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

WILD YOUNG HEARTS (by The Noisettes)

SUMMARY:               RUNNING TIME: 36:00 Min.

Released in the U.S. by Mercury Records in September 2009, Wild Young Hearts is the second studio effort from British pop-rock/soul band, The Noisettes.  Lead vocalist/bass player Shingai Shoniwa and bandmates Daniel Smith (guitar/keyboards/back-up vocals) and Jamie Morrison (drums/percussion/back-up vocals) co-wrote the tracks.  They received additional songwriting help from George Astasio (Track 6) and John Frederick Fortis (Track 7).

The album’s ten tracks are:

  1. Wild Young Hearts   (2:56)
  2. Don’t Upset the Rhythm – Go Baby Go   (3:42)
  3. Never Forget You   (3:11)
  4. Saturday Night   (3:14)
  5. Atticus   (4:16)
  6. Every Now and Then   (3:41)
  7. 24 Hours   (3:49)
  8. Beat of My Heart   (3:24)
  9. Sometimes   (4:06)
  10. Cheap Kicks   (4:38)

Note: The band’s British distributor is Vertigo Records, which had released this album five months earlier.

REVIEW:

No matter how obscure it may be, this album’s pure fun quotient is impressive.  Anchored by Shingai Shoniwa’s effervescent vocals (sometimes reminiscent of classic doo-wop), Wild Young Hearts gleams by blending pop-rock, R&B/soul, indie rock, and dance into a bubbly pop cocktail.  For instance, with such well-written lyrics, hearing an up-tempo track inspired by Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird (Track # 5) is something else. 

Kudos should really go to The Noisettes for the depth of the album’s lyrics.  Frankly, there is not anything shallow emanating from Wild Young Hearts, especially as each track’s lyrics and melody is distinctive.

The sole detriment is that this album flies by almost too fast. Including a few bonus tracks would have been much appreciated, as there is no risk of Wild Young Hearts wearing out its welcome.  Despite falling off the Grammy Awards’ radar, this ultra-appealing 2009 Noisettes effort merits re-discovery. 

PACKAGING:

Th CD is well-protected inside a standard casing.  Without track numbers, the song titles appear on the case’s back.  Accompanied by several terrific pictures of the band, the insert booklet provides song lyrics (in poetry form), thank-you’s, and technical credits.  However, the track running times are not included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8½ Stars

Categories
CD's Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's) STAR TREK-Related

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE A TO Z OF FANTASY TV THEMES {Cover Album} (by Various Artists)

SUMMARY:              RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 37 Min.

Released by Silva Screen, in 1999-2000, this two-disc cover album consists of thirty tracks (primarily instrumentals) as homage to U.S. and British sci-fi/fantasy television programs dating back to the 1960’s.  Among the various artists are The Daniel Caine Orchestra and The City of Prague Orchestra.  The thirty tracks are:

Disc 1:

  1. Battlestar Galactica (Main Theme/Medley)   5:11     Composers: Stu Phillips & Glen A. Larson
  2. The Addams Family                                 2:22     Composer: Victor Mizzy
  3. Airwolf (1984)                                        3:02     Composer: Sylvester Levay
  4. The Avengers (Pre-Credits & Theme)        3:17     Composer: Laurie Johnson
  5. Buck Rogers in the 25th Century                2:26     Composer: Stu Phillips
  6. Doctor Who                                          2:22     Composer: Ron Grainer
  7. Fireball X-L5: Fireball                          2:24     Composer: Barry Gray
  8. Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (Suite)   4:46     Composer: Joseph LoDuca
  9. Knight Rider (1982)                              2:40     Composer: Stu Phillips
  10. Land of the Giants (Suite)                      5:23     Composer: John Williams
  11. Lost in Space (Series 1 & 3 Themes)       3:17     Composer: John Williams
  12. The Munsters                                       2:32     Composer: Jack Marshall
  13. The Outer Limits                                 3:31     Composer: Dominic Frontiere
  14. The Prisoner (Main Titles)                    3:24     Composer: Ron Grainer
  15. Quantum Leap                                   3:04     Composer: Mike Post

Disc 2:

