Month: July 2021

MARY POPPINS RETURNS – CLOSING THEME (by Paul Gemignani: Mary Poppins Returns movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date July 2, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1:38 Min.

From the 2018 movie soundtrack, composer-conductor Paul Gemignani presents this instrumental tune. It’s also recognizable for its presence in one of the Mary Poppins Returns trailers.

REVIEW:

As brief as it really is, the track’s low-key effectiveness celebrating Emily Blunt’s Mary Poppins is impressive. Composer-conductor Paul Gemignani constructs a wistfully charming orchestral piece that boasts the film’s sense of timeless wonder. Consider Gemignani as a doorman who graciously opens and closes the door for Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda bringing their Broadway-caliber interpretation of Mary Poppins to life. Well-played!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

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

THERE’S YOUR TROUBLE (by Dixie Chicks: Wide Open Spaces)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date July 2, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:12 Min.

Performed by the Dixie Chicks, “There’s Your Trouble” is the fourth track from their 1998 album, Wide Open Spaces.

REVIEW:

It’s a fun, up-tempo tune! The Dixie Chicks exude their distinctive charm, as “There’s Your Trouble” enjoys a catchy and radio-friendly sound. This track deserves a shot at re-discovery.

BRIAN’S OLD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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

READY TO ROLL (by Blake Shelton: Red River Blue)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date July 2, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:35 Min.

It’s the second track off Blake Shelton’s 2011 album: Red River Blue.

REVIEW:

If anything, “Ready to Roll” concocts an intriguing mix of country-western and R&B. The song has a nice upbeat sound anchoring Shelton’s appealing vocals. The tune isn’t dynamite, but it’s still solid entertainment. “Ready to Roll” merits consideration as a download option for contemporary country playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

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

SHAKEDOWN {1987’s {Beverly Hills Cop II film} (by Bob Seger: Greatest Hits, Volume 2)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date July 2, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:03 Min.

Originally released as the lead cut off 1987’s Beverly Hills Cop II movie soundtrack, this Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band pop-rock track would eventually resurface on their 2003 Greatest Hits, Volume 2.

Note: Among the song’s composers is Harold Faltermeyer, who had previously scored 1986’s Top Gun.

REVIEW:

Still packing a wallop, “Shakedown” is vintage, high-octane Seger! The upbeat melody’s catchiness, some top-notch electric guitar work, and Seger’s energetic vocals makes it a terrific ‘80s tune. The co-producers of Beverly Hills Cop II, Don Simpson & Jerry Bruckheimer, made a inspired choice recruiting Seger for this hard-charging track re: an L.A. cop tenaciously pursuing an elusive criminal’s arrest. “Shakedown” is an ideal addition to any workout or road trip playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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

RAINY DAY (by 10,000 Maniacs: Love Among the Ruins)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date July 2, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:46 Min.

For their 1997 album, Love Among the Ruins, 10,000 Maniacs reinvented their MTV-friendly sound by promoting back-up singer/violinist, Mary Ramsey, to replace Natalie Merchant as lead vocalist. Ramsey also plays the viola for this album. The breezy “Rainy Day” serves as the album’s lead-off track.

REVIEW:

One might well have preferred Natalie Merchant’s demure voice interpreting this upbeat tune. Still, her replacement, Mary Ramsey, imbues “Rainy Day” with an endearingly sunny vibe. Further, Ramsey’s gentle vocals are easily understood, which offers an asset over Merchant’s tendency to mumble lyrics. “Rainy Day” isn’t a Top-Five 10,000 Maniacs gem, but it has instant appeal for any soft rock playlist.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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

MAMMA MIA {Cover} (by Meryl Streep: Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date July 2, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:34 Min.

Covering ABBA, Meryl Streep (as Donna Sheridan) performs the title tune off 2008’s Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack.

REVIEW:

Along with excellent support from her back-up singers, Meryl Streep’s exuberant “Mamma Mia” is a dynamite cover. It’s frankly hard to imagine what Streep doesn’t possess in her artistic repertoire. Absolutely recommended!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

Note: Streep’s “The Winner Takes It All” ballad is another winner from the same album.

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

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY (by Deniece Williams: Footloose {1984} movie soundtrack, 15th Anniversary Edition)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date July 2, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:22 Min.

Deniece Williams recorded this romantic R&B-dance-pop tune for 1984’s Footloose movie soundtrack. Her credited back-up vocalists are George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, as it’s prior to their formation as the pop duo known as ‘Boy Meets Girl.’

Along with the album’s title track, this radio-friendly tune was nominated for the 1985 Academy Award for Best Original Song. Including the soundtrack’s 1998 15th Anniversary Edition, “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” has subsequently appeared on a number of ‘80s pop compilation albums.

