Month: January 2021

MR. SPILL (The Harry Connick, Jr. Trio: Lofty’s Roach Soufflé)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 25, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:59 Min.

It’s the fourth track off The Harry Connick, Jr. Trio’s 1990 instrumental album, Lofty’s Roach Soufflé. With Connick, Jr. on piano, the trio consists of Benjamin Wolfe (bass) and Shannon Powell (drums). Connick, Jr. composed this tune.

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of 1950’s-style jazz (i.e. the Peter Gunn TV series), the timeless “Mr. Spill” is a delight. Its catchiness goes a long way, as this toe-tapping tune is a welcome magic spell for jazz enthusiasts.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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

MILES AWAY (Winger: In the Heart of the Young)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:15 Min.

This 1990 song was among the tracks released for radio play from Winger’s second album: In the Heart of the Young. Its lead singer is Kip Winger.

REVIEW:

Winger was among many Late ‘80’s-Early ‘90s lite metal rock bands that briefly caught fire in the ‘big hair, even bigger sound’ MTV video era. Considering the group’s output, it isn’t surprising that Winger struggled amidst a glut of competition seeking to be the next Bon Jovi or Def Leppard.

Still, some of this group’s tunes from their 1988 self-titled first album and 1990’s In the Heart of The Young hold up surprisingly well. From the band’s second effort, the underrated “Miles Away” may take first place on that hypothetical list.

Benefiting from a catchy melody (including a terrific piano accompaniment),“Miles Away” delivers a surprisingly good ballad. Specifically, the lyrics speak of regret and lingering, if not fading, hope turning into heartbreak re: a romance broken up in part by long distance. Backed by his band’s high-energy instrumental work, Kip Winger’s articulate, almost haunting vocals soar in impressive fashion. This track is a Winger career highlight, as it merits a chance for re-discovery.

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)

MEMORY {Instrumental Cover} (by NatureQuest: Andrew Lloyd Webber Naturally)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:12 Min.

The pivotal theme from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats is covered as an instrumental for NatureQuest’s 1995 album, Andrew Lloyd Webber Naturally.

REVIEW:

Rendered though a jazzy sense of tranquility, “Memory” is further enhanced by background nature sounds of birds, a flowing stream (or possibly it’s rain), and then a rumbling storm. NatureQuest ensures that Webber’s likely most poignant theme ever is definitely well-played. This leisurely-paced track would be ideal for relaxation and/or sleeping aid playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance Soundtracks (Digital)

MAMA SAID (by The Shirelles: One Fine Day movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:09 Min.

This upbeat Shirelles R&B/pop tune dates back to 1961. It subsequently appears on the soundtrack for 1996’s One Fine Day comedy, which stars Michelle Pfeiffer & George Clooney.

REVIEW:

“Mama Said” remains a terrific tune. It just tends to have a cookie-cutter formula sound for the genre of that era. Frankly, it’s perfect creative sense pairing this tune with The Chiffons’ peppy “One Fine Day,” which predictably appears on the same soundtrack. Adding this Shirelles track to a favorite oldies playlist makes a good investment.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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

ON YOUR SHORE (Enya: Watermark)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:00 Min.

It’s the third track of Enya’s 1988 Watermark album. This Celtic-themed song would later appear in the 1991 Steve Martin romantic comedy, L.A. Story.

REVIEW:

Serene and enchantingly performed, “On Your Shore” is timeless Enya magic. Its subdued romanticism would make an ideal choice at outdoor weddings and receptions. Highly recommended!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Note: Another worthy Enya soundtrack hit is “Book of Days,” from her 1992 Shepherd Moons album. It appears in the 1992 Tom Cruise-Nicole Kidman historical romance film, Far & Away.

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

ONE OF US (Ivan Torrent & Julie Elven: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:29 Min.

This 2014 single is a collaboration between Spanish composer-musician Ivan Torrent and German-based songstress Julie Elven.

REVIEW:

Imagine a science fiction-themed epic instrumental, and that’s the direction Ivan Torrent takes “One of Us.” This concept, which is further bolstered by Julie Elven’s haunting vocals, impressively works. Packed with action cues, the track seems meant for either a space war movie or video game trailer. For epic enthusiasts, “One of Us” is certainly worthy of adding to a favorite playlist.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance

KISSES OF FIRE {Cover} (by Jessica Keenan Wynn, Alexa Davies, & Panos Mouzourakis: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:29 Min.

For the 2018 sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, actresses Jessica Keenan Wynn and Alexa Davies team up with Panos Mouzourakis for this cover of the ABBA tune.

REVIEW:

It’s definitely different. Amusingly starting off like it’s a Neil Diamond tune (with a distinctively Greek flavor), Panos Mouzourakis is a hoot with his contribution. The baton then goes to actresses Jessica Keenan Wynn & Alexa Davies, as “Kisses of Fire” launches into a full-blown disco sound. Wildly exuberant and wisely short, this somewhat wacky song somehow works as is. In addition to a terrific instrumental performance, the song benefits from dynamic efforts by co-stars Jessica Keenan Wynn & Alexa Davies (not to mention, their back-up chorus).

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: THE TROUBLE WITH TRUTH (Episode 22)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Shaunt Nigoghossian, this episode first aired in the U.S. on June 3, 2017. The League must find a hidden cobalt fusion bomb that the H.I.V.E. terrorist group intends to detonate in Metropolis. From Olympus, the goddess Athena offers Wonder Woman a new job as the Goddess of Truth. Wonder Woman graciously accepts, knowing it means she must resign from the League. Joining Batman, Wonder Woman, & Green Arrow vs. H.I.V.E. Master’s stooges is an amused Athena.

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey

Athena: Jessica Walter

Batman: Kevin Conroy

Green Arrow / H.I.V.E. Master: Chris Diamantopoulos

Superman: Jason J. Lewis

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess.

REVIEW:

A fun script showcasing Wonder Woman’s heroics is further bolstered by great comedy banter between Green Arrow and Athena. Voice actors Jessica Walter and Chris Diamantopoulos deliver spot-on performances, but Rachel Kimsey’s congenial Wonder Woman deserves the episode’s MVP honors.

The usually chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, looks pretty good this time when paired with this comic book-worthy script. Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans should appreciate this comedic Justice League adventure.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).

JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: INSIDE JOB (Episode 21)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Doug Murphy, this episode first aired in the U.S. on June 3, 2017. Lex Luthor’s S.T.AR. Labs raid sets up a showdown against Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman. Thwarting Luthor’s kryptonite gas assault, Superman becomes critically ill. Shrinking to microscopic size to save Superman’s life, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Atom enter the Man of Steel’s comatose body to stop Luthor’s scheme to kill him. Playing the odds, Luthor infiltrates the Watchtower to personally terminate a vulnerable Superman.

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey

Atom: Jerry O’Connell

Batman: Kevin Conroy

Superman / Red Tornado: Jason J. Lewis

Lex Luthor: James Woods

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess.

REVIEW:

Despite this episode’s great premise, an uncharacteristic excess of Wonder Woman wisecracks and a few juvenile booger jokes grow tiresome fast. Worse yet, a surprisingly weak effort by James Woods’ Luthor necessitates that fellow voice actors Rachel Kimsey, Kevin Conroy, and Jerry O’Connell make up the difference. The good news is that they succeed (to some extent).

The usually chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, looks pretty good when paired with this particular script. Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans can appreciate this Fantastic Voyage-style adventure.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).