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

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

I CAN’T STAND THE RAIN {Cover} (by Tina Turner: Simply the Best)

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 3:43 Min.

Originally, “I Can’t Stand the Rain” was a 1973 Ann Peebles R&B radio tune.  Peebles was one of the song’s three composers; the others being Don Bryant and Bernard “Bernie” Miller.  Among the tune’s subsequent cover performers was Tina Turner for her iconic 1984 album, Private Dancer.  Staying on her playlist, Turner’s rendition would later appear on her 1991 retrospective album, Simply the Best.

For Private Dancer’s 1997 CD release, the song appears twice.  Appearing as a bonus track, its alternate version lasts an extra two minutes. 

Note: Turner’s remastered “I Can’t Stand the Rain” appears on 2015’s Private Dancer re-release.       

REVIEW:

“I Can’t Stand the Rain” may not be one of Tina Turner’s best-known efforts, but it holds up remarkably well nearly forty years later.  Perfectly tuned with its catchy melody, Turner’s vocals make an ideal fit for the song’s moodiness.  Instead of a solo download, the song is best enjoyed as part of either Private Dancer or Simply the Best – frankly, both.  Recommended! 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       7½ Stars

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

THE BEST (by Tina Turner: Simply the Best)

SUMMARY:           RUNNING TIME: 4:10 Min.

This upbeat pop tune was initially recorded by Bonnie Tyler for her 1988 album, Hide Your Heart.  This version was composed by Holly Knight and Mike Chapman.  For her own 1989 album, Foreign Affair, Tina Turner covered the tune, with some creative changes (i.e., including a saxophone solo by Edgar Winter).  At the time, Turner’s track length was 5:28.

For her 1991 greatest-hits album, Simply the Best, “The Best” fittingly served as the album’s opening track.  It was also re-edited to its shorter and most popular length.  Synonymous with Turner, it is considered one of her most famous global hits.            

REVIEW:

Suffice to say, it remains timeless pop dynamite.  There is no mistaking how Tina Turner’s sultry vocals bring the endearing lyrics to life.  Well-synced with Winter’s saxophone wizardry, Turner’s energetic “Best” is absolutely recommended. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 10 Stars

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

VERTIGO (by U2: How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb)

SUMMARY:                   RUNNING TIME: 3:14 Min.

“Vertigo” is the opening track of U2’s 2004 album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.  Released as the album’s first cut in late 2004, the song later doubled as the band’s 2005-2006 worldwide tour name.    

REVIEW:

With an upbeat melody reminiscent of 80’s New Wave rock, there is no mistaking that “Vertigo” resonates as pure U2.  Suffice to say, Bono’s distinctively vibrant vocals are well-synced with the band’s instruments.  The energetic “Vertigo” is definitely worth adding to a favorite rock playlist. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8 Stars

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

LALAH HATHAWAY (by Lalah Hathaway)

SUMMARY:            RUNNING TIME: 44:00 Min.

In 1990, Virgin Records released second-generation performer Lalah Hathaway’s self-named debut album.  Music videos were subsequently produced for Tracks # 1-3.  Of songwriting note, Angela Winbush penned Tracks # 3 and 8. 

Ms. Hathaway’s ten R&B/soul tracks are: 

                                                   Running Time:

  1. Somethin’                                  3:38
  2. Heaven Knows                           5:17
  3. Baby Don’t Cry                       4:04
  4. Smile                                      4:54
  5. U-Godit Gowin On                3:27
  6. I’m Coming Back                      5:36
  7. Stay Home Tonight                   4:15
  8. I Gotta Move On                     4:45
  9. Sentimental                             3:41
  10. Obvious                                 5:15

Note: Hathaway is a daughter of R&B/soul singer Donny Hathaway. 

REVIEW:

Backed by slick instrumentals, an articulate Lalah Hathaway’s vocals pitch a terrific R&B/soul sound.  Too often sounding alike, the tracks themselves, however, are simply average in a crowded genre.  The last two tracks at least incorporate an up-tempo, more hip-hop approach that deliver welcome results. 

Though Hathaway’s first album doesn’t contain any surefire Top 20 radio hits, she displays considerable promise moving forward.   

PACKAGING:

The CD has standard-issue packaging, including the obligatory credits.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6 Stars

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

FALLEN (by Evanescence)

SUMMARY:                   RUNNING TIME: 48:00 Min.

In 2003, Wind-up Records & Epic Records released Fallen as Evanescence’s debut album.  Fallen’s primary writers are lead vocalist Amy Lee and bandmates Ben Moody & David Hodges.  The trio was assisted on Track # 6 by Rocky Gray and John LeCompt on Track # 7.  As a duo, Lee & Moody co-composed Tracks # 8 and # 11-12. 

