Month: August 2021

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

SOME LIKE IT HOT (by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band: Eddie and The Cruisers II movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 4:14 Min.

This original pop-rock tune was recorded by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band for 1989’s Eddie & The Cruisers II film soundtrack.  Cafferty handles actor Michael Paré’s on-screen vocals.  The upbeat song is performed ‘in concert’ during the movie for a Canadian college gig by Eddie’s fictional new band.

REVIEW:

Exuding an ‘80s rock take on pop-swing jazz, “Some Like It Hot” comes off better than expected.  In that sense, John Cafferty’s rollicking old-school dance hall answer to groups like The Brian Setzer Orchestra isn’t all that remarkable.  Still, this tune’s energetic vibe is undeniably fun, making it one of Eddie II’s more entertaining tracks. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           7 Stars

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

STATE OF MIND (by Crystal Bernard: The Girl Next Door)

SUMMARY:                                RUNNING TIME: 3:45 Min.

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

REVIEW:

This likably upbeat track is a nice showcase for Crystal Bernard.  “State of Mind” isn’t her album’s best work, but it enjoys a catchy sound.  If included with the complete The Girl Next Door, occasionally hearing this tune is a treat.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           6 Stars

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

SPELL MY NAME (by Toni Braxton: Spell My Name)

SUMMARY:                                          RUNNING TIME: 3:12  Min.

It’s the title track (Track # 5) off Toni’s Braxton’s 2020 R&B album.  Johnny Yukon is credited for additional vocals.

REVIEW:

Leading off with a nice intro from Johnny Yukon, “Spell My Name” seeks to demonstrate that Toni Braxton is still on her game.  Despite its contemporary pop/R&B sound, this tune is frankly a disappointment.  Aside from seeking a Beyoncé-style radio hit, there’s nothing distinctive about the song itself.  Worst yet, the short running time doesn’t give Braxton’s smoky voice enough to do.  Hence, “Spell My Name” come off as if it’s glorified filler. 

Braxton’s best works (i.e. “Another Sad Love Song;” “Breathe Again;” and Love Shoulda Brought You Home” – all from her 1992-93 self-titled debut album) permit her vocals sufficient time (say, at least four minutes) to express and even transform a song’s lyrics into some high-caliber R&B/soul.  “Spell My Name” isn’t close to the same league; it’s really a sampler by comparison. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   5 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Rock & Symphonic/Metal Soundtracks (Digital) Video Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

SMOKE AND MIRRORS (by Jim Johnston: WWE single)

SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 3:07 Min.

This 2011 hard rock/metal track from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) was deployed at one time as wrestler Cody Rhodes’ entrance theme.  “Smoke And Mirrors” has appeared on some WWE multi-media projects, i.e. compilation CD’s and video games.

REVIEW:

Courtesy of a pulsating dance-rock beat and pitch-perfect vocals, “Smoke And Mirrors” is an underrated gem!  Its instrumental gimmickry is extensive, but the energizing end result pays off.  This track is well worth the download for rock playlists and definitely for workouts.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           8 Stars

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

SHADES OF SENNETT (by Henry Mancini: The Pink Panther movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 1:28 Min.

Off 1963’s The Pink Panther film soundtrack, this car chase tune narrates Inspector Clouseau’s hot pursuit of ‘The Phantom,’ as two suspects in matching gorilla suits driving separate cars wildly confound him.  Composer-conductor Henry Mancini titled this ode to live-action cartoons after comedy director Mack Sennett, who is credited with the invention of movie slapstick.  This song is available on the soundtrack’s 1993 CD release.

REVIEW:

Hearing the wacky “Shades of Sennett” will make anybody visualize clowns or fast-paced, anything-goes Hollywood slapstick.  For youngsters, it’s fun just hearing it as silly background noise.  In a contemporary sense, “Shades of Sennett” applies to any harried parent trying to round up his/her kids or even chasing after a mischievous pet.  For that matter, this tune might as well sum up a ridiculously busy day at the office. 

Mancini needs less than ninety seconds to conjure up a timeless bit of comedy magic. “Shades of Sennett” is worth keeping, even just for a good chuckle.     

