Category: Music & Radio Shows

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Classical, Electronica, & New Age Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's) STAR WARS-Related

STAR WARS {Cover – Disco Medley} (by Meco: Disco Nights, Volume 10: Disco’s Greatest Movie Hits)

SUMMARY:                           RUNNING TIME: 6:26 Min.

Sporting vintage sound effects, this disco medley re-imagining some of John Williams’ original Star Wars themes has been available for decades in various formats.  Among its sources are 1995’s obscure Disco Nights, Volume 10: Disco’s Greatest Movie Hits and 1997’s Best of Meco.

REVIEW:

In terms of the ultimate Star Wars cover champion, Meco still prevails.  Beyond creating an awesome disco beat, Meco inserts an assortment of authentic sound effects: i.e. Artoo-Detoo’s beeping, a lightsaber duel, and even an X-Wing vs. Tie-Fighter dogfight.  Excursions into “Obi-Wan’s Theme” and the cantina band sequence are seamlessly included as part of this track.  Considering the slick orchestral effort and synthesizer cues, Meco’s work has never sounded better as intergalactic ear candy.  What’s still remarkable about this homage is a welcome aura of unpredictability for those hearing it for the first time.  Unquestionably, this Meco cover is a fantastic musical treat for any Star Wars fan.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                10 Stars

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

GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE TV SERIES THEME {Cover} (by “Weird Al” Yankovic: Dare to Be Stupid)

SUMMARY:                 RUNNING TIME: 1:05 Min.

Covering the goofy theme song from the same-named 1967 cartoon series, “Weird Al” Yankovic includes his version on his 1985 comedy album, Dare to be Stupid.  His rendition’s popularity later landed it on the soundtrack for the 1997 live-action film adaptation starring Brendan Fraser.    

REVIEW:

In a rare instance of a straight-up homage, “Weird Al” Yankovic is at his best.  It’s a fresh and endearing tribute to the cheesy Tarzan spoof.  Though it’s only a minute long, this track is one of Dare to Be Stupid’s highlights.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital) TV Series

THE BIONIC WOMAN TV SERIES THEME {Possible Cover} (by Music Factory: TV Series, Volume 2: Hits Collection)

SUMMARY:                           RUNNING TIME: 1:25 MIN.

Released by the generically-named Music Factory, this tune provides the opening credits theme to Lindsay Wagner’s vintage 1970’s TV series.  The track appears on Music Factory’s 1996 album: TV Series Vol. 2: Hits Collection. 

REVIEW:

If this track is a cover, then it’s simply flawless.  It may well be the official version, since the same album also has a complete rendition of “The Six Million Dollar Man” TV theme (including its original voice-overs and sound effects).  For those fans seeking an authentic rendition of The Bionic Woman’s hard-to-find theme, this track is highly recommended. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                10 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital) TV Series

THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN TV SERIES THEME {Possible Cover} (by Music Factory: TV Series, Volume 2: Hits Collection)

SUMMARY:                      RUNNING TIME: 1:01 Min.

Released by the generically-named Music Factory, this tune provides the opening credits theme to Lee Majors’ hit 1970’s TV series.  Both the voice-overs and the sound effects are faithfully included.  The track appears on Music Factory’s 1996 album: TV Series Vol. 2: Hits Collection. 

REVIEW:

If this track is a cover, then it’s simply flawless.  However, it’s probably the official version since the narratives by actor Richard Anderson (as OSI boss Oscar Goldman) and producer Harve Bennett (briefly introducing Steve Austin) are still intact.  Even the computerized background sound effects are exactly the same.  For those fans who seeking a hard-to-find rendition of The Six Million Dollar Man theme, this track is highly recommended. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  10 Stars

Note: This same album also offers a pristine recording of The Bionic Woman’s TV theme.  

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DC-Related Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) MARVEL-Related Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital) TV Series

ADAM WEST’S TO THE RESCUE! (TV Super-Hero Medley) {Cover} (by John Morris Russell & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Superheroes!)

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 5:48 MIN.

As an exclusive to the 2013 album, “Superheroes!” by John Morris Russell and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, this cover medley’s gamut runs through three 1950’s-70’s live-action main credits tunes: The Adventures of Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman.  The medley also has the themes of the original Super Friends cartoon series (with Wendy, Marvin, & Wonder Dog) and Spider-Man’s original cartoon series.  The legendary Adam West provides the transitional voice-overs. 

REVIEW:

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and its choral section should be commended for this well-produced medley seamlessly linking five classic superhero TV themes.  Still, its cheesy magic really belongs to Adam West, as his distinctive (and slightly raspy) voice is a treat to hear.  Whether it is a glowing narration of George Reeves’ Superman theme, introducing the Super-Friends, or  simply announcing, “To the Batmobile!” one last time, his tongue-in-cheek presence imbues this track with pure nostalgia.  As a novelty track, “To The Rescue!” is an all-ages gem!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              8½ Stars

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

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S OVERTURE – PHANTOM OF THE OPERA {Cover} (by Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Chiller)

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 2:14 Min.

