Month: January 2021

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

SLEEPWALK {Cover} (by The Brian Setzer Orchestra: The Dirty Boogie)

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 3:49 Min.

This cover is the fifth track on The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s 1998 Dirty Boogie album.  The original tune is a rock instrumental dating back to 1959, as performed by duo Santo & Johnny (Santo & Johnny Farina). 

REVIEW:

Given a few orchestral-style style twists,  Brian Setzer’s take on “Sleep Walk” (or “Sleepwalk,” as The Dirty Boogie calls it) is an ideal rock instrumental.  Timeless in a way that makes one imagine the Late Fifties, this track is a musical gem. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    9 Stars

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

HOUSE ARREST (by Bryan Adams: Waking Up The Neighbours)

SUMMARY:                                         RUNNING TIME: 3:57 Min.

It’s the seventh track from Bryan Adams’ 1991 album, Waking Up The Neighbours.  Adams’ collaborator, Jim Vallance, wrote this track.  Of note, a phrase from this tune’s lyrics is where the album’s title is taken from. 

REVIEW:

Beyond its four radio hits, there’s still such a wealth of quality songs on Waking Up The Neighbours that standing out is an artistic challenge. Even if it isn’t a must-download tune, “House Arrest” is a solid, upbeat effort from Bryan Adams.  It retains an infectious, almost goofy charm that keeps the ball rollicking on this epic Adams album. 

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING:                                   7 Stars

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

ALL I WANT IS YOU (by Bryan Adams: Waking Up The Neighbours)

SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 5:20 Min.

It’s the tenth track from Bryan Adams’ 1991 album, Waking Up The Neighbours.  Adams’ frequent collaborator, Robert John “Mutt” Lange, wrote this track.

REVIEW:

The song is hardly unique, but “Mutt” Lange’s spot-on lyrics add extra sparkle to a reliable Bryan Adams tune.  Hence, it has an enduring catchiness.  “All I Want is You” makes a terrific solo download option, but acquiring it with the complete album frankly makes the most sense.       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      7 Stars

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Categories
CD's DC-Related Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

MUSIC OF DC COMICS: VOLUME 2

SUMMARY:                        RUNNING TIME: 64 Min.

Released from DC Comics’ vaults through Watertower Music in 2010, its twenty-nine tracks are the following:   

  1. The Baby from Krypton intro/voicover (Superman radio show)

Credit: Bud Collyer (1940)    Running Time: 1:14

2. What Are You Going to Do When You Are Not Saving the World? (Man of Steel film)

Credit: Hans Zimmer (2013)   Running Time: 5:24

3. Ruby-Spears’ Superman (TV cartoon series opening credits, with voice-over)

Credit: John Williams (1988)     Running Time: 1:02

4. Superman: The Animated Series (TV series opening credits)

Credit: Shirley Walker (1996)    Running Time: 1:03

5. The Flying Sequence / Can You Read My Mind? (Superman: The Movie)

Credits: John Williams & Margot Kidder    Running Time: 8:06

6. Fight Night (Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice)

Credits: Hans Zimmer & Junkie XL (2016)     Running Time: 4:20

7. The Batman Theme (1966-68 TV series opening credits theme, including vocals & sound effects)

Credit: Neal Hefti (1966)     Running Time: 0:46

8. Batman: The Animated Series (TV series opening credits)

Credit: Danny Elfman (1992)      Running Time: 1:03 

9. The Ballad of Batman (Batman: The Brave and the Bold episode pre-credits scene)

Credits: Dynamic Music Partners and voice actor John DiMaggio (as Golden Age Vigilante) (2002) Running Time: 2:17

10. Batman Takes Over {intro} (Batman and Robin live-action serial}

Credit: Mischa Bakaleinikoff (1949)    Running Time: 2:11

11. Why Do We Fall? (The Dark Knight Rises film)

Credit: Hans Zimmer (2012)    Running Time: 2:04

12. Christmas With the Joker: Jingle Bells & Batman Smells (Batman: The Animated Series episode)

Credits: Shirley Walker & Mark Hamill (1992)    Running Time: 0:35

13. Joker is Wild (inspired by Batman live-action TV series)

Credits: The Sensational Guitars of Dan and Dale: featuring Sun Ra and The Blue Projects (1966) Running Time: 1:57

