Month: January 2021

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks

OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE, A TO Z {COMPILATION – VOLUME 1} (MARVEL Comics)

Written by (See Summary Below)

Art by (See Notes Below)

Cover Art by Tom Grummett; Roland Paris; & Stephane Peru

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics in 2008, this 256-page compilation consists of profile materials previously published in Official Handbooks of the Marvel Universe from 2004-2007.  Head writer Jeff Christiansen and a squad of twenty-two writers.  The alphabetical profiles are:

Alternate Realities: 1602 A.D., 2020 A.D., 2099 A.D., 2099 A.D. (Marvel Knights), and 8162 A.D.  

Characters/Teams/Places/Events: Abomination (Blonsky), Abraxas, Absorbing Man, Abyss, Achebe, The Acolytes, Acrobat (Zante), Acts of Vengeance, Adamantium, Adam-II, Aegis, Age of Apocalypse, Aged Genghis, Agent (Rick Mason), Agent X (Nijo), Agents of Atlas, Aggamon, Ahab, A.I.M., Akhenaten, Albert & Elsie Dee, Albion (Hunter), Alhazred, Alkhema, All-American, The All-Winners Squad, Alpha Flight, Alpha the Ultimate Mutant, Amatsu-Kami, Americop, Amphibion, Amun, The Anachronauts, Ancient One, Android Man, Angel I (Holloway), Angel II (Worthington), Angels, Animus, Annex, Annihilus, Annihilus’ Queens, Annuanki, Anole, Answer, Anti-Cap, Ant-Man II (Lang), Apache Kid/Rosa, Apocalypse, & Apocalypse Beas;,

Aqueduct, Arabian Knight (Hashim), Arabian Knight (Qamar), Arachne (Carpenter), Araña, Arcade, U.S. Archer, Ares, Arides, Armadillo, Armor, Armorer, Arranger, Arsenal (robot), Asbestos Lady, Asbestos Man, Ashake, Ashcan Asomodeus, Atlantis, Atlas (Josten), Atleza, Atom Smasher (English), Auora, Authority, Avalanche, The Avengers, Avengers HQ & Vehicles, Avengers: MC2 alternate reality, Awesome Android, Axis Mundi, Axum, Azazel, Ba’al, B.A.D. Girls, Inc. Badoon, Sunset Bain, Band of the Bland, Banshee I (Cassidy), Barbarus, Baron Mordo, Baron Mordo’s Minions, Baron Strucker, Baron Heinrich Zemo, Baron Helmut Zemo, Baroness Zemo, Baroness Blood, Bastion, Batroc, Battle-Axis, Battleworld, Batwing (Santini), Beast (McCoy), Benny Beckley, Bedlam (Aaronson), Belasco, Yelena Belova (Black Widow III), Bereet, Berserker, & Beta Ray Bill;

Beyonder, Bi-Beast, Bible John, Big Hero 6, Big Man (Foswell), Big Mother, Big Wheel, Bishop, Black Bolt, Black Box, Black Crow, Black Dragon, Black Fox (Paine), Black Knight (Whitman), Black Lama, Black Marvel, Black Panther (T’Challa), Black Talon, Black Tarantula, Black Widow II (Romanova), Black Widow I (Voyant), Blackheart, Blackout (Lilin), Blackwing I (Manfredi), & Blackwing II (Bohusk).

Notes: This title is also available in paperback.  For this project’s army of artists, each entry usually lists the contributing artist(s).

REVIEW:

Meant for Marvel fanatics, this book’s glossy production values are near-flawless.  Both its writers and artists should be proud of this effort.  The only caveats would the small font size (it’s frankly excusable, considering this book’s condensable requirements) and, oddly enough, a lack of page numbers. 

As impressive as its intricate profile detailing really is, the mind-boggling element comes at the get-go: grasping Marvel’s ridiculously complex alternate-Earth designation system.  Let’s just say that DC Comics’ own convoluted system comes off as simplistic by comparison.  Otherwise, this reference guide is a handy resource for looking up favorite Marvel characters, no matter how outdated the material is by now. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a single-page ‘Omission Impossible’ introduction.  The five-page glossary ends with Marvel’s power ratings for intelligence, strength, speed, durability, energy projection, and fighting ability.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:          9 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

THE OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE: DELUXE EDITION # 16 – BOOK OF THE DEAD I (1987 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Peter Sanderson & Mark Gruenwald

Art by Josef Rubenstein; Andy Yanchus; Phil Lord; James Fry; Bruce Solotoff; & Others Credited Below

Wraparound Cover Art by Keith Pollard & Dawn Geiger

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for June 1987, this 64-page character biography guide consists of the first thirty entries, each with its own artist.  Each detailed biography provides personal and physical stats; first and last appearances; and notable images, including the character’s death scene. 

