Category: Rock & Symphonic/Metal

SUMMARY:                           RUNNING TIME: 4:49 Min.

As her signature song, it’s the third track off Canadian singer-songwriter Alannah Myles’ 1989 self-titled album. 

REVIEW:

Brimming with sex appeal, the sultry “Black Velvet” spells out romantic Southern blues mixed with contemporary rock. There’s no question that Alannah Myles’ husky vocals do spot-on justice to this ballad’s flirtatious lyrics. At times, her voice sounds quite reminiscent of Melissa Etheridge. Hence, this seductively bluesy track holds up quite well today in its occasional radio play.  For any number of rock playlists, “Black Velvet” is definitely worth the download.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 3:29 MIN.

This 1990 song was among the tracks released for radio play from Winger’s second album: In the Heart of the Young.  Its lead singer is Kip Winger.  This track was later collected for the band’s 2007 Demo Anthology. 

REVIEW:

Winger was among many Late ‘80’s-Early ‘90s lite metal rock bands that briefly caught fire in the ‘big hair, even bigger sound’ MTV video era.  Considering the group’s output, it isn’t surprising that Winger struggled amidst a glut of competition seeking to be the next Bon Jovi or Def Leppard.  Still, some of this group’s tunes from their 1988 self-titled first effort and 1990’s In the Heart of The Young hold up surprisingly well.  The second album’s “In the Day We’ll Never See,” angles for a top spot on this hypothetical list.       

While the apocalyptic lyrics infers some futuristic sci-fi rock opera, Kip Winger once indicated that this particular song was meant to reflect his environmental concerns.  Either way, this pulsating track is well-played.  Bringing its intriguing narrative to life, Kip Winger’s articulate vocals syncs well with the band’s loud instrumentals. The end result is some ideal lite metal.  Considering its timely subject matter, “In The Day We’ll Never See” is ripe for another chance from rock fans.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7½ Stars

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SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME: 4:24 Min.

This 1990 song was among the tracks released for radio play from Winger’s second album: In The Heart of The Young.  Its lead singer is Kip Winger. 

REVIEW:

Winger was among those Late ‘80’s-Early ‘90s lite metal rock bands that briefly caught fire in the ‘big hair, even bigger sound’ MTV video era.  Considering the fairly strong quality of their output, it isn’t surprising that Winger faced a glut of competition seeking to be the next Bon Jovi or Def Leppard.  Still, some of this group’s tunes from their 1988 self-titled first album and 1990’s In the Heart of The Young hold up surprisingly well.  “Can’t Get Enuff” doesn’t make that cut, despite its dynamite melody. 

Instantly confirming its suggestive title, the less-than-subtle lyrics overdose on glamorizing sexual lust — at least, without resorting to profanities.  Still, its metallic sound compensates well, including a funky bubbling sound effect reminiscent of a mad scientist’s laboratory.  Soaring above the high-caliber instrumental work, Kip Winger’s voice is another solid asset — his vocals are easily comprehensible.  Unfortunately, that’s part of the problem, as this smarmy tune is unabashedly an innuendo-fest, including a few allusions to kinky foreplay.  For parents, the sexually-charged content of “Can’t Get Enuff” makes it a potentially awkward download option.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            5½ Stars

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SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 7:22 Min.

First released by Bruce Springsteen as a 2001 single, “American Skin (41 Shots)” subsequently appears on his 2014 album, High Hopes.  It’s deemed one of Springsteen’s most controversial songs to date. 

REVIEW:

Originally inspired by the death of Amadou Diallo, and, then again with Trayvon Martin, the song has had monumental effects to Springsteen’s cultural legacy.  Specifically, “American Skin (41 Shots)” adds to the lore that he is more than willing to voice his opinion, even if the subject is a public sore spot.  Springsteen’s iconic lyrics dig into listeners amidst choir-like vocals from his back-up singers. The poignant lyrics describe how people of color have to be extra-vigilant in the U.S. without seeming bitter towards police officers.  Even so, the song’s controversial topic doesn’t detract from its great sound and overall meaning. 

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:                  8 Stars

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