Month: October 2020

Country, Folk, & Bluegrass Music & Radio Shows

THE GIRL NEXT DOOR (by Crystal Bernard)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 28, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 45 Min.

Released by River North Nashville Records in 1996, this album’s thirteen tracks are:

Title: Time:

1.	*Intro*	0:35
2.	*Could Have Been Mine*	3:58
3.	*You’re Gonna Miss A Whole Lotta Love*	4:03
4.	*Eleven Roses*	4:00
5.	*Have We Forgotten What Love Is*	3:53
6.	*This Purple Heart*	3:05
7.	*State of Mind*	3:45
8.	*Too Far This Time*	4:48
9.	*Miracle*	3:34
*10.*	*When You Took Your Love Away*	3:20
*11.*	*Till I Get Over You*	3:09
*12.*	*Call It Love*	3:23
*13.*	*If You Have Love*	3:43

REVIEW:

Best known as feisty ‘Helen Chapel’ from NBC’s Wings TV sitcom, Crystal Bernard goes solo for this traditional country album. The endearing intro offers a snippet of Bernard singing as a four-year old. From there, her down-to-earth style carries Bernard through ordinary tunes that would likely have merited some radio play in the 1970’s or early 1980’s. In that sense, her thoughtful voice and subject matter seems reminiscent of Crystal Gayle.

Later in the album, Bernard adds a few faster-tempo tracks that demonstrate her artistic versatility, along with some co-songwriting credits. Otherwise, The Girl Next Door prefers calmly treading treads on slower or moderate-paced songs. Among these slower tunes, “Eleven Roses” and the poignant “This Purple Heart” stand out. “State of Mind” might be Bernard’s best upbeat track.

Even if this album isn’t memorable (i.e. notice how often “love” appears in the song titles), Bernard’s wholesome charm permeates The Girl Next Door. For her fans, this record makes a welcome treat. It’s also a solid choice for country music buffs who prefer a classy, old-school approach.

PACKAGING:

The tracks and/or running times appear in triplicate: on the back cover, in the booklet insert, and on the CD itself. Included in the booklet are song lyrics & musician credits; production credits; Bernard’s thank-you notes; and some low-key promotional photos of Bernard (including as a child).

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

CD's Country, Folk, & Bluegrass Music & Radio Shows

THE BOYS ARE BACK (by Sawyer Brown)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 28, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 38 Min.

Released by Capitol Records in 1989, this album’s eleven tracks consists of:

Title: Time:

Puttin’ the Dark Back Into the Night 3:08
Rosie Knows 3:47
I Did It for Love 4:34
The Race is On 2:53
Hey, Hey 2:47
Good While It Lasted 2:56
Locomotive 3:34
The Heartland 4:05
I’m Gonna Miss You After All 3:19
Getting’ Tough (Good Ol’ Boy) 4:01
Passin’ Train 3:19

REVIEW:

This standard-issue album reliably serves up Sawyer Brown’s rollicking brand of county music. The first track is indicative of what listeners are getting. Matching catchy melodies with Mark Miller’s endearing vocals, these well-constructed songs are fun – yet, none of them leave a lasting impression. The easygoing Boys Are Back isn’t remarkable, but it’s still a good catch for any country music fan’s stockpile.

PACKAGING:

The tracks and/or running times appear in triplicate: on the back cover, in the booklet insert, and on the CD itself. Included in the booklet are musician credits; production credits; the group’s thank-you notes; and a Sawyer Brown black-and-white promo image.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER NATURALLY {Cover Album} (by NatureQuest)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 28, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 52 Min.

This 1995 New Age album features nature sounds as a backdrop to instrumental covers of ten Andrew Lloyd Webber stage melodies. Featuring an acoustic grand piano, keyboards, bass, percussion, and/or saxophone, the tracks are:

Track 1: “Music of the Night” [Phantom of the Opera] 5:09

Barred owls, chuck-wills-widow, limpkins, and other unidentified nocturnal creatures provide background vocals.

Track 2: “All I Ask of You” [Phantom of the Opera] 5:32

The Pacific Ocean is heard as its backdrop.

Track 3: “Pie Jesu” [Requiem] 5:47

Coyotes and loons offer background vocals.

Track 4: “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” [Jesus Christ Superstar] 4:51

The calling of herring and black-backed gulls above the Atlantic Ocean accompany this theme.

Track 5: “Memory” [Cats] 5:12

A summer thunderstorm is the theme’s accompaniment.

Track 6: “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” [Evita] 5:32

An unnamed tropical island’s rainforest narrates this melody.

Track 7: “Wishing You Were Somehow Here” [Phantom of the Opera] 5:14

The Pacific Ocean is again the backdrop.

Track 8: “Any Dream Will Do” [Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat] 5:11

Northern mockingbirds, northern cardinals, a mourning dove, and other songbirds are the vocalists.

Track 9: “Think of Me” [Phantom of the Opera] 4:27

The Hawaiian surf is its accompaniment.

Track 10: “Close Every Door” [Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat] 6:00

A southern marsh’s thunderstorm concludes this album.

