Month: March 2021

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

WHEN THE RAIN COMES DOWN (by Andy Taylor: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 30, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:53 Min.

Initially released in 1986 for the Miami Vice II soundtrack album, Andy Taylor’s up-tempo, hard rock tune would resurface on the Miami Vice: The Ultimate Collection CD in 2004. “When the Rain Comes Down” is also now available as a single.

Note: Another option is Taylor’s extended-format version (running time: 4:55 min.) from his 1987 Thunder solo album. This song’s hard-charging instrumentals get even more emphasis.

REVIEW:

With Duran Duran’s Taylor in top form, it’s hard not to visualize a flashy Miami Vice speedboat chase hearing this mid-80s hard rock tune. Aging surprisingly well, it makes a great download option for ‘80s dance-rock playlists and most certainly for workouts. This Andy Taylor gem is well worth re-discovery.

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)

LEARN TO BE LONELY (by Minnie Driver: Phantom of The Opera movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 30, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:21 Min.

As its finale, actress Minnie Driver performs this short ballad for 2004’s Phantom of the Opera movie soundtrack. The tune is heard in the film’s closing credits.

REVIEW:

Though young Emmy Rossum became the instant star of 2004’s Phantom, Rossum’s co-star, Minnie Driver, delivers a knockout tune on her own. Boosted by a lullaby-like melody and poignant lyrics, Driver’s low-key track transforms “Learn to Be Lonely” into an underrated gem. Not only is this song the soundtrack’s sole original tune, Driver confirms that she’s one of this Phantom’s best creative elements.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Note: Michelle Pfeiffer’s “Never Forget” from the 2017 Murder on the Orient Express movie soundtrack is also highly recommended.

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

WHEN YOU TOOK YOUR LOVE AWAY (by Crystal Bernard: The Girl Next Door)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 30, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:20 Min.

Off her 1996 The Girl Next Door album, Crystal Bernard of NBC TV’s Wings performs this country-western tune.

REVIEW:

Though the subject matter is similar to Track # 3’s “You’re Gonna Miss a Whole Lot of Love,” Crystal Bernard this time opts for a feistier melody. Even if the song isn’t memorable, her up-tempo vocal effort is entertaining enough to consider adding to a contemporary country playlist.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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

GUANO CITY {Young Guns II} (by Alan Silvestri: Blaze of Glory)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 30, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1:15 Min.

Appearing late in the 1990 film, Young Guns II, this brief instrumental narrates a sequence where Billy the Kid’s small band is pursued by Sheriff Pat Garrett’s posse. The track’s title refers to a secluded New Mexico mining camp where the gang stumbles upon a decrepit prospecting group harvesting bat excrement, aka ‘guano.’ As the sole entry from Alan Silvestri’s score, it ends Jon Bon Jovi’s inspired-by-Young Guns II soundtrack entitled Blaze of Glory.

Note: As of 2018, Silvestri’s Young Guns II instrumental score (or at least a cover of it) was released. This score’s alternate title is Young Guns, Vol. 2.

REVIEW:

In barely over a minute, veteran composer Alan Silvestri generates an epic pursuit sequence. Not only is there is the thrill of a death-defying chase, Silvestri acutely spells out the desperation of Billy’s cronies amidst their improvised escape. While this track is likely too short and not distinctive enough to justify a solo download, “Guano City” still reminds listeners that Jon Bon Jovi had a strong tag-team partner crafting Young Guns II’s soundtrack.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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

WHERE HAVE ALL THE COWBOYS GONE? (by Paula Cole: This Fire)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 30, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:26 Min.

Paula Cole performs and wrote this soft rock radio hit for her 1996 album, This Fire. This song propelled Cole to three 1998 Grammy nominations: for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year. This song’s music video also scored a MTV Video Music Award nod for Best Female Video.