Note: For a download double-feature, there’s Matthew Harwood’s wonky instrumental mayhem, “Mischief (Harley Quinn’s Theme).” The clownish track appears on 2015’s Infinite Crisis video game soundtrack and 2016’s Music of DC Comics, Volume 2. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7½ Stars

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

SAY YOU, SAY ME (by Lionel Richie: 20th Century Masters – The Best of Lionel Richie: The Millennium Collection)

SUMMARY:                                       RUNNING TIME: 4:01 Min.

The track is likely best remembered from Lionel Richie’s 1986 album, Dancing on the Ceiling.  As the theme of the 1985 film, White Nights, starring Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines, it won Best Original Song at both the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. 

Inevitably, this song appears on various collections, among them are the 20th Century Masters: The Best of Lionel Richie – The Millennium Collection and Richie’s double-disc Definitive Collection – both albums were in 2003.  

REVIEW:

Few tunes epitomize ultra-mellow mid-80’s R&B like this one does.  Pitching some intriguing lyrics, Lionel Richie’s smooth delivery doesn’t falter when the melody’s subdued R&B later detours into sparkling pop.  Rightfully ranking among Richie’s career best, “Say You, Say Me” ages surprisingly well.  This classy ballad is well worth adding to 80’s easy listening playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                               8 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

MARVEL TALES # 285 (1994 MARVEL Comics)

“The Rules of the Game” Written by Tom DeFalco. Art by Ron Frenz; Rick Parker; & Bob Sharen.

“Cry of the Wendigo” Written by Charles Vess. Art by Charles Vess; Elaine Lee; & Rick Parker.

Cover Art by Scott Kolins.

SUMMARY:

Reprinting the two stories from 1986’s The Amazing Spider-Man # 277, Marvel Comics released this issue for May 1994.  First up is “The Rules of the Game.”  Reeling from Flash Thompson’s arrest after being exposed as the Hobgoblin, Peter Parker leaves a sympathetic Mary Jane to answer Matt Murdock’s desperate summons.  Discovering that a depleted Murdock/Daredevil has hit rock bottom and is in hiding, Peter ignores his friend’s pleas to not interfere in his feud with “Kingpin” Wilson Fisk.  Spider-Man (in his familiar red, blue, & black) seeks out Fisk for payback.

In “Cry of the Wendigo,” the next day has New York City caught up in  a blizzard.  Spidey (in his black-and-costume costume) tries rescuing a Canadian diplomat’s young daughter from armed kidnappers escaping through Central Park.  Yet, a monstrous Wendigo is the unpredictable ghost in the bone-chilling wind.

REVIEW:

Though neither story is memorable, Marvel Tales # 285 still offers a good read.  Matt Murdock’s guest presence frankly makes a more lasting impression than Peter’s juvenile retaliation tactics annoying the Kingpin.  Still, “The Rules of the Game” is a nice reminder of Peter & Matt’s friendly alliance, as a little depth is added to their shared world. 

While “Cry of the Wendigo,” has an intriguing premise, the twist that Spidey doesn’t actually encounter the Wendigo this time is something of a disappointment.  Overall, the artwork supplies competent visuals, though the Peter briefly seen in “Wendigo” doesn’t resemble his character much.  The cool cover image, otherwise, is this issue’s best asset. 

For the Spidey faithful, Marvel Tales # 285 is at least a fine choice to share with curious pre-teen fans.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The “Bullpen Bulletins” column features a profile on penciller Mark Bagley, along with a Marvel monthly checklist.  Also included is a full-page reprint of The Amazing Spider-Man # 277 cover by Charles Vess.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                                6 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

MARVEL TALES # 161 (1984 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Stan Lee

Art by Steve Ditko; Artie Simek; & Andy Yanchus

Cover Art by Steve Ditko

SUMMARY:

Reprinting April 1965’s The Amazing Spider-Man # 23, Marvel Comics released this issue for March 1984.  Entitled “The Goblin and the Gangsters,” it’s a sequel to the Green Goblin’s debut in Issue # 14 (and reprinted in Marvel Tales # 152).  Scheming to seize command of New York’s mob scene, the Green Goblin manipulates the police and The Daily Bugle (including ex-“Big Man” Frederick Foswell) to help put sleazy gangster Lucky Lobo behind bars — making the Goblin the underworld’s new boss by default. 