14. Mischief – Harley Quinn’s Theme (Infinite Crisis video game)

Credit: Matthew Harwood (2015)    Running Time: 0:51

15. Lex Luthor’s Lair (Superman: The Movie)

Credit: John Williams (1978)     Running Time: 2:33

16. Penguin Makes Moves (Gotham TV series)

Credits: Graeme Revell & David E. Russo (2015)    Running Time: 0:47

17. Penguin’s Umbrella (inspired by Batman live-action TV series)

Credits: The Sensational Guitars of Dan and Dale: featuring Sun Ra and The Blue Projects (1966) Running Time: 3:02

18. Challenge of the Super-Friends (TV cartoon series opening credits, with voice-over and sound effects)

Credits: Hoyt Curtin (1978)    Running Time: 1:02

19. Justice League of America – Roll Call (novelty song)

Credit: Arthur Korb (1966)     Running Time: 3:11

20. Supergirl (TV series opening credits)

Credit: Blake Neely (2015)    Running Time: 1:11

21. Robin’s Theme (inspired by Batman live-action TV series)

Credits: The Sensational Guitars of Dan and Dale: featuring Sun Ra and The Blue Projects (1966) Running Time: 3:03

22. The Adventures of Superpup (unaired TV pilot theme)

Credit: None (1958)     Running Time: 0:37

23. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (TV series opening credits theme)

Credit: Blake Neely (2016)     Running Time: 0:50

24. Metamorpho (novelty song)

Credit: Arthur Korb (1966)     Running Time: 2:13

25. Get Your Cape On (DC Super-Hero Girls theme)

Credit: Jordyn Kane (2015)     Running Time: 3:34

26. Flash (1990 TV series opening credits)

Credit: Danny Elfman (1990)    Running Time: 1:33

27. The Flash vs. Arrow (TV series crossover theme)

Credit: Blake Neely (2014)     Running Time: 5:07

28. Wonder Woman (novelty song)

Credit: Arthur Korb (1966)     Running Time: 1:25

30. Wonder Woman (TV Series – Season 3 opening credits)

Credits: Charles Fox (1978)    Running Time: 1:05

REVIEW:

Surpassing its 2010 predecessor, this kid-friendly compilation meets every expectation.  Like Volume 1, enjoying this album is a musical time machine.  The historical value of Track # 1 is a treat, as are some groovy 60’s-style dance tunes by The Sensational Guitars of Dan and Dale.  The same applies to the rare opportunity to hear rare TV cartoon themes, especially “Challenge of the Super-Friends.” 

What’s also appreciated is the inclusion of more recent film and TV tracks.  Curiously, DC doesn’t include the 1984 Supergirl movie theme, but its 2015 TV counterpart frankly sounds better, anyway.  All that’s really missing is representation from the 90’s Batman live-action films: i.e. Seal’s “Kiss from a Rose.” Only can surmise adding such high-profile pop-rock tracks were omitted due to royalty issues.            

As fair warning, though, Arthur Korb’s three novelty tracks (sung in barbershop style) are all overlong dreck. At best, Korb amusingly semi-spoofs the Justice League (including Plastic Man in the mix, no less).  In that sense, then maybe his homage to Metamorpho doesn’t sound half-bad by comparison.  Yet, Korb’s excruciating serenade of Wonder Woman belongs in the talentless Nick the Lounge Singer’s songbook (as once portrayed by Bill Murray on Saturday Night Live).  A much-needed counter-balance (not to mention, a delightful close-out to this album) is the disco-flavored 3rd Season theme from Lynda Carter’s live-action series.

Between an exclusive mini-poster and 25+ vintage tracks (subtracting Korb’s horrid contributions), The Music of DC Comics: Volume 2 is a must-have keepsake for super-hero aficionados.

PACKAGING:

It’s stellar!  The back of the CD case lists the tracks and performers.  Behind the CD itself is an exclusive New 52 JLA group portrait.  The fold-out booklet insert includes more specific track info and technical credits.  The insert’s flip side is an exclusive DC Super-Heroes (with Sinestro & the Joker, too) mini-poster, with each character produced by different DC Comics artists (including Brian Bolland, Jim Lee, Ed Benes, & Amanda Conner). 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     8½ Stars

Note: Seen below is Volume 1 to the left of its sequel album.

Categories
CD's DC-Related Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

MUSIC OF DC COMICS: THE 75th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION {Volume 1}

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 41 Min.

