Category: Soundtracks (CD’s)

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Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's) STAR TREK-Related

STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE (KLINGON BATTLE VS. V’GER) {Cover} (by Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Symphonic Star Trek)

SUMMARY:                      RUNNING TIME: 5:27 Min.

Originally composed and conducted by Jerry Goldsmith for 1979’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture, this instrumental theme narrates the film’s opening deep space sequence.  Specifically, three Klingon battle cruisers are depicted confronting the ominous ‘V’Ger’ space cloud.  The track was subsequently covered by Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for 1996’s Symphonic Star Trek instrumental album.   

REVIEW:

Conveying V’Ger’s interstellar presence vs. the Klingons’ aggressive approach, Jerry Goldsmith does some terrific work.  Yet, the track is hardly a must-have.  Well-performed by Erich Kunzel & the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, it’s at least a nostalgic component of the Symphonic Star Trek album.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          6 Stars

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THE MUNSTERS TV THEME {Cover?} (by Jack Marshall: Battlestar Galactica – The A to Z of Fantasy TV Themes)

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 2:32 Min.

Composer-conductor Jack Marshall devised the original Munsters theme for the same-named 1964-66 CBS TV series.  It’s unclear if Marshall or a cover orchestra performs the extended theme for the 2000 two-disc Battlestar Galactica: The A to Z of Fantasy TV Themes two-disc compilation album.  It’s Track # 12 on Disc 1. 

REVIEW:

If one is seeking an extended version of Jack Marshall’s iconic theme, then look no further.  Regardless of its performer, this rendition works for nostalgic TV tune playlists, let alone Halloween parties.  Nicely played!       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             7 Stars

Note: Marshall’s original Munsters TV credits theme appears on Side B of 1985’s Television’s Greatest Hits, Volume 1, which was released in LP and cassette formats.

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

THUNDERBALL (by Tom Jones: Best of Bond … James Bond, 2008 Edition)

SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME: 3:03 Min.

From the soundtrack of 1965’s Thunderball starring Sean Connery, this James Bond tune was recorded by Welsh singer Tom Jones.  This song is also included on Best of Bond … James Bond  compilation albums (which includes the franchise’s theme songs to date).   

Note: Best of Bond .. James Bond includes a 40th Anniversary edition in 2002 and a subsequent update in 2008 for Chris Cornell’s “You Know My Name” from Casino Royale.

REVIEW:

There’s no doubt that Tom Jones’ bombastic vocals deliver the first bigger-than-life Bond theme song.  The descriptive lyrics continue the formula from Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger” by playing up the villain’s ruthless, bigger-than-life mentality.  Then again, Jones’ tune could just as well just as apply to Sean Connery’s macho interpretation of James Bond.  If anything, this nostalgic song is a fun three minutes from the Best of Bond compilations.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       6 Stars

Note: To hear Jones spoofing his own grandiose “Thunderball” style, recommended is his theme song for the animated Duck Dodgers (in the 24th ½ Century) TV series.

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

FROM RUSSIA, WITH LOVE (by Matt Monro: Best of Bond … James Bond, 2008 Edition)

SUMMARY:                        RUNNING TIME: 2:34 Min.

From the soundtrack of 1963’s From Russia With Love starring Sean Connery, this James Bond tune was recorded by English singer Matt Monro.  Historically, it has the distinction of being the first Bond title song saved for the closing credits rather than the main credits.  Monro’s tune has been re-released on some compilation albums, primarily multiple updates of the Best of Bond … James Bond  (which includes the franchise’s theme songs to date).   

Note: Best of Bond .. James Bond includes a 40th Anniversary edition in 2002 and a subsequent update in 2008 for Chris Cornell’s “You Know My Name” from Casino Royale.

REVIEW:

Within the film’s context, Monro’s “From Russia With Love” works beautifully spelling out Bond’s love affair with Daniela Bianchi’s Tatiana Romanova.  Yet, when heard separately, this low-key song (akin to Tom Jones Lite) doesn’t age particularly well.  Still, as part of the Best of Bond collections, this nostalgic treat is worth enjoying for its historic value.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    6 Stars

Note: For a recommended “From Russia With Love” instrumental, try Lifestyles’ 2001 Night at the Movies two-disc set.  Its grand orchestral rendition (on Disc 2), which includes a brief homage to the instrumental melody narrating the film’s opening credits, offers a neat experience for Bond aficionados.

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V: THE SERIES 1984 TV THEME {Cover?} (by Dennis McCarthy: Battlestar Galactica – The A to Z of Fantasy TV Themes)

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 2:42 Min.

Composer-conductor Dennis McCarthy created the original V: The Series theme for the same-named 1984-85 NBC TV series.  It’s unclear if if McCarthy or, more likely, a cover orchestra (possibly the London-based Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) performs the extended theme for the 2000 two-disc Battlestar Galactica: The A to Z of Fantasy TV Themes two-disc compilation album.  It’s Track # 12 on Disc 2. 

