Category: Music & Radio Shows

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Decorations Dolls, Statues, & Busts Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic Toys & Games

WHITNEY HOUSTON – HOW WILL I KNOW (FUNKO STATUETTE)

SUMMARY:

Released by Funko POP Icons! in 2022, it’s a vinyl homage to Whitney Houston’s 1985 “How Will I Know” music video.  This Funko POP’s dimensions are: 2.5 X 2.5 X 3.75.  In Funko’s numbering system, this POP Icon is # 70. 

Other Houston Funko POP Icon homage statuettes include: her 1991 Super Bowl National Anthem (# 71), her 1985 debut (# 25), and her 1987 “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (With Somebody Who Loves Me)” music video (# 73).

REVIEW:

As far as mid-80’s pop music nostalgia goes, this Funko POP Icon statuette is a gem.  Immaculately produced, it delivers a welcome treat for Whitney Houston fans.

BONUS FEATURES:

A clear plastic display stand is included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    10 Stars

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

TWICE UPON A TIME – THE SINGLES (by Siouxsie & The Banshees)

SUMMARY:             RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 15 Min.

This second singles compilation was released in late 1992  – by Geffen Records in the U.S. and Polydor Records in the U.K.  Specifically, the playlist consists of tunes the British band chronologically released (or, in one instance, a live version) between 1982 and 1992. 

The eighteen tracks are:  

  1. Fireworks (4:21)
  2. Slowdive (4:18)
  3. Melt! (3:47)
  4. Dear Prudence (3:51) (composers: Paul McCartney & John Lennon)
  5. Swimming Horses (4:04)
  6. Dazzle (5:30)
  7. Overground (3:51)
  8. Cities in Dust (4:07)
  9. Candyman (3:43)
  10. This Wheel’s On Fire (4:03) (composers: Bob Dylan & Rick Danko)
  11. This Passenger (4:09)
  12. Peek-A-Boo (3:10)
  13. The Killing Jar (3:58)
  14. The Last Beat Of My Heart – Live Version from Seattle’s 1991 Lollapalooza (5:26)
  15. Kiss Them For Me (4:29)
  16. Shadowtime  (4:20)
  17. Fear (Of The Unknown) (4:19)
  18. Face to Face (from 1992’s Batman Returns) (4:25).

REVIEW:

The band’s mostly upbeat melodies tend to resemble one another after awhile.  Still,  with a regular influx of upbeat pop, these eighteen moody songs should please alternative/punk rock loyalists and will likely entice a new generation of fans.  Case in point: for Track # 18, Siouxsie Sioux’s lead vocals (no doubt deliberately) eerily resemble actress Michelle Pfeiffer’s voice, as far as conveying her Catwoman’s sultry anthem heard in Batman Returns. 

Twice Upon A Time – The Singles, suffice to say, delivers welcome background noise.  More so, it’s an intriguing retrospective album meriting re-discovery.        

PACKAGING:

Its standard CD casing includes the tracks, producers, and their release dates listed on the back.  The booklet/insert provides each song’s lyrics, black-and-white miniature photos of the band, writing credits, and copyrights.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          8 Stars

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

PULP FICTION [1994 Movie Soundtrack]

SUMMARY:                  RUNNING TIME: 41:11 Min.

Released by MCA Records in 1994, the film soundtrack includes dialogue clips from the movie between tracks.  With twelve songs, the album’s sixteen tracks are as follows:

SIDE 1:  

  1. Dialogue Clip: “Pumpkin and Honey Bunny” (voice actors: Tim Roth & Amanda Plummer) explicit (2:27)
  2. Misirlou (by Dick Dale & His Del Tones) (1:42)
  3. Dialogue Clip: “Royale With Cheese” (voice actors: John Travolta & Samuel L. Jackson) explicit (3:05)
  4. Let’s Stay Together (by Al Green) (3:15)
  5. Bustin’ Surfboards (by The Tornadoes) – instrumental (with wave sound effects) (2:26)
  6. Lonesome Town (by Ricky Nelson) (2:13)
  7. Son of a Preacher Man (by Dusty Springfield) (2:25)
  8. Dialogue Clip: “Zed’s Dead, Baby” (voice actors: Maria de Medeiros & Bruce Willis) followed by Bullwinkle, Part II (by The Centurions) (2:31).

SIDE 2:

  1. Dialogue Clip: “Jack Rabbit” Slims Twist Contest” (credited voice actor: Jerome Patrick Hoban) followed by You Never Can Tell (by Chuck Berry) (3:12)
  2. Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon (by Urge Overkill) (3:09)
  3. If Love is a Red Dress (Hang Me in Rags) (by Maria McKee) (4:55)
  4. Dialogue Clip: “Bring Out The Gimp” (voice actors: Peter Green & Duane Whitaker) followed by Comanche (by The Revels) (2:10)
  5. Flowers on The Hill (by The Statler Brothers) (2:23)
  6. Dialogue Clip: “Personality Goes a Long Way” (voice actors: John Travolta & Samuel L. Jackson) (1:00)
  7. Surf Rider (by The Lively Ones) – instrumental (3:18)
  8. Dialogue Clip: “Ezekiel 25:17” (voice actor: Samuel L. Jackson) (0:51).