Released from its vaults by DC Comics through Watertower Music in 2010, the thirty-one tracks (grouped by super-hero) are the following:   

  1. Superman March/Intro (Fleischer cartoon series)

Credit: Sammy Timberg (1941)   Running Time: 1:28

2. Superman March (movie soundtrack album version)

Credit: John Williams (1978)   Running Time: 4:23

3. New Adventures of Superman (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1966)   Running Time: 0:55

4. Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (TV series opening credits)

Credit: Jay Gruska (1993)   Running Time: 1:01

5. The Adventures of Superboy (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1966)   Running Time: 0:30

6. Superboy (TV series opening credits)

Credit: Kevin Kiner (1988)   Running Time: 0:47

7. Smallville (TV series – Season 8 end credits)

Credit: Louis Zebre (2008)   Running Time: 0:24

8. Batman: The Electrical Brain (live-action serial chapter intro)

Credit: Lee Zahler (1943)   Running Time: 2:10

9. Batman Theme (movie soundtrack album version)

Credit: Danny Elfman (1989)   Running Time: 2:38

10. The Adventures of Batman (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1967)   Running Time: 1:00

11. Batman Theme (live-action TV series – extended instrumental)

Credit: Neal Hefti (1966)   Running Time: 2:19

Note:  For the actual TV theme opening credits theme (including vocals and the biff-pow sound effects), it’s Track # 7 on Music of DC Comics, Volume 2.  Its running time is 46 seconds.

12. Batman: The Brave and The Bold (TV cartoon series theme)

Credit: Andy Sturmer (2008)   Running Time: 0:31

13. Batman Beyond (TV cartoon series theme)

Credit: Kristopher Carter (1999)   Running Time: 1:00

14. Batman Begins: Molossus (movie theme)

Credits: Hans Zimmer & James Newton Howard (2005)  Running Time: 4:50

15. Justice League of America (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1967)   Running Time: 0:31

16. Super-Friends (TV cartoon series – 1st Season opening credits)

Credit: Hoyt Curtin (1973)  Running Time: 1:02

Note: The actual voice-over is probably actor Ted Knight.

17. All-New Super-Friends Hour (TV cartoon series theme)

Credit: Hoyt Curtin (1977)   Running Time: 1:00

18. Justice League Unlimited (TV cartoon series theme)

Credit: Michael McCuistion (2004)   Running Time: 1:02

19. Legends of the Super-Heroes (live-action TV special)

Credit: Fred Werner (1979)     Running Time: 1:35

Note: Gary “Space Ghost” Owens (the program’s MC) does the actual voice-over.

20. The Teen Titans (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1967)     Running Time: 0:30

21. Aquaman (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1967)    Running Time: 0:23

22. Swamp Thing (live-action TV series opening credits)

Credit: Christopher Stone (1991)   Running Time: 1:02

Note: Dick “Swamp Thing” Durock does the actual voice-over.

23. Shazam! (live-action TV series opening credits)

Credit: Jeff Michael & Yvette H. Blais (1974)    Running Time: 1:00

24. Flash (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1967)    Running Time: 0:30

25. Green Lantern (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1967)    Running Time: 0:32

26. Green Lantern: First Flight  (animated film main theme)

Credit: Robert J. Kral (2009)    Running Time: 2:04

27. Atom (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1967)    Running Time: 0:32

28. Hawkman (Filmation TV cartoons)

Credit: John Gart (1967)    Running Time: 0:31

29. Plastic Man Comedy-Adventure Show (TV cartoon series theme)

Credit: Dean Elliott (1979)     Running Time: 0:59

Notes: Michael “Plastic Man” Bell does the actual voice-over.  There’s no mistaking that Bell also voices Wonder-Twin ‘Zan’ on The Super-Friends.

30. Wonder Woman  (animated film end credits)

Credit: Christopher Drake (2009)    Running Time: 3:04

31. Wonder Woman (TV series – Season 1 opening credits)

Credits: Charles Fox & Norman Gimbel (1976)   Running Time: 1:41

REVIEW:

Well-played by DC Comics, it’s a musical time machine that should inspire all-ages interest in the various cartoons, movies, and TV series represented.  The nostalgia alone packaged on this CD is worth the price of admission.  As one might expect, some tracks don’t age well (i.e. Tracks 5 and 8), but it’s still a treat to experience these rare tunes.  Still, this album over-relies on tedious filler (i.e. John Gart’s stilted Filmation intros) vs. supplying more contemporary (and longer) tracks. 

In fairness, the album’s evident priority was representing as many DC icons as feasible; the Filmation logic then makes sense as a homage to DC’s Silver Age generation. It’s just a shame that Volume 1 isn’t at least an hour, as a mere forty minutes short-changes this album’s awesome potential.  Volume 2, however, does provide more bang for the buck, including more of an emphasis on recent material.

