CommanderBond.net
  1. An Evening With John Barry At The Royal Albert Hall

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-09-16

    Bond music fans take notice. John Barry will be appearing with the Ten Tenors at the Royal Albert Hall on Thursday, 28 September 2006.

    Barry, who composed the scores for 11 James Bond films, (starting with 1963’s From Russia With Love and finally ending with 1987’s The Living Daylights) will be performing as special guest conductor at the event alongside Australian sensations The Ten Tenors to coincide with the debut release of their album, ‘Here’s To The Heroes.’ Barry was an executive produder on the album.

    ‘Recorded at Abbey Road and produced by Simon Franglen, ‘Here’s To The Heroes’ finds The Ten Tenors backing by a 90-piece orchestra and some of the world’s leading musicians paying tribute to the compositional film score icon John Barry and his lyricist partner Don Black.’

    An Evening with John Barry will take place on Thursday, 28 September 2006 at 7:30 PM at the Royal Albert Hall.

    Ticket prices include: 45.00, 39.50, 35.00, 28.50. Click here to purchase tickets online for the event.

    Keep watching CBn for all the latest James Bond 007 news.

  2. 'James Bond Spectacular' Concert: A Review

    By Guest writer on 2006-08-19

    Previously announced by CBn was the ‘Live And Let Die – James Bond Spectacular’ concert, which took place on 11 August 2006. Conducted by Nic Raine, it contained a set list highlighting music of the James Bond films from the past to the present.

    CBn forum member Satorious attended the concert and shares his review of the event:

    Written by CBn forum member ‘Satorious’

    After a somewhat disastrous journey to Southampton, we eventually arrived at Broadlands for the Nic Raine ‘Live And Let Die’ concert featuring the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO). This isn’t the first time I’ve seen them, I’ve seen the BSO once before at the Bournemouth International Centre, doing a film music night – which was pretty damn solid. At that event they played a wide variety of scores one of which was a Bond suite (essentially a mix of Goldfinger and From Russia With Love), so I knew they would be good. Broadlands itself was a lovely setting, perfect for this type of outdoor concert. The seemingly threatening weather had improved somewhat, and although cloudy still, there was now blue sky. The only downer really was that because we arrived late we, we were nowhere near the front. There seemed to be several thousand people spread out with tables/chairs in front of us, obviously a popular concert. Beside either side of the orchestra stage were two big screens to show the orchestra in action, along with various Bond clips and photos/posters. Thankfully, we could still just about see things on the stage also. It is announced that at 8pm, we kick off (30mins after the advertised time, but it allowed us extra time to set ourselves up with food). Then the orchestra arrived and did their tuning. I remember it seeming like quite a small orchestra for Bond themes – possibly between only 40-60 musicians, although perhaps I’m wrong (didn’t do a count). At 8pm prompt, it began:

    From Russia With Love Suite:

    Started with the traditional Barry instrumental credits version. Goose bumps at the opening blasts and the Bond theme at the end. Then mixes into the ‘Zagreb Express’ music. Always liked this bit in the film, shame it’s not on the original soundtrack – but Raine more than does it justice here (and I’m glad he does do justice to some of these otherwise lost unreleased cues). Next they play the romantic cue after the gypsy camp is destroyed. This was a nice romantic piece with an acoustic guitar. Then it goes into chirpy ‘Golden Horn’ music. Oddity this one, feels more like a track from a Disney movie or something, and not in the film (but on the soundtrack). Nice piece all the same. Then things get tense for the ‘Gypsy Girl Fight.’ Goose-bumps again, and a great rendition from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Plus they have some girls up dancing to this track – neat touch. Then came a cue I was suspecting all along, Barry’s 007 theme which accompanies stealing the Lector scene, as well as countless other scenes from future films. Great to hear it live! Okay, that was almost 12 minutes of music. To be honest I wasn’t expecting anything near that length. Really nice surprise! Even if it’s downhill from here – I’ll be happy enough.

    Diamonds Are Forever:

    Nic Raine speaks for the first time to introduce someone called Kerry Ellis. This is the point where dread entered my body. I have to confess, I was expecting an instrumental version of the themes, and I have heard some truly awful singers do the Bond themes (they aren’t easy to sing). An attractive blonde enters the stage, looking rather elegant. The orchestra begins, it sounds like another slow rendition of the Barry instrumental version from the Nic Raine album. Ho hum – this could be painful I think to myself. Kerry sings Diamonds Are Forever earlier than expected. Hmmm… She sounded a little like Goldfrapp. Then she sings a few a more lines, okay – not terrible I think. Then the brass kicks in. Okay, fear starting to be alleviated, she can more than hold her own against the orchestra. Plus the tempo picks up considerably. As it goes on, I am totally won over, along with everyone else in our group and the audience. “Blimey, she can sing” says a guy near by. Indeed, she is nothing short of stunning – especially considering it is live. She did slip up slightly on the lyrics – but only people who know them off by heart would pick it up. Otherwise, it is flawless. She holds the notes as long and strongly as Shirley Bassey (particularly noticable at the end). Kelly Ellis managed to put some of the more recent Bond singer to complete shame. Absolutely awesome, the hairs on my neck were standing on end after this.

