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

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

SOMEBODY’S EYES (by Karla Bonoff: Footloose {1984} movie soundtrack, 15th Anniversary Edition)

SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 3:29 Min.

Performed by Karla Bonoff, the song appears on 1984’s Footloose film soundtrack, as well as its 15th Anniversary edition released in 1998.  Dean Pitchford & Tom Snow co-wrote this song.   

REVIEW:

Considering how the Footloose soundtrack has a surplus of catchy mid-80’s pop-rock melodies, this track is really no exception.  Still, “Somebody’s Eyes” is unmistakably filler.  While it’s a decent catch as part of the full album’s download, the track isn’t likely worth a solo purchase.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 5 Stars

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

NEVER (by Moving Pictures: Footloose {1984} movie soundtrack, 15th Anniversary Edition)

SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 3:47 Min.

This Moving Pictures rock tune appears on 1984’s Footloose film soundtrack, as well as its 15th Anniversary edition released in 1998.  Dean Pitchford & Michael Gore co-wrote the song.   

REVIEW:

Despite being overshadowed by higher-profile tracks from the same album, “Never” has its own appeal.  Between solid instrumental work and terrific rock vocals, this fast-paced dance track is worth considering for ‘80s rock and workout playlists. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             6 Stars

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

I’M FREE {HEAVEN HELPS THE MAN} (by Kenny Loggins: Footloose {1984} movie soundtrack, 15th Anniversary Edition)

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 3:46 Min.

It’s the second of two songs that Kenny Loggins recorded for 1984’s Footloose film soundtrack.  This tune is included on the album’s 15th Anniversary edition released in 1998.  Loggins co-wrote the track with collaborator Dean Pitchford.   

REVIEW:

Considering the popularity of Kenny Loggins’ title track, it’s not a surprise that “I’m Free (Heaven Helps the Man)” has long been overshadowed.  Yet, this track possesses some Loggins magic, even if “Footloose” is undeniably far catchier.  Curiously, history would repeat itself as 1986’s Top Gun soundtrack also double ups on Loggins.  Like before, his energetic “Playing With the Boys” wouldn’t prove nearly as popular as “Danger Zone.,” though it’s still a good song.

In this instance, too, “I’m Free (Heaven Helps the Man)” merits a fair shot at re-discovery.  Proving better than mere filler, it’s a likable addition for ‘80s rock-pop, soundtrack, and workout playlists.        

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     6 Stars

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Country, Folk, & Bluegrass Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows

TOO FAR THIS TIME (by Crystal Bernard: The Girl Next Door)

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 4:48 Min.

From her 1996 The Girl Next Door album, Crystal Bernard from NBC TV’s Wings performs this country-western tune.   

REVIEW:

“Too Far This Time” is frankly an underrated treat.  Combined with some catchy instrumentals, Crystal Bernard’s upbeat vocals makes this tune reminiscent of something The Dixie Chicks might do.  For country playlists, this song is a terrific option.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

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

LADYHAWKE – MAIN TITLE (by Andrew Powell, Alan Parsons, & The New Philamornia Orchestra London: Ladyhawke movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 3:00 Min.

From the 1985 film soundtrack, British conductor/composer Andrew Powell (with some help from Alan Parsons) provides the exuberant main title.  Its symphonic sound is provided by New Philamornia Orchestra London.  

REVIEW:

Talk about irony, as only this theme’s poignant final seconds befits a medieval fantasy epic like Ladyhawke supposedly is.  Hence, this instrumental’s unique sense of energy won’t be mistaken as either a John Williams or Jerry Goldsmith work.  What makes this pulsating track such a terrific experience is its contemporary synthesizer-like sound (including plenty of electric guitar).  For soundtrack or instrumental enthusiasts, “Ladyhawke (Main Title)” won’t disappoint listeners.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               8 Stars

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

STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE TV THEME {Cover} (by Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Symphonic Star Trek)

SUMMARY:                                 RUNNING TIME: 2:00 Min.

Covering composer Dennis McCarthy’s TV theme, conductor Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra include it as the eighth track on their 1996 Symphonic Star Trek instrumental album.

REVIEW:

It’s virtually identical to the original.  If McCarthy’s version isn’t available, then this cover is the next best thing for any sci-fi playlist.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               9 Stars

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

MAGNUM, P.I. {Cover: TV Series Theme} (by The Daniel Caine Orchestra: NYPD Blue – The Best of Mike Post)

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 2:23 Min.

The 1980-88 CBS TV opening credits theme for Tom Selleck’s Magnum P.I. was composed by Mike Post.  Covering this tune as an extended cover is The Daniel Caine Orchestra for its 1999 instrumental tribute album, NYPD Blue: The Best of Mike Post

REVIEW:

Even if it isn’t a free ticket to Hawaii, this first-class cover certainly brings Mike Post’s theme to life.  For fans and/or TV soundtrack enthusiasts, it’s a nostalgia gem.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8 Stars

Note: Post’s original theme appears on 1990’s Television’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 3: ‘70s & 80’s album.

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