Moon Martin Comes Out from The Darkness 
3 Out Of 5 Stars

Moon Martin's first album as a solo artist was a watershed for him as a songwriter. This album gave Mink DeVille "Cadillac Walk" and Robert Palmer "Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor Doctor)" just to name the two biggies. Problem was, both of those artists actually sounded better on Martin's songs than Martin did, as this album has a live sound but thin production. That does not diminish from the fact that items like "Paid Killer" or "Victim of Romance" are ace bits of songwriting (and from the titles, should clue you in on Martin's view of relationships). And while Martin has a distinct voice, it isn't captured on "Shots" as well as it would be on "Street Fever" or "Escape From Domination" (where he managed a hit of his own with "Rolene"). As a relic of 80's New Wave singer/songwriters, "Shots From a Cold Nightmare" is a good work from a man who had better albums to come. Bonus points for the oddball cover of the Beatles' "All I've Got To Do."

     

My Amazon Reviews: Scissor Sisters "Magic Hour"

Could this be the magic?
4 Out Of 5 Stars

Continuing their Roxy Music art dance meets Elton John Piano pop, "Magic Hour" is the Scissor Sisters at their best. As they keep searching for an American Audience and switch to the Casablanca Records banner (home to the best of 70's dance music, take that as a clue), Jake, BabyDaddy, Del and Anna are still looking for love at all the best parties.

There's plenty here to tape your feet to; from the silly bonus track "Eff Yeah!" to the pulsing "Keep Your Shoes On," the Sisters are playing to their strengths. After all, not every band could take a phone message about a crappy night on the NYC club scene and mix it into a party anthem ("Let's Have a Kiki"). They also allow the mood to be serious, as on the heartbreak story of "Inevitable" or the frothy "San Luis Obispo." There are those who might think that the band is not changing much from their other albums; I say Scissor Sisters have a sound. For me, it's well worth the continuing interest in the band.

     

My Amazon Blu-Ray Reviews: The Beatles' Yellow Submarine

We All Live On
5 Out of 5 Stars

Lovingly restored and recolored, the Blu-Ray of The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" is an opening of a time capsule, with the dust of years wiped clean. The mix of traditional animation and the Peter Maxian designs still holds a fascination to this day, with the sound quality now absolutely stunning. Granted, the imaginations behind much of the movie was lysergically enhanced, but it adds to the time-charm of the movie. I can't recommend this enough to Beatles Fans, who already know the songs and probably many of the scenes by heart.

Extra Credit due Dept: I really dig the 'cell' reproductions included in the Blu-Ray package. The bonus interviews with surviving members of the cast and crew are brief but delightful, but the VH1 Interview with the surviving Beatles from the '99 DVD release might have been a nice addition. You can choose between mono and 5:1 surround, depending on your purist nature, and the sequence for "Hey Bulldog" has been reintegrated into the film seamlessly. It's a must own, and I now anxiously await future Beatles' Blu-Rays.