    Licence To Kill:

    Okay, Nic Raine introduces the next singer for this track – and somewhat surprisingly it’s a man (Chris Holland). I must confess I felt really sorry for him at this point (following up the previous act was nigh on impossible, and he never stood a chance). Of course, it couldn’t eclipse Diamonds, but it was still a good rendition. No backing singers for the chorus seemed to be the most noticeable difference with this rendition. The singer himself at first reminded me of those annoying boy-band/ballad singing Pop-Idol type acts, who try and make the song their own. Ah well, nevermind I thought – the theme was never one of my favourites anyway. It’s not that it was particularly bad, I have heard far far worse versions – the orchestration was fine, and Chris wasn’t even bad. To be fair, I remember him holding the last note of the song really well for a considerable amount of time, thinking “he has potential, this just isn’t the best place to showcase him”. It just wasn’t going to top the spine-tingling Diamonds or the 12 minute opening suite.

    Goldfinger Suite:

    “Another suite, sweet”, I thought. And Goldfinger too, oh, the excitment. Nic Raine announced the dancers back again. By now it was more than apparent anything “Suite” would be an intrumental intepretation, and anything “non-suite” would have a singer. I was wondering what other tracks might be played if this was a suite: the ‘Laser’ theme, the ‘Fort Knox Dawn Raid’, even the superb swaggering ‘Into Miami’ perhaps? Maybe this will be another faster paced rendition of the title song? Despite the powerful opening brass, this was the pretty standard orchestrated version, quite similar to the version on his album (and similar to the scenes where Bond is quietly driving the Aston Martin through the Alps in Switzerland). After about two and a half minutes the cue ended with a bang. Once the Bond theme started kicking in, the pace and the brass pick up considerably, the goose bumps come back once more. However, this was not to be a From Russia With Love type suite again. No further cues from the movie were played. Ah, well – there was no way he could fit all the favourite cues into the length of concert anyway. Perhaps the 12 minute opening From Russia With Love cue was just to kick start things, and no further incidental music will be played.

    You Only Live Twice:

    Nic Raine introduces Kerry back, and makes a few charming comments about how she looks. Obviously the style is quite different to Diamonds, so the audience is curious to see how she will perform this time also. The awesome strings start (the ones that Robbie Williams used for Millenium). Kerry is much more sultry and restrained in this song, the way it should be. In the middle there is nice bit where the orchestra play instrumentally for a bit, which worked very well. Once again a lovely rendition, another of the highlights.

    For Your Eyes Only:

    Nic Raine says something along the lines of “now Kerry becomes Sheena Easton in For Your Eyes Only.” Again Kerry makes a slight slip in the lyrics, but it isn’t particularly noticeable. Her voice is particularly impressive in the chorus. A great rendition, but if I am being picky, I have to say I preferred her You Only Live Twice.

    Moonraker Suite:

    Back to the suites. Nic got a few laughs from the audience when he said something along the lines of “And now we are going do a suite from the film Moonraker, which has lots of spacey type music for you to enjoy… perhaps even more if you’ve had a few Pimms”. I must confess after the Goldfinger suite, I was expecting it to be little more than the romantic version of the Moonraker theme. However he started with a cue not on the original soundtrack again. The ‘Drax Chateaux’ cue begins. Very nice and mellow. It then breaks into a very fast paced version of the Bond theme for the free-fall music from pre-titles. Another unrelease cue. Wow! The hairs stand up on the neck again. I wasn’t expecting this at all. It sounded better than the version he released on his Bond and Beyond CD. After this adrenaline rush, things slow and go romantic as the main Moonraker theme (love theme version) is played. It was only a short version, but very nice all the same. I always thought this theme is somewhat under-rated (along with All Time High). Then we go into the ‘Bond Lured To The Pyramids’ cue, another unexpected bonus. I have always adored this track, it’s one of my favourites. It sounded totally incredible, despite the fact the vocal choir weren’t featured (and to be honest – the rendition was so fantastic – you didn’t miss their absence either). I suspect these slower cues may have sent some of the audience members into sleepy mode after the more dramatic stuff, but I was absolutely lapping all this John Barry-ness up. Then we get the ‘Flight Into Space’ (one of the longer cues). The funny thing I remember is that a plane started flying overhead at the time, and as someone else pointed out – it fit perfectly with the music accompanying it. Someone else joked, I can just see Timothy Dalton parachuting out of that any second. Despite the smaller orchestra size, the BSO were really doing these suites justice. Despite the superb opening suite of From Russia With Love music, Moonraker had just raised the bar; this was the suite to beat. It was an absolutely gorgeous 9 minutes or so. I certainly wasn’t expecting the suites to be anywhere near this type of length, or cover quite as many themes.

    Thunderball:

    Not one of the more memorable Bond songs (probably down to the fact Barry had to rewrite a title-theme at incredibly short notice). Nic welcomes Chris back, so I give him a second chance. To be honest, I’ve heard some pretty weird renditions of theme in the past, most being quite slow or ponderous. This was quite a fast and faithful rendition luckily. Chris began singing it more like the David Arnold version with Martin Fry, but sounds more like Tom Jones by the end. He really went for it on holding the last note (the one where Tom Jones almost passed out at the end). He is better suited to this song by far, it is big, bold, brash and brassy. Not an easy song to do, so this was very nice. He totally redeemed himself here.