REVIEW:

Though this song’s melody is dated, it doesn’t diminish the stellar job Deniece Williams does. Perfectly suited for Footloose’s storyline, the tune’s sunny charm is still magnetic. “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” would be a fun choice to add to ‘80s pop, soundtrack, and even aerobic workout playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

ORIGINAL SINS {PREVIEW} # 1 (2014 MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date July 2, 2021

Written by (See Below)

Art by (See Below)

Cover Art by Mark Brooks

SUMMARY:

Marvel Comics released this preview issue for August 2014; it’s evidently the first of a five-part mini-series.

Deathlok: Terminus. Writer: Nathan Edmondson, with Art by Andy Troy; VC’s Clayton Cowles; & Jake Thomas. In a New York City subway train terminal, SHIELD operative Seth Horne casually approaches cyborg Henry Hayes. It’s soon revealed that the seemingly bewildered Hayes is the new Deathlok, as this ten-page segment teases the upcoming Deathlok # 1.

Young Avengers: Hidden in Plain Sight (Part One of Five). Writer: Ryan North, with Art by Ramon Villalobos; Jordan Gibson; & VC’s Clayton Cowles. In this eight-page segment, Young Avengers Noh-Varr/Marvel Boy, Hulkling, & Prodigy fool SHIELD in their search for a missing Exterminatrix. They soon encounter a notorious villain in the presently-evacuated New York City.

Lockjaw: Buried Memory. Writer: Stuart Moore, with Art by Rick Geary; Ive Svorcina; & VC’s Clayton Cowles. The Inhumans’ teleporting dog, Lockjaw, seeks some high-profile ‘emergency’ help in this two-page, dialogue-free comic strip. It isn’t indicated if Lockjaw has a continuing comedy relief role in this mini-series.

REVIEW:

Ironically, its eye-catching (pardon the expression) cover image doesn’t go far. There’s no mistaking that this opener is a disappointing waste of time to read (let alone purchase). Sporting some fairly good artwork, the Deathlok teaser’s storytelling (including an obligatory helping of cold-blooded brutality) quickly goes flat. Why a supposed SHIELD agent with presumably an iota of intelligence does what expendable fanboy Seth Horne does (in public, no less) makes no sense whatsoever. Relying on familiar ‘Teaser 101’ clichés, this reboot doesn’t come off as remotely fresh.

Yet, this new Deathlok is still better reading than the hip teenage slacker take on Young Avengers. Deeming “Hidden in Plain Sight” stupid with virtually zero appeal past a limited target audience pretty much sums it up. That leaves the mildly amusing Lockjaw strip, which delivers a predictable gag as the kid-friendly punchline, making it worth perusing once. Otherwise, Marvel Comics wastes its production values on this Original Sins # 1; at best, it should have been a Comic Book Day freebie.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page briefly explains the Watcher’s homicide, along with a snarky intro to The Young Avengers.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 3 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

METROPOLIS S.C.U. (SPECIAL CRIMES UNIT) # 4 (1995 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date July 2, 2021

Written by Cindy Goff

Art by Pete Krause; Jose Marzan, Jr; Albert DeGuzman; & Ray Murtaugh

Cover Art by Dusty Abell & Jackson Guice

SUMMARY:

DC Comics released this issue entitled “Black Plague!” for April 1995. Summoned from an awards dinner, a glammed-up S.C.U. Captain Maggie Sawyer doesn’t have time to change into battle gear. She must rely upon her tactical squad (including temporary recruit Lois Lane) to thwart mad scientist Dr. Noah Brazil’s scheme to detonate his supply of toxic gas into Earth’s atmosphere.

With Superman already diverted destroying enemy satellites, it’s up to Capt. Sawyer to single-handedly bypass Brazil’s impenetrable domed bio-sphere compound, evade his dangerous wildlife menagerie, and somehow save the day. While Sawyer’s squad tries to rescue her, the trapped S.C.U. Captain needs them to keep the explosive gas from escaping the compound’s rooftop hatch. In desperation, Brazil resorts to a shootout with Sawyer.

Meanwhile, Sawyer’s resentful ex-husband squabbles with their teenage daughter, Jamie, and Sawyer’s female significant other, Toby.

Note: Clark Kent appears in a single-panel cameo.

REVIEW:

Showcasing a middle-aged Maggie Sawyer in solo action is fine, but this one is for die-hards only. Specifically, Noah Brazil’s mad ecologist angle is straight out of the wonky villain cliché handbook. Still, Sawyer’s fans will likely enjoy her gutsy Die-Hard heroics without a cape.

The art squad’s visuals are consistently middle-of-the-road; however, the full first page close-up of Sawyer piloting a helicopter is excellent. What doesn’t make sense is why the well-drawn cover conveys Sawyer standing in a swampy pool of blood. The story includes some gunplay, but nothing so vile happens to suggest that kind of bloodshed. Otherwise, Sawyer’s cover action pose is spot-on. The inherent problem is that this storyline is pretty bland stuff — one read is plenty. While much of the Noah’s Ark terrorist plot is a shrug, it’s still PG-territory for younger readers — despite what the suggestive cover image and title are evidently trying to sell.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars