Soundtracks, Soundtracks, Soundtracks: Best of Bond, James Bond

There are many things that make a movie what it is. It all starts with a story (according to what every How-To book on screenwriting tells us), there is the director and his crew, there are the actors, who bust their asses to bring a vision to life. Then comes the wonderful world of post-production. What is one result of that? The music. Soundtracks enhance the movie going experience. They can make us cry, they can pump us up, they can make us remember the 80’s. Whether it be a musical band or a composer, soundtracks help our favorite movies stay etched in our mind forever.

The long awaited new installment in the Bond franchise entitled Skyfall is on its way. To celebrate this, we’ve decided to cover the ultimate James Bond album Best of Bond 50th Anniversary Album. which was released on October 9th. This album captures the staying power that this franchise has had over the years with the wide range of musical talents and genres. James Bond has lasted throughout multiple eras and shows no sign of slowing down. It’s for that reason that we finally give our long awaited tribute to all the acts that have made 007 so memorable. 50 years, 50 tracks indeed. You can purchase the soundtrack here

1. BOND THEME

How could this not get the love it so richly deserves for this particular column? I remember putting together the voyage of introducing my brother to every Bond film that didn’t star Daniel Craig, and the excitement I felt for this adventure when this theme hit for the first time. I am just happy that my brother is a film lover who was able to appreciate these old fashioned gems, and the themes that complimented them so well. Which moves us right along.

2. ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE

A little more love to the John Barry Orchestra is required I believe. The themes from the various artists over the years have been special in themselves, but the musical score that has captured the spirit of this long lasting franchise deserves its fair share of attention as well. The second disk of the album we’re paying tribute to has the wonderful work of this orchestra in all its glory with several tracks that have complimented the action scenes that only Bond films could pull off.

3. LIVE AND LET DIE BY PAUL MCCARTNEY & WINGS

Several reasons I’ve chosen to feature this track. One of course being Paul McCartney, two being that this is the only song I’ve heard here and there to thoroughly enjoy on the radio on the way to work. This is the theme that is most recognizable to me, and it’s the song I most frequently catch myself breaking into singing randomly, much to the WTF faces of those around me at the time. To make myself feel better, as I was writing this entry I played the song to see if my brother would come out of his room to partake, and he indeed did. Thanks for the memories Paul.

4. VIEW TO A KILL BY DURAN DURAN

I’ve always fancied Duran Duran, and you better believe they brought their particular flare to their contribution to the franchise. Let me put it this way, have you ever felt like you were born in wrong time? I was born when the 80’s were on their way out, I would have much rather been born into an age where I could have enjoyed these songs in my youth. Fast forward to today, I find myself listening to music gems of this elk more than what is presently being churned out. The citizens of my block should be prepared to “dance into the fire” at a moments notice.

5. THUNDERBALL BY TOM JONES

How could the vocals of Tom Jones not be featured on an article like this? I mean the pipes on this man. This track stands at a typical run time of 3:25 and every time I listen to it I feel like I haven’t gotten enough of it. My mother is not a fan of this particular song, as a good chunk of the lyrics illustrate how much of a chauvinist she believes Bond to be. All good, they also illustrate how much a bad ass he is, not his fault he gets a lot of tail.

6. ANOTHER WAY TO DIE BY ALICIA KEYES & JACK WHITE

I chose to feature this track for a simple reason, because it’s a worthy contribution that deserves its place among the more classic Bond themes in my humble opinion. It doesn’t really show off the wonderful singing voice of Alicia Keyes as say Thunderball did for Tom Jones, but Another Way to Die has style. I remember seeing Quantum of Solace in theaters, and the enjoyment among some of the audience as this theme was pretty damn evident. It made me wish I was able to enjoy some of the other films on the big screen. You hear that AMC? You did Indiana Jones, time to give James Bond some love. I want to hear all these tracks and more in the setting that I love so much. Make it happen.