Taking Stock of Bond’s Themes
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By now, you may have heard the Jack White-Alicia Keys collaboration "Another Way to Die," written and recorded as the theme for the coming James Bond film "Quantum of Solace." This will be the latest installment in the long-running spy-movie franchise after its terrific reboot/rejuvenation "Casino Royale," with the rough and ready Daniel Craig starring as British secret agent 007 for the second time.
Anna - one of MOG's marvelous mistresses of music appreciation - already checked in with a post on "Another Way to Die" (http://mog.com/Anna/blog/198558) - one that generated a wide spectrum of opinions on the song's worth. Interested parties included the usual teeming mass of Bond enthusiasts. And then, there were the fans of bluesy singer-guitarist-songwriter-producer White of the White Stripes and the Raconteurs, and pop-soul-jazz chanteuse Keys - a couple of Yanks doing a song for a quintessentially Brit creation. Me? I'm not so crazy about "Another Way to Die." Of course, I also was singularly unimpressed with ex-Soundgarden groaner Chris Cornell's "You Know My Name," the labored theme song to "Casino Royale."
I'm still seething that the original choice to do the "Quantum of Solace" theme - the team of cracked soul diva Amy Winehouse and super-producer Mark Ronson - failed to deliver the goods, forcing the White-Keys hire. Amy could've provided the 21st century equivalent of Shirley Bassey's pipes and power as heard on the deathless theme to the smash-hit 1964 Bond film "Goldfinger." But, of course, Amy was too busy crashing and burning to complete a session.
Although I dote on Bassey's "Goldfinger" and Matt Monro's performance of "From Russia With Love," my personal favorite 007 theme is still one written by legendary screen composer and Bond series mainstay John Barry (with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse) - "You Only Live Twice," sung by Nancy "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" Sinatra over the opening credits of the eponymous 1967 film. (Yep. That would be Frank's daughter.) And it's such a grand song that it's been covered quite a few times, including intriguing versions by Soft Cell, Björk, Coldplay and Natacha Atlas.
How about you? Is there a Bond theme that you prefer above all others? One that would shake and stir you like the perfect martini?
In any event, the one and only original "James Bond Theme," written by John Barry and Monty Norman, is available via the red-buttoned MOG player above. And check out the "You Only Live Twice" video collection below. Twice is never enough.
Nancy Sinatra - "You Only Live Twice" Opening Credits:
Soft Cell:
Björk:
Coldplay:
Natacha Atlas:
"You Only Live Twice" Trailer:
Locating MOG account...
Comments (20)
that was fun to watch and listen to all at the same time
I've not been into the Bond films much but I did like this theme song quite a bit:
Rawk: Same as the films themselves!
August: Nice song - shame about the movie. (One of the lamest in the series, as far as I'm concerned. And no disrespect meant towards Duram Duran...)
I don't even recall the movie(not sure I saw it even) but the song was a hit I remember.
August: You should check out "From Russia With Love" (quintessential, plausible old-school Bond with Sean Connery) and "Casino Royale" (the canny modernization with Daniel Craig). They're both terrific films of their respective eras. And "Goldfinger" is the one that initiated the wild, over-the-top style that set the tone for the bulk of the tongue-in-cheek spy films and TV shows of the '60s and '70s, and was lampooned in the Austin Powers movies.
Well, if they wanted Anna onside, they should really have gone with this:
Ah, Jox. Devilishly good number...
My favourite version is "Nobody Does It Better" as done in concert by Radiohead. Thom calls it the sexiest song ever written and then sings it in a way to make you believe him. I posted it over a year ago, but after going through a bunch of Mog pages I gave up trying to find it - they're a Moggingly popular band, for some reason. ;-/
The good ones have pretty much been mentioned, but Tom Jones's work on Thunderball should not pass unnoticed. It's not such great shakes as a song, but the arrangement is perfect and Tom Jones is the perfect person to be belting out a Bond theme - he was (and probably still is) livin' the life, man...
I ADORE the Austin Powers' series(own them all). I'd much rather see the Bond films lampooned than sit through the originals, lol. And heard that 'Casino Royale' was quite good. I like Daniel Craig, so I'll probably eventually see that one.
And John I., here's the awesome R.head cover(just did a quick search on youtube):
Jonh: Agreed. Truly a great pop love song from Carly Simon. And, as interpreted by Radiohead, kewl!!!
ivylander: Indeed. T.J. is da man!
August: Well, O.K. And thanks for the Radiohead grab. Nice enhancement. But really, you've gotta see "From Russia With Love," as well as "Casino Royale." They rock!
Oh Mike, you drive such a hard bargain, you evil taskmaster, lol(j/k, you're not a taskmaster, just evil for assertively working to get me to watch those movies, damnit! hehe)! Ok, I'll make a point to watch both films. What can I say I'm easy when it comes to movies. Going to my library website to see if I can get them there, cause 'free is a very good price!'
p.s. you'll be happy to know my library had them both, so I have them on reserve!
August: You won't be sorry. That said, do let us know what you think of them after a viewing...
I'm sure I'll enjoy them, especially since they come highly recommended by you.
Joxy knows me so well (I spent a good few minutes drooling there, and it wasn't the first time, nor would it be the last. I promise to mop after I'm done).
My favourite one is Diamonds Are Forever, followed by The World Is Not Enough (maybe...second place in lists are the hardest ones for me to decide on!). Bassey's vocal delivery is priceless, not to mention the I've-had-my-heart-broken-too-many-times-and-now-I-know-better-or-do-I for which I always have a soft spot.
PS Bloody Jack White! Bloody Winehouse! Bloody hell!
Oh, and excellent post...
Damn, Anna! I almost slipped there. Of course, that could've been my own drool, re: the thought of Shirley Manson. (And thanks for the kind words...)
excellent post.
Daniel Craig, rough and ready, hellsyeah.
Amy Winehouse, too busy crashing and burning, sadly.
on to the themes. my immediate faves have all been said. Goldfinger, Nobody Does It Better, You Only Live Twice, The World Is Not Enough.
am not fond in any way whatsoever of Soundgarden's. same goes with the White-Keys collab.
i want to make mention of John Barry's most hated of his Bond themes, for the sake of it, Lulu's The Man With The Golden Gun. :}
poe: Excellent? How sweet of you to say so. Interesting that one of the most sucktastic of all Bond films (TMWTGG) had one of the lamest themes. And what a disappointment that both of the movies starring Craig - the best Bond since Sean Connery - have been burdened with crappy theme songs.