This cover rendition is performed by Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for its 1989 Chiller album.  A ghastly cackle from ‘The Phantom’ concludes this track. 

REVIEW:

Faithfully rendered (including the ominous pipe organ intro), this cover by Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra is a classy rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s original track.  In that sense, the instrumental quality is on a par with Nox Arcana and Midnight Syndicate, as far as conveying creepy mood music.  While the track itself isn’t necessarily a must-have, it’ll appeal to fans seeking a spot-on interpretation for Halloween-themed playlists.  The cackle is a nice touch, too.  If anything, this track is a tempting advertisement to seek out Chiller as a possible album download.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               7 Stars

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Country, Folk, & Bluegrass Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows

BACK WHEN WE WERE BEAUTIFUL (by Matraca Berg: Sunday Morning to Saturday Night)

SUMMARY:                           RUNNING TIME: 3:40 Min.

It’s the sixth track from Matraca Berg’s 1997 album, Sunday Morning to Saturday Night.  Berg also wrote the song.

REVIEW:

Known more in the country music industry for her articulate songwriting, Matraca Berg’s classy vocals brings to life her own poignant ballad.  It’s about a widowed grandmother wistfully expressing to her grandchild/grandchildren some insights re: old age and of memories from her youth. Suffice to say, Berg infuses this song with some thoughtful storytelling magic.  “Back When We Were Beautiful,” accordingly, deserves a welcome shot at re-discovery. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 9 Stars

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

EAT MY SHORTS (by Rick Dees: Hilarious! Greatest Novelty Hits)

SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 3:39 Min.

It was recorded and co-written by radio personality Rick Dees for his 1984 Put It Where the Moon Don’t Shine album.  This spoof of a marriage gone sour has resurfaced on some compilation albums, i.e. 2006’s Hilarious! Greatest Novelty Hits. 

REVIEW:

Demolishing romantic pop/R&B drivel, Rick Dees nails this sarcastic parody of Late ‘70s-Early ‘80s love songs.  Its inspired use of a blah disco melody against the cynical lyrics makes it hard to keep a straight face.  A classy female R&B back-up group and Dees’ concluding pig snort are added bonuses.  The best element of “Eat My Shorts,” however, is its comically embittered ode to divorce.  Suffice to say,  Dees and his back-up chorus have great fun ripping lazy, no-good philandering spouses.  Other than maybe Steve Martin, it’s doubtful that any comedian could surpass Dees’ spot-on performance on this particular tune.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8½ Stars

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Humor (CD's) Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows THREE STOOGES-Related

THE CURLY SHUFFLE (by Jump N’ The Saddle Band: Hilarious! Greatest Novelty Hits)

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 2:55 Min.

Recorded as a single by the Jump N’ The Saddle Band, this Three Stooges homage was released in 1983.  For that time, its music video was a Stooges black-and-white clip montage.  Among the compilation albums “The Curly Shuffle” has subsequently appeared is 2006’s Hilarious! Greatest Novelty Hits.    

REVIEW:

For Three Stooges aficionados, obtaining a copy of this zany one-hit wonder is a must.  In a tribute to all the Stooges, the Jump N’ The Saddle Band does some fantastic work remembering Jerome “Curly” Howard.  Near-perfect imitations of Curly’s most well-known phrases and sound effects are included.  As a pop culture nod to the world’s famous Stooge, “The Curly Shuffle” is a gem.      

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING:                8 Stars

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DC-Related Humor (CD's) Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows

THEME OF THE JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA (by Arthur Korb: Music of DC Comics, Volume 2)

SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 3:11 Min.

Credited to Arthur Korb, this 1966 novelty tune appears on the 2016 compilation album, Music of DC Comics, Volume 2.  It’s performed in a groovy 60’s lounge/barbershop act style.  Sung in character as if it’s the Justice League roll call time, the line-up supposedly consists of Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Batman, Flash, Plastic Man, and Metamorpho.  Dialogue setting up a Justice League mission is also included.

Note: The same album also offers Korb’s other brief 1966 odes to Metamorpho and Wonder Woman.

REVIEW:

Directed at the most undemanding of kiddie fans, this tune could well be the most dreadful three minutes in super-hero recording history.  Amazingly, Arthur Korb’s tribute to Wonder Woman is possibly even worse – its sole asset is that dreck is only half the length of this JLA parody.  Like the other two Korb ‘hits’ on this album, this cringe-worthy JLA role call is a moldy slice of pop culture cheese.

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING:                     3 Stars