Category: Music & Radio Shows

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

BACK IN BLACK (by AC-DC)

SUMMARY:                       APPROX. RUNNING TIME: 40 Min.

Released by ATCO Records in 1980, this album consists of ten tracks, which were produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange.

  1. Hell’s Bells                                            5:09
  2. Shoot to Thrill                                       5:14
  3. What Do You Do for Money Money       3:33
  4. Given the Dog a Bone                            3:30
  5. Let Me Put My Love Into You                4:12
  6. Back in Black                                       4:13
  7. You Shook Me All Night Long             3:28
  8. Have a Drink on Me                             3:57
  9. Shake a Leg                                         4:03
  10. Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution      4:12

REVIEW:

Leading off with an ominous bell tolling, AC/DC’s Back in Black album is a heavy metal time machine.  There’s no mistaking why it inspired a surge of countless 80’s imitators.  After roughly forty years, Tracks 1, 2, and 6, in particular, reverberate the band’s legacy for pioneering this kind of pulsating sound.  For anyone unfamiliar with AC/DC, Back in Black makes an excellent starting point.  Keeping in mind that this album isn’t kid-friendly due to profanity-laced and/or suggestive lyrics, its thunderous tracks have never sounded better.  

PACKAGING:

The tracks and running times are listed on the CD case’s back cover and the CD itself.  In addition to the obligatory credits, the bare-bones insert has black-and-white individual portraits of Cliff Williams; Angus Young; Brian Johnson; Phil Rudd; and Malcolm Young.  The CD case is standard-issue.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8 Stars

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

ACHTUNG BABY (by U2)

SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME: 55 Min.

Released in 1991, this twelve-track album consists of: 

  1. Zoo Station          4:36
  2. Even Better Than the Real Thing                 3:41
  3. One        4:36
  4. Until the End of the World             4:39
  5. Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses        5:16
  6. So Cruel                5:49
  7. The Fly                 4:29
  8. Mysterious Ways               4:04
  9. Tryin’ to Throw Your Arms Around the World      3:53
  10. Ultra Violet (Light My Way)         5:31
  11. Acrobat                 4:30
  12. Love is Blindness               4:23

REVIEW:

In a drought, after 1987’s Joshua Tree album, U2 revamped their original sound to adapt to the approaching 90’s.  For better or worse, Achtung Baby smashes it out of the proverbial park.  Songs, like “One” and “Mysterious Ways,”  pave the way for U2’s new era, with an upbeat and more meaningful feel for the band and listeners alike.

In terms of a complete album, Achtung Baby, along with a few others from the 1980’s, tends to be looked upon as U2’s  best material amongst fans. “One” would actually top The Rolling Stone’s list of ‘Best U2 Songs,’ while “Mysterious Ways,” “Ultra Violet,” and “Better Than the Real Thing,” unsurprisingly, remain on the band’s touring playlist nearly thirty years after release.  Each song is imbued with a distinct sound and stands alone as an artistic success in its own right – even if not all of them were chart-topping hits.  Case in point: “Cruel,” despite not being played on tours, was re-recorded by Bono years later and is probably this album’s gem floating under the radar.  As is, Achtung Baby presents U2 in their prime and makes a definitive statement adding to their rock-and-roll legacy.

PACKAGING:

For the album’s standard edition, there’s an extensive booklet with credits, song lyrics, and rare photos of the band. A mix of color and black-and-white photos convey a sense that the band was making a transition, and this presentation works.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8½ Stars

Categories
CD's Jazz & Blues Music & Radio Shows

THE NEW SONG & DANCE (by The Clayton Brothers)

SUMMARY:                                RUNNING TIME: 42 Min.

Released by John Clayton and Jeffery Clayton in 2010, this album consists of nine tracks.

 Track:                               Running Time:            Composer:

  1. Cha Cha Charleston            6:39                             Jeff Clayton
  2. Soul Tango                         7:28                            John Clayton
  3. Battle Circle                        11:53                          Gerald Clayton
  4. Terell’s Song                       8:06                          John Clayton
  5. Smarty Pants Dants             6:38                           John Clayton
  6. The New Song and Dance     9:21                           Jeff Clayton
  7. They Won’t Go When I Go  5:05                          Stevie Wonder
  8. Chicago Boy Steppin’           7:33                         Jeff Clayton
  9. Street Dance                         6:02                         John Clayton

The band consists of Jeff Clayton (alto saxophone & alto flute); Terell Stafford (trumpet & flugelhorn); John Clayton (bass); Obed Calvaire (drums); and Gerald Clayton (piano). 