Initially gullible to the Goblin’s bait-and-switch tactics, Spider-Man enjoys some fun-and-games tangling with Lobo’s forces.  Yet, the main event is Spidey’s first solo showdown vs. the elusive Goblin himself. 

REVIEW:

As a source of vintage Silver Age Spidey action, Marvel Tales # 161 delivers the goods.  In addition to wild action sequences showcasing Steve Ditko’s trademark style, Stan Lee enjoys a field day with the snappy dialogue. 

Case in point: an amusing gag has Spider-Man and the Goblin complaining to each other that neither one will stop yapping in battle.  Another hoot is Spidey casually taking a timeout to call his Aunt May before serving up more web-flavored booby-traps to Lobo’s hapless horde.  Lee’s knack for tongue-in-cheek storytelling, without devolving the scenario into a Bugs Bunny cartoon, is dynamite this time.  Best of all, Marvel’s production values reprinting the original issue are terrific.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The “Bullpen Bulletins Special” shares a full page with Marvel’s ‘mighty’ monthly checklist.  There’s a two-page “Marvel Mails” letters-and-answers column.  There’s a full-page Ditko pin-up of Spidey, his supporting cast, and a villain’s gallery of headshots.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7½ Stars

Note: A recommendation is picking up this issue in tandem with Marvel Tales # 152.  For a fun Lee-Ditko hat trick, there’s also Marvel Tales # 154 (which pits Spider-Man & Daredevil vs. the Ringmaster’s Circus of Crime).

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

MARVEL KNIGHTS: SPIDER-MAN # 12 (2005 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Mark Millar

Art by Terry Dodson; Rachel Dodson; Avalon’s Ian Hannin; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for May 2005, it’s “Last Stand, Part IV of IV.”  With Black Cat now hospitalized, an exhausted Spider-Man is on his own against the last of a gauntlet of old foes.  High atop a rain-soaked bridge, Norman Osborn’s Green Goblin threatens to repeat tragic history by now tossing Mary Jane Watson-Parker to her death. 

Not only must Spider-Man rescue his unconscious wife, he must contend with a brain-numbed Doctor Octopus interfering in this fateful showdown.  Worse yet, after being abducted by Osborn months before, the fate of the missing Aunt May is revealed.  A surprising source of inspiration later eases a troubled Peter Parker’s mind.  In the aftermath, an unwelcome letter is mailed to Peter.       

REVIEW:

Considering the Spider-Man/Goblin feud dated back four decades at the time, writer Mark Millar somewhat succeeds injecting fresh juice into this classic match-up.  As Spider-Man wearily reminds Osborn, he is now in his mid-fifties – as they’ve done this dance so many times, why doesn’t the Goblin realize he is too old to playing these deadly games anymore? 

Suffice to say, writer Mark Millar delivers a finale bordering between lukewarm re-run and solid-enough originality. Case in point: an intriguing sequence depicting Mary Jane in jeopardy of suffering Gwen Stacy’s same tragic fate (and her retaliation afterwards) is well-played. 

While the Dodsons’ artwork isn’t pretty, there are a few terrific panels (i.e. a Felicia Hardy close-up at the hospital).  For faithful Spider-fans, this issue’s conclusion may be satisfying enough to consider finding the complete “Last Stand” storyline in trade paperback form.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a plot summary-to-date.  The last page is a letter from Mark Millar to fans, as he passes the creative baton to Reginald Hudlin & Billy Tan.  Also included is a thumbnail cover reveal of the next issue — a New Avengers tie-in.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         6½ Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks

MARVEL AGE: AVENGERS – EARTH’S MIGHTIEST HEROES (MARVEL Comics)

Written by Gerry Conway; Jim Shooter; Roger Slifer; & David Michelinie.   