  1. Red Dwarf (Interlude/Main Theme)                 4:57       Composers: Howard Goodall & Ian Hu
  2. SeaQuest DSV (Main Theme/Concert Version) 3:21       Composer: John Debney
  3. Space 1999 (1st Series Theme)                          3:10       Composer: Barry Gray
  4. Space: Above and Beyond                                4:02       Composer: Shirley Walker
  5. Star Trek: The Original Series (Main Theme)  2:23       Composer: Alexander Courage
  6. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Concert Version)  3:57       Composer: Dennis McCarthy
  7. Star Trek Voyager (Main Theme)            1:59       Composer: Jerry Goldsmith
  8. Thunderbirds (March)                            3:38       Composer: Barry Gray
  9. The Time Tunnel                             2:19       Composer: John Williams
  10. The Twilight Zone (Themes)  2:48 Composers: Bernard Hermann & Marius Constant
  11. Twin Peaks                                      2:46       Composer: Angelo Badalamenti
  12. V: The Series (1984)                          2:42       Composer: Dennis McCarthy
  13. Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (Seaview) 2:03       Composer: Paul Sawtell
  14. Xena: Warrior Princess (Overture)        4:23       Composer: Joseph LoDuca
  15. The X-Files                                      3:27       Composer: Mark Snow

Note: Evidently, an alternate version of this album exists, with an expanded total of forty-four tracks.  

REVIEW:

In terms of both audio and production quality, virtually all the tracks sound close to the originals.  Considering how many of these  tunes are near-impossible to find, Battlestar Galactica: The A to Z of Fantasy TV Themes presents the best practical option for nostalgia fans.      

PACKAGING:

While the CD case effectively protects both discs, the artist credits are relatively skimpy.  Silva Screen acknowledges original composer/artists, but crediting cover performers or even a source album apparently was not a priority.  In some instances, it is entirely possible that Silva Screen licensed the original artist/composer’s version.  Still, consumers may not catch not how many of the thirty tracks were performed by very competent stand-ins – credited or not.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

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

DOUBLEBACK (by ZZ Top: Recycler)

SUMMARY:                        RUNNING TIME: 3:53 Min.

From its 1990 album, Recycler, this ZZ Top rock tune would accompany the closing credits of Back to the Future, Part III that same year.  In one of the film’s 1885 sequences, the band makes a cameo appearance performing an instrumental version of the song.  Unsurprisingly, ZZ Top’s “Doubleback” music video is a commercial for the movie.     

Note: “Doubleback” is not included with composer Alan Silvestri’s score on the 1990 soundtrack.  Re-imagined with a country music twinge, the same-named acoustic rendition (as heard in ‘1885’) appears in its place.  This track lasts under ninety seconds.  The acoustic version’s extended 3:13 minute cut was subsequently added to the soundtrack’s 25th Anniversary Edition.

REVIEW:

Appropriately enough, “Doubleback” is its own nostalgia time machine.  Vividly conveying Marty McFly’s Old West adventure, ZZ Top sounds near the top of their game.  Working off a rip-snorting melody, the catchiness of this pulsating tune remains undiminished.  Even if “Doubleback” isn’t a priority download, adding it sometime to a favorite rock, soundtrack, or workout playlist makes good sense.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            7 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

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

WHAT WE’RE ALL ABOUT – ORIGINAL VERSION (by Sum 41: Music From and Inspired by Spider-Man)

SUMMARY:                  RUNNING TIME: 3:35 Min.

For Tobey Maguire’s 2002 Spider-Man movie, this Sum 41 rock tune appears on the official soundtrack entitled Music From and Inspired By Spider-Man.  On the album, it is Track # 3.

Note: DC Comics’ Legion of Doom amusingly gets a Sum 41 shout-out in the lyrics.    

REVIEW:

Loudly melding rap, rock, and metal, one might best describe this song’s genre as alternative rock.  Trying too hard to reach the high school crowd, “What We’re All About” sounds awfully dated twenty years later.  While Sum 41 concocts a catchy rock/metal jam, the song’s repetitiveness exudes an obnoxious and shallow vibe.  It’s hardly a surprise that “What We’re All About (Original Version)” wears out its brief welcome.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     3 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

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

HOT STUFF (by Donna Summer: The Journey – The Very Best of Donna Summer)

SUMMARY:                   RUNNING TIME: 3:50 Min.