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of a concert rendition, it’s a close-enough replica of McCarthy’s theme.  All that’s missing is the initial eeriness that McCarthy imbues his original theme with.  For fans unable to find McCarthy’s official work from V: The Series, this rendition (regardless of the performer) is probably the next best option. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7 Stars

Note: McCarthy’s original V: The Series TV credits theme is Track # 58 on 1996’s Television’s Greatest Hits, Volume 6: Remote Control.  The album was released in CD and cassette formats.

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BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY TV THEME {Cover?} (by Stu Phillips & Glen A. Larson: Battlestar Galactica – The A to Z of Fantasy TV Themes)

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 2:26 Min.

Working with series creator Glen A. Larson, composer-conductor Stu Phillips created the primary theme for the same-named 1979-81 NBC TV series.  The theme evidently doesn’t accompany the TV series’ 1979 feature film version of its pilot episode.  While it’s unclear if it’s Phillips or an unidentified cover orchestra performing the track, the extended theme appears on the 2000 two-disc Battlestar Galactica: The A to Z of Fantasy TV Themes two-disc compilation album.  It appears as Track # 5 on Disc 1.      

Note: The feature film’s easy-listening version is far slower, with dreamy lyrics sung by Kipp Lennon.  That version is entitled “Suspension.”

REVIEW:

Lacking actor William Conrad’s uncredited narration, it’s an otherwise near-replica of the TV series intro.  Considering how difficult it is to find Phillips’ official work from Buck Rogers, this rendition (regardless of the actual performer) is likely the next best option.         

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       7 Stars

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BATTLESTAR GALACTICA 1978 TV THEME {Cover?} (by Stu Phillips & Glen A. Larson: Battlestar Galactica – The A to Z of Fantasy TV Themes)

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 5:12 Min.

Collaborating with series creator Glen A. Larson, composer-conductor Stu Phillips created the primary theme for the same-named 1978-79 ABC TV series.  The theme also accompanies the TV series’ 1978 feature film version of its pilot episode.

It’s unclear if Phillips or, more likely, a cover orchestra performs the extended theme to headline the 2000 two-disc Battlestar Galactica: The A to Z of Fantasy TV Themes two-disc compilation album.  It appears as Track # 1 on Disc 1.       

REVIEW:

Designed as a mini-medley, this homage to the original Battlestar Galactica is second to none, as it’s indistinguishable from Phillips’ theme.  Considering how difficult it is to find Phillips’ official work from Galactica, this rendition (regardless of the actual performer) is likely the best alternative.         

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  8 Stars

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AIRWOLF TV THEME {Cover?} (by Sylvester Levay: Battlestar Galactica – The A to Z of Fantasy TV Themes)

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 3:02 Min.

Composer-conductor Sylvester Levay created the original Airwolf theme for the same-named 1984-86 CBS TV series. It’s unclear if it’s Levay or a cover orchestra (most likely The Daniel Caine Orchestra) performing the extended theme for the 2000 two-disc Battlestar Galactica: The A to Z of Fantasy TV Themes two-disc compilation album.  It’s Track # 3 on Disc 1. 

REVIEW:

Including Airwolf’s faithful whirring as the opening sound effect, it’s a terrific rendition of Levay’s extended theme.  Even if it doesn’t exactly replicate Levay’s work, this concert-style orchestral presentation sounds close enough.  Considering how difficult it is to track down Levay’s authentic themes from Airwolf, this track (no matter who the actual performer is) offers likely the next best option.  Well-played!       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7½ Stars

Note: Levay’s Airwolf TV credits theme is Track # 56 on 1996’s Television’s Greatest Hits, Volume 6: Remote Control, which was released in CD and cassette formats.

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

ST. ELMO’S FIRE {MAN IN MOTION} (by John Parr: St. Elmo’s Fire movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 4:13 Min.

Co-written with David Foster, John Parr’s signature pop-rock tune first appeared as the central theme of 1985’s St. Elmo’s Fire movie soundtrack.  It has resurfaced on various ‘80s anthology albums since then, including Billboard Top Hits: 1985 and Atlantic Hit Singles: 1980-1988. 

REVIEW:

Bolstered by a catchy melody, hearing this tune’s occasional radio play remains a blast.  Surprisingly articulate for this style of song, the lyrics grasp facing life as a twentysomething.  Impressively, John Parr doesn’t just rehash a limited set of catchphrases over and over – his song continues building up to the end.  For any 80’s pop or soundtrack playlist, St Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion) is well worth the download.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  7½ Stars

Note: An ideal companion download would be Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” from 1985’s The Breakfast Club movie soundtrack.

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

TRUST IN ME (by Joe Cocker & Sass Jordan: The Bodyguard movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 4:14 Min.

Performed by Joe Cocker and Sass Jordan, this pop-rock tune appears on 1992’s The Bodyguard movie soundtrack.       

REVIEW:

Overshadowed by Whitney Houston’s five entries on the same album, “Trust in Me” has everything one hopes for in an underrated rock duet.  Primarily, the hard-edged melody enhances Joe Cocker & Sass Jordan’s vocal chemistry that the end result is nothing short of a dynamite track.  Definitely recommended!   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          8 Stars

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