Category: Soundtracks (CD’s)

SUMMARY:                                         RUNNING TIME: 2:49 Min.

In its original form, this anthem is Queen’s opening credits theme for the 1980 live-action Flash Gordon movie soundtrack.  However, for 2002’s Platinum Collection edition (which collects Queen’s Greatest Hits Vols. I-III), the digitally-remastered version utilizes movie dialogue clips rather than Ming and Klytus’s villainous narrative in the movie’s pre-credits sequence.  

REVIEW:

Hearing Freddie Mercury sing the praises of Flash Gordon and declaring him the ‘Savior of the Universe’ is such a blast.  Not only is Queen’s upbeat rock melody deliriously catchy, a fresh insertion of campy movie dialogue clips (including Melody Anderson’s Dale Arden & Max von Sydow’s Ming the Merciless) and a few movie sound effects is another stroke of genius.  It’s a shame that this track doesn’t stretch an extra minute or two longer, as it wouldn’t wear out its welcome.  Suffice to say, Flash Gordon aficionados will thoroughly enjoy hearing Queen’s magic again. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 9 Stars

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SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 3:18 Min.

For Tequila Sunrise’s 1988 movie soundtrack, The Beach Boys team up with The Everly Brothers for this breezy pop tune.    

REVIEW:

In terms of 60’s-meets-the-80’s pop fluff, “Don’t Worry, Baby” is similar in spirit to The Beach Boys’ “Kokomo,” off the Cocktail soundtrack from that same year.  Hence, for fans, it’s more like half of a classy double-feature.  Considering what this undemanding tune is supposed to be, The Everly Brothers blend seamlessly into the familiar Beach Boy sound.  This rare collaboration makes a solid choice to add to any easy listening playlist.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:          6½ Stars

SUMMARY:                                 RUNNING TIME: 3:45 Min.

Performed by Gladys Knight & Kenny Loggins, their duet appears on 1985’s Rocky IV film soundtrack.

REVIEW:

Considering the big names involved, “Double or Nothing” should be an appealing collaboration.  In terms of their vocal chemistry, Knight & Loggins readily live up to their fame.  Yet, the feel-good pop lyrics they’re stuck pitching are by no means special, let alone make sense, if applied to Rocky IV’s Rocky & Adrian Balboa.  Despite the album being packed with testosterone-charged tunes, the classy sound of “Double or Nothing” blends into Rocky IV’s playlist well enough.  Yet, the tune comes off as nothing more than a paycheck song.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6½ Stars

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SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 4:21  Min.

Simple Minds performed this pop tune for 1985’s The Breakfast Club soundtrack.  Among the subsequent ‘80s anthology albums this song appears on is VH1: The Big 80’s The Big Movies released in 1998. 

REVIEW:

Not only is this signature Simple Minds hit synonymous with The Breakfast Club, it remains a fond reminder of mid-80s high school pop.  Its poignant lyrics re: remembering all of your friends is just timeless.  The ‘la-la-la’ chorus becomes perhaps too repetitive late in the song, but the distinctive melody alone is a gem.  For any 80’s pop or movie tunes playlist, Don’t You (Forget About Me) is really a ‘can’t miss’ prospect. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              9 Stars

Note: An ideal companion download would be John Parr’s “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion)” from 1985’s St. Elmo’s Fire movie soundtrack.  This tune also appears on various 80’s compilations. 

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