REVIEW:

Paula Cole’s signature tune re: a breakdown in a country housewife’s domestic bliss merits re-discovery. Beyond its breezy melody, the narrative of a neglected spouse coping with the loss of her shining cowboy romance is a glimpse into lonely martial servitude. In particular, the lyric re: this homemaker wearing a new dress that her farmer-husband doesn’t even notice is resonating.

Reminiscent of performers like Sheryl Crow, Chely Wright, and Mary Chapin Carpenter, Cole strikes the right balance between a catchy melody and poignant country-western storytelling. Her appealing vocals offer another asset. For any ‘90s soft rock playlists, “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” is a gem.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

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

WISHING YOU WERE SOMEHOW HERE AGAIN {Instrumental Cover} (by NatureQuest: Andrew Lloyd Webber Naturally)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 30, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:14 Min.

From Phantom of the Opera, “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” is covered as an instrumental for NatureQuest’s 1995 album, Andrew Lloyd Webber Naturally.

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of a low-key lounge act, this piano solo is frankly the weakest of this album’s four Phantom covers. The background nature sounds don’t enhance the track much, as the sound effects become something of an awkward backdrop. Still, the relaxing piano sound is generally faithful to Webber’s original work.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4 Stars

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

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING {from 1985’s Jewel of the Nile} (by Billy Ocean: Billboard Top Hits – 1986)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 30, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:11 Min.

Initially released as the theme song for 1985’s The Jewel of the Nile film, it has resurfaced as one of Billy Ocean’s greatest hits/best-of tunes. As a familiar mid-80’s radio hit, the song appears on the Billboard Top Hits:1986 album. Of note is that Ocean and the prolific Robert “John Mutt” Lange are among those credited with co-writing this pop/R&B-blended tune.

Also, the rollicking music video features the movie’s stars: Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas, and Danny DeVito clad in matching all-white tuxedos lip-synching as Ocean’s ‘back-up singers.’ Wearing sunglasses, DeVito even throws in a supposed ‘sax solo’ for good measure.

REVIEW:

This effervescent tune is about the only positive coming out of Jewel of the Nile – the lackluster and totally unnecessary sequel to 1984’s Romancing the Stone. Undoubtedly, this track also must rate among the most cheerfully upbeat show tunes of the era. Even if certain spots of the melody don’t age well, Ocean and his back-up singers imbue this song with a playfully endearing approach. For that alone, “When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going” is worthy of downloading to any number of playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

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

DOOGIE HOWSER {Cover: TV Series Theme} (by The Daniel Caine Orchestra: NYPD Blue – The Best of Mike Post)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 30, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:39 Min.

The 1989-93 ABC TV opening credits theme was composed by Mike Post. As an extended cover, The Daniel Caine Orchestra provides this theme for its 1999 instrumental tribute album, NYPD Blue: The Best of Mike Post.

REVIEW:

This rendition of Mike Post’s TV theme is high-caliber. For fans and/or TV soundtrack enthusiasts seeking this vintage Mike Post theme, The Daniel Caine Orchestra cover may be the best available option.

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)

WKRP IN CINCINNATI (by Steve Carlisle: Tube Tunes, Volume 3 – The 80’s)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 30, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:55 Min.

This track is the theme to the same-named CBS 1978-82 sitcom. As sung by its original artist, Steve Carlisle, this radio-length version leads off Rhino Records’ 1995 album: Tube Tunes, Volume 3 – The ‘80s. The song, as if he is writing a letter to a ex-girlfriend, reflects the perspective of WKRP’s program director/restless industry journeyman, Andy Travis (actor Gary Sandy).

Note: Coincidentally, Carlisle’s singing voice resembles that of actor Richard Sanders (aka WKRP’s nebbish news director, Les Nessman).

REVIEW:

For loyal fans of the 1978-82 TV series, Carlisle’s rendition offers a wonderful three-minute dose of nostalgia. It’s a tune well worth adding to any TV soundtrack playlist.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars