Month: January 2021

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SANDIEGO? # 1 (1996 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 15, 2021

Written by Barry Liebmann

Art by S.M. Taggart; Tim Harkins; & Rick Taylor

Cover Art by S.M. Taggart

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for June 1996, this 32-page adaptation is an origin in flashback re: ex-Acme detective-turned-super-thief Carmen Sandiego, and why her former employer resorts to an unconventional sleuth to track her down. Having won at the computer game five million times, teen Evan Sawyer has deduced that the characters in the popular Carmen Sandiego game actually exist in ‘real life.’ With help from his new employer, the young detective chases down clues worldwide re: the elusive Miss Sandiego and confronts some of her henchmen along the way.

REVIEW:

As an asset, this comic serves snarky tween humor that should appeal to fans of literary series like Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Occasionally, the humor may go over the heads of young fans, but even undemanding adults might get a mild kick out of this tale. However, the cartoony and generally unimpressive artwork is geared strictly towards tweens. Overall, this lead-off issue isn’t half-bad, as its adult appeal is quite minimal.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

DC’s Mr. Mind decorates the single-page “Watch This Space” column, which includes some industry publishing tidbits (i.e. what an UPC – Universal Product Code is). Some of the story’s historical content is explained in the single-page “From The Acme Detective Agency Files: Details of the Case” column.

In the single-page “Suspect Files” column, profiles on villains ‘Vic the Slick;’ ‘Top Grunge;’ ‘Robocrook;’ ‘Scar Graynolt;’ and ‘Len “Red” Bulk’ are provided. A well-played, sarcastic swipe at ex-jock TV sportcasters is included in one of these profiles.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars

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

LIKE THE WEATHER (by 10,000 Maniacs: MTV Unplugged)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 15, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:14 Min.

This live 1993 performance of 10,000 Maniacs comes from their MTV Unplugged album recorded from the same-named cable TV series. Natalie Merchant was still the group’s lead vocalist at the time.

REVIEW:

Much like the better-known “Because the Night” and “These Are Days” from the same album, this track offers another upbeat gem from 10,000 Maniacs. Natalie Merchant’s confident vocals ensures that listeners can feel the exuberance emanating from “Like The Weather.” It’s certainly a fun track.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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SOME PEOPLE, SOME PEOPLE FLY (by Matraca Berg: Sunday Morning to Saturday Night)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 15, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:13 Min.

It’s the fifth track from Matraca Berg’s 1997 country-western album, Sunday Morning to Saturday Night. Berg also co-wrote the song with Randy Scruggs.

REVIEW:

The mid-tempo “Some People Fall, Some People Fly” is ideal for Matraca Berg. Deftly blending elements of contemporary country, bluegrass, and gospel, Berg’s down-to-earth vocal style completes this package. Not only is the melody terrific, Berg enunciates the lyrics with a heartfelt charm. Either as a solo download or as part of the complete album, this gentle track is recommended – its appeal easily extends beyond country music fans.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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LOVING ARMS (by The Dixie Chicks: Wide Open Spaces)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 15, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:37 Min.

Performed by The Dixie Chicks, “Loving Arms” is the third track from their 1998 country-western album, Wide Open Spaces.

REVIEW:

The Dixie Chicks, in terms of their vocals, sound wonderful. Yet, both the melody and this ballad’s lyrics are standard-issue for the genre. Still, for Dixie Chicks fans, the tune packs their distinctive charm.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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

TIGER (by Paula Cole: This Fire)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 15, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:18 Min.

Paula Cole performs and wrote this soft rock tune leading off her 1996 album, This Fire.

REVIEW:

Pitching her take on upbeat poetic rock, Paula Cole’s introspective tune merges spot-on vocals with an edgy and almost haunting melody that is meant to stick with listeners. She apparently gets a little carried away near the end, but the song is imbued with outspoken depth. Urging one to finally unleash his/her repressed true self, Cole’s “Tiger” well-deserves a chance for re-discovery.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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SLIME CREATURES FROM OUTER SPACE (by “Weird Al” Yankovic: Dare to Be Stupid)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 15, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:23 Min.

