Month: April 2021

S.O.S. {Cover} (by Meryl Streep & Pierce Brosnan: Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 20, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:19 Min.

Teaming up, co-stars Pierce Brosnan & Meryl Streep cover this ABBA tune for Mamma Mia!’s 2008 soundtrack.

REVIEW:

Sporting likable vocal chemistry, this full duet between Pierce Brosnan & Meryl Streep largely succeeds due to Streep’s magnetism. In fairness, this tune is Brosnan’s best musical contribution, as he somehow holds his own with his co-star’s more accomplished vocals. Between Streep’s classiness and a solid effort by their back-up singers, this sunny duet is well worth considering as a download option.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Note: Their other Mamma Mia! duet: “When All is Said and Done” predictably falters, as it’s Brosnan struggling in a solo effort (since Streep barely contributes to the song).

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

SPIDER-MAN & X-FACTOR: SHADOWGAMES # 1 (1994 MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 20, 2021

Written by Kurt Busiek

Art by Pat Broderick; Bruce Patterson; Jose Rosen; & Tom Smith

Cover Art by Pat Broderick

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for May 1994, this opener for a three-issue mini-series is entitled “Shadow-Games.” Set prior to X-Factor # 100, an overpowered Spider-Man is captured by a new superhuman group of ruthless mercenaries dubbed ‘Shadowforce.’

Having witnessed this incident, Flash Thompson is rebuffed by The Daily Bugle to investigate. He then desperately calls any super-team willing to respond. X-Factor (including Havok, Polaris, Wolfsbane, Multiplex, & Wolfsbane) investigate Flash’s report and find some unsettling clues to the mystery. Meanwhile, The Bugle experiences an attempted squeeze play re: national security’s desire to suppress publicizing Spider-Man’s capture.

Escaping confinement, Spider-Man realizes that he’s the latest test subject in a covert research lab seeking to produce the U.S. Government’s own custom-made super-heroes. Despite X-Factor’s additional firepower on his side, Spider-Man finds himself caught in the crossfire of a super-team shoot-out.

REVIEW:

As much as a Spider-Man/X-Factor cross-over sounds forgettable, Issue # 1 is a pleasant surprise. Despite relying on the genre cliché re: a rogue government cell, writer Kurt Busiek still devises an intriguing plot with Spider-Man’s cast (except Mary Jane & Aunt May don’t appear) all on their game. Busiek also scripts excellent support from X-Factor, as they don’t require Spidey’s star power to carry them.

In that sense, this inspired storyline would have been ideal for Spidey’s defunct Marvel Team-Up series. Yet, the best element is that the art squad’s visuals are shockingly good – suffice to say, this project’s initial salvo gets first-class treatment. For Marvel fans, Shadowgames # 1 is a terrific read worth keeping.

Note: A sole parental heads-up is that a full-page third-party ad features imagery of Psylocke in a skimpy bikini top.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a full-page “Bullpen Bulletins” column.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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

MISS CLARE REMEMBERS (by Enya: Watermark)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 20, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1:59 Min.

It’s the sixth track (and also the shortest) of Enya’s 1988 Watermark album.

REVIEW:

The elegance of “Miss Clare Remembers” is imbued in its piano-driven melody. The problem is that there isn’t anything else distinctive about this track; it’s essentially a short interlude. One could easily imagine this instrumental in the background of a historical period piece film. Considering its short running time, this track, unfortunately, isn’t likely worth a download. At most, “Miss Clare Remembers” is classy filler for Enya’s Watermark.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

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

MEASURE OF A MAN (by Clay Aiken: Measure of a Man)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 20, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:58 Min.

Appearing as the eleventh track, it’s the title cut off Clay Aiken’s 2003 album.

REVIEW:

The song’s optimistic lyrics are its best asset. Clay Aiken’s vocals are well-suited, but there isn’t anything initially distinctive that identifies “Measure of a Man” as his song. Still, the song is something of a surprise, as an initially low-key ballad bursts into a far more flourishing direction. Case in point: Aiken steps up his game in the song’s second half, which includes belting out a show-stopping finish.

“Measure of a Man” isn’t likely among Aiken’s best-ever performances, but it’s worth considering as a download option for pop playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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

THIS CAT’S ON A HOT TIN ROOF (by The Brian Setzer Orchestra: The Dirty Boogie)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 20, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:18 Min.

As if it’s an introduction, leading off The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s 1998 Dirty Boogie album is this rollicking swing jazz/pop track.

REVIEW:

Unsurprisingly, it’s a “Cat” with pizazz to spare. Considering Brian Setzer’s history headlining The Stray Cats, this stylish tune is a perfect homage. Case in point: this track knows exactly when not to overstay its welcome. Think of “This Cat’s on a Hit Tin Roof” as an ideal sample for The Dirty Boogie – if you love this delightful song, then you will likely love Setzer’s album.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Note: Another exhilarating choice for contemporary swing jazz/pop is Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s self-titled 1994 album.

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

RED RIVER BLUE (by Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert: Red River Blue)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 20, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:20 Min.

In a duet with his then-wife, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton concludes his 2011 album, Red River Blue, with the title song.

REVIEW:

Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert deliver some nice, low-key work with this melancholic tune. Contemplative and down-to-earth, this acoustic-like ballad is a decent finish – yet, it just as well might have served as the album’s opener.