REVIEW:

For fans of old-school instrumental jazz mixed with a contemporary twist, this album is a sheer delight!  Impressively, all nine tracks deliver refreshing ear candy.  The New Song and Dance is an excellent option: either, as an office playlist, or as  relaxing background noise around the house.     

PACKAGING:

The fold-out wallet style presents John or Jeff’s alternating insight into the creation of each track.  On his family’s behalf, John provides a letter that simultaneously welcomes fans and pays tribute to their band members.  Writing and production credits are also included. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8½ Stars

Categories
CD's Humor (CD's) Music & Radio Shows

HILARIOUS! – GREATEST NOVELTY HITS (by Various Artists)

SUMMARY:                                      RUNNING TIME: 27 Min.

Released by Flashback Records in 2006, this album assembles ten rare radio tunes by the original artists.  The tracks are:

1. Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh (A Letter from Camp) — 2:49Allan Sherman
2. Kookie, Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb) — 2:06Edd “Kookie” Byrnes & Connie Stevens
3. Tip-Toe Thru’ the Tulips With Me — 1:49Tiny Tim
4. Little Old Man (Uptight-Everything’s Alright)  — 4:10Bill Cosby
5. Pepino the Italian Mouse  — 2:40Lou Monte
6. Rubber Biscuit  — 2:49The Blues Brothers
7. Fish Heads  — 2:25Barnes & Barnes
8. The Curly Shuffle  — 2:55Jump N’ The Saddle Band
9. Eat My Shorts  — 3:39Rick Dees
10. I Wanna Be A Flintstone  2:30The Screaming Blue Messiahs

Note: The album is kid-friendly, with the exception of Track 9, as Dees makes multiple references to an obscene finger gesture.

REVIEW:

Unsurprisingly, this assortment is a mixed bag.  Tracks # 1 (a timeless summer camp spoof) and # 9 (a R&B-flavored, mock ode to Divorce Court) are LOL funny and absolutely merit repetitive listening.  Tracks # 4, 8, and 10 benefit from good-natured charm, even if they only generate a few chuckles.  Bill Cosby and The Screaming Blue Messiahs both deliver solid Rocking 60’s-style  tunes while Three Stooges buffs can readily appreciate the inspired 80’s homage behind “The Curly Shuffle.”  While half of this kitschy album’s tracks are winners, that means the other five tunes lag in varying degrees of mediocrity.  The CD’s great sound quality, unfortunately, doesn’t bolster these other songs much.           

The shrill Track 3 is mercifully brief, but it could worth as a tune narrating a family dog’s backyard antics in home movies.  The forgettable Tracks 5 and 7 both mimic Alvin’s squeaky voice from Alvin & The Chipmunks, minus the kiddie charm.  Re: the quirky “Rubber Biscuit,” as retro-cool as this song is supposed to be, Dan Aykroyd’s smug vocals don’t age well.  The same applies to the eye-rolling Track 2, which exploits the popularity of heartthrob TV star Edd “Kookie” Byrnes  — strictly for his fanbase.  Above all, one should be leery of this album’s suspiciously short length, but let’s conclude that a little goes a long way.     

PACKAGING:

The CD lists the tracks and artist names.  No further information was available. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                                       5 Stars

Categories
CD's Country, Folk, & Bluegrass Music & Radio Shows

SUNDAY MORNING TO SATURDAY NIGHT (by Matraca Berg)

SUMMARY:                                       RUNNING TIME: 39 MIN.

Released by Rising Tide in 1997 through Universal Records, this album’s eleven tracks were written/co-written by Matraca Berg.  Her tracks are:

         Title:              Time: 

1.Along for the Ride3:45
2.That Train Don’t Run3:15
3.Back in the Saddle3:16
4.Here You Come Raining on Me3:02
5.Some People Fall, Some People Fly3:13
6.Back When We Were Beautiful3:40
7.Sunday Morning to Saturday Night3:39
8.Good Ol’ Girl3:54
9.Give Me Tonight3:28
10.If I Were An Angel4:06
11.The Resurrection4:34
  • Guest back-up vocalists: Kim Carnes appears on Track 2; and, as a rollicking ‘Ladies’ Night’-style chorus, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Patty Loveless, and Suzy Bogguss appear on Track 3.  Bogguss also appears on Track 9.      