It’s the seventh track off “Weird Al” Yankovic’s 1985 comedy album, Dare to Be Stupid. Yankovic also wrote the song.

REVIEW:

Taking delightful jabs at sci-fi/horror movie schlock, “Weird Al” is very much on his game. The song is probably thirty seconds too long, but the tongue-in-cheek, ‘intergalactic’ sound effects should make anyone chuckle. Well-played!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

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

TOMORROW NEVER DIES (by Sheryl Crow: Best of Bond … James Bond, 2008 edition)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 15, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:53 Min.

From the soundtrack of 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies starring Pierce Brosnan, this James Bond tune was recorded and co-written by Sheryl Crow. This song has subsequently been included on Best of Bond … James Bond compilation albums (which includes the franchise’s theme songs to date).

Note: Best of Bond .. James Bond includes a 40^th anniversary edition in 2002 and a subsequent update in 2008 for Chris Cornell’s “You Know My Name” from Casino Royale.

REVIEW:

As stylish as Sheryl Crow’s vocals make this song sound, “Tomorrow Never Dies” is tiresome as a Bond theme. This title tune simply fails to generate any sense of excitement. Comparatively, Tina Turner’s 1995 “Goldeneye” and Garbage’s 1999 “The World is Not Enough” are far better selling Pierce Brosnan’s take on James Bond. If judged outside the movie’s context, Crow’s song is simply forgettable – much like the movie’s paint-by-the-numbers plot.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4½ Stars

Notes: Interestingly, both the 2002 and 2008 editions of Best of Bond have “Tomorrow Never Dies” double-features. Paired with Crow’s title song, the 2002 edition has Moby’s snazzy update of the classic James Bond Theme; the 2008 edition instead includes k.d. lang’s “Surrender.” Frankly, both songs surpass Crow’s lackluster effort.

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TIL I GET OVER YOU (Crystal Bernard: The Girl Next Door)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 15, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:09 Min.

From her 1996 The Girl Next Door solo album, singer/actress Crystal Bernard from NBC TV’s Wings performs this country-western track.

REVIEW:

“Till I Get Over You” delivers some upbeat honkytonk-style versatility from Crystal Bernard. Not only are the instrumentals first-rate, Bernard’s playful vocals ensure that this tune is a real treat. “Till I Get Over You” makes a solid download choice for contemporary country-western playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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SUPERWOMAN (Karyn White: Karyn White)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 15, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:47 Min.

From her 1988 self-titled album, Karyn White’s signature tune is co-written by Babyface, Daryl Simmons, and L.A. Reid. The song’s lyrics narrate a suppressed woman’s epiphany — she’s trying too hard to please her significant other and not getting much in return, both romantically and domestically.

REVIEW:

Sporting a solid 80’s R&B melody, the song’s excessive running time actually proves an asset for Karyn White. With a gentle yet sultry sound similar to Jasmine Guy, it just takes White time to get warmed up. Syncing well with her back-up singers, White’s vocals become increasingly appealing. As for the song’s well-composed depth, it’s not a surprise that Toni Braxton emerged into stardom utilizing the same hip songwriting team a few years later.

Judging by her classy performance on “Superwoman,” Karyn White is evidently an underrated talent. Aging surprisingly well, this tune offers an ideal Late ‘80s R&B option for various playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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

CRAZY – REMIX {Cover} (by Alanis Morissette: The Devil Wears Prada movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 15, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:40 Min.

The tune originated in 1990-91 as Seal’s debut single for his self-named album. He also co-wrote “Crazy” with Guy Sigsworth. Fifteen years later, after it narrated a TV ad, Alanis Morissette’s cover remix appeared on her 2005 album, The Collection. Helping set the film’s tone, her James Michael-produced version was included on 2006’s The Devil Wears Prada movie soundtrack.

REVIEW:

Though it’s odd to think of Alanis Morissette in terms of dance remixes, she easily nails this one. While it’s not among her career best, this up-tempo “Crazy” has a very catchy vibe that holds up well years later. For her fanbase, “Crazy” certainly merits adding it to a favorite playlist.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

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