    James Bond Theme:

    Nic announces that this would be the last song of this half, a point where many Bond fans would want to shout “woo-hoo”. However, this really wasn’t the type of event for such shenanigans – I wisely kept quiet. Nic Raine’s opening blasts to this always sound strange to me even now, not up with the Barry versions. But after these, he does something quite cool. He keeps the electric guitar for the opening part and then he switches it to the orchestral version the second time it’s played. It worked incredibly well. The theme itself was played twice through, it’s quite a short theme otherwise. It was full of jazzy swagger, and ended on a Mancini-esque blast; a perfect end to the first half.

    The Living Daylights Suite:

    The second half begins, and I won’t deny – this was probably the suite I was most interested in hearing. This is partly because Nic Raine worked with John Barry as the orchestrator on this movie, and partly because the Necros theme is probably my favourite Barry action cue (some of the stuff from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service rates a very, very close second). I remember thinking “What if he does a Goldfinger suite and doesn’t play it? It would put a mild dampner on my evening. Anyway, it kicks off with the main theme (which is quite similar rendition to the ‘Hercules Take-off’ version, but follows the A-ha theme a little closer at the start). It’s a rousing start, and at the end it goes quieter to fade into the Kara (‘If There Was A Man’) love theme music. Nice, but I’m still willing him to do the Necros theme, and I’m getting scared that these may be the only two tracks played. There is a millisecond break at the end, and I suspect the worst, he will turn – the audience will clap. Just then, a couple of sinister bars from the A-Ha theme play, I think I know what is going coming next and twitch nervously… I’m right. A superb rendition of the ‘Necros Inflight Fight’ theme. Sounded even closer to the original Barry versions than his CD versions. I was truly in pure Bond heaven now. I never thought I’d get to hear this track played live by an orchestra. It was a totally electrifying experience for me. It wasn’t the full version, it was cut a little short, not that I minded. I guess the suite was a little shorter – perhaps about 5 minutes. He had a nice little story at the end. He said he working on the film was a pleasure although the producers were a little bit anxious about how Timothy Dalton would be received in the film at that time. Cubby Broccoli asked Nic his thoughts about Dalton in the role. Nic said: “I like him because previously they had Roger Moore, and Dalton has the menace of Sean Connery, but there is a compassion about him.” Cubby then said “Hmmm – very interesting”. Later in the day, there were some guests coming in to view the recording, and Cubby said to them: “You know, I like Timothy. He’s got the menace of Connery and some compassion”. He then went on to say that he hoped Daniel Craig doesn’t have the same problems Dalton faced. I hope so too!

    Nobody Does It Better:

    A popular song, but really not one of my favourites. Kerry was welcomed back to applause, she did a fine version once more. This was started off more of an orchestrated version (harp and string), rather than the traditional piano beginning, however it ended up being very faithful. The general audience probably appreciated this song more than me, but it was a great rendition of the title theme all the same.

    We Have All The Time In The World:

    Chris is welcomed back on stage. Again, I felt sorry for the guy, he really got the bad deal from the songs he was given. To follow in the warm tenderness of Louis Armstrong’s vocals in the original just won’t happen. Nic makes some comment about how he lost his laryngitis last week, so he won’t sound quite like Louis. At least that sets the audience expectation I thought. Plus it gives you an appreciation of how much these vocalists put their voices through for the performances. Chris did it his own way, the orchestration was as lovely as ever. Right at the end – Chris did a fantastic Louis Armstrong impression on the last line “Only love”. This got a good laugh from the audience, who warmed to him. I suspect one or two of them were thinking “Why couldn’t he have done this for the whole song”. Anyway, it was nice to see the guy finally getting recognition also.

    Ride To Atlantis (The Spy Who Loved Me):

    A nice easy going swaying number from the film. It was a faithfully orchestral rendition (I preferred it to the soundtrack version). As with most of the soundtrack from The Spy Who Loved Me, half of it isn’t in the film. No matter, it’s a catchy jazzy piece, there was a lot of swaying fluorescent head boppers moving to this one (which is nice to see for a lesser known track). As an extra bonus, he played one of my other favourite cues from this soundtrack: The tanker. The BSO were thundering this track out, it was superb! Another of the many highlights. I guess this suite was about 5 minutes or so. It wasn’t even labelled as a suite either.

    Tank Chase (GoldenEye):

    Nic says something about how music can enhances scene, and that they are going to perform one of the unreleased cues from the GoldenEye soundtrack to the on-screen action, without the sound effects to demonstrate. I found this highly ambitious, we wait whilst Nic syncs up the orchestra with the onscreen action transmitted over the big screens. This worked reasonably well, although it was clear that the orchestra and Nic weren’t able to see the onscreen action. It went a little out of sync towards the end, but you got the general idea. It was another of those things that made this concert quite unique.

    Ice Bandits (The World Is Not Enough):

    Nic did the same things with the ‘Ski-Chase’ theme from The World Is Not Enough, I felt this worked better than the ‘Tank Chase’. I was really curious to see how this turned out, as the original David Arnold track was quite electronic. I have to be perfectly honest and say that this orchestrated version seemed miles better (proof towards techno being vastly inferior in Bond to timeless classical orchestration). Rousing stuff indeed.

