Category: Digital Songs & Albums

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DC-Related Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) MARVEL-Related Music & Radio Shows Rock & Symphonic/Metal

SUPERHEROES (by The Script: No Sound Without Silence)

SUMMARY:                                          RUNNING TIME: 4:05 Min.

It’s the second track off The Script’s 2014 album, No Sound Without Silence.  The credited composer is Mark Sheehan.   

REVIEW:

Despite the song’s title, this track isn’t about Superman or Spider-Man, etc., at least not directly.  Referencing everyday ‘super-heroes,’ The Script effectively balances a set of likable lyrics with a contemporary rock melody.  Even more so, the uplifting message powering the lyrics’ realism is commendable.  Although it’s perhaps too repetitive at the end, “Superheroes” makes a solid option for various  contemporary rock playlists. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7½ Stars

Note: Another download option is 2017’s “Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay, from the album: Memories … Do Not Open.

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance

SHE’S NOT THERE (by The Zombies: The Original Studio Recordings)

SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 2:24 Min.

Originally released by The Zombies on their 1964 self-titled album, “She’s Not There” would resurface in 2003 on the group’s The Original Studio Recordings compilation. 

REVIEW:

This catchy ‘60s pop tune holds up relatively well.  The audio quality is solid, as are the vocals.  The only downside is “She’s Not There” flies by too fast.  An extra reprise of either the chorus or its catchy melody would have been appreciated. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance Soundtracks (Digital)

MODERN WOMAN {Ruthless People} (by Billy Joel: All-Time Greatest Movie Songs)

SUMMARY:                                 RUNNING TIME: 3:48 Min.

Borrowed from 1986’s Ruthless People movie soundtrack, this rollicking pop tune is included as a track for 1999’s All-Time Greatest Movie Songs compilation album.    

REVIEW:

Billy Joel humorously captures the 1980’s ongoing battle-of-the-sexes, particularly inside a corporate setting.  As high-powered (and befuddled) male chauvinists finally get their comeuppance, Joel describes contemporary women claiming their rightful place as equals while still retaining their femininity.  Suffice to say, this boisterous song is a terrific addition to any playlist (including workouts, as proven by the montage it accompanies in Ruthless People). 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

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Categories
Classical DC-Related Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) MARVEL-Related Music & Radio Shows

THE LAUNCH: CONDUKTOR’S THEME (by John Morris Russell & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Superheroes!)

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 4:50 Min.

Composed by Pete Anthony, this original orchestral piece is performed by conductor John Morris Russell and The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for their 2012 cover tribute album, Superheroes!  It’s Track # 10 for the album.

REVIEW:

Perfectly suited for the album’s theme, it’s a terrific sci-fi/fantasy overture for the imagination — either for super-heroics or blasting off into deep space.  Well-performed by The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, its classical-themed originality is a definite plus.  In that sense, “The Launch: Conduktor’s Theme” can hold its own against the DC & Marvel movie instrumentals covered on Superheroes!         

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7½ Stars

Note: Also recommended from this same album is the exclusive “To the Rescue!” TV tune medley  With voice-over work by Adam West, the tune homages George Reeves’ Superman, Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman, The Super-Friends (with Wendy, Marvin, & Wonder Dog), the 1960’s animated Spider-Man series , and, of course, West’s own Batman.

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Rock & Symphonic/Metal

MILES AWAY (Winger: In the Heart of the Young)

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 4:15 Min.

This 1990 song was among the tracks released for radio play from Winger’s second album: In the Heart of the Young.  Its lead singer is Kip Winger. 

REVIEW:

Winger was among many Late ‘80’s-Early ‘90s lite metal rock bands that briefly caught fire in the ‘big hair, even bigger sound’ MTV video era.  Considering the group’s output, it isn’t surprising that Winger struggled amidst a glut of competition seeking to be the next Bon Jovi or Def Leppard. 

Still, some of this group’s tunes from their 1988 self-titled first album and 1990’s In the Heart of The Young hold up surprisingly well.  From the band’s second effort, the underrated “Miles Away” may take first place on that hypothetical list.       