The decedents characters and their assigned artists are as follows:

  • Air-Walker (artist: Jerry Ordway)          Bucky I (artist: Ron Frenz)
  • Ancient One (artist: Carl Potts)           Captain Mar-Vell (artist: Jim Starlin)
  • Ani-Men I & II (artist: Luke McDonnell) Carrion (artist: Bob Budiansky)
  • Baron Blood (artist: Alan Davis)           Sharon Carter (artist: Sal Buscema)
  • Baron Strucker (artist: Mike Zeck)        Turner D. Century (artist: Dwayne Turner)
  • Baron Zemo I (artist: Wayne Boring)    Champions of Xandar (artist: Mike Harris)
  • Basilisk (artist: Sandy Plunkett)       Changeling (artist: Bill Reinhold)
  • Beyonder (artist: Colleen Doran)      Commander Kraken (artist: Carl Potts)
  • Big Man (artist: Tom Morgan)      Count Nefaria (artist: Whilce Portacio)
  • Black Knight I (artist: John Bolton)  Cyclone (artist: Al Milgrom)
  • Black Knight II (artist: Murphy Anderson) Dakimh the Enchanter (artist: Brent Anderson)
  • Blackout (artist: Al Milgrom)       Margo Damien (artist: Jim Mooney)
  • Blizzard (artist: Chuck Patton)     Darkoth (artist: Mike Witherby)
  • Bloodstone (artist: Tony Salmons)  Death Adder (artist: John Bolton)                      
  • Blue Streak (artist: Todd McFarlane)  Death-Stalker (artist: Kevin Nowlan)                  

Note: Of the 20-issue ‘Deluxe Edition,’ published between 1985 and 1988, Issues # 16-20 were allotted to the deceased characters.

REVIEW:

Judging by this issue, the ‘Deluxe Edition’ series considerably enhances Marvel’s 1983-84 edition, which had previously allotted two issues for its deceased and inactive characters.  Besides top-caliber work by writer Peter Sanderson, the issue’s cohesively details are augmented by consistently terrific artwork. 

Besides checking out entries for since-revived characters (i.e. Sharon Carter; Count Nefaria; & Bucky/The Winter Soldier), it’s interesting that eight villains depicted here had been brutally assassinated by the Scourge (including seven of them in Captain America # 318-319).  Though the near-microscopic font size may necessitate some squinting, this stellar issue is a reminder of Marvel excellence from that era.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Project editor Mark Gruenwald provides an introduction on the inside front cover.  The back inside cover offers a strength level chart for various Marvel characters.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               9 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

THE OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE: DELUXE EDITION # 8 (1986 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Mark Gruenwald & Peter Sanderson

Art by Josef Rubenstein; Andy Yanchus; James Fry; Eliot Brown; & Others Credited Below

Wraparound Cover Art by John Byrne & Josef Rubenstein

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for July 1986, this 64-page character guide depicts the first thirty-seven entries for the letter “M,” each with its own artist.  Each detailed biography provides personal and physical stats; first appearance; origin issue (as applicable); strength level; known super-powers and weapons (i.e. the Mandarin’s rings); any other paraphernalia;  and notable images. 

The characters and their assigned artists are as follows:

