Category: Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

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

GHOST IN THE MACHINE (by The Police)

SUMMARY:                RUNNING TIME: 41:03 Min.

As The Police’s fourth studio album, A&M Records initially released Ghost in the Machine in 1981. In addition to his work as bassist and on saxophone, Sting wrote all eleven tracks, though band members Stewart Copeland – drummer (Tracks # 7 and # 11) and Andy Summers – guitarist (Track # 9) also contributed.

Recorded in Canada, this album’s eleven tracks are:

SIDE A

  1. Spirits in the Material World 2:59
  2. Every Little Thing She Does is Magic 4:22
  3. Invisible Sun 3:44
  4. Hungry for You (J’Aurais Tojoures Faim De Toi) 2:52
  5. Demolition Man 5:57

SIDE B

  1. Too Much Information 3:43
  2. Rehumanize Yourself 3:10
  3. One World (Not Three) 4:47
  4. Omegaman 2:48
  5. Secret Journey 3:34
  6. Darkness 3:14.

Notes: This title is available in multiple formats (i.e. CD and digitally). Evidently, the album title is a nod to Arthur Koestler’s 1967 non-fiction book.

REVIEW:
Unsurprisingly, the majestic Track # 2 (“Every Little Thing She Does is Magic”) steals the show on Ghost in the Machine. Otherwise, this pop-reggae album’s recurring shifts between commentaries on real-world issues and metaphysical/sci-fi subject matter is at least an intriguing hodge-podge.

While Tracks # 1 and # 3 are distant favorites behind the iconic Track # 2, they still comprise a welcome opening trilogy. Afterwards, Track # 4 is performed primarily in French (for some reason). The fifth song is best known as a same-name inspiration for the cheesy 1993 Sylvester Stallone/Wesley Snipes action film. Suffice to say, Tracks # 4 and # 5 make for some good background noise, but neither one is memorable.

Track # 6 (“Too Much Information”) adds some disco flavor; if anything, this tune feels far more applicable in the Internet Age. Side B’s remaining five tracks are okay listening, but none leave much of an impression. If anything, Ghost in the Machine originates perhaps the Police’s best-ever song, plus an entourage of ten generally likable tracks that are a step above middling.

For Police fans, this album serves up a nostalgic treat. For others, it’s more like hearing a one-hit wonder.

PACKAGING:
Aside from listing the track titles, it’s ultra-sparse. The record itself lists both the tracks and their running times.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         6 Stars

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

NIGHTSHIFT (by The Commodores: 20th Century Masters – The Best of The Commodores: The Millennium Collection)

SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME: 5:06 Min.

Initially released in 1985, this tribute to late R&B vocalists Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson is the title track of The Commodores’ first post-Lionel Richie album.  Drummer Walter Orange tag-teams with J.D. Nicholas (the band’s replacement for Richie) on the track’s lead vocals.  “Nightshift” subsequently won a Grammy in 1986 for ‘Best Vocal R&B Performance by a Duo/Group.’ 

Among various compilation albums “Nightshift” has appeared on, one of them is 1999’s 20th Century Masters: The Best of The Commodores – The Millennium Collection (Track # 10).

REVIEW:

Even without Lionel Richie, this poignant and ultra-classy Commodores track is timeless.  Nearly forty years later, “Nightshift” belongs on any definitive R&B/Soul playlist.  Highly recommended!     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    9 Stars

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

FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE (by Kansas: The Best of Kansas)

SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME: 3:40 Min.

This popular Kansas rock tune was initially released on their 1983 studio album, Drastic Measures.  In addition to its music video, the track has subsequently appeared on numerous compilations (including live versions), such as 1984’s The Best of Kansas.   

REVIEW:

This pulsating rock track is ideal for pop-rock and workout playlists.  It was evidently ahead of its time given how “Fight Fire With Fire,” would have been ideal accompanying Hollywood dogfight sequences for either Top Gun or Iron Eagle in 1986.  Case in point: this Kansas tune is reminiscent of King Kobra’s subsequent title song, “Iron Eagle (Never Say Die).”  Either way, “Fight Fire With Fire” delivers a welcome download blasting forty years into the past.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7 Stars

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

UNFORGETTABLE … WITH LOVE (by Natalie Cole)

SUMMARY:                RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 12  Min.

Released in 1991 by Elektra Records, Natalie Cole’s thirteenth studio album covers jazz-pop standards previously recorded by her father, Nat King Cole.  Concluding the album, her album’s title track was electronically crafted as a ‘duet’ performed by Cole with her late father’s archived vocal track.  The twenty-two tracks are:

  1. The Very Thought of You (4:15)
  2. Paper Moon (3:25)
  3. Route 66 (3:00)
  4. Mona Lisa (3:45)
  5. L-O-V-E (2:31)
  6. This Can’t be Love (2:13)
  7. Smile (3:37)
  8. Lush Life (4:19)
  9. That Sunday That Summer (3:31)
  10. Orange Colored Sky (2:26)
  11. For Sentimental Reasons / Tenderly / Autumn Leaves – medley (7:31)
  12. Straighten Up and Fly Right (2:39)
  13. Avalon (1:51)
  14. Don’t Get Around Much Anymore (2:34)
  15. Too Young (4:32)
  16. Nature Boy (3:23)
  17. Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup (3:24)
  18. Almost Like Being in Love (2:11)
  19. Thou Swell (1:50)
  20. Non Dimenticar (2:57)
  21. Our Love is Here to Stay (3:29)
  22. Unforgettable {with Nat King Cole} (3:28).