Still, between the terrific bonus artwork and thirty-one mostly rare tracks, The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection is a must-have goodie for super-hero fans.

PACKAGING:

Excellent!  The back of the CD case lists the tracks and performers.  Behind the CD itself is an exclusive group portrait of DC’s heroes and villains.  The fold-out booklet insert includes the track info, technical credits, and a how-to re: purchasing DC-themed  ringtones, The insert’s flip side is an exclusive DC Super-Heroes mini-poster montage produced by a collective of DC Comics artists (including Ryan Sook). 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8 Stars

Note: Seen below is the album to the left of its even better 2016 sequel.

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

MARVEL AGE: SPIDER-MAN ENCYCLOPEDIA (MARVEL Comics)

Written by Jonathan Couper-Smith; Syd Barney-Hawke; & Seth Blederman

Art by (See Below); & John Romita, Jr. (first page)

Cover Art by (Uncredited)

SUMMARY:

Published as a 2004 Target exclusive, this 96-page compilation is similar to an Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe.  Materials are duplicated from a separate Spider-Man encyclopedia.  The applicable characters have a power grid (on a scale of 1-7) specifying: intelligence, strength, speed, durability, energy projection, and fighting skills.  Including archival artwork, the detailed character profiles and artists are the following:

Note: Including the same cover image, the 240-page hardcover version is 2003’s Marvel Encyclopedia, Vol. 4: Spider-Man.  

Black Cat (Terry Dodson)

Betty Brant (Steve Ditko)

Burglar (Steve Ditko)

Carnage (Mark Bagley & Lee Weeks)

Chameleon (Luke Ross & Steve Ditko)

Spider-Man’s Costumes (Uncredited)

The Daily Bugle (Tim Sale)

Daredevil (Joe Quesada)

Disruptor (Uncredited)

Doctor Doom (Uncredited)

Doctor Strange (Unicredited)

Doctor Octopus (Steve Skroce & John Romita, Jr.)

Electro (Steve Ditko)

Ezekiel (John Romita, Jr.)

Green Goblin (Humberto Ramos; Tim Sale, & John Romita, Jr.)

Hobgoblin (John Romita, Jr. & Brett Breeding)

Crusher Hogan (Uncredited)

Hulk (Uncredited)

Human Torch II/Johnny Storm (Skottie Young)

Hydro-Man (Francisco Herrera)

J. Jonah Jameson (Joe Madureira)

John Jameson (Dean Haspiel & John Romita)

Kingpin (Alex Maleev)

Kraven the Hunter (John Romita, Jr.)

Ned Leeds (Ron Frenz)

Lizard (Tim Sale & Todd McFarlane)

Morbius (John Romita, Jr.)

Mysterio (Joe Quesada)

Harry Osborn (Todd McFarlane & Tim Sale)

Liz Allan Osborn (Luke Ross)

Ollie Osnick (Uncredited)

Outlaws (Uncredited)

Ben Parker (Paul Ryan)

May Parker (Francisco Herrera & John Romita, Jr.)

Richard & Mary Parker (John Romita)

Punisher (Leinil Francis Yu)

Rhino (Staz Johnson)

Robbie Robertson (Michael Gaydos)

Sandman (John Romita, Jr. & Mark Bagley)

Scorpion (Darick Robertson)

Shocker (Francisco Herrera)

Sinister Six/Seven (John Romita, Jr.)

Spidercide (Uncredited)

Spider-Hulk (Uncredited)

Spider-Lizard (Uncredited)

Spider-Man (John Romita, Jr.; J.G. Jones; Terry Dodson; John Romita; & J. Scott Campbell)

Spider-Man 2099 (Chris Batista)

Spider-Girl/May Parker (Casey Jones)

Mangaverse Spider-Man (Skottie Young)

Ultimate Spider-Man (Mark Bagley)

Spider-Mobile (Ross Andru)

Spider-Morphosis (Uncredited)

Spider-Phoenix (Uncredited)

Spider-Signal (Uncredited)

Spider-Slayers I-XIX (Uncredited)

Spider-Tracers (Steve Ditko)

Spider-Woman I/Jessica Drew (Art Adams)

Spider-Woman II/Arachne/Julia Carpenter (Uncredited)

Spider-Woman III/Martha “Mattie” Franklin (Uncredited)

Spider-Woman IV/Charlotte Witter (Uncredited)

George Stacy (Gil Kane)

Gwen Stacy (Tim Sale)

Mendel Stromm (Mike Wieringo)

Symbiote (John Romita, Jr.)