  • Magus (artist: Bill Sienkiewicz)          Master Pandemonium (artist: Al Milgrom)
  • Makkari (artist: Keith Pollard)          Masters of Evil I-IV (artist: Kevin Maguire)
  • Dr. Karl Malus (artist: Mike Harris)   Maximus (artist: Tom Palmer)
  • Man-Ape (artist: Carmine Infantino)    Mayhem (artist: Bret Blevins)
  • Mandarin (artist: Mike Zeck)              Medusa (artist: John Byrne)
  • Mandrill (artist: Ruby Nebres)            Mentallo (artist: Michael Chen)
  • Mandroid (artist: Bob Layton)            Mentor (artist: Jim Starlin)
  • Manhattan (artist: Eliot R. Brown)    Mephisto (artist: John Buscema)
  • Manslaughter (artist: Brent Anderson)  Merlin I-III (artist: Brian Bolland)
  • Man-Thing (artist: Bret Blevins)          Mesmero (artist: Walt Simonson)
  • Man-Thing’s Swamp (artist: David Lofvers) Mirage (artist: June Brigman)
  • Mantis (artist: John Buscema)    Mister Fantastic (artist: Jerry Ordway)
  • Marrina (artist: John Byrne)     Mister Fear I-III (artist: Jackson Guice)
  • Marvel Girl/Jean Grey (artist: Jackson Guice)   Mr. Hyde (artist: John Romita Jr.)                     
  • Massachusetts Academy (artist: Eliot R. Brown) Mockingbird (artist: Cynthia Martin)     
  • Mass Master of Power Pack (artist: June Brigman) Modred the Mystic (artist: Stan Woch)
  • Master (artist: John Byrne)                  Mojo (artist: Art Adams)
  • Mastermind (artist: Paul Smith)           Mole Man (artist: John Byrne)  
  • Master Order (artist: John Beatty)                                  

Note: The 20-issue ‘Deluxe Edition’ was published between 1985 and 1988.

REVIEW:

For sheer effort, the ‘Deluxe Edition’ series impressively enhances Marvel’s initial 1983-84 handbook series.  Besides top-caliber work by writers Mark Gruenwald and Peter Sanderson, this ultra-detailed entertainment package is augmented by top-caliber artwork. 

The only two detriments are: 1. A few inking bleeds (which might not apply to every copy); and, more significantly, 2. The issue’s near-microscopic text may necessitate a lot of squinting.  No matter the eyestrain, Issue # 8 is an excellent character resource for Marvel fans of this era.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Data corrections are provided on the front and back inside covers.  The back inside cover also  has a segment of an appendix re: ‘Other Dimensions.’    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8½ Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

THE OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE # 14: BOOK OF THE DEAD AND INACTIVE II- MARVEL BOY TO ZURAS (1984 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Peter Sanderson; Robert Harras; Mark Lerer; Steven Grant; David A. Lofvers: & Mark Gruenwald

Art by Josef Rubinstein; Andy Yanchus; (Other Credits See Below)

Wraparound Cover Art by John Byrne

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for March 1984, this 33-page issue completes the original Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe series.  Per its wraparound cover, the deceased characters’ eyes are closed and their arms are solemnly crossed while the inactive characters’ arms pose at their side.  Each character biography (including a description of his/her super-powers) has its own artist.  Issue # 14’s decedents and inactive players are:

  • Marvel Boy [Deceased]: artist Dave Cockrum
  • Mimic [Deceased]: artist Ron Frenz
  • Miss America (Madeline Joyce Frank) [Deceased]: artist Mary Wilshire
  • Morbius [Inactive]: artist Bill Loebs
  • Nebulon [Deceased]: artist Al Milgrom
  • Nighthawk [Deceased]: artist Ed Hannigan
  • Nova (Richard Rider) [Inactive]: artist Rick Leonardi
  • Omega the Unknown [Deceased]: artist Kirk Lassiter
  • Patriot (aka Captain America III)  [Deceased]: artist Bill Willingham
  • Phantom Eagle [Deceased]: artist Herb Trimpe
  • Phoenix (Jean Grey) [Deceased]: artist John Byrne
  • Pip the Troll [Deceased]: artist Mike Zeck
  • Red Guardian I [Deceased]: artist Steve Rude
  • Red Guardian II [Inactive]: artist Josef Rubenstein
  • Red Raven [Deceased]: artist John Romita, Sr.
  • Satana [Deceased]: artist Nestor Redondo
  • Shang-Chi [Inactive]: artist Paul Gulacy
  • Son of Satan (Daimon Hellstrom) [Inactive]: artist Bob Hall
  • Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew) [Inactive]: artist Bob McLeod
  • Spirit of ’76 (aka Captain America II) [Deceased]: artist Jose Louis
  • Spitfire [Inactive]: artist Bob McLeod
  • Swordsman [Deceased]: artist Mike Zeck
  • Terrax [Deceased]: artist John Byrne
  • Thanos [Inactive]: artist Jim Starlin
  • 3-D Man [Inactive]: artist Steve Rude
  • Thunderbird I [Deceased]: artist Dave Cockrum
  • Thunderbolt [Deceased]: artist Kerry Gammill
  • Toro [Deceased]: artist Marie Severin
  • Torpedo [Deceased]: artist Bill Reinhold
  • Adam Warlock [Deceased]: artist Jim Starlin
  • White Tiger I [Inactive]: artist Mark Bright
  • Whizzer [Deceased]: artist Dennis Jensen
  • Vampires [Destroyed]: artist Kyle Baker
  • Yellowjacket (Hank Pym) [Inactive]: artist Jerry Ordway
  • Zombie [Inactive]: artist Bob Hall
  • Zuras [Deceased]: artist Ed Hannigan