Note: This soundtrack is also available in CD and digital formats.  The vinyl edition has evidently been re-released multiple times.

REVIEW:

Enjoying spot-on audio quality, this highlight reel of an album supplies an ideal accompaniment for Pulp Fiction afficionados.  None of the dozen tunes, curiously enough, are must-haves on their own.  Yet, once assembled as a mostly 60’s retro playlist, the tracks become catchy. 

With this album’s groovy tunes flying by fast, the Pulp Fiction soundtrack cuts an entertaining slice of mid-90’s pop nostalgia.     

PACKAGING:

The album’s contents are accurately included on both the back cover and the record itself.  The included sheath keeps the record well-protected.  To MCA Records’ credit, the parental advisory label is easy to spot.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

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

LIVE FOR LOVING YOU (by Gloria Estefan: Into the Light)

SUMMARY:                        RUNNING TIME: 4:37 Min.

From Gloria Estefan’s 1991 studio album, Into the Light, “Living for Loving You” is its eleventh track.  A subsequent music video was produced, including cameos by Estefan’s husband, son, and her two dalmatians.

Note: This track is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

Loaded with breezy exuberance, Gloria Estefan’s vocals are right on target making this dance tune a tropical pop gem.  Ideal for beach parties, the playfully romantic “Live for Loving You” makes a welcome addition to any summertime pop playlist. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

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

HEART WITH YOUR NAME ON IT (by Gloria Estefan: Into the Light)

SUMMARY:                         RUNNING TIME: 4:46 Min.

From Gloria Estefan’s 1991 studio album, Into the Light, “Heart With Your Name On It” is its sixth track.

Note: This track is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

Between its likable melody and Gloria Estefan’s endearing vocals, “Heart With Your Name On It” offers a solid pop track.  This upbeat tune isn’t remarkable, but the song, at a minimum, gives off a welcome vibe.  Suffice to say, it ages far, far better than Track # 7: the cringe-worthy “Sex in The 90’s,” which may well be Estefan’s career-worst tune. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          6½ Stars

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

OCEANS (by Coldplay: Ghost Stories)

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 5:21 Min.

From Coldplay’s 2014 studio album, Ghost Stories, “Oceans” appears as Track # 7.  

Note: This track is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

This ultra-low-key ballad has a nice sound, but it just drags on far too long.  The tune’s last several seconds as it slowly fades spells this criticism out.  The most practical use for “Oceans” would be for a sleep-aid playlist. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     4 Stars

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

CAN’T FORGET YOU (by Gloria Estefan: Into the Light)

SUMMARY:                           RUNNING TIME: 4:15 Min.

From Gloria Estefan’s 1991 studio album, Into the Light, “Can’t Forget You” is its tenth track.

Note: This track is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

Though obscure after more than thirty years, the wistful “Can’t Forget You” is a classy tune.  Backed by an appealing melody, Estefan’s vocals are in terrific form.  This song is a hidden gem on Into the Light well worth re-discovery.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          7½ Stars

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

CLOSE MY EYES (by Gloria Estefan: Into the Light)

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 4:29 Min.

From Gloria Estefan’s 1991 studio album, Into the Light, “Close My Eyes” is its eighth track.

Note: This track is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

This obscure ballad possesses a satisfying melody, but Gloria Estefan’s vocals is what makes this tune work.  Picking up some momentum in its second half, the tune sails into a nice finish.  Meant more as a filler track for Into the Light, “Close My Eyes” holds up well after more than thirty years. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                              6 Stars

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

ENDANGERED SPECIES (by Des’ree)

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 58:00 Min.

In 2000, Sony Music Entertainment (UK) released this compilation album of miscellaneous Des’ree tracks.  Including five live renditions, the thirteen tracks (which she also co-wrote) consist of:

  1. Silent Hero (5:03) Note: The song is featured in Spike Lee’s 1995 film, Clockers.
  2. Get A Life (3:31)
  3. I Ain’t Movin {Family Stand Acoustic Mix} (4:05)
  4. Innocent & Naive (3:40)
  5. Warm Hands, Cold Heart {2000 Mix} (4:39)
  6. I Ain’t Movin’ {Live} (5:19)
  7. Little Child {Live} (3:51)
  8. Looking Philosophical (4:10)
  9. Caring World (4:12)
  10. Soul Mates {Previously Unreleased} (3:53)
  11. Feel So High {Live from London} (4:49)
  12. You Gotta Be {Live from London} (5:17)
  13. Life {Live from London} (6:01).

