Best of Bond James Bond
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Free Music Notes for Best of Bond James Bond
Free Music Review: This disc is not enough!
Hit: 5 Stars
I have to say this disc is a fine example of how the James Bond themes are among the best music in the world today (part of the reason why Madonna's 'Die Another Day' was a bit out of place with the back catalogue). The disc celebrates all of the amazing themes all the way from 1962 to 1999. Here's how they rate:1.James Bond Theme (Dr No) by Shirley Bassey: The original and still the best! Just listening to this fabulous piece of music brings a smile to my face. Proves music can remain timeless. 10+++/10
2.Goldfinger by Shirley Bassey: A truely powerful theme from a truely powerful voice. Make sure you don't stand too close to the speaker when you listen to this. 10/10
3.Nobody Does It Better (the Spy Who Loved Me) by Carly Simon : Still as romantic and sexy as the day I first saw the film. A good performance by Mrs Simon. 9.5/10
4.A View To A Kill by Duran Duran: A very eighties theme, but it makes up for that by having a great guitar rift and great lyrics which just flow with the song. 8/10
5.For Your Eyes Only by Sheena Easton: A fair performance, but frankly it sounds more like a lullaby than a Bond theme. At times it can have its emotional moments. 6/10
6.We Have All The Time In The World (O.H.M.S.S) by Louis Armstrong: A fitting song to a very sad ending, where Bond's only wife is shot in a driveby shooting. Amazingly sentimental, and perfectly timed. 10/10
7.Live and Let Die by Paul McArtney & Wings: The lyrics to this song, and the famous intro make this good, but be careful to not listen to this too many times or it may get boring. 7/10
8.All Time High (Octopussy) by Rita Coolidge: This song may impress some people but not me. It just doesn't cut the Bond mustard, or have the bond edge and altough catchy is a very bland - SKIP IT!!! 4/10
9.The Living Daylights by A-Ha: Another very eighties song bit this time instead of sailing through it starts off well and trails off through the middle and loses its edge. 6/10
10.Licence To Kill by Gladys Knight: Gladys has a very protective and romantic portrayal in this song that shines through. Pretty good. 7/10
11.From Russia With Love by Matt Munro: Probably the second best Bond movie and a great romantic bond song to go with it. Contains the original ''edge'' only the Connery films had giving him the suave edge. 7.5/10
12.Thunderball by Tom Jones: Another highly vocal performance, and as you hear this you can actually picture the opening credits. One of the best male performances on a Bond Theme, if not THE best. 9/10
13.You Only Live Twice by Nancy Cinatra: A romantic theme, with a lot of edge and cool synthesisers. Nancy almost lulls you into the song with her soft voice. 8/10
14.Moonraker by Shirley Bassey: Mrs Bassey takes on another Bond theme, but lacking the slight edge of Goldfinger and Diamonds Are Forever. A more soft approach that seems to work...just. 7/10
15.On Her Majesty's Secret Service by The John Barry Orchestra: One of the most electric themes, and you can feel the chase carrying on within it. It lacks the emotion and power of the other main theme in the film (see #6) but otherwise good. 7.5/10
16.The Man With The Golden Gun by Lulu: considering Scaramanga (Christopher Lee) is supposed to be Bond's best villain ever, the rest of the film (including the song) bombs. Lulu tries a Shirley Bassey/Tom Jones type of performance and obviously fails, as she just doesn't have the vocal ability. 3/10
17.Diamonds Are Forever by Shirley Bassey: Not quite as in-your-face as Goldfinger, and not as soft as Moonraker, D.A.F is a pretty good song, and should appeal to the ladies, or anyone who likes the song in general. 8/10
18.Goldeneye by Tina Turner: Probably the best Bond theme in the 90's, packs almost as much punch as Goldfinger without sounding too much like it. 9/10
19.Tomorrow Never Dies by Sheryl Crow: Not your typical Bond theme (or your typical Sheryl Crow song for that matter) but the fusion of the two creates an interesting experimental sound that makes this Bond theme unique. What makes it even better is the performance also sounds live as well. 8/10
20.The World Is Not Enough by Garbage: Slammed and marred by critics when it came out, this song isn't as bad as people think. The lyrics are pretty good, especially 'There's no point in living if you can't feel alive', which is one of the main phrases spoken by Reynard & Electra in the film. It may sound like remakes of old Bond songs, but it also adds a bit of 90's electronica in the 'Garbage' sound. 7/10
21.James Bond Theme (from Tomorrow Never Dies) by Moby: You must have heard this as this song is overused to advertise Bond. Is pretty good, as well as keeping the originality of the John Barry Version. 7/10
22.James Bond Theme (Unreleased from Goldeneye) by Parodi/Fair: This version kind of mucks up the Bond genre as it sounds too rocky, or like something from a video game. It all depends how you listen to it I suppose. 5/10
Overall there are a few duds in this collection of Bond themes (past and present) but the quality of packaging and sheer variety of music in this collection shines through, and it is a must have in any record collection (if you like Bond). My only complaint is that it doesn't have the videos, or even better , title themes to go with the songs.
