant sound.  Reminiscent of Cecilia Bartoli, Yende excels as a vocal storyteller, as far as shifting from one dramatic emotion to another, let alone playing light-hearted comedy.  Hence, this album offers a wonderful chance to inspire a new generation of aspiring opera buffs.  The same applies attracting experienced listeners in need of a fresh jolt of energy.

Showing off Yende’s creative versatility without going overboard, Sony Classical effectively blends familiar opera tracks with some of the more obscure.  Ultimately, Yende’s Journey proves a musical gem for any age. 

PACKAGING:

Unsurprisingly, Sony Classical’s quality control is first-class.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      10 Stars