REVIEW:

Projecting a wonderfully articulate mix of pop, R&B, and jazzy blues, Des’ree’s vocal effervescence is something else.  Working off sparkling instrumentals, she makes these cast-off tunes (not widely released for whatever reason) sound almost magical.  More so, she skillfully pitches her thoughtful lyrics as something to say vs. merely saying something.  It’s just a shame that none of these tracks would be surefire radio hits, though Track # 3: “I Ain’t Movin (Family Stand Acoustic Mix)” likely comes closest. 

Otherwise, the album’s style conveys a welcome sense of classiness, from start to finish.  At nearly an hour’s running time, listeners will be getting their full money’s worth.  Even if deemed as a sampler for her other albums, this Des’ree compilation project is an elegant treat.

PACKAGING:

The CD case lists the tracks.   As for the insert booklet, the tracks, their running times, writing credits, and the full lyrics are included.  Des’ree briefly explains the backstory for each tune.  A discography listing tracks of four of her albums is included.  Lastly, Des’ree offers her thank-you’s. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8½ Stars

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

THE CLASSICAL COLLECTION, PART 1 {Cover} (by Vanessa-Mae)

SUMMARY:   COMBINED RUNNING TIME: 3 Hours, 12 Min.

Released by EMI Records in 2000, Vanessa-Mae’s The Classical Collection, Part 1 is a three-disc cover compilation with a total of thirty-two tracks.  The tracks per each disc are:

DISC 1:

Tracks 1-3 include conductor Anthony Inglis & The London Mozart Players.

  1. Kabalesvsky: Violin Concerto in C, Op. 48 – Allegro (4:30)
  2. Kabalesvsky: Violin Concerto in C, Op. 48 – Andante (5:02)
  3. Kabalesvsky: Violin Concerto in C, Op. 48 – Vivace Giocoso (5:58)

Tracks 4-7 feature conductor Kees Bakels and The London Symphony Orchestra.

4. Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake – Russian Dance  (4:07)

5. Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D, Op. 35 (Allegro Moderato) (17:22)

6. Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D, Op. 35 (Canzonetta – Andante) (5:46)

7. Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D, Op. 35 (Finale – Allegro Viviacissimo) (9:05)

Disc 1’s Running Time: Approx. 51 Minutes.

DISC 2:

Tracks 1-3 include conductor Nicholas Cleobury & The New Belgian Chamber Orchestra.

  1. Kreisler: Schön Rosmarin (1:57)
  2. Kreisler: Liebeslied (2:54)
  3. Kreisler: Liebesfried (3:10)

Tracks 4-6 include conductor Anthony Inglis & The London Mozart Players.

4. Mozart: Violin Concerto in D, K. Anh. 294A 1. Allegro (7:22)

5. Mozart: Violin Concerto in D, K. Anh. 294A 2. Adagio (7:14)

6. Mozart: Violin Concerto in D, K. Anh. 294A 3. Allegro (7:22)

Tracks 7-9 feature conductor Kees Bakels and The London Symphony Orchestra.

7. Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D, Op. 61 – 1. Allegro Ma Mon Troppo (22:47)

8. Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D, Op. 61 – 1. Larghetto (8:05)

9. Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D, Op. 61 – 1. Rondò (9:46)

Disc 2’s Running Time: Approx. 66 Minutes.

DISC 3:

  1. Salut D’Amour (2:26)
  2. Lullaby (2:00)
  3. Bach: On the G String (2:26)
  4. My Favorite Things (1:16)
  5. Mancini: The Pink Panther (2:27)
  6. Les Parapluies De Cherbourg (1:51)
  7. One Moment in Time (4:36)
  8. The Beatles: Yellow Submarine (1:43)
  9. Frères Jacques (8:54)
  10. Paganini/Kreisler: La Campanella (5:22)
  11. Chinese Folk Tune (2:23)
  12. Tambourin Chinois (4:04)
  13. Figaro (5:29)
  14. Summertime (1:52)
  15. Concert Fantasy on Carmen (13:36)
  16. Wieniawski: Fantasy Brillante on Gounod’s “Faust,” Op. 20 (16:19)

Disc 3’s Running Time: Approx. 75 Minutes.

REVIEW:

As one might expect, Vanessa-Mae’s violin work is exquisite. Combined with such flawless instrumentals, she is at the top of her classical game.  After two discs of traditional covers, the third disc is a musical potpourri, with wonderful homages to pop culture.  Given its timeless entertainment value, this cover compilation is highly recommended!   

PACKAGING:

As a box set, all three discs are well-protected.  The tracks are conveniently listed.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       10 Stars