REVIEW:

As dated as this issue’s material seems now, one should still appreciate its high-caliber production.  For its time, both the sophisticated writing and artwork are exceptional.  Considering the storied histories for some of these characters, Marvel Comics remarkably describes their fictional exploits with poignancy and depth. 

Now ridiculously outdated, it’s telling how this comic’s sense of finality has been erased by convoluted resurrections, and, in some cases, multiple resurrections of a single character.  Due to the copious amount of material crammed into each page, inevitably the nearly microscopic type font makes for an arduous task on a reader’s eyes.  Despite some eyestrain, this issue is a well-designed homage to Marvel’s deceased and inactive characters.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside back cover explains how ‘death’ and the ‘afterlife’ are interpreted in the Marvel Universe.  Included is a synopsis of Marvel’s ‘Death Gods,’ with artwork by Luke McDonnell.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             8 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks

MARVEL: X-MEN ENCYCLOPEDIA {Compilation} (MARVEL Comics)

Written by Eric J. Moreels & Ronald Byrd

Art by (See Below); Pond Scum; Victor Gonzalez; Laura Martin; & James Rochelle

Cover Art by Salvador Larroca; Richard Isanove; & Chris Sotomayor

SUMMARY:

Published as a 2005 Target exclusive, this 96-page compilation guide consists of two Official Handbooks of the Marvel Universe: X-Men 2004 and Wolverine 2004.  All applicable characters have a power grid (on a scale of 1-7) specifying: intelligence, strength, speed, durability, energy projection, and fighting skills.  The detailed character profiles and artists are the following:

X-Men 2004

Beast: John Cassady                   Nightcrawler: Sean Chen

Bishop: Alan Davis                  Polaris: Randy Green

Cyclops: John Cassady              Professor X: Aaron Lopresti

Emma Frost: John Cassady       Kitty Pryde: John Cassady

Gambit: Salvador Larroca          Rogue: Sean Chen

Havok: Salvador Larroca           Sage: Alan Davis

Iceman: Carlos Pacheco             Storm: Alan Davis

Juggernaut: Ron Garney          Wolverine: Sean Chen

Rachel Summers: Alan Davis X-Mansion/Estate: Jim Calafore

Wolverine 2004

Wolverine: Salvador Larroca; Steve Skroce; John Romita Jr.;

Marc Silvestri; Joe Madureira; & Dan Fraga      Ogun: Boris Vallejo

Adamantium: Sean Chen & Eliot R. Brown  Omega Red: Jim Lee

Agent Zero (Maverick): Jeff Johnson  Reavers: Marc Silvestri & Salvador Larroca

Alpha Flight: Sean Chen                     Roughouse: Sal Buscema

Bloodscream: Matthew Marsilla       Sabretooth: Jim Lee; Joe Jusko; & Darick Robertson

Cyber: Adam Kubert                         Silver Fox: Mark Texeira

Deadpool: Ed McGuinness & Patrick Zircher   Silver Samurai: Boris Vallejo

Genesis: Steve Skroce                           Matsu’o Tsurayaba: Marc Silvestri

Lady Deathstrike: Sean Chen & Ryan Bodenheim     Viper: Julie Bell

Madripoor: Uncredited             Weapon X Program: Barry Windsor-Smith

Mauvais: Sean Chen                Mariko Yoshida: Paul Smith

Mister X: Sean Chen                Yukio: Leinil Francus Yu

Native: Darick Robertson

Note: Wolverine’s X-Men 2004 entry is 2½ pages. – comparatively, his Wolverine 2004 profile is 10 pages.  

REVIEW:

For Marvel aficionados, no matter how outdated these biographies are now, this exceptional compilation delivers the goods and then some.  Both the writing and accompanying artwork are high-caliber. 