This 1979 Donna Summer disco hit first appeared on her seventh studio album, Bad Girls.  The song subsequently won Summer a 1980 Grammy Award for “Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.”  Among the various compilation albums that “Hot Stuff” appears on is 2003’s The Journey: The Very Best of Donna Summer

Note: The Journey: The Very Best of Donna Summer album also includes an extended cut (the ‘12” Version’) of “Hot Stuff,” with a running time of 6:42.

REVIEW:

“Hot Stuff” captures a radiant Donna Summer, if one is seeking a disco time machine.  This catchy retro tune is highly recommended.  Aside from other Summer tunes, another ideal download double-feature would be Lipps Inc.’s “Funkytown” from 1980.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8 Stars

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

THE LAGOS MUSIC SALON (by Somi)

SUMMARY:                       RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 8 Min.

Released by Okeh Records in 2014, The Lagos Music Salon is fusion jazz singer/songwriter Somi’s fourth studio album.  Born and based in the U.S., Somi (Laura Kabasomi Kakoma) is of Rwandan and Ugandan descent.  Her album was inspired by an 18-month sabbatical she took in Nigeria. 

The album’s tracks are:   

                                                Running Times: 

  1. First Kiss: Eko Oni Baje   1:24
  2. Love Juju # 1  3:21
  3. Lady Revisited (with Angélique Kidjo)  3:55
  4. Ankara Sundays  5:18
  5. Ginger Me Slowly  4:03
  6. When Rivers Cry  (with Common) 4:28
  7. Brown Round Things  4:30
  8. The Story of Monkey  0:53
  9. Akobi: First Born S(u)n  4:06
  10. Two-Dollar Day  5:50
  11. Still Your Girl  4:46
  12. Four.One.Nine.  3:32
  13. Love Nwantinti (with In His Image)  2:10
  14. Four African Women  6:35
  15. Hearts & Swag   1:17
  16. Love Juju # 2  4:20
  17. Last Song  4:20
  18. Shine Your Eye  3:22

Notes: Somi is the first African female to be Grammy-nominated in a jazz category.  She is also an actress/playwright.

REVIEW:

After Track # 1 provides a ‘backstage’ introduction of sorts, The Lagos Music Salon concocts a classy blend of jazz and pop.  The exotic jazz instrumentals are somewhat reminiscent of Keiko Matsui, as far as projecting flawless fusion jazz.  A significant difference from Matsui’s ultra-smooth style, however, would be Somi’s sultry vocals, as each track carries a unique vibe. 

Note: Track # 15 is a brief interlude reminiscent of the first track.

Contemplating various romantic and cultural themes, Somi exudes an effervescent sound making The Lagos Music Salon a gem to hear. Hence, this album is absolutely recommended!          

PACKAGING:

The CD has a standard casing.  The insert booklet includes track information, an introduction from author Teju Cole, song lyrics, and photos of Somi.  Her thank-you notes are followed by the technical credits.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      10 Stars

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

SELF PORTRAIT (by Lalah Hathaway)

SUMMARY:             RUNNING TIME: 57:00 Min.

In 2008, Concord Music Group released Lalah Hathaway’s fourth album: Self Portrait.  Consisting of twelve R&B/jazz tracks Hathaway co-wrote, the songs are:

  1. Let Go (4:06), with Rahsaan Patterson on back-up vocals
  2. Breathe (5:04)
  3. On Your Own (6:39)
  4. For Always (4:23)
  5. That Was Then (5:09)
  6. Learning to Swim (4:35)
  7. 1 Mile (4:28), with Andre “Bokie” Edwards on back-up vocals
  8. Little Girl (4:22)
  9. What Goes Around (5:39)
  10. Naked Truth (4:10)
  11. Udo (3:36)
  12. Tragic Inevitability (5:04)

REVIEW:

Working off thoughtful lyrics, Lalah Hathaway’s mature vocal sound provides a low-key and relaxing means to unwind.  Self Portrait’s introspective vibe, suffice to say, has all the potential for an immaculate R&B/jazz hybrid. 

The one obstacle is that, in terms of both tempo and melody, Hathaway’s dozen tracks are too much alike.  An occasional shift in pace and/or tone (i.e., a few up-tempo, radio-friendly tracks) to energize listeners would have helped. 

Imbued with a sophisticated vibe for the genre, Self Portrait should readily score with Hathaway’s fans.  Rather than the full album, selected tracks (i.e., No. 6: “Learning to Swim”), however, may prove sufficient for casual listeners sampling her classy style.    