REVIEW:

Backed by top-caliber jazz instrumentals, Natalie Cole’s pristine vocals justify the album’s sentimental title.  Case in point: though saved for last, “Unforgettable, ” including its technical wizardry, is a phenomenal treat. 

As a time machine exuding her father’s greatest hits, Natalie Cole’s classy Unforgettable … With Love is highly recommended!

PACKAGING:

The CD is well-protected within a standard casing.  The well-designed insert completes a mighty class package.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                10 Stars

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

CHRISTMAS EVE AND OTHER STORIES (by Trans-Siberian Orchestra)

SUMMARY:          RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 1 Min.

Released in 1996 by Atlantic Records and Lava Records, Christmas Eve and Other Stories is Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s debut studio album.  Re-imagining traditional holiday fare and melding it with original material into a rock-metal  symphonic opera, the seventeen tracks are the following:

  1. An Angel Came Down (3:51)
  2. O Come All Ye Faithful / O Holy Night – instrumental (4:18)
  3. A Star to Follow (3:48)
  4. First Snow – instrumental (3:52)
  5. The Silent Nutcracker – instrumental (2:21)
  6. A Mad Russian’s Christmas – instrumental (4:41)
  7. The Prince of Peace (3:32)
  8. Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12/24 – instrumental (3:24)
  9. Good King Joy (6:34)
  10. Ornament (3:36)
  11. The First Noel – instrumental (0:54)
  12. Old City Bar (6:17)
  13. Promises to Keep (2:40)
  14. This Christmas Day (4:19)
  15. An Angel Returned (3:51)
  16. O Holy Night (2:39)
  17. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (1:15).

REVIEW:

Christmas Eve and Other Stories is a gem capable of appealing to any age demographic.  Case in point: up-tempo instrumental tracks # 4, # 6 and, most definitely, # 8 are superb!  This album provides an ideal rock antidote for anyone needing to re-energize his/her holiday spirit. 

PACKAGING:

The CD is well-protected in a standard CD case.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               9 Stars

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

CITY OF BURNING LIGHTS (by U2: How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb)

SUMMARY:                      RUNNING TIME: 5:46 Min.

“City of Burning Lights” is Track # 5 of U2’s 2004 album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. The song would later appear on the 2006 film soundtrack of The Devil Wears Prada.

REVIEW:

Combining an effervescent rock melody with intriguing lyrics conveying a sense of awe, “City of Burning Lights” is a dynamite U2 tune.  Definitely recommended!       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

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

WILD YOUNG HEARTS (by The Noisettes)

SUMMARY:               RUNNING TIME: 36:00 Min.

Released in the U.S. by Mercury Records in September 2009, Wild Young Hearts is the second studio effort from British pop-rock/soul band, The Noisettes.  Lead vocalist/bass player Shingai Shoniwa and bandmates Daniel Smith (guitar/keyboards/back-up vocals) and Jamie Morrison (drums/percussion/back-up vocals) co-wrote the tracks.  They received additional songwriting help from George Astasio (Track 6) and John Frederick Fortis (Track 7).

The album’s ten tracks are:

  1. Wild Young Hearts   (2:56)
  2. Don’t Upset the Rhythm – Go Baby Go   (3:42)
  3. Never Forget You   (3:11)
  4. Saturday Night   (3:14)
  5. Atticus   (4:16)
  6. Every Now and Then   (3:41)
  7. 24 Hours   (3:49)
  8. Beat of My Heart   (3:24)
  9. Sometimes   (4:06)
  10. Cheap Kicks   (4:38)

Note: The band’s British distributor is Vertigo Records, which had released this album five months earlier.

REVIEW:

No matter how obscure it may be, this album’s pure fun quotient is impressive.  Anchored by Shingai Shoniwa’s effervescent vocals (sometimes reminiscent of classic doo-wop), Wild Young Hearts gleams by blending pop-rock, R&B/soul, indie rock, and dance into a bubbly pop cocktail.  For instance, with such well-written lyrics, hearing an up-tempo track inspired by Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird (Track # 5) is something else. 

Kudos should really go to The Noisettes for the depth of the album’s lyrics.  Frankly, there is not anything shallow emanating from Wild Young Hearts, especially as each track’s lyrics and melody is distinctive.

The sole detriment is that this album flies by almost too fast. Including a few bonus tracks would have been much appreciated, as there is no risk of Wild Young Hearts wearing out its welcome.  Despite falling off the Grammy Awards’ radar, this ultra-appealing 2009 Noisettes effort merits re-discovery. 

