Month: February 2021

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

STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN – END CREDITS {Cover} (by Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Symphonic Star Trek)

SUMMARY:                                      RUNNING TIME: 5:40 Min.

It’s a cover of James Horner’s work from 1982’s Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.  This theme is the sixteenth track off Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra’s 1996 Symphonic Star Trek instrumental album.

REVIEW:

It’s a virtual replica of James Horner’s theme – even down to its cool nautical-like elements.  If the original version isn’t available, then this phenomenal cover is the best possible alternative. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       10 Stars

Note: Both the main title and epilogue themes from Star Trek II are also covered on this album, as is a sound effect rendition of ‘The Genesis Project.’

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

STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN – EPILOGUE {Cover} (by Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Symphonic Star Trek)

SUMMARY:                                          RUNNING TIME: 3:03 Min.

It’s a cover of James Horner’s work from 1982’s Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.  This theme is the fifteenth track off Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra’s 1996 Symphonic Star Trek instrumental album.  Specifically, Horner’s version is heard in the movie’s poignant closing moments leading into the end credits sequence. 

REVIEW:

Impressively, it’s a near-perfect replica of the original theme.  The only element missing from this rendition is Leonard Nimoy’s ghostly “Space, the final frontier …” voice-over.  If Horner’s version isn’t available for download, then this cover is the next best thing. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         9 Stars

Note: Both the main titles and end credits themes from Star Trek II are also covered on this album, as is a sound effect rendition of ‘The Genesis Project.’

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

STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN – MAIN TITLE {Cover} (by Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Symphonic Star Trek)

SUMMARY:                                        RUNNING TIME: 3:16 Min.

It’s a cover of James Horner’s work from 1982’s Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.  This theme is the fourteenth track off Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra’s 1996 Symphonic Star Trek instrumental album.

REVIEW:

It’s a virtual replica of James Horner’s original theme.  If the original version isn’t available, then this cover is the next best thing. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        9 Stars

Note: Both the epilogue and end credits themes from Star Trek II are also covered on this album, as is a sound effect rendition of ‘The Genesis Project.’

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

STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES TV THEME {Cover} (by Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Symphonic Star Trek)

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 3:45 Min.

Adapting composer Alexander Courage’s TV theme, conductor Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra include it as the twelfth track on their 1996 Symphonic Star Trek instrumental album.  Like “The Cage” suite, it’s one of the album’s few tracks that isn’t an exact replica of the original theme.

REVIEW:

Including ethereal vocals, it’s a concert-style rendition vs. a straight-up cover of Alexander Courage’s version.  Hence, the track’s sound is unique for this album. Unlike their perfect replicas of other Star Trek themes, Erich Kunzel guides The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra on a more interpretive journey of Courage’s original TV theme.  Not only is this track a nice treat for Trekkers, it’s a welcome option for any sci-fi-themed playlist. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           8 Stars

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

FOR THE FIRST TIME (by Kenny Loggins: One Fine Day movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                        RUNNING TIME: 4:29 Min.

Kenny Loggins recorded this sentimental ballad for 1996’s One Fine Day comedy, which stars Michelle Pfeiffer & George Clooney.  Notably, it’s among the album’s few original songs.

REVIEW:

While its mellow instrumentals are classy, Kenny Loggins faces the task of surpassing the mushy 70’s/Early ‘80s-style love song lyrics.  In that sense, this gentle tune is reminiscent of his 1994 kid-friendly album, Return to Pooh Corner.  The song isn’t romantic pap per se, but it won’t conjure up a rollicking Loggins delivering other movie hits like “Danger Zone,” “Footloose,” or “I’m Alright.”   

If anything, “For the First Time” is meant for fans of Air Supply and Barry Manilow, among similar pop favorites during their prime. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              6½ Stars

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

IT’S NOT JUST MAKE BELIEVE (by Kari Kimmel: Ella Enchanted movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 3:06 Min.