Free Music Review: Bond music is great music!
Hit: 5 Stars
I had to go and dig this one out of my collection after Channel 4 screened a countdown of the most popular 22 James Bond tunes (according to a national MORI poll) the other night. I haven't stopped playing it since. It might sound like a cliche but I had genuinely forgotten how good this CD actually is.
The documentary was in commemoration of the new 2006 "Casino Royale" with the new James Bond, Daniel Craig. The poll excluded the new movie and it's theme tune (by Chris Cornell?) but did include the spoof original "Casino Royale" starring David Niven and Peter Sellers, and the unofficial "Never Say Never Again", which starred Sean Connery. (The CD ignores both these movies).
It was a very enjoyable and very educational two hours of TV. I've loved James Bond movies since I was a kid and have probably watched them all more than a few times but I knew very little about the gestation of the theme tunes.
We learned, for example, that Rita Coolige's "All Time High", (the theme from "Octopussy"), didn't have any chart success due to the lack of cross title promotion - and that no one was really prepared to write or sing a song with that name. We learned that discomania stopped "Moonraker" from having a success even though a disco version was later re-recorded. We also learned that although Gladys Knight was up for doing a James Bond tune in principle and was definitely up for working with producer Narada Michael Walden, she wasn't sure about the licence to kill ethic. Apparently, it clashed with her religious beliefs. Eventually the song was re-written and mellowed out by making it a threat to anyone who tries to come between her and her man. That, she could live with.
We were also told the story of how "We Have All The Time In The World", from "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" was made by Louis Armstrong. Not the actual theme song, it was saved for later in the movie and for the ending credits. But it was to become a huge hit, and fittingly so, albeit 25 years after it was made. Armstrong was retired at the time he was approached and in very poor health but he pulled it off. The song is pure magic and believed to be the last he recorded before he died.
I could go on and on but this review isn't really about the TV show, it's about this CD. I have to agree though with an earlier viewer that a DVD of how the tunes were made would be a great idea. I would definitely buy it.
However, on this music CD you get The James Bond Themes from all the movies up to 2002, including contributions from the likes of the iconic John Barry and his orchestra, the equally iconic Shirley Bassey, Carly Simon, Duran Duran, Sheena Easton, Louis Armstrong, Paul McCartney & Wings, Rita Coolige, A-Ha, Gladys Knight, Matt Munro (the UK's answer to Frank Sinatra, apparently), Tom Jones, Nancy Sinatra (Frank reportedly turned the offer down but offered his daughter instead), Lulu, Tina Turner, Sheryl Crow (her song always makes me cry for some inexplicable reason), Garbage and Moby.
I love most of them and I love this CD. One other movie, "Die Another Day" has been released prior to the current "Casino Royale" and since this compliation was released but as much as I love Madonna, I can live without her contribution. It was one of the least popular unpopular among the critics apparently, though very popular among the under-24s that were polled for the programme. Moby's remake/remix of the theme tune is on here though, thankfully.
I also agree with another earlier reviewer who suggested it would've been nicer if the songs were arranged on the CD in the order the films were released but after a couple of listens I was prepared to let that go.
The bottom line is that I think you will enjoy this music if you are a music fan. If you are a James Bond Music fan, you will absolutely love it. If you haven't got it already, that is.
Five Stars easily.
PS. The #1 song according to the poll was Shirley Bassey's "Goldfinger". She also scored #2 with "Diamonds are forever" and #3 was the Paul McCartney & Wings hit, "Live And Let Die" (a personal favourite). Although I was surprised that Bassey with in her camp glory would rate so high, I was nonetheless reassured that us Brits do have some taste when it comes to good music.
Free Music Review: Everything you'd expect
Hit: 5 Stars
The latest edition of "The Best of Bond...James Bond" does exactly what 007 himself has usually done over the last 40 years: Give the people what they want.The CD is updated from its 1999 version with "The World Is Not Enough," a tasteful movie theme performed by Garbage and co-written by the band and current chief Bond composer David Arnold. There are also delightful alternate "James Bond Theme" versions by Moby and Parodi/Fair -- the latter from the trailer of Pierce Brosnan's first 007 outing, "GoldenEye."
The rest of the gang's all here...from the elegant warbling of Bond all-star Shirley Bassey ("Goldfinger," "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Moonraker") to the poignant crooning of Louis Armstrong's "We Have All the Time in the World" from "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." Too bad not even Lulu could rescue the mediocre theme from "The Man With the Golden Gun," but it's here too.
At its best (on the screen and in music) the James Bond genre combines excitement, and alluring imagery. Unlike many of the too-operatic anthems that dominate movies and Broadway these day, Bond movie melodies are usually catchy and well orchestrated.