REVIEW:

More well-known as a songwriter for other country music singers, Matraca Berg makes the most of her classy Sunday Morning to Saturday Night.  Her endearing, down-to-earth charm permeates this album, as she blends elements of contemporary country music, folk, bluegrass, and gospel.  While she composed Track # 6 herself, Berg co-wrote the other ten tracks with Randy Scruggs, Alice Randall, and Gary Harrison, among others.

Though a few tracks are average, Tracks 1 (a good-natured Along for the Ride); 3 (the sassy Back in the Saddle); 7 (a rollicking Sunday Morning to Saturday Night); and 8 (the gentle Good Ol’ Girl) are top-tier entertainment.  Tracks 5 (Some People Fall, Some People Fly) and 6 (the wistful Back When We Were Beautiful) provide poignant contrast at just the right moments.  Throughout the album, Berg’s recurring church inferences (i.e. Tracks 7, 8, 10, and 11) are well-conveyed

To Berg’s credit, this unpretentious album sounds heartfelt.  It makes a strong case for her dual talents as both a vocalist and an insightful songwriter.  As such, Sunday Morning to Saturday Night is an underrated gem well worth re-discovery.           

PACKAGING:

The tracks and running times appear in triplicate: on the back cover, in the booklet insert, and on the CD itself.  The CD is safely secured in a standard casing.  The booklet includes song lyrics & musician credits; production credits; thank-you notes; and some low-key promotional photos of Berg. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8½  Stars

Categories
Country, Folk, & Bluegrass Music & Radio Shows

THE GIRL NEXT DOOR (by Crystal Bernard)

SUMMARY:                                         RUNNING TIME: 45 Min.

Released by River North Nashville Records in 1996, this album’s thirteen tracks are:

         Title: Time:   

1.Intro0:35
2.Could Have Been Mine3:58
3.You’re Gonna Miss A Whole Lotta Love4:03
4.Eleven Roses4:00
5.Have We Forgotten What Love Is3:53
6.This Purple Heart3:05
7.State of Mind3:45
8.Too Far This Time4:48
9.Miracle3:34
10.When You Took Your Love Away3:20
11.Till I Get Over You3:09
12.Call It Love3:23
13.If You Have Love3:43

REVIEW:

Best known as feisty ‘Helen Chapel’ from NBC’s Wings TV sitcom, Crystal Bernard goes solo for this traditional country album.  The endearing intro offers a snippet of Bernard singing as a four-year old.  From there, her down-to-earth style carries Bernard through ordinary tunes that would likely have merited some radio play in the 1970’s or early 1980’s.  In that sense, her thoughtful voice and subject matter seems reminiscent of Crystal Gayle. 

Later in the album, Bernard adds a few faster-tempo tracks that demonstrate her artistic versatility, along with some co-songwriting credits.  Otherwise, The Girl Next Door prefers calmly treading  treads on slower or moderate-paced songs.  Among these slower tunes, “Eleven Roses” and the poignant “This Purple Heart” stand out.  “State of Mind” might be Bernard’s best upbeat track. 

Even if this album isn’t memorable (i.e. notice how often “love” appears in the song titles), Bernard’s wholesome charm permeates The Girl Next Door.  For her fans, this record makes a welcome treat.  It’s also a solid choice for country music buffs who prefer a classy, old-school approach.

PACKAGING:

The tracks and/or running times appear in triplicate: on the back cover, in the booklet insert, and on the CD itself.   Included in the booklet are song lyrics & musician credits; production credits; Bernard’s thank-you notes; and some low-key promotional photos of Bernard (including as a child). 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       6 Stars

Categories
CD's Country, Folk, & Bluegrass Music & Radio Shows

THE BOYS ARE BACK (by Sawyer Brown)

SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 38 Min.

Released by Capitol Records in 1989, this album’s eleven tracks consists of:

  Title:                                   Time:                            

  1. Puttin’ the Dark Back Into the Night    3:08         
  2. Rosie Knows       3:47
  3. I Did It for Love          4:34  
  4. The Race is On          2:53                         
  5. Hey, Hey                 2:47  
  6. Good While It Lasted   2:56 
  7. Locomotive                  3:34   
  8. The Heartland         4:05
  9. I’m Gonna Miss You After All    3:19
  10. Getting’ Tough (Good Ol’ Boy)      4:01  
  11. Passin’ Train              3:19  

REVIEW:

This standard-issue album reliably serves up Sawyer Brown’s rollicking brand of county music.  The first track is indicative of what listeners are getting.  Matching catchy melodies with Mark Miller’s endearing vocals, these well-constructed songs are fun – yet, none of them leave a lasting impression.  The easygoing Boys Are Back isn’t remarkable, but it’s still a good catch for any country music fan’s stockpile.     

PACKAGING:

The tracks and/or running times appear in triplicate: on the back cover, in the booklet insert, and on the CD itself.   Included in the booklet are musician credits; production credits; the group’s thank-you notes; and a Sawyer Brown black-and-white promo image. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                                       6 Stars

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

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER NATURALLY {Cover Album} (by NatureQuest)

SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 52 Min.

This 1995 New Age album features nature sounds as a backdrop to instrumental covers of ten Andrew Lloyd Webber stage melodies.  Featuring an acoustic grand piano, keyboards, bass, percussion, and/or saxophone, the tracks are:

Track 1: “Music of the Night” [Phantom of the Opera]      5:09

Barred owls, chuck-wills-widow, limpkins, and other unidentified nocturnal creatures provide background vocals.   

Track 2: “All I Ask of You” [Phantom of the Opera]        5:32

The Pacific Ocean is heard as its backdrop.  

Track 3: “Pie Jesu” [Requiem]           5:47

Coyotes and loons offer background vocals.  

Track 4: “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” [Jesus Christ Superstar]         4:51

The calling of herring and black-backed gulls above the Atlantic Ocean accompany this theme.

Track 5: “Memory” [Cats]                                   5:12

A summer thunderstorm is the theme’s accompaniment.

Track 6: “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” [Evita]             5:32

An unnamed tropical island’s rainforest narrates this melody.  

Track 7: “Wishing You Were Somehow Here” [Phantom of the Opera]        5:14

The Pacific Ocean is again the backdrop.  

Track 8: “Any Dream Will Do” [Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat]   5:11

Northern mockingbirds, northern cardinals, a mourning dove, and other songbirds are the vocalists.  

Track 9: “Think of Me” [Phantom of the Opera]       4:27

The Hawaiian surf is its accompaniment.

Track 10: “Close Every Door” [Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat]     6:00

A southern marsh’s thunderstorm concludes this album.

REVIEW:

Translating Lloyd Webber instrumentals into a nature CD may seem obvious, but NatureQuest’s tranquil effort works for it is — it’s just indistinctive. At times almost hauntingly serene, this album offers a decent option to help lapse into a nap/good night’s sleep, or to accompany meditative yoga.  An extra twenty minutes added on to the running time would have been appreciated. To its credit, Andrew Lloyd Webber Naturally provides an obscure musical treat.

PACKAGING:

The CD and its casing accurately lists the track names and attributable shows, though the running times aren’t included.  Including a nice intro and musician credits re: NatureQuest, the simple insert effectively describes this low-key CD.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        6 Stars

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

DREAMLAND (by Robert Miles)

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 70 Min.

Released in 1996 by Arista Records, this European techno-dance album consists of eleven tracks by late Swiss-Italian musician-composer-producer-disk jockey Roberto Concina (aka Robert Miles).  In the album booklet, the credits are included.  Miles also poetically encloses a dedication and some thank-you notes.  Vocals on Tracks # 2 (Fable – Message Version) and # 3 (Fantasya) are by Fiorella Quinn.  Vocals on Track # 6 (One and One) are by Maria Nayler.