REVIEW:

Translating Lloyd Webber instrumentals into a nature CD may seem obvious, but NatureQuest’s tranquil effort works for it is — it’s just indistinctive. At times almost hauntingly serene, this album offers a decent option to help lapse into a nap/good night’s sleep, or to accompany meditative yoga. An extra twenty minutes added on to the running time would have been appreciated. To its credit, Andrew Lloyd Webber Naturally provides an obscure musical treat.

PACKAGING:

The CD and its casing accurately lists the track names and attributable shows, though the running times aren’t included. Including a nice intro and musician credits re: NatureQuest, the simple insert effectively describes this low-key CD.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

CD's Classical, Electronica, & New Age Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

DREAMLAND (by Robert Miles)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 28, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 70 Min.

Released in 1996 by Arista Records, this European techno-dance album consists of eleven tracks by late Swiss-Italian musician-composer-producer-disk jockey Roberto Concina (aka Robert Miles). In the album booklet, the credits are included. Miles also poetically encloses a dedication and some thank-you notes. Vocals on Tracks # 2 (Fable – Message Version) and # 3 (Fantasya) are by Fiorella Quinn. Vocals on Track # 6 (One and One) are by Maria Nayler.

The tracks and running times are:

1: Children (Dream Version) 7:05

2: Fable (Message Version) 6:23

3: Fantasya 5:44

4: Landscape 6:02

5: In My Dreams 6:15

6: One and One 3:59

7: Princess of Light 6:21

8: Fable (Dream Version) 7:13

9: In the Dawn 8:00

10: Children (Original Version) 6:20

11: Red Zone 6:57

REVIEW:

Proving it’s all in one’s own perception, Miles’ audience dedication refers to seeking “emotion, reflection, and peace in music.” Dreamland is more like the artistic equivalent of reverse psychology, as its pulsating, up-tempo beats are rarely meant to accompany meditative yoga. The album’s energetic sound becomes almost too consistent, as numerous songs cover similar electronica ground. Case in point: the radio cut of “Children,” isn’t included, but its expanded version (Track # 1) and another variant (Track # 10), in fact, are. “Fable” also comes with two versions (Tracks # 2 and 8). Extra techno doesn’t make them better songs (at worst, it’s padding), but, at a minimum, one gets some intriguing ear candy. In particular, Fiorella Quinn’s vocal contributions to Tracks # 2-3 impressively enhance Miles’ electronica magic.

Specifically, including the opening sound effects on various tracks, Dreamland’s audio quality is stellar. Despite its surreal repetitiveness, this album’s exhilarating ambiance still delivers a surplus of electronica magic. Capably supported by some feminine vocals, Dreamland makes an ideal choice as a workout playlist all by itself.

Note: As heard on American radio, in 1996, the four-minute version of “Children” is included on the out-of-print Ultimate Dance Party 1997, Volume 1.

PACKAGING:

Its contents and running times accurately appear in triplicate: on the CD’s back cover; the album booklet’s back cover; and on the CD itself.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

CD's Classical, Electronica, & New Age Music & Radio Shows

SONGS FROM A SECRET GARDEN (by Secret Garden)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 28, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 43 Min.

Released by Polygram Records in 1995, this Irish instrumental New Age album is a collaboration between composer Rolf Lovland, who also handles pianos & keyboards, and violinist Fionnuala Sherry. Other contributors include keyboardists Bjorn Ole Rasch and Jon Kell Seljeseth; percussionist Noel Eccles; Des Moore on guitar and mandolin; harpist Andrea Marlish; and the RTE Concert Orchestra. The thirteen tracks are:

Nocturne (running time: 3:11) includes Gunnhild Tvinnereim’s vocals; Asa Jinder on keyfiddle; and Hans Frederik Jacobsen on whistle.
Pastorale (running time: 3:47) also features Davy Spillane on low whistle.
Song from a Secret Garden (running time: 3:32) has David Agnew on oboe.
Sigma (running time: 3:05) features Rhonan Sugrue’s boy soprano from the Irish National Chamber Choir and Davy Spillane on low whistle.
Papillon (running time: 3:22) includes Deirdre Brady on flute.
Serenade to Spring (running time: 3:12) features Hanks Fredrik Jacobsen on whistle.
Atlantia (running time: 2:56) has Asa Jinder on keyharp; Davy Spillane on Uilleann pipe; and Hans Fredrik Jacobasen on Norwegian whistle.
Heartstrings (running time: 3:22).
Adagio (running time: 2:51) features David Agnew’s Cor Anglais.
The Rap (running time: 2:31) has Davy Spillane on both low whistle & Uilleann pipe; Noel Eccles on percussion; Hans Fredrick Jacobsen on whistle; and Asa Jinder on keyfiddle.
Chaconne (running time: 3:25) has David Agnew’s oboe and Davy Spillane on Uillean pipe.
Cantoluna (running time: 3:29) features Jean Lechmar on clarinet.
Ode to Simplicity (running time: 3:53).