Flash Thompson (Tim Sale)

Tinkerer (Steve Ditko)

Tombstone (Gregg Schigiel)

Venom (John Romita, Jr.)

Vulture (Mike Wieringo)

Wasp I/Janet Van Dyne (Uncredited)

Anna May Watson (Uncredited)

Kristy Watson (Uncredited)

Mary Jane Watson (J. Scott Campbell; Humberto Ramos; Tim Sale; & John Romita)

Web-Shooters (John Romita, Jr.)

REVIEW:

For Spider-aficionados, no matter how outdated it seems, this compilation is high-caliber. Both the writing and accompanying artwork deliver the necessary goods and then some.  Age-appropriate for kids, it’s a handy resource for fans seeking a quick reference on various Spider-Man-related characters from that era.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Spider-Man’s profile has a timeline of historic limits, including thumbnail cover images of specific issues.  The last page has a power grid explanation defining specific limits.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8½ Stars

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

SYMPHONIC STAR TREK {Cover Album} (by Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra)

SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 71 Min.

Released by Telarc International Corporation in 1996, this homage album covers Star Trek television and movie themes, as well as inserting some exclusive sound effects between tracks.  After Leonard Nimoy’s brief introduction, conductor Erich Kunzel leads the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra through renditions of Tracks 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 12, 14-16, 18-19, 21, 23, 25, and 27. 

The complete list of tracks is:       

  1. Leonard Nimoy’s Introduction: Into the Final Frontier                                              1:13
  2. Star Trek: The Next Generation (Main Theme)   1:44
  3. “Warp-One” (Telarc sound effect)      0:15
  4.  Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (End Title)   4:55
  5. “The Destruction of Praxis and Its Aftermath” (Telarc sound effect)   1:03
  6.  Star Trek: Voyager (Main Theme)   1:42
  7. “Starship Flyby” (Telarc sound effect)    0:14
  8.  Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Main Theme)   2:01
  9. “Alien Probe” (Telarc sound effect)    0:48
  10. “Humpback Whale Song” (sound effect per Dr. Roger Payne’s 1970 recording)   1:27
  11.  Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (Main Title)   2:42
  12.  Star Trek: The Original Series (Main Theme – Expanded)    3:44
  13. “Tribble Trouble” (Telarc sound effect)   0:38
  14.  Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (Main Title)    3:16
  15.  Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (Epilogue)      3:04
  16.  Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (End Credits)  5:41
  17. “Klingon Bird-of-Prey Decloaking” (Telarc sound effect)   0:16
  18.  Star Trek: The Motion Picture (“The Klingon Battle”)    5:26
  19.  Star Trek: The Motion Picture (Main Theme)   3:52
  20. “Warp Eight” (Telarc sound effect)    1:06
  21.  Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (“A Busy Man”)      4:12
  22. “Genesis Project: The Creation and Evolution of TINSIS” (Telarc sound effect) 2:58
  23. Star Trek: The Cage suite (aka “The Menagerie” – Original TV Pilot Theme)   7:34
  24. “Transporter” (Telarc sound effect)     0:26
  25. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (Main Theme)   6:08
  26. “Nexus Energy Ribbon” (Telarc sound effect)   0:59
  27. Star Trek: Generations (End Title)  4:08
  28. “The Borg” (Telarc sound effect)  0:11

Notes:

Track 5: for Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.

Tracks 9 and 10: for Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.

Track 13: for Star Trek: The Original Series.

Track 17: for Star Trek: The Motion Picture.

Track 22: for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

Track 26: for Star Trek: Generations.

Track 28: for Star Trek: The Next Generation / Star Trek: First Contact.

REVIEW:

Though somewhat dated, Symphonic Star Trek remains a blast to hear!  This unique CD gains instant credibility as Leonard Nimoy’s distinctively raspy voice transcends a hokey scripted intro.  Still, kudos must go to Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for their faithful renditions. 

Among the highlights is a concert-style rendition of Star Trek: The Original Series.  The rarely-heard collection of themes reviving Star Trek: The Cage proves a wonderful suite.  Telarc’s well-produced sound effects deliver some fun added attractions.  Boasting superb sound quality, Symphonic Star Trek delivers a hugely entertaining soundtrack highlight reel for any Trekker.    