The tracks and running times are:

1:         Children (Dream Version)                           7:05

2:         Fable (Message Version)                              6:23

3:         Fantasya                                                    5:44

4:         Landscape                                                  6:02

5:         In My Dreams                                            6:15

6:         One and One                                              3:59

7:         Princess of Light                                         6:21

8:         Fable (Dream Version)                                7:13

9:         In the Dawn                                                8:00

10:       Children (Original Version)                          6:20

11:       Red Zone                                                     6:57

REVIEW:

Proving it’s all in one’s own perception, Miles’ audience dedication refers to seeking “emotion, reflection, and peace in music.”  Dreamland is more like the artistic equivalent of reverse psychology, as its pulsating, up-tempo beats are rarely meant to accompany meditative yoga.  The album’s energetic sound becomes almost too consistent, as numerous songs cover similar electronica ground.  Case in point: the radio cut of “Children,” isn’t included, but its expanded version (Track # 1) and another variant (Track # 10), in fact, are. “Fable” also comes with two versions (Tracks # 2 and 8).  Extra techno doesn’t make them better songs (at worst, it’s padding), but, at a minimum, one gets some intriguing ear candy.  In particular, Fiorella Quinn’s vocal contributions to Tracks # 2-3 impressively enhance Miles’ electronica magic. 

Specifically, including the opening sound effects on various tracks, Dreamland’s audio quality is stellar.  Despite its surreal repetitiveness, this album’s exhilarating  ambiance still delivers a surplus of electronica magic.  Capably supported by some  feminine vocals, Dreamland makes an ideal choice as a workout playlist all by itself.    

Note: As heard on American radio, in 1996, the four-minute version of “Children” is included on the out-of-print Ultimate Dance Party 1997, Volume 1.

PACKAGING:

Its contents and running times accurately appear in triplicate: on the CD’s back cover; the album booklet’s back cover; and on the CD itself.        

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

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

SONGS FROM A SECRET GARDEN (by Secret Garden)

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 43 Min.

Released by Polygram Records in 1995, this Irish instrumental New Age album is a collaboration between composer Rolf Lovland, who also handles pianos & keyboards, and violinist Fionnuala Sherry.  Other contributors include keyboardists Bjorn Ole Rasch and Jon Kell Seljeseth; percussionist Noel Eccles; Des Moore on guitar and mandolin; harpist Andrea Marlish; and the RTE Concert Orchestra.  The thirteen tracks are:

  1. Nocturne (running time: 3:11) includes Gunnhild Tvinnereim’s vocals; Asa Jinder on keyfiddle; and Hans Frederik Jacobsen on whistle.
  2. Pastorale (running time: 3:47) also features Davy Spillane on low whistle.
  3. Song from a Secret Garden (running time: 3:32) has David Agnew on oboe.
  4. Sigma (running time: 3:05) features Rhonan Sugrue’s boy soprano from the Irish National Chamber Choir and Davy Spillane on low whistle.
  5. Papillon (running time: 3:22) includes Deirdre Brady on flute.
  6. Serenade to Spring (running time: 3:12) features Hanks Fredrik Jacobsen on whistle.
  7. Atlantia (running time: 2:56) has Asa Jinder on keyharp; Davy Spillane on Uilleann pipe; and Hans Fredrik Jacobasen on Norwegian whistle.
  8. Heartstrings (running time: 3:22).
  9. Adagio (running time: 2:51) features David Agnew’s Cor Anglais.
  10. The Rap (running time: 2:31) has Davy Spillane on both low whistle & Uilleann pipe; Noel Eccles on percussion; Hans Fredrick Jacobsen on whistle; and Asa Jinder on keyfiddle.
  11. Chaconne (running time: 3:25) has David Agnew’s oboe and Davy Spillane on Uillean pipe.
  12. Cantoluna (running time: 3:29) features Jean Lechmar on clarinet.
  13. Ode to Simplicity (running time: 3:53).

REVIEW:

This serene album is virtually an extended 43-minute suite.  Not only are the thirteen tracks beautifully rendered, their tranquil consistency makes Songs from a Secret Garden a gem for outdoor weddings; meditation; yoga; massage therapy; or even just as relaxing background noise for a good night’s sleep.  Highly recommended!     

PACKAGING:

The tracks and their running times are identified on the CD case’s back cover.  The fold-out booklet insert provides insights to each song, as well as identifying its guest contributors and noting the track’s running time.  Composer Rolf Lovland also includes a brief note to fans.  Technical credits and thank-you’s are provided. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             10 Stars