Benefiting from a catchy melody (including a terrific piano accompaniment),“Miles Away” delivers a surprisingly good ballad.  Specifically, the lyrics speak of regret and lingering, if not fading, hope turning into heartbreak re: a romance broken up in part by long distance.  Backed by his band’s high-energy instrumental work, Kip Winger’s articulate, almost haunting vocals soar in impressive fashion.  This track is a Winger career highlight, as it merits a chance for re-discovery.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                              8 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance Soundtracks (Digital)

MAMA SAID (by The Shirelles: One Fine Day movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 2:09 Min.

This upbeat Shirelles R&B/pop tune dates back to 1961.  It subsequently appears on the soundtrack for 1996’s One Fine Day comedy, which stars Michelle Pfeiffer & George Clooney.

REVIEW:

“Mama Said” remains a terrific tune.  It just tends to have a cookie-cutter formula sound for the genre of that era.   Frankly, it’s perfect creative sense pairing this tune with The Chiffons’ peppy “One Fine Day,” which predictably appears on the same soundtrack.  Adding this Shirelles track to a favorite oldies playlist makes a good investment.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        7 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Electronica & Epic Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows

ONE OF US (Ivan Torrent & Julie Elven: single)

SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 4:29 Min.

This 2014 single is a collaboration between Spanish composer-musician Ivan Torrent and German-based songstress Julie Elven.

REVIEW:

Imagine a science fiction-themed epic instrumental, and that’s the direction Ivan Torrent takes “One of Us.”  This concept, which is further bolstered by Julie Elven’s haunting vocals, impressively works.  Packed with action cues, the track seems meant for either a space war movie or video game trailer.  For epic enthusiasts, “One of Us” is certainly worthy of adding to a favorite playlist.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         8 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance

KISSES OF FIRE {Cover} (by Jessica Keenan Wynn, Alexa Davies, & Panos Mouzourakis: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 2:29 Min.

For the 2018 sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, actresses Jessica Keenan Wynn and Alexa Davies team up with Panos Mouzourakis for this cover of the ABBA tune.

REVIEW:

It’s definitely different.  Amusingly starting off like it’s a Neil Diamond tune (with a distinctively Greek flavor), Panos Mouzourakis is a hoot with his contribution. The baton then goes to actresses Jessica Keenan Wynn & Alexa Davies, as “Kisses of Fire” launches into a full-blown disco sound.  Wildly exuberant and wisely short, this somewhat wacky song somehow works as is.  In addition to a terrific instrumental performance, the song benefits from dynamic efforts by co-stars Jessica Keenan Wynn & Alexa Davies (not to mention, their back-up chorus). 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                7½ Stars

Categories
Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance

OUT OF THE DARK (by Mandisa Hundley: Out of the Dark)

SUMMARY:                                         RUNNING TIME: 3:01 Min.

Appearing as Track # 3, it’s the title cut off Mandisa Hundley’s 2017 album.      

REVIEW:

Mandisa Hundley’s sparkly vocals are ideal for this tune recalling vintage ‘80s dance/R&B.  With its brief hop-hop twist, the melody’s exuberance becomes remarkably endearing.  Mandisa’s classy “Out of the Dark” qualifies for any number of playlists, including dance, pop, and aerobic workouts.  It’s an underrated gem.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             8 Stars

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Categories
Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance

FEEL THE FIRE {Cover} (Maysa Leak: Feel the Fire)

SUMMARY:                                         RUNNING TIME: 5:05 Min.

Written by Peabo Bryson, “Feel the Fire” was first released as a 1980 duet between Bryson and Roberta Flack.  For her same-named 2005 R&B/Soul cover album, Maysa Leak revisits Bryson’s romantic ballad.     

REVIEW:

Talk about a dynamite cover!   Not only is the melody a terrific recreation of creative stylings from that era, vocalist Maysa Leak puts considerable heart into this soul classic.  Leak’s take on “Feel the Fire” is absolutely worth adding as a download to any R&B/Soul playlist. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8½ Stars

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