SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:09 Min.
From Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, “Music of the Night” is an instrumental cover for NatureQuest’s 1995 album, Andrew Lloyd Webber Naturally.
REVIEW:
Enhanced by background nature sounds of birds, NatureQuest’s piano rendition of “Music of the Night” is exquisite. This low-key tune is definitely recommended for relaxation and/or sleeping aid playlists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:27 Min.
From Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, “Think of Me” is covered as an instrumental for NatureQuest’s 1995 album, Andrew Lloyd Webber Naturally.
REVIEW:
With the sound effects (i.e. some ocean waves) discreetly pushed more into the background, this piano solo is a faithful but unremarkable cover. Of this album’s four tranquil Phantom covers, as competent as it is, “Think of Me” is still the third-best on ALW Naturally.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:34 Min.
Composer-conductor Michael Kamen devised this instrumental theme for a 1997 Emma Thompson film, The Winter Guest, that Alan Rickman directed.
REVIEW:
Its gently endearing sound proves both wonderful and wistful. The track offers a classy blend of lightheartedness and poignancy. Almost as if he is tip-toeing, Michael Kamen’s playful piano-driven melody makes “The Cold Walk Home” a welcome addition to any relaxation, instrumental and/or classical playlists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
Notes: Tracks # 10 (“My Name is Elspeth”) and # 11 (“Take Me With You”) are also highly recommended. Also, though it wasn’t included on the soundtrack, Kamen’s “Stromness” may also be worth seeking out. It’s found on the 1998 Michael Kamen’s Opus retrospective album representing The Winter Guest.
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:39 Min.
Composer-conductor Michael Kamen devised this theme for a 1997 Emma Thompson film, The Winter Guest, that Alan Rickman directed. Liz Fraser provides the vocals.
REVIEW:
If music were prescribed as a form of therapeutic magic, then this gentle tune is what the doctor should order. Like the prior track (“My Name is Elspeth”), Michael Kamen’s piano-driven melody is exquisite. Providing another vital asset is the presence of Liz Fraser’s angelic vocals. This soothing, lullaby-like tune is definitely recommended as a download for relaxation playlists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars
Note: Track # 10 of this album (“My Name is Elspeth”) is also highly recommended.
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:35 Min.
Concluding the 1985 film soundtrack, British conductor/composer Andrew Powell (with some help from Alan Parsons) provides this upbeat instrumental. Intentionally more radio-friendly, it’s a reprise from the end title. The tune earlier narrates the rogue knight Etienne of Navarre’s (Rutger Hauer) horseback pursuit of a fugitive small-time thief, Philippe Gaston (Matthew Broderick), to recruit him for a daunting mission. Its symphonic sound is provided by New Philamornia Orchestra London.
REVIEW:
This pulsating instrumental isn’t something John Williams or Jerry Goldsmith would have conjured up – there’s nothing medieval about it whatsoever. Yet, ironically, its presence as a total anachronism works to the theme’s advantage. Andrew Powell, as intended, creates an excitingly up-tempo piece that generates curiosity in seeing Ladyhawke. As with the main title, the track’s contemporary synthesizer-like sound (including some terrific electric guitar) makes this entertaining instrumental a mid-80’s gem.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 6:07 Min.
It’s the last track off Enya’s 1992 Shepherd Moons album.
REVIEW:
Its ethereal, almost nautical sound brings to mind both “Amazing Grace” and James Horner’s “Hymn to the Sea” from 1997’s Titanic film soundtrack. Enya’s vocals imbue this contemplative tune with a somber elegance. In that sense, the poignancy of “Smaointe …” would be well-suited for use at a memorial service.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:26 Min.
It’s the seventh track off Enya’s 1988 Watermark album.
REVIEW:
Beautifully realizing the album’s water-inspired theme, “Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)” is one of Enya’s best-known tracks and for good reason. Sporting a slightly faster-paced, upbeat melody, this tune is an ideal showcase for Enya’s elegant Celtic vocals. This song makes a terrific addition to any office, home, or relaxation playlist, particularly as a sample of Enya’s artistic style.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:54 Min.
It’s the tenth track off Enya’s 1992 Shepherd Moons album.
REVIEW:
Enya’s vocal elegance mingling with an ethereal melody and choral support makes “Marble Halls” a welcome experience in serenity. For any relaxation-themed or meditative playlists, this tune is a classy download option either for at home or the salon.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:16 Min.
Composer-conductor Michael Kamen devised this low-key theme for a 1997 Emma Thompson drama, The Winter Guest, that Alan Rickman directed.
REVIEW:
For an instrumental, it’s exquisite. The serenity imbued by Michael Kamen’s piano-driven melody is gorgeous. Without any prior context, “My Name is Elspeth” poignantly conveys whatever meaning the listener wishes it to be. This gentle track is absolutely recommended for relaxation, instrumental and/or classical playlists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
Note: Featuring Liz Fraser’s serene vocals, track # 11 of this album (“Take Me with You”) is also highly recommended.
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1:59 Min.
It’s the sixth track (and also the shortest) of Enya’s 1988 Watermark album.
REVIEW:
The elegance of “Miss Clare Remembers” is imbued in its piano-driven melody. The problem is that there isn’t anything else distinctive about this track; it’s essentially a short interlude. One could easily imagine this instrumental in the background of a historical period piece film. Considering its short running time, this track, unfortunately, isn’t likely worth a download. At most, “Miss Clare Remembers” is classy filler for Enya’s Watermark.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