PACKAGING:

Track listings and running times are provided.  The insert includes the obligatory credits and some terrific studio images of Hathaway.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      7 Stars

Categories
CD's DISNEY/PIXAR-Related Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

MARY POPPINS RETURNS [Movie Soundtrack]

SUMMARY:                RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 18 Min.

In late 2018, Disney released the Mary Poppins Returns movie soundtrack, with a total of twenty-seven tracks.  In addition to composer-conductor Paul Gemignani’s instrumental score, nine original tunes are featured.  The album’s track listing is as follows:

  1. (Underneath the) Lovely London Sky {3:46}    

Performer: Lin-Manuel Miranda

2. Mary Poppins Returns (Overture) {2:28}           

Performer: Paul Gemignani

3. A Conversation {2:42}                                     

Performer: Ben Whishaw

4. Can You Imagine That? {4:22}                                   

Performers: Emily Blunt; Pixie Davies; Joel Dawson, & Nathaniel Saleh

5. The Royal Doulton Music Hall {3:01}

Performers: Emily Blunt; Lin-Manuel Miranda; Pixie Davies; Joel Dawson; Nathaniel Saleh, etc.

6. Introducing Mary Poppins {0:31}                     

Performers: Lin-Manuel Miranda & Emily Blunt

7. A Cover is Not The Book {4:25}

Performers: Emily Blunt; Lin-Manuel Miranda; Pixie Davies; Joel Dawson; Nathaniel Saleh, etc.

8. The Place Where the Lost Things Go               

Performer: Emily Blunt

9. Turning Turtle {4:20}

Performers: Meryl Streep; Emily Blunt; Lin-Manuel Miranda; Pixie Davies; Joel Dawson; & Nathaniel Saleh

10. Trip a Little Light Fantastic {7:02}

Performers: Emily Blunt; Lin-Manuel Miranda; Pixie Davies; Joel Dawson; Nathaniel Saleh, etc.

11. The Place Where the Lost Things Go – Reprise {1:30} 

Performers; Joel Dawson; Nathaniel Saleh; & Pixie Davies

12. Trip a Little Light Fantastic – Reprise {0:46}

Performers: Dick Van Dyke; Emily Blunt; Ben Whishaw; Lin-Manuel Miranda; Pixie Davies; Joel Dawson; & Nathaniel Saleh, etc.

13. Nowhere to Go But Up {5:45}

Performers: Angela Lansbury; Ben Whishaw; Colin Firth; Lin-Manuel Miranda, Pixie Davies, Joel Dawson, Nathaniel Saleh, etc.

14. (Underneath the) Lovely London Sky – Reprise {1:52}     

Performer: Lin-Manuel Miranda

Tracks 15-27 Performer: Paul Gemignani

15. Mary Poppins Returns (Closing Theme) {1:38}

16. Kite Takes Off {2:40}                                        

17. Mary Poppins Arrives {1:41}                            

18. Magic Papers {1:33}                                         

19. Banks in the Bank {0:43}                                  

20. Into the Royal Doulton Bowl {1:58}                   

21. Rescuing Georgie {4:01}                                    

22. Off to Topsy’s {2:53}                                        

23. Chase Through the Bank {1:11}                       

24. Lost in a Fog {0:59}                                         

25. Goodbye, Old Friend {2:32}                              

26. Race to Big Ben {4:55}                                     

27. Mary Poppins Returns (End Suite) {5:12}          

Notes: The tracks are not in sequential order to the film.  Further, some tracks include excerpts of dialogue.

REVIEW:

In 2018, Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns faced a conundrum: either opt for an original identity – a commendable notion, or undisguised copycat-ism of the original 1964 classic – a potentially surefire win, if handled correctly.  It can be surmised that Disney tried bridging generational gaps to simultaneously entice both fans of Julie Andrews and those of the earliest Harry Potter films.  Given the film’s preoccupation with overcoming grief as one of its major themes, it’s no surprise that the soundtrack skews toward a more mature target audience.      

Given how children’s tastes are far more sophisticated now than their mid-1960’s counterparts, Disney likely deemed that replicating songs, such as “Supercalifraglisticexpialidocious,” wouldn’t hold up today.  More so, the inevitability of being accused of creative laziness, if the company had, surely was a factor, too.  Even if such conclusions make good sense on paper, the result proves mixed for mass audiences. 