    Tomorrow Never Dies:

    Kerry welcomed back. To be honest this was the only one she slipped up on. It all started very well, but just before the chorus, she got a bit carried away with it. She clearly demonstrated she is a superior vocalist to Sheryl Crow, but ended up over-cooking it as a result. To be fair, she is amazing at holding her voice for a sustained period of time, as shown towards the end. This track was never a great favourite of mine, although I don’t mind it. I’d have preferred Surrender, that would have suited Kerry’s powerful voice more. By now there are lots of fluorescents swaying and it’s dark enough for a laser show to accompany the song.

    The World Is Not Enough:

    Nic announces that they are about to perform an instrumental version of The World Is Not Enough and mentions something about how parts of it were quoted in ‘Ice Bandits’, and how composers develop melodies to change the atmosphere. Surprised Kerry isn’t back singing again, considering it’s a reasonably faithful orchestration. This is quite a relaxing track with the lasers going into hyper-drive when the chorus kicks in. Quite enjoyed this one.

    Live And Let Die:

    Nic welcomes both Kelly, Chris and the dancers back on stage. Chris mostly performed this one, and did a fine job. This track got people rocking, myself included. Superb, the orchestration was particularly impressive. By far the best vocal performance from the second half. If Chris Cornell’s track turns out anything like this one – I’ll be more than happy. The track had the laser show again, and the Live And Let Die main-title credits were played on the big screen to accompany the song. Things are clearly working their way up to a finale.

    On Her Majesty’s Secret Service Suite:

    Nic announces a selection from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. It begins with the pre-title credit Aston Martin scene part going off with some lovely fireworks. The Bond theme is still giving me goose-bumps or perhaps it’s just the temperature (a high-pitched electric guitar is used instead of the synthesizer). Then things move to ‘Gumbold’s Safe’ music. I love this cue, it’s repetitive, but builds tension very well in the film. This was clearly a quicker version to hold people’s attention span. This is another track I am glad to say I’ve heard live (it sounded a little more faithful than on the Back In Action CD). Things then take a romantic turn, ‘Bond Meets The Girls’ – lovely trumpet solo. This mixes into the lovely ‘Who Will Buy My Yesterdays?’ track. Then it happens. The trumpets kick-in (the prelude to the ‘Ski Chase’/OHMSS theme). Fireworks begin going like crazy. Wow this track is brilliant for fireworks. The ski chase is shown on the big screen also. The electric guitarist goes crazy in the background – which is very funny and even has a couple of orchestra members laughing. They really went for it with this track. The fireworks were everywhere, the music worked very well (I guess even on screen Blofeld is setting off flares). This was a high to go out on. The suite must have gone on for just under 10 mins or so.

    Encore – Peter Gunn:

    Not that we were expecting any more, we got Henry Mancini’s superb Peter Gunn theme (which sounds a bit Bondy anyway). A fun rendition, a hip song to end on. It was a cross between the Mancini original, and the Art Of Noise version. Everyone seemed to be clapping along, and the fireworks began again. I hear the BSO like playing this one as a finale occasionally. The fireworks kept screaming even when the song and orchestra had finished (there were several minutes worth non-stop after the song). Clearly a lot spent on the firework budget, and it was worth every penny of the entrance for this alone. My wife even commented she had never seen quite so many fireworks in one go before.

    Reflection:

    This was by far one of the most awesome Bond music events I’ve been at. I saw John Barry at the Royal Albert Hall a few years back, and I don’t think much could ever top that, but this did come a lot closer than I had expected. Any Bond music fan/geek who didn’t go sadly would have really missed out. There was so much variety, almost everyone would have liked some part. I was perhaps a little surprised that the You Only Live Twice ‘Capsule In Space’, or a A View To A Kill suite (which Raine was also involved with) wasn’t played – but that’s just me. It definitely exceeded my expectations, and was worth every bit of the pain we endured getting there.

  3. 'James Bond Spectacular' Concert Tonight

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-08-11

    Previously announced by CBn in May, the ‘Live and Let Die – James Bond Spectacular’ concert, which will be performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Nic Raine, is set to begin tonight – Friday, 11 August.

    The concert event, highlighting much of the music from past James Bond films, encourages fans to ‘dress up as 007 himself, or play an evil villian or glamorous Bond girl’, as there will be prizes for the best costumes, reports ticketsouth.co.uk. The full setlist includes:

    • The James Bond Theme
    • Licence to Kill
    • Diamonds are Forever
    • You Only Live Twice
    • Goldfinger
    • Nobody Does It Better
    • For Your Eyes Only
    • We Have All The Time In The World
    • Tommorrow Never Dies
    • From Russia With Love
    • A View To A Kill
    • From Russia With Love Suite
    • The Living Daylights Suite
    • Goldfinger Suite
    • Moonraker Suite
    • On Her Majesty’s Secret Service Suite

    Venue Information
    Friday, 11 August 2006 (gates open at 6:00pm)
    Broadlands
    Romsey
    Hampshire
    SO51 9ZD
    For further information, visit the venue website.

  4. 'James Bond Spectacular' Concert in August 2006

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-05-19

    For fans of the music of James Bond films, an upcoming event in August may be just what they are looking for. The ‘Live and Let Die – James Bond Spectacular’ concert, which will be performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Nic Raine, is set for Friday, 11 August 2006.

    Tickets can be purchased from ticketsouth.co.uk. £19 if before 12 July, £21 if before 10 August, and £24 on the day of the event (subject to availability). For groups of 15 or more, £18 if before 12 July and £20 if before 10 August.

