Category: Individual Tracks (CD’s)

KNIGHT RIDER 1982 TV THEME {Cover?} (by Stu Phillips: Battlestar Galactica – The A to Z of Fantasy TV Themes)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 1, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:40 Min.

Composer-conductor Stu Phillips created the primary theme for the same-named 1982-86 NBC TV series. It’s unclear if Phillips or 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 appears as Track # 9 on Disc 1.

REVIEW:

For fans of Michael Knight & KITT, this virtual replica of Phillips’ TV theme is a nostalgia joyride. Considering how difficult it is to find Phillips’ official work from Knight Rider, opting for this rendition makes sense.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Note: Though actor Richard Basehart’s narration isn’t included, the original TV credits theme is Track # 55 on 1996’s Television’s Greatest Hits, Volume 6: Remote Control. The album was released in CD and cassette formats.

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Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

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

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 1, 2022

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)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 1, 2022

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 40^th 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 24^th½ 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)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 1, 2022

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 40^th 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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Classical, Electronica, & New Age Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows

STORMS IN AFRICA, PART 2 (by Enya: Watermark)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 1, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:01 Min.

Reprising the fourth track, it’s the finale of Enya’s 1988 Watermark album. Unlike ‘Part 1,’ this track briefly includes a recurring thunderstorm sound effect.

REVIEW:

Beyond the sound effects and a shorter running time, there’s no other perceptible difference between Parts 1 and 2 of “Storms in Africa.” For practical purposes, one should deem ‘Part 2’ as an alternate reprise of ‘Part 1.’ Neither track is brilliant, but the sound is distinctively Enya.

To her credit, Enya ensures that the classy sound of “Storms in Africa” (either half) is a nice choice for meditative and/or relaxation-themed playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Classical, Electronica, & New Age Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows

STORMS IN AFRICA, PART 1 (by Enya: Watermark)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 1, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:04 Min.

It’s the fourth track off Enya’s 1988 Watermark album. Its second half (or, more accurately, a reprise) serves as Watermark’s conclusion.

REVIEW:

If compared to Enya’s best works, this track isn’t a standout. Still, Enya ensures that the classy sound of “Storms in Africa, Part 1” is a reliable choice for meditative and/or relaxation-themed playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

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

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 1, 2022

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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Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

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)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 1, 2022

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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Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

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

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 1, 2022

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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