Category: reviews with a 4 of 5 rating

audio review : Scary Hours 3 ( EP ) … Drake

audio review : Scary Hours 3 ( EP ) ... Drake

Drake’s third Scary Hours is, with its six songs, more of a traditional EP than the previous two. What’s odd is how its release is, at least initially, attached to a special Edition of his newest album; For All The Dogs; as opposed to standing on its own. The music itself makes more sense.

The rapper comes out throwing bombs on Red Button, which marks the tone for a set of new songs; these aren’t Dogs leftovers; that, for the most part, avoid the genre’s biggest flaw. There are hooks, and they’re expectingly weak, but they’re sparse enough not to ruin the project.

my rating : 4 of 5

2023

Black Rifle Espresso 300 [ Triple Shot ] : Caramel Vanilla

Black Rifle Espresso 300 [ Triple Shot ] : Caramel Vanilla

If you sip a can of this Espresso, which packs 300 milligrams of caffeine, expecting hints of Caramel and Vanilla, you’ll be in for a disappointment. You can’t detect either flavor. The Triple Shot moniker more accurately represents its three main ingredients; the only ones you can taste; Colombian coffee, milk and sugar. Still it’s a mildly pleasant experience.

my rating : 4 of 5

audio review : Killer Wants To Go To College ( song ) … Paul Simon

This, the second Killer Wants To Go To College of two from Paul Simon’s Capeman; he did a similar thing on the Hearts And Bones album; should’ve been titled Killer Wants To Go On TV as there are no direct school references here. It’s the better version though. Simon’s vocal melodies; he’s playing the role of Salvador Agron; sound stellar over the 1950s honky-tonk groove.

my rating : 4 of 5

1997

audio review : Songs From The Capeman ( album ) ... Paul Simon

audio review : Is She The Reason ( song ) … Destiny’s Child

The best part of this song; a “love” song dedicated to a heartbroken girl’s unofficial boyfriend; is 9th Wonder’s soulful 1970s-style beat, which loops a sample from Melba Moore’s I Don’t Know No One Else To Turn To.

The worst part is the bridge, which Michelle Williams basically ruins with her annoying vocal inflections. There should also be some kind of talking (monologue/dialogue) before the first verse. It’s a good song otherwise.

my rating : 4 of 5

2004

audio review : Destiny Fulfilled ( album ) ... Destiny's Child

Bamba Peanut Puffs

Bamba Peanut Puffs

These are like a cross between Peanut Butter (Cap’n) Crunch and Cheetos Puffs; the flavor of the former and the texture of the latter. The Bamba mascot suggests a snack for one-toothed infants, but it’s good for “the whole family” in terms of both taste and health. The ingredients list is surprisingly simple with no sugars or sweeteners.

my rating : 4 of 5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem Pizza : Supreme

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem Pizza : Supreme

What’s odd about this pizza, based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem movie, is the picture on the box. It makes the product look dry and unsavory as if it’s been lying out for a while, which I’m guessing it had as they prepped for the photo. The actual pie, fresh from the oven, looks a lot better. It’s also surprisingly tasty as “Donnie” can attest.

my rating : 4 of 5

audio review : Queen In The Black ( song ) … Stevie Wonder

This serenade; dedicated to a (fashion) Queen Stevie Wonder is romantically infatuated with; is like I Just Called To Say I Love You in that the gorgeous melodies of his verses outshine the chorus when it should be the other way around. What nearly makes up for it are the charmful ad-libs at the end, which prove the singer still knows how to finesse a song with the best of them.

my rating : 4 of 5

1991

audio review : Jungle Fever [ Music From The Movie ] ( album ) ... Stevie Wonder

audio review : Purple Rain ( album ) … Prince And The Revolution

audio review : Purple Rain ( album ) ... Prince And The Revolution

This album includes songs from Prince’s Purple Rain movie of which he “are” A Star; a chick-chasing rock star, that is, who isn’t ashamed to wear high heels, sing in gay falsettos and yell his little heart out. “Baby baby baby baby,” he screams maniacally to a girl; one of The Beautiful Ones; “I want you!” It’s one of the set’s most dazzling highlights.

Dramatic vocals over airy guitar/keyboard melodies and funky drums; the Revolution bit refers to his backing band; is the rule here. That’s if this (Crazy) show has any rules at all. Other notable songs include Darling Nikki; a sex fantasy about a horny rich girl who likes to “grind”; a sizzler entitled I Would Die 4 U and the epic title closer.

my rating : 4 of 5

1984

video review : Purple Rain

video review : Jéssica Andrade versus Mackenzie Dern at UFC 295

video review : Jéssica Andrade versus Mackenzie Dern at UFC 295

I don’t know about some of these stoppages. Mackenzie Dern was still in this bout when the referee decided to call it. Granted she’d been knocked down four times and was probably on her way to unconsciousness, but she should’ve been given the chance to go out on her shield. Both fighters are going thru divorce; I’d like to think I’m the reason for Dern’s; but, based on her fists of fury, Andrade is more scorned.

my rating : 4 of 5

2023

Van Leeuwen French Ice Cream : Cranberry Crumble

Van Leeuwen French Ice Cream : Cranberry Crumble

This “limited edition” (fall) Ice Cream, deemed French because it’s made with “twice as many egg yolks as standard ice cream”, is surprisingly delicious at the start. That assumes your first spoonful doesn’t include any Cranberry; the main ingredient it would be better without. This could be a Crumble classic, in other words, if it were swirled with a better-tasting fruit like strawberries or peaches.

my rating : 4 of 5

Duke’s Real Mayonnaise

Duke's Real Mayonnaise

This Mayonnaise is not only Real; apparently there are enough fakes out there to warrant the distinction; it’s also “smooth and creamy” as advertised. If you’ve tasted better, and you probably have, it’s because there’s “no sugar added”. The ingredients list is, in fact, surprisingly simple and healthy.

my rating : 4 of 5

Thrushwood Farms Pork Sticks : Bacon

Thrushwood Farms Pork Sticks : Bacon

If you bite into one of these Pork Sticks expecting it to taste like a crispy strip of Bacon, you’re in for a disappointment. Still they’re tasty enough for what they are; one of the healthier meat snacks on (in) the market. Unlike most others, there are “0 total sugars” despite leaving the empty tube casings smelling like a hearty bowl of barbeque baked beans.

my rating : 4 of 5