PACKAGING:

Th CD is well-protected inside a standard casing.  Without track numbers, the song titles appear on the case’s back.  Accompanied by several terrific pictures of the band, the insert booklet provides song lyrics (in poetry form), thank-you’s, and technical credits.  However, the track running times are not included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8½ Stars

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

HOT STUFF (by Donna Summer: The Journey – The Very Best of Donna Summer)

SUMMARY:                   RUNNING TIME: 3:50 Min.

This 1979 Donna Summer disco hit first appeared on her seventh studio album, Bad Girls.  The song subsequently won Summer a 1980 Grammy Award for “Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.”  Among the various compilation albums that “Hot Stuff” appears on is 2003’s The Journey: The Very Best of Donna Summer. 

Note: The Journey: The Very Best of Donna Summer album also includes an extended cut (the ‘12” Version’) of “Hot Stuff,” with a running time of 6:42.

REVIEW:

“Hot Stuff” captures a radiant Donna Summer, if one is seeking a disco time machine.  This catchy retro tune is highly recommended.  Aside from other Summer tunes, another ideal download double-feature would be Lipps Inc.’s “Funkytown” from 1980.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8 Stars

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

THE LAGOS MUSIC SALON (by Somi)

SUMMARY:                       RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 8 Min.

Released by Okeh Records in 2014, The Lagos Music Salon is fusion jazz singer/songwriter Somi’s fourth studio album.  Born and based in the U.S., Somi (Laura Kabasomi Kakoma) is of Rwandan and Ugandan descent.  Her album was inspired by an 18-month sabbatical she took in Nigeria. 

The album’s tracks are:   

                                                Running Times: 

  1. First Kiss: Eko Oni Baje   1:24
  2. Love Juju # 1  3:21
  3. Lady Revisited (with Angélique Kidjo)  3:55
  4. Ankara Sundays  5:18
  5. Ginger Me Slowly  4:03
  6. When Rivers Cry  (with Common) 4:28
  7. Brown Round Things  4:30
  8. The Story of Monkey  0:53
  9. Akobi: First Born S(u)n  4:06
  10. Two-Dollar Day  5:50
  11. Still Your Girl  4:46
  12. Four.One.Nine.  3:32
  13. Love Nwantinti (with In His Image)  2:10
  14. Four African Women  6:35
  15. Hearts & Swag   1:17
  16. Love Juju # 2  4:20
  17. Last Song  4:20
  18. Shine Your Eye  3:22

Notes: Somi is the first African female to be Grammy-nominated in a jazz category.  She is also an actress/playwright.

REVIEW:

After Track # 1 provides a ‘backstage’ introduction of sorts, The Lagos Music Salon concocts a classy blend of jazz and pop.  The exotic jazz instrumentals are somewhat reminiscent of Keiko Matsui, as far as projecting flawless fusion jazz.  A significant difference from Matsui’s ultra-smooth style, however, would be Somi’s sultry vocals, as each track carries a unique vibe. 

Note: Track # 15 is a brief interlude reminiscent of the first track.

Contemplating various romantic and cultural themes, Somi exudes an effervescent sound making The Lagos Music Salon a gem to hear. Hence, this album is absolutely recommended!          

PACKAGING:

The CD has a standard casing.  The insert booklet includes track information, an introduction from author Teju Cole, song lyrics, and photos of Somi.  Her thank-you notes are followed by the technical credits.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      10 Stars

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

SELF PORTRAIT (by Lalah Hathaway)

SUMMARY:             RUNNING TIME: 57:00 Min.

In 2008, Concord Music Group released Lalah Hathaway’s fourth album: Self Portrait.  Consisting of twelve R&B/jazz tracks Hathaway co-wrote, the songs are:

  1. Let Go (4:06), with Rahsaan Patterson on back-up vocals
  2. Breathe (5:04)
  3. On Your Own (6:39)
  4. For Always (4:23)
  5. That Was Then (5:09)
  6. Learning to Swim (4:35)
  7. 1 Mile (4:28), with Andre “Bokie” Edwards on back-up vocals
  8. Little Girl (4:22)
  9. What Goes Around (5:39)
  10. Naked Truth (4:10)
  11. Udo (3:36)
  12. Tragic Inevitability (5:04)

REVIEW:

Working off thoughtful lyrics, Lalah Hathaway’s mature vocal sound provides a low-key and relaxing means to unwind.  Self Portrait’s introspective vibe, suffice to say, has all the potential for an immaculate R&B/jazz hybrid. 

The one obstacle is that, in terms of both tempo and melody, Hathaway’s dozen tracks are too much alike.  An occasional shift in pace and/or tone (i.e., a few up-tempo, radio-friendly tracks) to energize listeners would have helped. 

Imbued with a sophisticated vibe for the genre, Self Portrait should readily score with Hathaway’s fans.  Rather than the full album, selected tracks (i.e., No. 6: “Learning to Swim”), however, may prove sufficient for casual listeners sampling her classy style.    

PACKAGING:

Track listings and running times are provided.  The insert includes the obligatory credits and some terrific studio images of Hathaway.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      7 Stars