    The concert event, highlighting much of the music from past James Bond films, encourages fans to ‘dress up as 007 himself, or play an evil villian or glamorous Bond girl’, as there will be prizes for the best costumes, reports ticketsouth.co.uk. The full setlist includes:

    • The James Bond Theme
    • Licence to Kill
    • Diamonds are Forever
    • You Only Live Twice
    • Goldfinger
    • Nobody Does It Better
    • For Your Eyes Only
    • We Have All The Time In The World
    • Tommorrow Never Dies
    • From Russia With Love
    • A View To A Kill
    • From Russia With Love Suite
    • The Living Daylights Suite
    • Goldfinger Suite
    • Moonraker Suite
    • On Her Majesty’s Secret Service Suite

    Venue Information
    Friday, 11 August 2006 (gates open at 6:00pm)
    Broadlands
    Romsey
    Hampshire
    SO51 9ZD
    For further information, visit the venue website.

  5. Rise, Sir Tom Jones

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-03-29

    Tom Jones, music sensation for decades, and performer of the title song for the 1965 James Bond film, Thunderball, was honoured with a knighthood today at Buckingham Palace. He received the knighthood under his real name, Thomas Jones Woodward.

    As ic Wales and other websites report, the music legend arrived with his son, daughter and granddaughter for the grand event. About meeting the Queen today, Sir Tom Jones said: ‘I love seeing the Queen and I have always been a royalist. She is lovely and she still is lovely.’ The Queen and Jones had previously met ‘six or seven times’ previously, and The Queen had remembered his 1966 performance.

    About the honour, Sir Tom Jones said, ‘today is just tremendous. When you first come into showbusiness and you get a hit record, it is the start of something. As time goes on, it just gets better. This is the best thing that I have had. It is a wonderful feeling, a heady feeling.’

  6. Gibson Grants James Bond a Licence to Thrill

    By Athena Stamos on 2005-05-10

    In case you missed it in 1999, CBn brings you a blast from the past…

    Gibson Musical Interments (November 1, 1999) — At the request of David Arnold, composer of the score for the new James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, Gibson’s Custom, Art & Historic Division designed and built an official 007 Les Paul guitar.

    The World is Not Enough Gibson Les Paul Guitar

    007 Gibson Les Paul Guitar, front

    The World is Not Enough Gibson Les Paul Guitar

    Gibson Les Paul Guitar, back

    The Les Paul guitar features the famous opening gun-barrel sequence printed on it and was signed by John Barry and David Arnold and other people connected to the Bond movies. The back of the guitar is emblazoned with the “flaming lady” seen in the teaser posters for The World Is Not Enough.

    Arnold presented the guitar to the legendary James Bond composer, John Barry. Barry is world- renowned as a composer, having five Academy Awards and four Grammies to his name. During his celebrated career, spanning more than three decades, he has written over 60 soundtrack scores, including ten Bond movies.

    John Barry was honored at London’s Music Industry Trusts’ dinner last month. During the ceremony, David Arnold performed one of Barry’s classic Bond themes, “We have all the time in the World” on the 007 Les Paul. He then gave the guitar to John Barry, who in turn graciously donated it to be auctioned for the Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy and the Brit Trust.

    David Arnold talking about the guitar

    David Arnold talking about the guitar (more photos)

    Roger Moore was on hand at the event and said, “Any actor can only have his performance enhanced by your music behind him. I remember the music for our theme in the Persuaders and all the Bonds – they were the best.

    The Music Industry Trusts’ Dinner is in its eighth year. It honors people who have made a major contribution to the UK music industry.

    – The Original Gibson Press Release from 1999.

  7. Title Song Performers of the Dalton Era

    By David Winter on 2005-04-28

    a-ha

    After seven films, Roger Moore retired from the role of James Bond in 1985. In 1987, Timothy Dalton made his 007 debut in The Living Daylights. His two James Bond outings don’t get the respect they deserve mainly due to the public’s disapproval of Dalton’s serious approach to the character.

    a-ha

    John Barry is once again at the top of his game with a fantastic score and a catchy title song performed by the Norwegian trio, a-ha (Picture left to right — Keyboards: Magne Furuholmen, Guitar/Drums: Pal Waaktaar-Savoy and Vocals: Morten Harket). The Living Daylights would turn out to be John Barry’s last James Bond film. Some say he chose not to return because of his bad experience with a-ha, but maybe it’s just because eleven James Bond scores was enough for him.

    Title Song: “The Living Daylights”
    Film: The Living Daylights, 1987
    Highest Chart Position: United Kingdom: #5
    Highest Chart Position: United States: Didn’t Chart
    Official Web Site: a-ha.com
    Status: Active

    Albums

    • Hunting High and Low (1985)
    • Scoundrel Days (1986)
    • Stay On These Roads (1988)
    • East of the Sun, West of the Moon (1990)
    • Memorial Beach (1993)
    • Minor Earth Major Sky (2000)
    • Lifelines (2002)

    Purchase a-ha’s Latest Album: “Lifelines”
    from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

    Compilations

    • Stay on These Roads Remixes (1990)
    • Sun Always Shines on TV: The Mixes (1990)
    • Best In Brazil (1991)
    • The Very Best of a-ha (1991)
    • Headlines And Deadlines: The Hits of a-ha (1991)
    • How Can I Sleep With Your Voice In My Head (2003)
    • The Singles 1984-2004 (2004)