PACKAGING:

The tracks and running times accurately appear on the CD’s back cover and inside the booklet insert.  The booklet also includes a 4½-page introduction by physicist-author Lawrence M. Krauss and a 3-page commentary on the sound effects by Michael Bishop.  Credits, technical notes, and thank-you notes are also included.  The CD is well-protected by a standard plastic casing.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     10 Stars

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

TOP GUN [Movie Soundtrack – expanded 1999 re-release]

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 56 Min.

Released by Sony Music Entertainment in 1999, this album is the complete Top Gun soundtrack, including all the songs from the original 1986 version.  Consisting of fourteen tunes and one extended dance re-mix, the tracks are:

  1. Danger Zone       Kenny Loggins         3:36
  2. Mighty Wings      Cheap Trick             3:51
  3. Playing With The Boys   Kenny Loggins   3:59
  4. Lead Me On           Teena Marie         3:47
  5. Take My Breath Away (Love Theme) Berlin     4:15
  6. Hot Summer Nights    Miami Sound Machine   3:38
  7. Heaven in Your Eyes   Loverboy            4:04
  8. Through the Fire         Larry Greene     3:46
  9. Destination Unknown  Marietta            3:48
  10. Top Gun Anthem      Harold Faltermeyer & Steve Stevens  4:12
  11. (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay   Otis Redding    2:42
  12. Memories           Harold Faltermeyer    2:57
  13. Great Balls of Fire     Jerry Lee Lewis    1:51
  14. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling   The Righteous Brothers                     3:44
  15. Playing With The Boys (Dance Mix)  Kenny Loggins    6:41    

REVIEW:

It sure makes the original 1986 ten-song soundtrack seem flimsy in comparison.  Top Gun: Special Expanded Edition is simply a superb listening experience.  Like the energetic soundtracks for Flashdance and Footloose, Top Gun reminds listeners why it heavily influenced the radio-friendly template for modern movie and TV soundtracks.  More importantly, this album ensures that the movie’s fans are finally rewarded for their patience.  For soundtrack enthusiasts, this one should be considered a must-own.     

PACKAGING:

All the tracks and their running times are listed on the case’s back cover.  The fold-out booklet includes song credits and lyrics; an interview with producer Jerry Bruckheimer; and eight vintage stills from the movie.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             10 Stars

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

THROUGH THE FIRE (by Larry Greene: Top Gun movie soundtrack, expanded 1999 re-release)

SUMMARY:                                RUNNING TIME: 3:45 Min.

This track is performed by Larry Greene for the 1986 Top Gun movie soundtrack.  It also appears on the 1999 expanded re-release.

REVIEW:

The song’s tempo certainly reiterates the adrenaline effect as “Danger Zone” and “Mighty Wings” from the same album.  As well-known as those other two tracks are, this underrated effort from Larry Greene provides, at a minimum, some dynamite filler.  “Through the Fire” is definitely worth including on any workout playlist.       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       7½ Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SANDIEGO # 3 (1996 DC Comics)

Written by Barry Liebmann

Art by S.M. Taggart; Albert De Guzman; & Rick Taylor

Cover Art by S.M. Taggart

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for November 1996, it’s entitled “Room With a Déjà vu.”  Dreaming of catching the elusive Carmen Sandiego, teen Acme detective Evan Sawyer is paired with vivacious Misty Larkin (a supposed master-of disguise). 

Following the theft of a sundial from Beijing China, Evan & Misty follow Carmen’s clues to Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco where they meet more of her oddball V.I.L.E. henchmen: femme fatale Dazzle Annie Nonker and super-stupid Ben Derbyfore.  The chase continues to Chichen Itza, Mexico, and Washington D.C.’s Naval Observatory.  Evan & Misty might catch up to Dazzle Annie and her dim-witted associate in Tibet or maybe in Greenwich, England.  Acme’s ‘Loose Ends Department’ offers some post-story updates on various characters. 

REVIEW:

For the elementary school crowd, it’s a fun read, especially the ‘World’s Toughest Yogurt Bar.’  The cartoony artwork isn’t great by any means, but it shouldn’t hamper reading for its intended audience.  In terms of adult enjoyment, the storyline is insipid.  Still, writer Barry Liebmann throws in a few good zingers to give parents a chuckle.  Though this issue won’t likely merit multiple reads, at least the wacky humor should keep youngsters entertained for a little while.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a single-page “Watch This Space” news-and-notes column.  A two-page “Acme Letter File” column offers some letters and replies.        

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                5 Stars