In fair warning to parents, this book isn’t kid-friendly – some of these biographies contain some grisly R-rated plot details (i.e. in the Wolverine 2004 section).  Otherwise, it’s a handy resource for adult fans seeking a quick reference on various X-Men-related characters from that era.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Two full-page covers for the Wolverine 2004 handbook are the mid-point.  The last page has the creative team’s and publishing credits.  However, a power grid explanation defining specific limits isn’t included.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8½ Stars

Categories
CD's Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's) TV Series

TELEVISION’S GREATEST HITS, VOLUME 6: REMOTE CONTROL {Compilation}

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 73 Min.

Released by TVT Records in 1996, this 65-track collection consists of 70’s-80’s TV opening credits theme songs by the original artists.  These vintage tunes are generally categorized by either show genres and/or their composers.   

Note: Voice-over narrations aren’t included (i.e. Robin Leach’s Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and Ted Cassidy’s uncredited intro for The Incredible Hulk).

1. Fish 1:04
2. Night Court 0:43
3. What’s Happening? 0:55
4. Diff’rent Strokes 0:54
5. Mr. Belvedere 0:58
6. Growing Pains 1:04
7. Charles in Charge 0:58
8. Silver Spoons 1:02
9. Webster 1:03
10. Too Close for Comfort 0:57
11. Who’s the Boss? 1:02
12. Perfect Strangers 1:15
13. Alice 1:12
14. It’s A Living 1:12
15. Angie 1:20
16. 227 1:01
17. The Golden Girls 0:42
18. Alf 1:10
19. Mork & Mindy 1:28
20. Police Squad 1:03
21. Family Ties 1:03
22. Moonlighting 1:02
23. Soap 1:16
24. Benson 1:04
25. The Benny Hill Show 1:04
26. The Young Ones (BBC) 0:38
27. The People’s Court 0:44
28. Family Feud 1:06
29. The Price is Right 1:07
30. Siskel & Ebert 0:38
31. Monday Night Football 1:20
32. Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous 1:13
33. Fame 1:12
34. The Paper Chase 1:15
35. Fantasy Island 1:02
36. Falcon Crest 1:08
37. The Colbys 1:20
38. Highway to Heaven 1:39
39. The Dukes of Hazzard 1:02
40. B.J. & The Bear 1:27
41. Movin’ On 1:09
42. The Fall Guy 1:47
43. James At 15 0:54
44. Eight is Enough 1:13
45. Baa Baa Black Sheep 1:16
46. Trapper John, M.D. 1:12
47. CHiPS 1:16
48. Vega$ 1:26
49. Matt Houston 0:58
50. Cagney and Lacey 1:17
51. T.J. Hooker 1:02
52. Hardcastle & McCormick 1:02
53. Hunter 1:02
54. MacGyver 1:10
55. Knight Rider 1:18
56. Airwolf 0:57
57. The Incredible Hulk 1:13
58. V: The Series 1:04
59. The New Twilight Zone 0:48
60. Doctor Who 1:13
61. Mystery! 0:47
62. Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew 1:03
63. Roots 1:46
64. Vietnam: A Television History 1:13
65. Cosmos 2:36

REVIEW:

If anything, it’s raiders of the lost art of a catchy TV theme song.  Make no mistake: this full-length disc gives listeners their money’s worth.  Sporting spot-on audio quality, it’s really almost like settling in for a TV re-run marathon … without the TV and all the annoying commercials.  For background noise, it’s a wonderful home playlist for TV nostalgia buffs.

PACKAGING:

Its track list is accurately depicted on the back cover.  An album booklet provides synopsis info for each TV program. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             10 Stars

Note: Consider this album a continuation of Volume 5, which homages TV shows  from the ‘70s and ‘80s.  Volume 7 moves forward into the early 1990’s.  Also, in 1995, Rhino Records released a competing Tube Tunes, Vol. 3: The ‘80’s, which sports several radio-length versions of TV themes by the original artists.  Though their CD’s have far shorter run times, the Tube Tunes series makes a great supplement.

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

DIRTY DANCING [Movie Soundtrack – 20th Anniversary expanded re-release]

SUMMARY:                              APPROX. RUNNING TIME: 77 Min.