Art by George Pérez, with Mike Esposito; John Tartagalione; Duffy Vohland; Pablos Marcos; Ricardo Villamonte; Joe Rubenstein; Jack Abel; Dan Green; Gene Day; Petra Goldberg; Jim Shooter; Don Warfield; Carl Gafford; Ben Sean; Joe Rosen; Denise Wohl; Elaine Heinl; & John Costanza. 

Cover Art by presumably George Pérez (No Official Credit Provided).

SUMMARY:

Released in 2004, this glossy 112-page compilation reprints 1st series Avengers Annual # 6, Issues # 161-162, Annual # 8, and Issue # 201 (in chronological order).  The original issues were first published by Marvel Comics between 1976 and 1980.  This collection’s Avengers roster consists of: Captain America; Scarlet Witch; Hawkeye; Quicksilver; Beast; Vision; Ms. Marvel; Black Panther; Iron Man; Thor; Wonder Man; Wasp; and Hank Pym as both Ant-Man and Yellowjacket.  Also appearing in guest roles are the Golden Age Whizzer, Thundra, Doctor Strange, the Two-Gun Kid, and the original Squadron Sinister.

In “No Final Victory!,” after the Golden Age Whizzer’s assault on Avengers Mansion, a wounded Scarlet Witch is evidently hospitalized.  While Yellowjacket & Wasp sympathize with the Whizzer’s plight, the Beast searches for the zombie-like Wonder Man.  Iron Man & Captain America track the nefarious Serpent Crown cross-country to the Living Laser’s new lair.  To avert a nuclear explosion, the team must contain the Whizzer’s radioactively unstable son, Nuklo.

“Beware the Ant-Man!” has an amnesiac Hank Pym back in his original Ant-Man identity, as he is now consumed by an insane rage.   Worse yet, Ultron assaults Avengers Mansion to seemingly kill several Avengers.  “The Bride of Ultron!” continues the storyline, as Ultron manipulates an unhinged Pym to transform the captive Wasp into a metallic ‘Bride of Frankenstein.’ Thor returns to help the short-handed Avengers rescue the Wasp before Ultron’s nefarious experiment creating Jocasta is completed. Even Wonder Man & Thor’s combined brawn is barely enough to hold Ultron to a violent stalemate.

For his wife’s birthday, Yellowjacket hides a special gem in “Spectrums of Deceit!,” as it’s the deactivated power prism formerly belonging to the Squadron Sinister’s Dr. Spectrum.  Nefariously possessing the Wasp as a new Dr. Spectrum, the symbiotic prism now schemes to possess Thor.  With three Avengers dispatched to an unknown fate, the again short-handed team seeks help to free the Wasp in time.  Worse yet, a corrupted Thor tangles with an outmatched Iron Man.     

In a short finale, “Bully!” has the Avengers’ Edwin Jarvis spending his time off defending his elderly mother’s neighborhood from a local thug.  

Parental Note: In the Wasp’s torturous ‘brain-drain’ sequence, Marvel subtly changes the original art to depict her in a gray bodysuit, so this time it isn’t implied that she is nude. 

REVIEW:

It’s a welcome treat to enjoy George Pérez’s visual magic unencumbered by wear-and-tear deterioration, if one were reading the original back issues.  While his style here isn’t as immaculate as it would become by the mid-80’s, there’s still ample evidence re: why he is among the industry’s best-ever pencillers. 

Not only is Pérez in vintage 70’s Marvel form, the various writers deliver entertaining (and kid-friendly) stories that spread a wealth of screen time among the characters.  Impressively, the continuity in characterization of this cast (i.e. developing Wonder Man’s fear of death; Pym’s emotional instability; Beast’s wacky humor) appears seamless between these stories.  The only peculiarity re: its inclusion is the Jarvis tale, as it’s just obvious filler.  Showcasing Jarvis is okay on its own merits, but this particular story is at most a single read. 

The bottom line is that old-school fans will appreciate the unconvoluted Avengers storytelling from that era.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a two-page introduction to the fourteen Avengers chronicled (each getting a quick synopsis), including one each for Hank Pym (as Ant-Man and Yellowjacket).  In a full-page gallery format, all five covers are included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           8 Stars