Category: Soundtracks (CD’s)

SUMMARY:                                RUNNING TIME: 2:51 Min.

The 1990-2010 NBC TV opening credits theme was composed by Mike Post.  Covering the theme is The Daniel Caine Orchestra for its 1999 instrumental tribute album, NYPD Blue: The Best of Mike Post. 

REVIEW:

There are a few brief moments in this extended cover that frankly sound like a cover.  Still, its faithful instrumental sound is a classy treat for Law & Order buffs. For fans seeking this TV series theme and, in general, soundtrack enthusiasts, this Daniel Caine Orchestra cover is an excellent option.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8½ Stars

Note: Post’s original version appears on 1996’s Television’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 7: Cable Ready album, which was released in CD and cassette formats.

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SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 6:02 Min.

Composer-conductor Michael Kamen devised this instrumental theme for a 1985 BBC crime drama/mini-series entitled Edge of Darkness starring Bob Peck and Joanne Whalley.  Years later, the Seattle Symphony Orchestra performed the track for the 1998 Michael Kamen’s Opus retrospective album.      

REVIEW:

Its opening moments evoke taking an ominous journey aboard a train and ends with wind blowing in its wake.  Building a lengthy solo electric guitar riff around this bleak theme is a stroke of brilliance.  Even without knowing the related storyline, “Nuclear Train” implies a foreboding sense of doom.  Later on, this track sounds like what might a James Bond-type instrumental be, were it interpreted as alternative rock. 

In that sense, it’s an unique effort by Michael Kamen, as “Nuclear Train” has the potential to resonate for quite some time.  It’s definitely worth adding to instrumental and/or soft metal (i.e. Trans-Siberian Orchestra) playlists. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 3:07 Min.

The 1982-83 ABC TV opening credits theme from Stephen Collins’ short-lived Raiders of the Lost Ark-like adventure series was composed by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter.  Covering the theme is The Daniel Caine Orchestra for its 1999 instrumental tribute album, NYPD Blue: The Best of Mike Post. 

REVIEW:

In this extended cover, The Daniel Caine Orchestra absolutely nails this TV theme.  Considering how rare the “Tales of the Gold Monkey” theme is to find, it’s a gem for 80’s TV soundtrack enthusiasts.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  9 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                        RUNNING TIME: 6:04 Min.

Composer-conductor Michael Kamen devised this instrumental theme for the 1994 Johnny Depp-Faye Dunaway-Marlon Brando comedy-drama, Don Juan DeMarco.  Four years later, the Seattle Symphony Orchestra performed the track for the 1998 Michael Kamen’s Opus retrospective album.      

REVIEW:

Timelessly romantic, “Dona Ana” proves a wistful delight.  Starting with a melancholic bent, it’s a red herring when the track comes to life, as if narrating a musical stage play.  Mixing light-hearted elements with Spanish-Italian flavor and a medieval-like classical tone, Michael Kamen’s composition of this track is inspired.  One idea would be that “Dona Ana” could be ideal for a Shakespearean comedy, like Much Ado About Nothing.  This low-key theme ought to be considered for any instrumental and/or classical playlists – it’s certainly worth it.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8 Stars

SUMMARY:                                      RUNNING TIME: 3:28 Min.

The 1984-91 NBC TV opening credits theme was composed by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter.  Covering the theme is The Daniel Caine Orchestra for its 1999 instrumental tribute album, NYPD Blue: The Best of Mike Post. 

REVIEW:

In this extended cover, The Daniel Caine Orchestra gets carried away with electric guitar solos.  Otherwise, its faithful rock instrumental sound is a treat for Hunter fans.  For fans seeking this TV series theme, this energetic homage proves a solid option.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  7½ Stars

Note: Post & Carpenter’s original version appears on 1996’s Television’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 6: Remote Control album, which was released in CD and cassette formats.

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SUMMARY:                                          RUNNING TIME: 3:19 Min.

The original 1983 ABC TV opening credits theme entitled “Drive!” is credited to Mike Post and Stephen Geyer, as it clocks a 1:02 running time (with lyrics sung by vocalist David Morgan).  Please note that this Daniel Caine Orchestra instrumental cover excludes vocals and the Cody Coyote’s revving sound effects).  In addition to its digital availability, this cover version appears on at least two Daniel Caine Orchestra CD’s: 2010’s The Essential Mike Post TV Theme Collection, as well as 1999’s NYPD Blue: The Best of Mike Post

REVIEW:

It’s accurate that this Daniel Caine Orchestra rendition doesn’t come close to surpassing the original TV tune’s pulsating rock beat — particularly, as it isn’t stated on the CD that this track is a pure instrumental. 

As far as originality matters, it is this track’s primary asset.  Aside from a few generic moments, The Daniel Caine Orchestra imbues the Post-Geyer rock melody with an up-tempo jazzy beat mixed with what sounds like synthesizer.  Whatever orchestral combination this group utilizes on this track proves effective enough.  Accordingly, this energetic homage makes for a solid listening experience.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

Note: Post & Geyer’s rare original version (including David Morgan’s vocals and the brief sound effects) appears on 1996’s Television’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 6: Remote Control album, which was released in CD and cassette formats.

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