From 2004-2005, Fallen racked up six Grammy nominations: in 2004, for Album of the Year, Best Rock Album, Best Rock Song (Track # 2), *Best Hard Rock Song (also Track # 2), and *Best New Artist (* = wins); and a 2005 follow-up nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals for Track # 4.

Fallen’s twelve tracks are:

                                                   Running Time:

  1. “Going Under”                             3:34
  2. “Bringing Me to Life”                    3:57
  3. “Everybody’s Fool”                        3:15
  4. “My Immortal”                           4:24
  5. “Haunted”                                  3:06
  6. “Tourniquet”                               4:38
  7. “Imaginary”                                4:17
  8. “Taking Over Me”                       3:50
  9. “Hello”                                      3:40
  10. “My Last Breath”                        4:07
  11. “Whisper”                                  5:30
  12. “My Immortal” (Reprise)             4:33

Note: The album’s Japanese release includes an additional track: “Farther Away.”  A live version of this tune is available on the band’s 2004 concert album, Anywhere But Home.

REVIEW:

Assuming one likes the first track, then Fallen is a welcome gem for the hard rock/gothic metal genre.  With Amy Lee’s eerie vocals resonating throughout the album, each melody’s ominously pulsating vibe far surpasses artistic versatility.  Evanescence’s songs, in that sense, tend to blend together as a haunting hard rock/metal answer to dark epic instrumental groups like Nox Arcana and Midnight Syndicate.  

Suffice to say, Fallen is a definite keeper for rock fans.    

PACKAGING:

All the relevant credits and technical information are provided.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                                8 Stars

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

THE LOVER IN ME (by Sheena Easton)

SUMMARY:                  RUNNING TIME: 48:00 Min.

In late 1988, MCA Records released Sheena Easton’s ninth studio album, with producing firepower from L.A. & Babyface (Tracks 1-3), Angela Winbush (Tracks 4 & 10), Jellybean (Tracks 5-7), and Prince (Tracks 8-9).  Among the promotional efforts for the album was Easton’s sex-driven MTV video for the title song. 

Courtesy of her recurring guest stint late in Season 4 of Miami Vice, Easton’s presence as ‘Caitlin Davies-Crockett’ further hyped the album.  Notably, she performed Track 3: “Follow My Rainbow” in her last Vice appearance.  

The ten tracks are:

                                                                Running Time:

SIDE ONE

  1. “No Deposit, No Return”                              5:55
  2. “The Lover in Me”                                        5:00
  3. “Follow My Rainbow”                                   4:57
  4. “Without You”                                             5:38
  5. “If It’s Meant to Last”                                   4:09

SIDE TWO

6. “Days Like This”                                         5:09

7. “One Love”                                                 4:55

8. “101”                                                         4:06

9. “Cool Love”                                                4:04

10. “Fire and Rain”                                         5:58

REVIEW:

Evidently desperate for a Late 80’s makeover courting the MTV Generation, Sheena Easton trades her pop elegance for a sultry R&B sound that comes off, at best, as lukewarm.  The inherent weakness affecting The Lover in Me is Easton’s reliance upon far too many unremarkable tunes lacking any sense of artistic versatility.  More so, there is a credibility gap where her vocal classiness exceeds and doesn’t really mesh with the overt sex appeal/dance-pop material she is selling to listeners. 

Though Easton’s title track is enjoyable (as is “Days Like This”), the project’s standout is her soaring, gospel-like ballad, “Follow My Rainbow.”  Suffice to say, its poignancy is a welcome contrast, in terms of both depth and style, to the edgy, one-dimensional tracks trying too hard to be steamy (okay, even semi-trashy). 

As The Lover in Me is often a superficial and even monotonous album, Sheena Easton’s talents are squandered.  Still, at times, she makes a game effort trying to diversify her pop arsenal.  

PACKAGING:

The record cover lists the tracks, as well as acknowledging  the album’s high-profile producers.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              4½ Stars

Note: Easton’s serene duet with Prince entitled “The Arms of Orion” (appearing on 1989’s Batman movie soundtrack) is recommended.

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

RED LIGHT (by Linda Clifford: 1980 Fame movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 6:10 Min.

From 1980’s Fame film soundtrack, singer Linda Clifford performs this disco-funk tune.  Album composers Michael Gore & Dean Pitchford concocted the song.  Clifford’s track also appears on her own album, “I’m Yours,” released that same year.   