Released in 2007 by Sony BMG Music Entertainment, this CD contains all of Dirty Dancing’s music in chronological order.  The twenty-seven tracks are:

TRACK:           ARTIST:                   RUNNING TIME:

  1. Be My Baby – The Ronettes       2:38
  2. Big Girls Don’t Cry – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons      2:23
  3. Merengue (instrumental)– Michael Lloyd & Le Disc             2:15
  4. Trot the Fox (instrumental) – Michael Lloyd & Le Disc        2:04
  5. Johnny’s Mambo (instrumental) – Michael Lloyd & Le Disc 2:58
  6. (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life (instrumental) – The John Morris Orchestra 0:58
  7. Where Are You Tonight? – Tom Johnston            3:58
  8. Do You Love Me – The Contours                        2:52
  9. Love Man – Otis Redding                                   2:15
  10. Gazebo Waltz (instrumental) – Michael Lloyd  2:06
  11. Stay – Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs          1:38
  12. Wipeout – The Safaris                                          2:37
  13. Hungry Eyes – Eric Carmen                                4:07
  14. Overload – Zappacosta                                        3:40
  15. Hey Baby – Bruce Channel                                 2:22
  16. De Todo Un Poco (instrumental) – Michael Lloyd & Le Disc  2:27
  17. Some Kind of Wonderful – The Drifters                2:36
  18. These Arms of Mine – Otis Redding                      2:31
  19. Cry to Me – Solomon Burke                                2:33
  20. Will You Love Me Tomorrow – The Shirelles         2:41
  21. Love is Strange –  Micky & Sylvia                          2:53
  22. You Don’t Own Me – The Blow Monkeys             3:01
  23. Yes – Merry Clayton                                             3:15
  24. In the Still of the Night – The Five Satins               3:04
  25. She’s Like the Wind – Patrick Swayze & Wendy Fraser        3:51
  26. Kellerman’s Anthem – The Emile Bergstein Chorale              3:02
  27. (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes  6:45

REVIEW:

For the movie’s fans and/or soundtrack aficionados, this CD is a flawless time machine.  Absolutely recommended!   

PACKAGING:

The high-caliber booklet includes song credits and a treasure trove of film stills.  There’s also a brief note from the soundtrack’s executive producer, Jimmy Jenner. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    10 Stars

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

BEST OF BOND … JAMES BOND {Compilation} (2008 edition)

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 79 Min.

Released by Capital Records in 2008, this updated 24-track compilation CD includes the following tracks (in historical order):  

  1. James Bond Theme                                   John Barry & Orchestra  1:47
  2. From Russia With Love                                Matt Monro  2:34
  3. Goldfinger                                                    Shirley Bassey 2:49    
  4. Thunderball                                                 Tom Jones       3:03
  5. You Only Live Twice                                    Nancy Sinatra 2:46    
  6. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service         The John Barry Orchestra  2:35
  7. We Have All the Time in the World              Louis Armstrong  3:13
  8. Diamonds Are Forever                                Shirley Bassey 2:41
  9. Live and Let Die                       Paul McCartney & Wings 3:13
  10.  The Man With the Golden Gun                   Lulu                 2:35
  11.  Nobody Does It Better                                 Carly Simon    3:29
  12.  Moonraker                                                 Shirley Bassey 3:09
  13.  For Your Eyes Only                                    Sheena Easton 3:04
  14.  All Time High [Octopussy]                         Rita Coolidge  3:03    
  15.  A View to a Kill                                        Duran  Duran  3:35
  16.  The Living Daylights                                   a-ha  4:14
  17.  Licence to Kill                                            Gladys Knight 4:11
  18.  Goldeneye                                                   Tina Turner    3:29
  19.  Tomorrow Never Dies                                  Sheryl Crow    4:53
  20.  Surrender [Tomorrow Never Dies]                 K.D. Lang       3:56
  21.  The World is Not Enough                            Garbage          3:56
  22.  Die Another Day                                        Madonna         4:39
  23.  You Know My Name [Casino Royale]           Chris Cornell  4:04
  24.  James Bond Theme                                       John Arnold    2:14

Notes: Track 7 is from “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” Track 11 is from “The Spy Who Loved Me.”   

REVIEW:

Like Agent 007’s aim, this album doesn’t miss.  Though Tracks 1-22 are available on prior compilations, the added attractions are Track 23: the hard-rocking “You Know My Name” and Track 24: and John’s Arnold’s up-tempo take on the classic Bond theme (from the Pierce Brosnan era).  Considering its endearing vibe and flawless sound quality, this ‘greatest-hits’ album is mighty tough to surpass.