    Purchase a-ha’s Latest Compilation: “The Singles 1984-2004”
    from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

    Soundtracks

    • The Living Daylights (1987)
    • One Night at McCool’s (2001)

    Purchase The Living Daylights Soundtrack
    from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

    Gladys Knight

    Timothy Dalton returned as James Bond in 1989’s Licence To Kill. It would turn out to be Dalton’s final outing as Bond. Michael Kamen, known for action movies like Lethal Weapon, took over from John Barry. Kamen’s score put a fresh twist on the “James Bond Theme” and Gladys Knight performed the title song which was written by Narada Michael Walden, Jeffrey Cohen and Walter “Baby Love” Afanasieff.

    Gladys Knight

    Michael Kamen, Vic Flick, and Eric Clapton had composed a song for use as the title song and they got as far as shooting footage for the music video before the song was scrapped and replaced with Gladys Knight’s version. Clapton is rumored to have the only surviving copies of the song. Gladys Knight was the first female singer of a title song since Rita Coolidge’s “All Time High” for 1983’s Octopussy. Licence To Kill would turn out to feature Maurice Binder’s last James Bond title sequence before his death in 1991

    Title Song: “Licence To Kill”
    Film: Licence To Kill, 1989
    Highest Chart Position: United Kingdom: #6
    Highest Chart Position: United States: Didn’t Chart
    See Gladys Knight LIVE in Las Vegas at the Flamingo: caesars.com
    Status: Active

    Albums

    • Miss Gladys Knight (1978)
    • Gladys Knight (1979)
    • Good Woman (1991)
    • Just For You (1994)
    • Many Different Roads (1999)
    • At Last (2001)

    Purchase Gladys’ Latest Album: “At Last”
    from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

    Soundtracks

    • Licence To Kill (1989)
    • Set It Off (1996)

    Purchase the Licence To Kill Soundtrack
    from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

    Title Song Performers Series

  8. Title Song Performers of the Brosnan Era

    By David Winter on 2005-04-10

    Tina Turner

    Tina Turner

    Six years after the release of Licence To Kill, James Bond returned to the big screen in 1995’s GoldenEye. Pierce Brosnan donned the tuxedo and Tina Turner performed the title song that was written by Bono and The Edge of the band, U2. This superb song complements Danny Kleinman’s title sequence very nicely. Eric Serra’s score for the film is different but fits the film very well.

    Title Song: “GoldenEye”
    Film: GoldenEye, 1995
    Highest Chart Position: United Kingdom: #10
    Highest Chart Position: United States: #71
    Official Web Site: officialtina.com
    Status: Active

    Albums

    • Tina Turns The Country On (1974)
    • Acid Queen (1975)
    • Rough (1978)
    • Love Explosion (1979)
    • Private Dancer (1984)
    • Private Dance Mixes (1984)
    • Break Every Rule (1986)
    • Tina Live In Europe (1988)
    • Foreign Affair (1989)
    • Simply The Best (1991)
    • Tina Turner (1995)
    • Wildest Dreams (1996)
    • Twenty Four Seven (1999)

    Compilations

    • Simply The Best (1991)
    • Greatest Hits (1994)
    • The Collected Recordings: Sixties To Nineties (1994)
    • Simply Tina (1995)
    • All That Glitters (2000)
    • All The Best (2005)

    Purchase Tina’s Latest Compilation: “All The Best”
    from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

    Soundtracks

    • Tommy (1975)
    • Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
    • What’s Love Got To Do With It (1993)
    • GoldenEye (1995)
    • Brother Bear (2003)
    • The Goddess (2005)

    Purchase the GoldenEye Soundtrack
    from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

    Sheryl Crow

    Sheryl Crow

    In 1997, James Bond returned in Tomorrow Never Dies. Sheryl Crow performed the title song she wrote herself along with Mitchell Froom. The main title design, Sheryl Crow’s song and David Arnold’s score work perfectly in this film.

    Title Song: “Tomorrow Never Dies”
    Film: Tomorrow Never Dies, 1997
    Highest Chart Position: United Kingdom: #12
    Highest Chart Position: United States: Didn’t Chart
    Official Web Site: sherylcrow.com
    Status: Active

    Albums

    • Tuesday Night Music Club (1993)
    • Sheryl Crow (1996)
    • The Globe Sessions (1998)
    • C’mon, C’mon (2002)

    Purchase Sheryl’s Latest Album: “C’mon, C’mon”
    from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

    Compilations

    • Sheryl Crow and Friends: Live in Central Park (1999)
    • The Very Best of Sheryl Crow (2003)

    Purchase Sheryl’s Latest Compilation: “The Very Best of Sheryl Crow”
    from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

    Soundtracks

    • Point Break (1991)
    • Kalifornia (1993)
    • Boys On The Side (1995)
    • Songs In The Key Of X (1996)
    • Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
    • The Faculty (1998)
    • Hope Floats (1998)
    • Big Daddy (1999)
    • Message In A Bottle (1999)
    • Erin Brockovich (2000)
    • Steal This Movie (2000)
    • Shallow Hal (2001)
    • I Am Sam (2001)
    • Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
    • De-Lovely (2004)

    Purchase the Tomorrow Never Dies Soundtrack
    from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

    Garbage

    Garbage

    James Bond returned two years later in 1999’s The World Is Not Enough. Garbage performed the title song which was written by Don Black. This is the first time a rock band had performed a title song since a-ha in 1987’s The Living Daylights. Danny Kleinman and David Arnold both returned.