This fairy tale-inspired pop tune by Kari Kimmel appears on Ella Enchanted’s 2007 film soundtrack.

REVIEW:

Accompanied by a relentlessly upbeat melody, Kari Kimmel’s bubbly effort makes “It’s Not Just Make Believe” a musical gem for any fairy tale fan.  Kimmel is spot-on bringing to life the sheer jubilance propelling Anne Hathaway’s ‘Ella’ in her new romance.  This catchy track is well worth capturing for any little girl’s playlist.

Note: For a terrific contrast, a recommended download would be Lily James’ serene “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from the 2015 Cinderella live-action film soundtrack.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  8 Stars

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Categories
Country, Folk, & Bluegrass Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows

IF YOU HAVE LOVE (by Crystal Bernard: The Girl Next Door)

SUMMARY:                                        RUNNING TIME: 3:43 Min.

Concluding her 1996 The Girl Next Door album, Crystal Bernard from NBC TV’s Wings performs this country-western ballad.

REVIEW:

Most songs on Crystal Bernard’s The Girl Next Door are solid, though generally one-dimensional for the genre.  Despite an unimaginative title, “If You Have Love”  stands out, as Bernard turns this poignant track in something akin to a Dolly Parton tune.  In particular, her gentle vocals bolster the track’s solid melody into something special.  Not only is this song worthwhile for country playlists, “If You Have Love” serves as an ideal showcase of Bernard’s creative talents.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     8 Stars

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

HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING? (by Enya: Shepherd Moons)

SUMMARY:                                       RUNNING TIME: 4:25 Min.

It’s the third track off Enya’s 1992 Shepherd Moons album. 

REVIEW:

For this poignant Celtic-themed song, Enya’s low-key elegance is most impressive.  With its almost-angelic aura, the downbeat “How Can I Keep From Singing?” would be a classy choice to narrate a beloved character’s funeral/memorial service sequence in either a film or TV series. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8½ Stars

Note: As a further recommendation, the 1998 City of Angels film soundtrack provides a very similar ambiance.

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

IS THIS REAL? (by Lisa Hall: Practical Magic movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                       RUNNING TIME: 4:54 Min.

This Lisa Hall song appears as Track # 4 on 1998’s Practical Magic movie soundtrack.  Hall is also among the song’s composers.

REVIEW:

Lisa Hall’s slightly eerie vocals on this track are an asset, as is its funky rock melody.  The song, as a whole, doesn’t seem all that remarkable, but “Is This Real?” still sports an hypnotic appeal worth considering for 90’s soft rock playlists. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        6½ Stars

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

FINAL MEETING {1985’s North and South} (by Bill Conti & The London Symphony Orchestra: Highlights from The Right Stuff/North and South soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                      RUNNING TIME: 2:29 Min.

In 1985, composer/conductor Bill Conti and The London Symphony Orchestra released an instrumental album consisting of selected highlights of 1983’s The Right Stuff and 1985’s North and South TV mini-series. 

Narrating the concluding moments of North and South (Book One)’s Episode 6, it’s possibly the final face-to-face encounter between two best friends: James Read’s George Hazard and Patrick Swayze’s Orry Main.  Safely aboard an overnight train southbound out of Pennsylvania, Swayze’s Main and Read’s Hazard exchanges a poignant farewell, just days prior to The Civil War’s commencement and each man loyally attached to opposing sides. 

This track also later narrates the closing moments of 1986’s North and South (Book Two), where the surviving Main-Hazard family departs the post-war ruins of Mont Royal.

Note: As of 2008, a limited-edition CD set of Conti highlights from North and South Books One & Two was released.

REVIEW:

Effectively closing out North and South: Books One and Two, composer-conductor Bill Conti delivers an emotional take on the epic’s romanticism.  Initially faint, this instrumental serves as a nice reprise evoking George & Orry’s brotherly friendship dating back to their West Point days.  For what this theme is meant to do, it’s well-played.        

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7½ Stars

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