PACKAGING:

All twenty-four tracks are listed on the case’s back cover, though the running times aren’t included.  The stylish, eight-page booklet provides credits for each track, as well as a two-page spread of Bond-related posters.  The CD is well-protected in a standard plastic casing.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    10 Stars

Note: Besides missing Track # 23, the significant difference from the 2002 edition is that it sports a pair of cool James Bond theme variants (one from “Goldeneye” and the other from “Tomorrow Never Dies”).

Categories
Agatha Christie-Related Books & Novels Mystery & Suspense

HERCULE POIROT: THE HOLLOW

Written by Agatha Christie

SUMMARY:

First published in 1946, this 299-page Harper Books paperback edition was released in 2011.  Its alternate title is Murder After Hours. 

At an English countryside home dubbed ‘The Hollow,’ retired hosts Sir Henry & Lucy Angkatell welcome six adult guests for a weekend house party.  Their guests are: introverted in their own ways, cousins Edward and David Angkatell; another Angkatell cousin: sculptor Henrietta Savernake; Lucy’s young relative: delightfully down-to-earth Midge Hardcastle; and a married London couple: Dr. John and Gerda Christow.

Self-absorbed John is torn between an overly subservient wife and artist Henrietta – his compassionate mistress.  Yet, the philandering doctor isn’t not the only one stunned that his old flame, narcissistic actress Veronica Cray, has now moved in next door.  Experiencing an epiphany of sorts, John makes a fateful decision. 

With tensions already slow-brewing, homicide shatters The Hollow’s calm.  Sir Henry’s acquaintance (and his other new neighbor), Hercule Poirot, may be the only one who can set things right.  It’s conveyed that Sir Henry had first met Poirot in Baghdad, presumably during 1936’s Murder in Mesopotamia.

Advisory Note: The ‘n’-word appears on page 34.  Why the publisher didn’t/couldn’t edit this word out is anybody’s guess. 

REVIEW:

Of Christie’s Poirot masterpieces, the moody Hollow surely isn’t among them.  Make no mistake: this soap opera-ish whodunnit is a tough slog – spending the first eight or nine chapters alone with this cast is plenty.  Though Christie works hard imbuing The Hollow’s characters with realistic depth, making this blasé group actually readable, however, is another matter. Among them, only the vibrant Midge comes off as someone actually worth rooting for. 

For instance, there’s the implausibility exactly why three women: Gerta, Henrietta, and an over-the-top Veronica all orbit one domineering physician like he’s the almighty sun.  Plagued by bouts of self-pity, 40-year old ‘golden boy’ John is a domineering egotist; yet, his selfish persona becomes surprisingly multi-layered.  One might conclude the doctor is somewhat humble, as compared to his long-lost ex-girlfriend, Veronica – a ridiculous cliché of spoiled starlets. 

Beyond the plot’s lethargic tempo, the insurmountable obstacle Christie pitches to readers is this: why should anyone even care about this group of players (short of the victim’s young children), once the homicide occurs?  Deserving some pity is the shrewd Inspector Grange as the local cop officially probing this muddle of motives.  It’s like Grange grasps the plot’s blah circumstances from the get-go, which mostly renders The Hollow’s crime a non-mystery. 

Considering that Poirot’s entrance is delayed until a full third into the novel is indicative of how dreary The Hollow really is.  Even the dapper Belgian sleuth’s literary magic (and a savvy display of compassion come the ever-bleak end) isn’t nearly enough this time.  The book’s mid-section improves in spots, but a consistently low-energy vibe doesn’t muster much hope for a satisfying finish.       

Beyond the ever-insightful Henrietta’s presence, only a decent romance is left to help Poirot distract readers from a below-average storyline.  Inexplicably, Christie even sabotages this middling sub-plot — with a melodramatic scene where the heroine must thwart her beloved’s attempted suicide by gassing himself in an oven.  By that point, it’s tempting to consider chucking The Hollow across the room.  In hindsight, this disappointing Poirot’s sole benefit is offering a potential cure for insomnia.   

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

The first page is a Christie mini-biography.  There’s a full listing of Christie’s published novels (plus two memoirs).    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   3 Stars

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SAVE THE WORLD (by Leah: Kings & Queens)

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 5:00 Min.

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

REVIEW:

In terms of symphonic rock, Leah McHenry strikes gold — as a compliment, this tune sounds virtually out of Evanescence’s playbook.  “Save the World” doesn’t possess the most original sound, but, for fans of the genre, this underrated gem is worth adding to any epic adventure-themed playlist. 

BRIAN ’S ODD MOON RATING:                                   8 Stars

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