It's no surprise that the man who composed the music for the most Bond movies, John Barry, also provided the best Bond music -- including "Goldfinger," "You Only Live Twice" and (with Duran Duran) "A View to a Kill," the biggest chart-topper of the Bond title songs. Barry was aided by excellent lyricists like Don Black, Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. (To be fair, he and Black also contributed "Golden Gun," so not even the Babe Ruth of Bond films can have a perfect batting average.)
Also meriting praise are Marvin Hamlisch's "Nobody Does It Better," which may rival "Goldfinger" in identification to Bond (thanks to Carly Simon's shining vocals), and Bill Conti's "For Your Eyes Only," sung perfectly by Sheena Easton.
Even with the high-profile platform the franchise gives to every new song, a generation of moviegoers compares each new title song to the original and all-time champ, the "James Bond Theme" that first premiered over the "Dr. No" titles. Composer Monty Norman provided the original melodies, from which Barry used his own jazz background to create one of the most compelling movie arrangements ever.
Helped by good production and the addition of new jacket photographs since the '99 version, this edition of "The Best Of Bond...James Bond" is a keeper for any fand of Agent 007.
Free Music Review: everything I had both wanted and expected
Hit: 5 Stars
I am thoroughly satisfied with this CD--it is everything I had both wanted and expected. Its premise is simple: get all the theme songs from the James Bond films on one disc. This is a quote-unquote official release, so it neglects "Never Say Never Again," and the unofficial odd-jobs associated with 007. Although it was released in 2002, for some reason it lacks the Razzie-winning "Die Another Day," which was released that year. And since it was released in 2002, don't expect to find "You know My Name" from "Casino Royale."
This collection definitely gets Five Stars for including "We Have All the Time In The World." Since this was in Lazenby's solo, we seldom hear it; yet it is one of the best songs to come out of the franchise.
Like I said, this CD is everything I expected, down to the liner notes. I have only two criticisms. First, the songs are not chronological, so we miss the evolution from the early brassy Rat Pack themes to the toned-down anthems epitomized by "For Your Eyes Only" and then on to the techno/hip-hop lite of the later films. Arraigned the way they are, you get a better overall presentation. Either way you arrange the tracks, you will always have shuffle.
The second is more of a criticism of the franchise as opposed to the CD (have I mentioned how well I liked the product?). Included are two remixes of the James Bond Dr. No Theme--from Moby and Parodi/Fair. Now a remix by definition is just the same music with an underlaying drum machine, and it is done solely to be played at dance clubs and those annoying subwoofers on wheels--and nothing more. I think this was done to keep up the gala spirit of the film, and also to revamp the franchise for younger audiences
The problem is that there was nothing wrong with the franchise--the six year hiatus was due to a legal quagmire and the geopolitical shake up associated with the end of the Cold War. So doing remixes like these really do not contribute to the Bond experience. Personally, I thought they were both condescending and obvious.
(Then again, where else would you put them?)
So other than these two critiques, I happily recommend this disc for the Bond fan, and for the pleasant memories this music will bring.
Free Music Review: For your ears only
Hit: 5 Stars
This magnificent CD brings together 37 years of the fantastic music that was brought to us by the James Bond series.
Beginning with the James Bond theme, first played on the first 007 flicks, Dr No (1962), and has graced as background music, in one form or another, most of the subsequent Bond films down the year.
Many of the hits featured on their respective Bond thrillers. This is music from the 1960's, 70's, 80's and 90's at it's very, very best.
My personal favorites include:
Shirley Bassey's luxurious and smooth Goldfinger (1964), with it's opening elephantine trumpets.
The rich and contemplative You Only Live Twice (1967) sung by Nancy Sinatra.
Soft Cell redid an interesting version in the early 1980's.
The closing piece from On Her Majesties Secret Service (1969), " We Have All The Time In The World" sung with great warmth and sincerity by Louis Armstrong.
Live And Let Die (1973), by Paul McCartney, an absolutely magical and enthusing piece in the very best style of that fantastic early 70's rock.
Carly Simon's melody Nobody Does It Better from The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). Marvin Hamlisch who wrote the song with Carole Bayer Sager explained: " It was time that Bond be pretentious enough and vain enough to have a song written about him."
The rich and haunting Moonraker (1979) by Shirley Bassey.
The sexy and enticing mood setter "For Your Eyes Only" (1981) by Sheena Easton, the only theme song where the singer of the theme song appears on stage. This is because Sheena Easton rivaled the Bond girls in her beauty.
The romantic "All Time High" from Octopussy (1983) by Rita Coolidge.
The energetic "The Living Daylights" (1987) by Ah Ha.
The R&B License To Kill (1989) by Gladys Knight.
And the moody Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) by Sheryl Crowe.
My one and only complaint is that the compilation did not include Three Blind Mice (Calypso), which started off Dr No.
Nevertheless this album features some of the best music in the last 42 years in it's own right.