REVIEW:

Upon a first listening, one might assume it is Donna Summer singing.  Utilizing a similar pop playbook as Summer, vocalist Linda Clifford delivers an entertaining 1970’s disco-funk track.  Though this dance tune sounds awfully dated (case in point: the term “dyno-mite” is regularly used), “Red Light” is still a nostalgia treat to hear. Still, one might also conclude that the the song overstays its welcome. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      6 Stars

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

FOR YOUR PLEASURE (by Roxy Music)

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 39:33 Min.

In 1973, Island Records & Warner Bros. Records (through its Atlantic Records label) released Roxy Music’s second studio album.  This album’s playlist was written by lead vocalist/keyboardist Bryan Ferry.  With Brian Eno on synthesizer, the British band’s eight tracks are the following:

                                                                       Running Time:

SIDE 1

  1. “Do The Strand”                                               4:00
  2. “Beauty Queen”                                                 4:35
  3. “Strictly Confidential”                                         3:42
  4. “Editions of You”                                               3:40
  5. “In Every Dream Home a Heartache”                  4:25

SIDE 2

  1. “The Bogus Man”                                             9:22
  2. “Grey Lagoons”                                                4:11
  3. “For Your Pleasure”                                           6:58

REVIEW:

To experience quirky 1970’s British pop rock, “For Your Pleasure” doesn’t disappoint.  In addition to Ferry’s intriguing lyrics, the instrumentals sound reminiscent of The Doors. Suffice to say, this album is a rollicking nostalgia treat revisiting Bryan Ferry’s early career.    

PACKAGING:

The tracks and running times are provided, as are the basic credits.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7 Stars

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

GHOST STORIES (by Coldplay)

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 42:47 Min.

In 2014, Atlantic Records handled the North American distribution of Coldplay’s sixth studio album: Ghost Stories.  Its eventual accolades include a 2015 win for Billboard Music Awards’ Top Rock Album and a 2015 Grammy nod for Best Pop Vocal Album.  Ghost Stories consists of these nine tracks:

                                                              Running Time:

  1. “Always in My Head”                                 3:36
  2. “Magic”                                                     4:45
  3. “Ink”                                                        3:48
  4. “True Love”                                               4:06
  5. “Midnight”                                                4:54
  6. “Another’s Arms”                                        3:54
  7. “Oceans”                                                    5:21
  8. “A Sky Full of Stars”                                   4:28
  9. “O”                                                           7:46          

Note: Alternate versions of this album exist, including a Target exclusive with three additional tracks.  

REVIEW:

For aficionados of low-key pop rock, Ghost Stories smoothly fits the bill.  No particular track dominates this album, but the radio-friendliness of “Magic” or “Midnight” are the highlights.  As terrific as this album’s playlist is, Chris Martin’s vocal delivery and the melodies themselves often sound too repetitive to make sufficient distinction between them. 

Ghost Stories, as a result, comes off as a slightly above-average effort from Coldplay.  Yet, the album’s artistic classiness still presents welcome potential in expanding Coldplay’s fanbase.    

PACKAGING:

Sporting some pretty neat artwork, the album insert includes technical credits and other obligatory info.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7 Stars

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

UP YOUR ALLEY (by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts)

SUMMARY:                         RUNNING TIME: 37:00 Min.

Released in 1988 by CBS Records and Blackheart Records, it is Jett’s sixth studio album with her band, The Blackhearts.  The ten tracks are:

                                                                      Running Time:

  1. “I Hate Myself for Loving You”                          4:06
  2. “Ridin’ With James Dean”                                3:17
  3. “Little Liar”                                                   3:59
  4. “Tulane”                                                        2:54
  5. “I Wanna Be Your Dog”                                   5:10
  6. “I Still Dream About You”                               3:22
  7. “You Want In, I Want Out”                              4:15
  8. “Just Like in The Movies”                                 3:04
  9. “Desire”                                                         3:52
  10. “Back It Up”                                                  3:31   

REVIEW:

Aside from a knockout opener and Jett’s trademark caterwauling, Up Your Alley is frankly a disappointment.  Too many of the melodies sound alike, as Jett mostly refuses to expand her patented hard rock formula. 

Case in point: with Track 6,  the instrumentals powering “I Still Dream About You,” practically replicate Jett’s popular Early 80’s hit covering “I Love Rock ‘N Roll.” Still, this tune, along with “You Want In, I Want Out,” and “Little Liar,” might  provide added incentive to purchase the album.  Yet, the less said about dubious tracks like “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” and a bubblegum cover of Chuck Berry’s “Tulane,” the better.

Up Your Alley kicks off with a definitive Jett hit, but, beyond that, casual listeners aren’t missing much skipping the rest of the album.    

PACKAGING:

The CD provides the essential product information re: Jett’s ten tracks.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     4 Stars