    Title Song: “The World Is Not Enough”
    Film: The World Is Not Enough, 1999
    Highest Chart Position: United Kingdom: #11
    Highest Chart Position: United States: #13
    Official Web Site: garbage.com
    Status: Active

    Albums

    • Garbage (1995)
    • Version 2.0 (1998)
    • beautifulgarbage (2001)
    • Bleed Like Me (2005)

    Purchase Garbage’s Latest Album: “Bleed Like Me”
    from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

    Soundtracks

    • William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
    • The Faculty (1998)
    • Big Daddy (1999)
    • Buffy, The Vampire Slayer: The Album (1999)
    • The World Is Not Enough (1999)

    Purchase The World Is Not Enough Soundtrack
    from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

    Madonna

    Madonna

    Pierce Brosnan makes his fourth and last appearance as James Bond in 2002’s Die Another Day. Madonna performed the title song that she wrote herself along with Mirwais Ahmadzaï. Not only did she perform the song but she also got a cameo in the film. She plays Verity, a fencing instructor, at Blades Club. Let’s just say Madonna’s singing ability is much better than her acting ability. This techno-pulsed song worked well with Danny Kleinman’s unique title sequence. David Arnold also returned to deliver another great score.

    Title Song: “Die Another Day”
    Film: Die Another Day, 2002
    Highest Chart Position: United Kingdom: #3
    Highest Chart Position: United States: #8
    Official Web Site: madonna.com
    Status: Active

    Albums

    • Madonna (1983)
    • Like A Virgin (1984)
    • True Blue (1986)
    • Like A Prayer (1989)
    • Erotica (1992)
    • Bedtime Stories (1994)
    • Ray of Light (1998)
    • Music (2000)
    • American Life (2003)

    Purchase Madonna’s Latest Album: “American Life”
    from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

    Compilations

    • You Can Dance (1987)
    • The Immaculate Collection (1990)
    • Something To Remember (1995)
    • GHV2 (2001)
    • Remixed & Revisited (2003)

    Purchase Madonna’s Latest Compilation: “Remixed & Revisited”
    from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

    Soundtracks

    • Vision Quest (1985)
    • Who’s That Girl (1987)
    • I’m Breathless (1990)
    • With Honors (1994)
    • The Postman (Il Postino) (1995)
    • Evita (1996)
    • The Wedding Singer Volume 2 (1998)
    • Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
    • Next Best Thing (2000)
    • Snatch (2001)
    • Die Another Day (2002)
    • 13 Going On 30 (2004)

    Purchase the Die Another Day Soundtrack
    from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

  9. The Totally… James Bond CBn Interview

    By Matt Weston on 2005-03-09

    Matt Weston

    Choosing a favourite James Bond theme song is a lot like choosing, well, a favourite James Bond. Just as fans spend hours verbally sparring over who the best 007 is, Bondophiles will equally defend their favourite Bond theme. Be it Nancy Sinatra’s sweeping “You Only Live Twice”, Garbage’s haunting “The World Is Not Enough”, Duran Duran’s upbeat “A View To A Kill” or Madonna’s controversial “Die Another Day”, the James Bond themes each have their fans and are one of the biggest talking points of each new Bond adventure. However, for many, it is Shirley Bassey, who performed a record three title themes, who immediately springs to mind whenever the words “James Bond theme song” are uttered.

    CBn spoke with Joanne Farrell, who had the honour – and challenge! – of covering not one, but all three Shirley Bassey classics for last year’s Totally… James Bond album.

    The Totally... James Bond CBn Interview

    Q:Tell us a little about yourself.

    JF:I’ve been a professional actress and singer since the age of sixteen, when I left home in Manchester to pursue a career in London. I’ve worked extensively on television and in London’s West End, as well as in bands and on recordings.

    Q:How did you come to be involved on the album?

    JF:Joanne FarrellSeveral years ago, I was involved in a theatre production where the Musical Director was Ian Hughes. In November 2003, I was backstage at Children In Need where purely by chance I happened to see Ian, who was the Musical Director for the evening. He told me he was working on the Totally… James Bond album and was looking for someone to sing the Shirley Bassey songs. He invited me over to his studio the next week, where we sang through the songs. He decided my voice was right for the tracks and we agreed to record them in early 2004.

    Q:Tell us about the recording process.

    JF:I recorded three sessions in total. We recorded “Goldfinger” and “Diamonds are Forever” in one morning. We recorded “Goldfinger” first as it’s a big song. We recorded “Moonraker” on another day and the backing vocals for some of the other tracks on another morning.

    Q:Was it a conscious decision to have you cover all three of Shirley Bassey’s title songs?

    JF:Yes. It made sense to have the same voice. In no way did I want to try to imitate Shirley Bassey, but just have a slight flavour of the style of the songs.

    Q:Did you meet any of the other artists on the album, or attend any of their recordings?

    JF:Yes. I’ve known Zoë Tyler (“For Your Eyes Only”, “All Time High”, “You Only Live Twice”) and Nicola Hughes (“GoldenEye”) for quite some time, so hanging out in the studio was a bit of a social event for us too!