Case in point: conveying an epic stage musical, Paul Gemignani’s grand instrumental score dominates much of the album.  The problem is that it won’t likely leave a lasting impression.  In the overture, for instance, Gemignani’s most whimsical (and even zaniest) moments welcome Emily Blunt’s take on ‘Mary Poppins.’  Unfortunately, listeners (especially kids) are hard-pressed to link such musical cues as being synonymous with the iconic British nanny.  One instrumental, however, is spot-on: Track 17’s “Mary Poppins Arrives,” could just as easily introduce Julie Andrews’ incarnation.

In terms of new tunes, the tracks closest to the original film’s spirit are Track 4: “Can You Imagine That?” and Track 7: “The Cover is Not the Book,” as both are welcome treats.  The same applies to the ever-reliable Angela Lansbury and Ben Whishaw leading the cast’s rendition (absent Emily Blunt) of Track 13: “Nowhere to Go But Up.” 

Best of all is Blunt’s compassionate lullaby, Track 8:“The Place Where the Lost Things Go.” Still, as an answer to Whishaw’s heartbreaking Track 3: “A Conversation,” its poignant subject matter obviously won’t leave anyone humming with delight.        

That is where the melancholic Mary Poppins Returns soundtrack regrettably falters.  Given the 1964 film’s timeless charm, one reasonably expects Blunt and the supporting ensemble (aside from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s grating fake Cockney accent) to channel a catchy batch of kid-friendly songs – in the beloved Julie Andrews tradition.  For a classy soundtrack lasting nearly eighty minutes, there isn’t nearly enough innocent fun to keep Disney’s youngest core audience enthralled.    

Despite Disney’s good intentions and such a talented cast, the soundtrack’s reliance on slickly-written, Broadway-style showtunes (i.e., Track 10: “Trip a Little Light Fantastic”) presents an inadequate substitute.  While unimpressed kids will likely move on fast, the Mary Poppins Returns album best appeals to adults appreciating its musical sophistication. 

PACKAGING:

The slipcover CD wallet is well-manufactured.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6½ Stars

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

I CAN’T STAND THE RAIN {Cover} (by Tina Turner: Simply the Best)

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 3:43 Min.

Originally, “I Can’t Stand the Rain” was a 1973 Ann Peebles R&B radio tune.  Peebles was one of the song’s three composers; the others being Don Bryant and Bernard “Bernie” Miller.  Among the tune’s subsequent cover performers was Tina Turner for her iconic 1984 album, Private Dancer.  Staying on her playlist, Turner’s rendition would later appear on her 1991 retrospective album, Simply the Best.

For Private Dancer’s 1997 CD release, the song appears twice.  Appearing as a bonus track, its alternate version lasts an extra two minutes. 

Note: Turner’s remastered “I Can’t Stand the Rain” appears on 2015’s Private Dancer re-release.       

REVIEW:

“I Can’t Stand the Rain” may not be one of Tina Turner’s best-known efforts, but it holds up remarkably well nearly forty years later.  Perfectly tuned with its catchy melody, Turner’s vocals make an ideal fit for the song’s moodiness.  Instead of a solo download, the song is best enjoyed as part of either Private Dancer or Simply the Best – frankly, both.  Recommended! 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       7½ Stars

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

I HATE MYSELF FOR LOVING YOU {Cover} (by Adanna Duru: American Idol Season XIV)

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 4:08 Min.

In 2015, American Idol contestant Adanna Duru covered Joan Jett’s 1988 rock hit, “I Hate Myself for Loving You.  Duru’s rendition was subsequently released as a single and as a track for the season’s Top 11 album.  

Note: Duru finished in 10th/11th place in American Idol’s fourteenth season.

REVIEW:

Despite Idol’s instrumentals reasonably mimicking Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ hard rock melody, Adanna Duru’s vocals are initially bubblegum tame.  Hence, one is left anticipating a weak rendition of Jett’s tune directed at Disney+ programming.  Yet, once she gets comfortably warmed up, Duru’s second half of the song comes alive.  Duru doesn’t echo Jett so much as she finally pushes her vocal efforts to fit the lyrics, not to mention the song’s energetic vibe. 

Even if her cover doesn’t justify a solo download, Duru’s take on Joan Jett is still fairly solid.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          6 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE