Category: Music & Radio Shows

FLASH’S THEME {Cover} (by Mista Lawnge: Flash Gordon movie soundtrack’s 1991 re-release)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 29, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 6:42 Min.

As a bonus finale for 1980 Flash Gordon movie soundtrack CD, Mista Lawnge of Black Sheep recorded this re-mix of the film’s opening theme by Queen.

REVIEW:

It’s a shame that the magic of Queen’s version is wasted. Mista Lawnge’s unimaginative remix is the equivalent of hearing a broken record. Wearing thin in seconds, this repetitive hip-hop track seemingly drones on forever. To justify its existence, Lawnge’s homage really should have been trimmed by at least a good two minutes. Including a pathetic warbling of Ming’s dialogue intro, there’s nothing here justifying the price of a download. For your money’s worth, go with Queen’s original version — complete with the gloating Ming (Max von Sydow) & Klytus (Peter Wyngarde) dialogue sample left intact.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 2 Stars

Note: A tantalizing alternative is the digitally-remastered “Flash’s Theme” (simply entitled “Flash”) available on Queen’s 2002 Platinum Collection set. Specifically, the film dialogue sampling is different than the soundtrack version.

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

ALL HALLOW’S EVE BALL (by Alan Silvestri: Van Helsing movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 29, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:01 Min.

Released on the official soundtrack for 2004’s Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale-headlining Van Helsing monster film, this instrumental track is from composer-conductor Alan Silvestri. The song is available as a digital download.

REVIEW:

Both creepy and operatic, its ominous vibe is perfectly suited for an epic horror film. Still, as high-caliber as Alan Silvestri’s work normally is, there isn’t anything distinctive about this particular track. It could just as easily blend into any number of gothic horror period movies, such as The Phantom of The Opera. Even so, Silvestri’s classy handiwork on “All Hallow’s Eve Ball” makes a good download choice for a suspense/horror film or Halloween party-themed playlist.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

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

ANDANTE, ANDANTE (by Lily James: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 29, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:00 Min.

For the 2018 sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, actress Lily James (as a young ‘Donna Sheridan’) covers this ABBA tune.

REVIEW:

Lily James’ vocals are ideal for this dreamy Broadway-like ABBA cover. Despite a charming piano-driven melody, this slower-paced track doesn’t emerge as one of the soundtrack’s most memorable efforts. It isn’t James’ fault so much, as the song’s jazzy lyrics tend to be more middle-of-the-pack ABBA. As a download option, this “Andante, Andante,” is a fine choice, but James sparkles on her gentle solo rendition of “I Have a Dream” from this same album.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

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

ANGEL (By R. Armando Morabito & Julie Elven: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 29, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:28 Min.

This 2014 single is a collaboration between composer-musician R. (Ray) Armando Morabito and German-based songstress Julie Elven. This track is available as a digital download.

REVIEW:

Upon hearing the classy electronica stylings of R. Armando Morabito, “Angel” sounds near-indistinguishable from similar themes by, for instance, Ivan Torrent or John Dreamer. Considering their equally high-caliber work, that’s a compliment to Morabito. Yet, what noticeably enhances “Angel” is the impact of genre regular Julie Elven. Her ethereal vocals add something special to the mix, making this track ideal for movie/video game soundtracks and/or trailers. Even more so, “Angel” treads close to European disco-pop in a vein similar to the late Robert Miles.

For epic enthusiasts, “Angel” warrants consideration adding to a favorite playlist.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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CD's Individual Tracks (CD's) Jazz & Blues Music & Radio Shows

BLUE SKIES {Cover} (by Diana Krall: Turn Up the Quiet)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 29, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:38 Min.

From her 2017 cover album, Turn Up the Quiet, Diana Krall offers her take on this 1926 Irving Berlin show tune.

REVIEW:

It’s a terrific cover. As part of Diana Krall’s Turn Up the Quiet album, it’s a delightfully droll treat to hear. Jazz enthusiasts might be inclined to add this old school tune to a favorite playlist.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

CD's Classical, Electronica, & New Age Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows

AFER VENTUS (by Enya: Shepherd Moons)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 29, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:06 Min.

It’s the eleventh track of Enya’s 1992 Shepherd Moons album.

REVIEW:

Although Enya’s elegant voice doesn’t disappoint, the tranquil melody drags at times. Further, there is isn’t anything remarkable about “Afer Ventus,” despite its thematic continuity with Shepherd Moons. The track seems middle-of-the-pack, as it neither bolsters nor weakens the album itself. For her fans, “Afer Ventus” will be worthwhile, but, for just casual listening, there are better choices available for an Enya download. Case in point: “Book of Days,” from this same album, (it’s Track 7) is a gem.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

ALL FOR LOVE (by Bryan Adams, Sting, & Rod Stewart: The Best of Me)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 29, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:40 MIN.

Recorded as the love song for Disney’s 1993 Three Musketeers movie soundtrack (complete with an MTV video), Bryan Adams teams up with Sting and Rod Stewart. Among the albums this ballad later appears on is Adams’ second career retrospective: 1999’s The Best of Me.

REVIEW:

Deploying an upbeat approach, it treads the same chivalrous turf as Peter Cetera’s “Glory of Love” ballad, which serves as the love theme of 1986’s Karate Kid, Part II. Working off a catchy melody, the good-spirited harmony amongst Sting, Stewart, and Adams remains this track’s best asset. Mostly deferring to his two cohorts, Adams’ husky vocals deliver solid support in the choruses.

However, the Three Musketeer-themed lyrics, unfortunately, are so schmaltzy that the tune risks becoming a real eye-roller. There’s no doubt that the intent was to copycat Adams’ 1991 “Everything I Do (I Do It for You),” but Adams and co-writer/producer Robert “Mutt” Lange don’t come close to recapturing their hit song’s magic. The forgettable “All for Love” just isn’t in the same league, especially with a string of half-hearted clichés that the Sting-Adams-Stewart trio are stuck pitching.

If “Everything I Do (I Do It for You)” hadn’t already existed, this knock-off might have well taken its place as Hollywood’s best swashbuckling love song. Instead, “All for Love” only ages so well for an even more hollow reason than listeners practically tasting the syrupy lyrics. This mercenary tune plays like it’s the equivalent of Adams, Sting, and Stewart cashing their hefty paychecks.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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

ALWAYS (by Bon Jovi: Cross Road)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 29, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:53 Min.

Initially written for 1993’s Gary Oldman-Lena Olin crime thriller, Romeo is Bleeding, Jon Bon Jovi ultimately declined to release this song for the movie’s soundtrack. Retaining the film’s title in its lyrics, “Always” instead premiered on Bon Jovi’s 1994 Cross Road best-of album. It’s also appeared on the band’s 2010 Greatest Hits – The Ultimate Collection. The song is available as a digital download.

REVIEW:

Supported by a likable melody, Jon Bon Jovi’s vocals are in vintage form on this ballad, as are the instrumentals. The only detriment is that the romantical sentiments posed in the lyrics are a cliché-fest. One might even suspect that the tune is Bon Jovi’s rock answer to Bryan Adams’ lengthy 1991 “Everything I Do (I Do It for You),” including a similar six-minute running time. Still, Bon Jovi’s “Always” ages surprisingly well, making it a solid choice as a download.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Jazz, Blues, & New Age Music & Radio Shows

AFFIRMATION (by Keiko Matsui, featuring Kirk Whalum: THE ROAD …)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 28, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 6:00 Min.

For her 2011 CD, The Road…, Japanese keyboardist Keiko Matsui teams up with musician Kirk Whalum on this instrumental jazz track. It’s Track # 8. The song is also available as a digital download (with or without the complete album).

REVIEW:

Talk about classy teamwork … the chemistry between Keiko Matsui’s keyboards and Kirk Whalum’s saxophone is flawless. Not only does this upbeat track have a contemporary jazz sound, there’s a distinctive gospel undertone adding extra dimension at the right moments. Considering its extended running time, Matsui and Whalum give listeners their full money’s worth. Absolutely well-played!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

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