Category: Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles)

SCARECROW & MRS. KING {Cover} (by The William Fairey Engineering Band: The Best of Brass)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 1, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:25 MIN.

This marching band cover was recorded by The William Fairey Engineering Band for 2010’s Best of Brass album.

Note: There isn’t an official Scarecrow & Mrs. King soundtrack release for composer Arthur B. Rubenstein’s theme from the CBS TV series (1983-87).

REVIEW:

Interpreting Rubenstein’s theme, this brass interpretation energetically nails every nuance. Its second half draws notably closer to the original theme, though the extended running time/repetitiveness may hamper one’s enjoyment to some degree. Still, this patriotic cover serves up a nostalgic treat for the program’s fans.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Electronica & Epic Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows

THE AWAKENING (by Ivan Torrent: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 1, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:01 Min.

This 2014 instrumental single is from Spanish composer-musician Ivan Torrent. It’s available for purchase as a digital download.

REVIEW:

Creepy in an X-Files sort of way, Ivan Torrent quickly assimilates his patented epic instrumental touch upon “The Awakening.” Its underlying electronica effect would bolster any dark sci-fi movie or video game storyline likely involving invading aliens and/or monsters. Another possibility, if the ambiguous title wis any hint, perhaps this track conveys a sci-fi/horror tale of someone discovering his/her inner monster. This single isn’t exceptional by itself, but, if it were attached to a fully-developed soundtrack, “The Awakening” would be formidable.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital) TV Series

REMINGTON STEELE [LAURA’S THEME] {Cover} (by Dominik Hauser: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:11 MIN.

Keeping in mind an official Remington Steele soundtrack doesn’t exist for NBC’s 1982-1987 TV series, musician Dominik Hauser recorded Henry Mancini’s ‘Laura Holt’ theme as a 2011 single. While Mancini’s version initially accompanied actress Stephanie Zimbalist’s voice-over for the first season’s opening credits, it also surfaced as a background theme throughout the series. With the onset of a streamlined Season 2, Mancini’s theme appears over each episode’s closing credits.

REVIEW:

Few can replicate Henry Mancini’s jazzy instrumental magic so flawlessly, but TV theme cover specialist Dominik Hauser comes close. This subdued yet somewhat sultry melody is near-identical to Mancini’s work. Considering the improbability of a Remington Steele soundtrack ever being released, Hauser’s first-class effort is likely the next best thing.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Note: Hauser also has available Mancini’s Remington Steele opening credits theme (at least, starting with Season 2) as a single. It’s also an excellent facsimile.

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital) TV Series

REMINGTON STEELE [OPENING CREDITS THEME] {Cover} (by Dominik Hauser: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1:10 MIN.

Considering an official Remington Steele soundtrack doesn’t exist for NBC’s 1982-1987 TV series, musician Dominik Hauser recorded Henry Mancini’s upbeat Season 2 opening credits theme as a 2011 single.

REVIEW:

Few can replicate Henry Mancini’s jazzy instrumental magic so easily, but TV theme cover specialist Dominik Hauser is one of them. While there are subtle hints that it’s still a cover, Hauser’s rendition is likely one of the best-ever renditions of this particular theme. Considering the improbability of a Remington Steele soundtrack ever being released, Hauser’s first-class effort is likely the next best thing.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

Note: Hauser also has available Mancini’s Remington Steele (Laura’s Theme) as a single. It’s more than just an excellent facsimile — it’s virtually identical to Mancini’s original work.

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Digital Songs & Albums Electronica & Epic Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Jazz, Blues, & New Age Music & Radio Shows

AUTUMN LOVE (by Thomas Bergersen: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:01 Min.

As a 2014 single, European composer-musician Thomas Bergersen performs this instrumental track. “Autumn Love” is available as a digital download.

REVIEW:

Infused with a mature sense of melancholy, “Autumn Love” is tantalizingly ambiguous. Could it reflect bittersweet emotion (i.e. coping with grief or loneliness) linked to the changing of seasons? Perhaps it’s coming to grips with an older stage in life? Or maybe it’s unexpectedly finding a second love of one’s life? Could it be possibly rediscovering an old passion? Only Thomas Bergersen knows, but he incorporates a building undercurrent of optimism implying hope isn’t lost yet. This track would be ideal to narrate a silent short film where viewers must interpret the story through visuals only … and Bergensen’s intriguing style of storytelling magic.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Rock & Symphonic/Metal

AMERICAN SKIN [41 Shots] (By Bruce Springsteen: High Hopes)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 7:22 Min.

First released by Bruce Springsteen as a 2001 single, “American Skin (41 Shots)” subsequently appears on his 2014 album, High Hopes. It’s deemed one of Springsteen’s most controversial songs to date.

REVIEW:

Originally inspired by the death of Amadou Diallo, and, then again with Trayvon Martin, the song has had monumental effects to Springsteen’s cultural legacy. Specifically, “American Skin (41 Shots)” adds to the lore that he is more than willing to voice his opinion, even if the subject is a public sore spot. Springsteen’s iconic lyrics dig into listeners amidst choir-like vocals from his back-up singers. The poignant lyrics describe how people of color have to be extra-vigilant in the U.S. without seeming bitter towards police officers. Even so, the song’s controversial topic doesn’t detract from its great sound and overall meaning.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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Country, Folk, & Bluegrass Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows

AMERICAN HEART (by Faith Hill: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:53 Min.

Faith Hill released this patriotic single in 2012. It’s available as a digital download.

REVIEW:

The gently optimistic “American Heart” is definitely one of Faith Hill’s best ballads. Recommended!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

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Electronica & Epic Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Rock & Symphonic/Metal

ALPHA ET OMEGA (by Leah: Kings & Queens)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:31 Min.

Canadian songstress Leah McHenry (aka Leah or LEAH) released this alternative rock/electronica track off her 2015 album, Kings & Queens.

REVIEW:

Leah McHenry sounds reminiscent of Evanescence’s Amy Lee, but “Alpha Et Omega” quickly asserts McHenry’s presence by its heavier symphonic metal sound. As with some of her songs, McHenry subtly blends a Celtic-like melody into “Alpha Et Omega,” giving it more of an international flavor. Although the track becomes somewhat repetitive, the end result is more than satisfying.

BRIAN ’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital)

ALL HALLOW’S EVE BALL (by Alan Silvestri: Van Helsing movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 29, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:01 Min.

Released on the official soundtrack for 2004’s Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale-headlining Van Helsing monster film, this instrumental track is from composer-conductor Alan Silvestri. The song is available as a digital download.

REVIEW:

Both creepy and operatic, its ominous vibe is perfectly suited for an epic horror film. Still, as high-caliber as Alan Silvestri’s work normally is, there isn’t anything distinctive about this particular track. It could just as easily blend into any number of gothic horror period movies, such as The Phantom of The Opera. Even so, Silvestri’s classy handiwork on “All Hallow’s Eve Ball” makes a good download choice for a suspense/horror film or Halloween party-themed playlist.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

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