Category: reviews with a 5 of 5 rating

audio review : Break Of Dawn ( song ) … Michael Jackson

As far as soulful romantic “love” odes go, Michael Jackson hasn’t dropped a song this groovy since Thriller. Break Of Dawn, on which he goes from holding hands with a girl to potentially having sex with her, would fit right in on that album or what could’ve been its sequel. It’s that superb.

There’s some conceptual confusion in regard to time though. Is it morning or night? The lyrics, which on “a brand new day” has Jackson and his partner “making love all the way thru another night”, suggest both. It’s a careless contradiction on a song that’s otherwise nearly impeccable.

my rating : 5 of 5

2001

audio review : Invincible ( album ) ... Michael Jackson

audio review : Duncan ( song ) … Paul Simon

I’d extend the title to Lincoln Duncan’s Song and let the final chorus play out longer before the fade. Besides that, this ode; about a vagabond who loses his virginity to a Christian girl; is just about perfect.

It’s not only Paul Simon’s best song but one of the best I’ve heard. The vocal melodies are masterful. The aforementioned chorus; an instrumental ensemble led by what sounds like a lone flute; is beautiful.

my rating : 5 of 5

1972

audio review : Digital Dreams ( song ) … Bass 305

I don’t know what these Dreams entail, but I’m imagining a futuristic and post-apocalyptic world à la Mad Max or the Virtual Bass album cover itself. That’s what this music; “mid tempo digital bass” music with a grungy techno twist; reminds me of. It’s a new sound for Bass 305 and easily one of their best songs.

my rating : 5 of 5

1994

audio review : Virtual Bass ( album ) ... Bass 305

audio review : Heartbreak Hotel ( song ) … Michael Jackson

Fans expecting a cover of the Elvis Presley song; the only other popular song with the title; are in for a pleasant surprise. Before you can grab the doorknob; it’s actually one of those fancy handles; you’re greeted by a bellboy who offers to carry your luggage.

Michael Jackson’s Heartbreak Hotel is indeed more extravagant and much better than Presley’s, though it’s more like a prison. “Every smile’s trial thought in beguile to hurt me,” the singer laments, “The man next door… he’s been here in tears for fifteen years.”

my rating : 5 of 5

1980

audio review : Largo ( song ) … Fiona Apple

The fact that this song is about a real place; a music theatre in LA; from which Fiona Apple shouts out specific people doesn’t sit well with me. It’s one of her best two songs; Waltz, produced by Jon Brion, one of the names mentioned here, is the other; and it deserves a better, or at least more ambiguous, concept. Does Largo, the place, deserve such a wonderful theme? Probably not. Nonetheless Flannagan should be proud.

my rating : 5 of 5

2012

audio review : The Idler Wheel ( album ) ... Fiona Apple

audio review : Nightshift ( song ) … Commodores

“Gonna be some sweet sounds,” the Commodores insist and they’re not lying. This song isn’t just sweet, it’s beautiful, especially when it comes to the vocal melodies. The only thing I dislike about it, in fact, is the concept. It’s limited to being a tribute to two specific dead singers; Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson; instead of the feel-good summer beach anthem the Caribbean vibes suggest.

my rating : 5 of 5

1985

Mariah The Scientist’s physical appearance

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With so many males pretending to be females, spotting what seems like a beautiful college girl in heavy makeup is cause for pause, especially when her lips are under a five-o’clock shadow. Scientific research suggests Mariah is, however, a real woman who, like most in the public spotlight, simply tries to fake perfection with cosmetics.

She’s naturally cute though with chipmunk cheeks that show dimples when she smiles. Her skin tone is light enough. Her body is basically flawless, at least on the outside. I’d like for her to sit on my face so I could study her inner anatomy. A taste test would be needed for chemical confirmation. Nothing sexual; strictly Science.

my rating : 5 of 5

2024

audio review : With A Little Help From My Friends ( song ) … Joe Cocker

Joe Cocker is no Friend of The Beatles. He took their song, revamped it and outclassed them to the point where they may as well stop performing it and pretend it was for him all along. Cocker’s version is both a melodic and sonic improvement thanks to the musical liberties taken not only by him but producer Denny Cordell. The two transform what was once a simple ditty into a soulful rock anthem.

my rating : 5 of 5

1968

audio review : Who Is It ( song ) … Michael Jackson

This song; easily one of Michael Jackson’s best; is simply majestic. Its orchestral highlights; there’s a string prelude and a cello break before the final chorus section; and Epic vibe make the concept of a man’s wife leaving him for “someone else” seem rather trivial in comparison.

It’s the end of the world for him though. “I am the damned, I am the dead, I am the agony inside the dying head,” he laments, “This is injustice; ‘woe unto thee’; I pray this punishment would have mercy on me.” Those are the poetic ramblings of a heartbroken man.

my rating : 5 of 5

1991

Southern Comfort Egg Nog : Vanilla Spice

Southern Comfort Egg Nog : Vanilla Spice

This Southern Comfort Egg Nog isn’t just a major improvement over the original (Traditional) version, it also ranks among the best beverages I ever tasted. The infusion of Vanilla Spice consumed cold with a mouthful of unchewed graham crackers; forget the whiskey and “cinnamon stick”; makes for a drinking experience that is truly delectable.

my rating : 5 of 5

audio review : Trailways Bus ( song ) … Paul Simon ( featuring Sara Ramirez )

This isn’t just the best song from Paul Simon’s Capeman play and companion album, it’s one of the best he’s ever made. It’s sang mostly from the perspective of character (Saint) Lazarus; Simon also covers the roles of Sal and a “border patrol” officer while guest Sara Ramirez plays Wahzinak; and the vocals are wonderful.

That goes for both the melodies and the lyrics, apparently co-authored by poet Derek Walcott. “He can’t leave his fears behind; he recalls each fatal thrust,” one line goes in reference to Salvador Agron, who was convicted as a youth for killing two peers with a knife; “Screams carried by the wind; phantom figures in the dust.”

my rating : 5 of 5

1997

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