    Q:Were you given any marching orders in recording the song? For instance, were you told you could play with the vocals, or to stick to the original?

    JF:It would be impossible to recreate what Shirley Bassey produces with these songs, so we decided to be a little flexible and allow me to bring some of my own style to them. It’s no use being a poor version of someone else, so I wanted to sing each song the way I felt it.

    Q:Did you hear anything specific about what Shirley Bassey said about the songs that you considered before performing them?

    JF:No. I’ve grown up listening to the songs, but never heard anything that was said about them. In a way I think it’s better sometimes to come to a piece, be it acting or singing, with your own fresh ideas. I guess it goes back to what I’ve already said about not wanting to be a lesser version of somebody else. I can’t be Shirley Bassey, but I can try to be the best I can be.

    Q:Do you have a favourite of the three that you performed, and in turn, do you have a different one in mind when performed by Shirley Bassey?

    JF:I love “Diamonds Are Forever”. I had the great pleasure of working with lyricist Don Black and performing this song in 2000, when I worked on a show celebrating Don’s music called Black Goes with Everything. He’s really cool!

    I wasn’t too familiar with “Moonraker” but it really grew on me – it’s a
    beautiful song.

    But when performed by Shirley Bassey, it has to be “Goldfinger”. It just
    blows you away. So sexy and so powerful.

    Q:Which of the three songs was the most challenging?

    JF:“Goldfinger”. It’s massive.

    Totally... James Bond: The Essential 007 Themes

    ‘Totally… James Bond: The Essential 007 Themes’

    Q:Were there any other 007 theme songs that you’d like to have performed?

    JF:Ha! All of them! They’re all fantastic songs.

    Q:Do you have a favourite James Bond song, out of them all?

    JF:I couldn’t possibly choose.

    Q:Who would you like to perform the next title theme?

    JF:Could you put in a good word for me?

    Q:Tell us about your other musical pursuits.

    JF:I’ve recorded tracks on several albums and I really enjoy it. I’d love
    to work on more. Let’s see what the future holds.

    Q:Are you a 007 fan yourself?

    JF:Absolutely!

    Q:Tell us about your non-Bond-related work.

    JF:I work mainly as an actress. Last year I played fire-fighter Nicky Higgins in ITV’s new drama Steel River Blues about the Fire service. I also played Sarah-Jane Harvey in Crossroads and in dramas such as Cold Feet, Holby City, Waking the Dead, Heartbeat, Dream Team and lots more.

    In the West End, I played Sandy in Grease, Stephanie in Saturday Night Fever, Ellie in Showboat, Janet in The Rocky Horror Show, and in Smokey Joes Café, to name but a few.

    I love having the opportunity to work in a variety of fields.

    Related Links:

    Purchase Totally… James Bond: The Essential 007 Themes:

  10. James Bond's Singles

    By Devin Zydel on 2005-03-03

    For over 40 years in the James Bond 007 series, an amazing group of talented professionals have performed the brilliant title songs for the films, most recently with pop star Madonna performing Die Another Day. Before the soundtrack came out for the film, a CD single was released which included one of the main songs soon to be released on the soundtrack, also with remixes with other artists included.

    CBn looks back at some of the most recent James Bond 007 CD singles of the main title songs, giving you the chance to take a second glance at perhaps a Bond item you’ve overlooked in collecting the soundtracks and compilation albums.

    Die Another Day – Madonna

    DAD Single Cover

    Track Listing:

    1. Die Another Day – Radio Edit – 3:27
    2. Die Another Day – Dirty Vegas Main Mix – 10:08
    3. Die Another Day – Thee RetroLectro Mix – 6:59
    4. Die Another Day – Thundrepuss Club Mix – 9:25
    5. Die Another Day – Deepsky Remix – 7:27
    6. Die Another Day – Brother Brown’s Bond-Age Club – 7:51

    Produced by Madonna and Mirwais Ahmadzai. Strings arranged by Michael Colombier. Mixed by Mark ‘Spike’ Stent.

    Buy: Amazon.co.uk or
    Amazon.com

    The World is not Enough – Garbage

    TWINE Single Cover

    Track Listing:

    1. The World is not Enough – Original Version
    2. The World is not Enough – UNKLE Remix
    3. Ice Bandits

    Produced by Garbage and David Arnold. Lyrics by Don Black.

    Buy: Amazon.co.uk or
    Amazon.com

    Tomorrow Never Dies – Sheryl Crow

    TND Single Cover

    Track Listing:

    1. Tomorrow Never Dies – Full-Length Version
    2. The Book – Sheryl Crow
    3. No One Said It Would Be Easy – Sheryl Crow
    4. Ordinary Morning – Sheryl Crow

    Produced by Sheryl Crow and Mitchell Froom.

    Buy: Amazon.co.uk or
    Amazon.com

    GoldenEye – Tina Turner

    GE Single Cover

    Track Listing:

    1. GoldenEye – Radio Edit – 3:28
    2. GoldenEye – A/C Mix – 4:01
    3. GoldenEye – Urban Mix – 4:01
    4. GoldenEye – Club Edit – 4:25

    Executive Producers: Bono & The Edge; Produced and Mixed by Nellee Hooper.

    Buy: Amazon.com