As a best guess, the downbeat “Red River Blue” is meant for Shelton’s loyal fanbase. Casual listeners would be less inclined to purchase this good but not-exactly-entertaining song as a solo download.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

MARVEL TALES # 262 (1992 MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 20, 2021

Lead Feature Written by Bill Mantlo. Lead Feature Art by John Byrne; Frank Giacoia; Jose Rosen; Don Warfield; & Jaye Gardner.

Back-Up Feature Written by Barry Dutter. Back-Up Art by Vince Evans; Ariane Lenshoek; & Michael Higgins.

Cover Art by Sam Kieth.

SUMMARY:

Marvel Comics released this 32-page issue for June 1992. January 1977’s Marvel Team-Up # 53 is reprinted, as it’s entitled “Nightmare in New Mexico!” After a deadly nerve gas contaminates a section of the New Mexico desert, the oblivious Hulk comes upon the seemingly deserted town of Liberty. Though puzzled by the odd-smelling purple gas in the air, the Hulk soon faces off vs. a confused Woodgod in battle.

Set immediately after Giant-Size Marvel Team-Up # 1, Spider-Man catches a ride overhead aboard the X-Men’s overloaded shuttle headed due east. In response to an unfriendly, mid-air government intercept in proximity to Liberty, Spider-Man jumps off to probe the Hulk’s involvement.

With a brief lift from the X-Men’s Banshee, Spider-Man arrives in Liberty’s quarantined ‘Dead Zone’ looking for answers. Not only does the mysterious government haz-mat squad give him flack, Spider-Man (conveniently immunized to the irradiated nerve gas) is the odd dude out in the Hulk vs. Woodgod feud. As they now possess maddening red eyes, Hulk & Woodgod redirect their joint hostility towards Spider-Man. The storyline continues into Issue # 263.

In a new adventure entitled “A Case of Sunstroke,” what happened to the X-Men after they dropped off Spider-Man is finally revealed. The team’s overcrowded shuttle contains pilot Cyclops, Storm, Wolverine, Jean Grey/Phoenix, Colossus, Nightcrawler, Banshee, and an ailing Professor X. Having raided other recent flyovers, the nefarious Sunstroke, with his team of Desert Dwellers, decides it’s time for another mid-air fun-and-games ambush. Hence, the unsuspecting X-Men’s shuttle is their next hijacking target.

Notes: The original Marvel Team-Up # 53 cover by Dave Cockrum, John Romita, & Danny Crespi isn’t included. Also, the Spider-Man/X-Men crossover in Giant-Size Marvel Team-Up # 1 (aka Marvel Team-Up Annual # 1) was previously reprinted in Marvel Tales # 235-236.

REVIEW:

The Hulk/Woodgod portion is mostly a yawn (as is the cover image). Still, Spider-Man’s presence makes up much of the difference, including a fun sequence hanging out with the X-Men. The art squad led by John Byrne does nice work keeping readers engaged in the story.

Proving even better than the lead feature, the X-Men’s retroactive back-up tale is a welcome treat. With an enjoyable script and terrific visuals, Sunstroke comes off as a worthy-enough adversary to single-handedly engage seven classic X-Men. Still, one should keep in mind some patented X-clichés: i.e. Jean fainting from exerting too much psychic energy, an unconscious Professor X, the ‘fastball special,’ etc. Even if it’s business-as-usual, Marvel Tales # 262’s mix of old and new, offers worthwhile entertainment for Marvel fans of any age.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Appearing in full-page formats, there’s a “Bullpen Bulletins” and a “Marvel Mails” letters-and-answers column.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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

OVERTURE / ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK (by Murray Head: Chess stage soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 20, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:02 Min.

Including an orchestral overture that lasts about ninety seconds, this upbeat pop-rock tune by British performer Murray Head headlines the mid-to-late 80’s stage musical, Chess. Its chorus is provided by Swedish performer Anders Glenmark. The tune’s celebrity writing team includes Tim Rice and two ABBA alums: Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus.

The soundtrack was re-released in 2014.

Note: The radio-length version (minus the overture) is available, for instance, on 2000’s Broadway Greatest Leading Men compilation album.

REVIEW:

Suffice to say, the grandiose overture is unnecessary. It only reminds listeners that the song is really a West End/Broadway show tune. As far as Murray Head’s actual contribution goes, it’s amusingly unique. Despite throwing shade at Thai culture, this track is an entertaining analogy to the show’s Cold War-era chess showdown. While Head delivers an excellent, semi-wacky performance, the song’s best component is its distinctive pop melody. Considering the extensive star power devising this tune, it’s no wonder that “One Night in Bangkok” is still a reliable 80’s gem.

If given a choice, the shorter of the two is the better download; the overture pretentiously turns “One Night in Bangkok” into an extended version.

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

WE JUST GOT HERE (by Carly Simon: Have You Seen Me Lately?)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 20, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:19 Min.

For her 1990 easy-listening album, Have You Seen Me Lately?, Carly Simon performs this track as its finale. With collaborator Jacob Brackman, Simon co-composed this tune.

REVIEW:

“We Just Got Here” isn’t this album’s best tune, but the song’s wistful ambiance is still vintage Carly Simon. Considering how Have You Seen Me Lately? showcases Simon so well, this idyllic track is no exception. Descriptive words like “thoughtful,” “intelligent,” and “mature” come to mind, as her fanbase won’t be disappointed. For timeless romantics at heart, “We Just Got Here” is worth the price of admission.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

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