REVIEW:

This serene album is virtually an extended 43-minute suite. Not only are the thirteen tracks beautifully rendered, their tranquil consistency makes Songs from a Secret Garden a gem for outdoor weddings; meditation; yoga; massage therapy; or even just as relaxing background noise for a good night’s sleep. Highly recommended!

PACKAGING:

The tracks and their running times are identified on the CD case’s back cover. The fold-out booklet insert provides insights to each song, as well as identifying its guest contributors and noting the track’s running time. Composer Rolf Lovland also includes a brief note to fans. Technical credits and thank-you’s are provided.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars

CD's Classical, Electronica, & New Age Music & Radio Shows

WATERMARK (by Enya)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 28, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 43 Min.

This 1988 Enya album from Reprise Records offers the following twelve tracks and their running times:

Track 1: “Watermark” 2:25

Track 2: “Cursum Perficio” 4:09

Track 3: “On Your Shore” 4:00

Track 4: “Storms in Africa” 4:04

Track 5: “Exile” 4:21

Track 6: “Miss Clare Remembers” 1:59

Track 7: “Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)” 4:26

Track 8: “Evening Falls …” 3:49

Track 9: “River” 3:12

Track 10: “The Longships” 3:39

Track 11: “Na Laetha Geal M’óige” 3:56

Track 12: “Storms in Africa 3:01

REVIEW:

Watermark is an immaculate effort by Enya, as ter serene melodies segue well from one to the next. Track 3:“On Your Shore” and especially Track 7:“Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)” emerge as vintage Enya. Considering that her albums are consistently excellent, the classy Watermark (as well as 1992’s Shepherd Moons) makes an ideal introduction to Enya’s distinctive brand of New Age magic.

PACKAGING:

The CD lists the dozen tracks and the producing/mixing credits.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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

A PERFECT FRIEND (by “Macho Man” Randy Savage: Be A Man)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 27, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:54 Min.

The song appears as the fourteenth track on “Macho Man” Randy Savage’s 2003 debut rap album, Be A Man. He collaborates with Prymary Colorz in a personal tribute to his late friend and colleague, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, who had passed away earlier that year. Savage’s brother, Lanny Poffo, penned the song. As “The Genius,” Poffo once ‘managed’ Hennig during their WWF/WWE days — notably, for high-profile feuds with Hulk Hogan and later Brutus Beefcake.

REVIEW:

Of the few assets re: Be A Man, “Perfect Friend” is one of them. Setting aside Savage’s dubious rap talents, the lyrics are decent, if not sometimes awkwardly phrased. This track scores in large part due to Prymary Colorz’s solid R&B/rap melody. In terms of good intentions, Savage’s remembrance of Curt Hennig is commendable, as “Perfect Friend” is likely the best effort on Be A Man.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Note: An opportunity to see Savage & Hennig team up is their tag match as ‘The Perfect Team’ at WWE’s 1992 Survivor Series.

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

FEEL THE MADNESS! (by “Macho Man” Randy Savage: Be A Man)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 27, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:20 Min.

The song is the eleventh track on “Macho Man” Randy Savage’s 2003 debut rap album, Be A Man.

REVIEW:

As maligned as Savage’s rap music (vanity) project deservedly is (no surprise, it was his only album), Be A Man still has a few decent tracks. Of them, along with great metal instrumentals, there’s no mistaking Savage’s distinctively gravelly voice on “Feel the Madness!”

Think of the track as a cross between something closer to hard rock than rap and an extended “Macho Man” wrestling promo. If not for his long-held preference for “Pomp and Circumstance,” this track could have been a good entrance music choice during his late World Championship Wrestling (WCW) career (say, 1999).

Inevitably, his back-up chorus gets almost as much airtime, but the chemistry with rap rookie Savage actually works. Some of this song’s lyrics are laughably bad, particularly coming from a fifty-year-old Savage, but at least the end result of “Feel the Madness!” delivers some tongue-in-cheek entertainment.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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

MOONLIGHT & MADNESS (Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Night Castle)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 27, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:04 MIN.

From their 2009 album, Night Castle, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra incorporates a gothic rock opera approach to piano-influenced elements of Beethoven and Chopin.

REVIEW:

“Moonlight and Madness” easily conjures up stormy Halloween Night images of either the Phantom of the Opera or Count Dracula wiling away some free time hidden away in the darkness composing a five-minute rock instrumental. An ominously funky brew of high-caliber heavy metal seamlessly meshing with refrains of classical music makes this tune truly inspired. Pulsating with a catchy melody, “Moonlight and Madness” is another classical gem in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s arsenal.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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

CHRISTMAS/SARAVEJO {INSTRUMENTAL} (Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Christmas Eve & Other Stories)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 27, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:25 MIN.

From their 1996 holiday album, Christmas Eve and Other Stories, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra exuberantly re-imagines “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” with a heavy metal instrumental riff.

REVIEW:

Pulsating with a catchy metal melody (including the use of ominously-tolling bells), “Christmas/Sarajevo 12/24” deserves its annual radio play amidst the holiday season. Considering the track doesn’t wear out its welcome, one just wishes that this musical gem would last at least another minute. Hearing The Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s mini-masterpiece reinvigorating “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” as a rock anthem is well worth the download.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

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