Bond Theme Music (Now w/ 007% less Jazz)

[theunforgettablefire]

agree with above...that last shadow puppets album is practically an album of nothing BUT bond songs.

[Ribbons]

I still say Amy Winehouse has to do a Bond song if she ever makes it out of the clink...

[Nachokoolaid]

With its strong, pounding, steady rhythm, I've always associated AC/DC with sex music. And they've done some bluesier stuff. I'd love to see what AC/DC would come up with.

[Bayouwolf]

Why not give one of the newer "rock" bands a shot. Maybe Hinder or Seether. (just not Nickleback...K, Thx...)
Someone that can pull off a tough guy voice. Something more in line with the way Craig plays the role.

TBH, since Goldeneye, I've become a bored with girls singing the intro. (except Garbage. Shirley Manson could sing the phone book and I'd like it)

[Bloo]

Why not give one of the newer "rock" bands a shot. Maybe Hinder or Seether. (just not Nickleback...K, Thx...)
Someone that can pull off a tough guy voice. Something more in line with the way Craig plays the role.

TBH, since Goldeneye, I've become a bored with girls singing the intro. (except Garbage. Shirley Manson could sing the phone book and I'd like it)

that's an interesting thought, I've been listening to some thoery of a Deadman, not the greatest band ever but not the worst either

it's a possibilty

I'm still curious what someone like Mos Def or Outkast could do mixing jazz with hip-hop

[TonyWilson]

I don't particularly like Muse but they probably have an amazing Bond theme already written. And I'd like to see Late Of The Pier get a chance too. Or to go another way entirely, Nick Cave might be perfect for the new incarnation of Bond.

[Tyrone_Shoelaces]

I'll second Muse for the job. That's an excellent idea.

[SilentBobX]

My top 5 choices:

1. Bjork
2. Massive Attack
3. Celine Dion(it'll be so bad that you'll leave, which would work in case you had to go to the restroom before the feature)
4. Bob Dylan
5. Scissor Sisters

Again, I remind those assembled that my musical tastes are not as varied as most here. I'm no Rob Gordon of course.

Mahalo

[Spandau Belly]

I realize they're re-inventing Bond or whatever, but I really don't get the use of rock and roll themes. As far as I know, rock isn't even that big a genre right now, so it's not like they're jumping on some obvious trend.

I also thought Mr. White was better than Chris Soundgarden, and that the title sequence in QoS was better, but I'd still rather they keep the themes jazz or at least go with electronic music. Neither the old Bonds nor this Craig guy really seem like rock lovers.

It really broke my heart that Amy Winehouse couldn't get her head out of the toilet long enough to lay down a proper track. She would be my ideal choice for a theme singer. I hope she lives long enough for them to at least flog a third album out of her.

But I think there are a number of artists out there right now with a good jazz-soul sound that could handle it such as Duffy, Bjork, Gnarls Barkley, Christina Aguilera, or even Alicia Keys without Mr. White drowning her out.

[Smasher]

The Last Shadow Puppets are definitely worthy of consideration, as are Glasvegas, and Bat for Lashes.

[burlivesleftnut]

I realize they're re-inventing Bond or whatever, but I really don't get the use of rock and roll themes. As far as I know, rock isn't even that big a genre right now, so it's not like they're jumping on some obvious trend.

I also thought Mr. White was better than Chris Soundgarden, and that the title sequence in QoS was better, but I'd still rather they keep the themes jazz or at least go with electronic music. Neither the old Bonds nor this Craig guy really seem like rock lovers.

It really broke my heart that Amy Winehouse couldn't get her head out of the toilet long enough to lay down a proper track. She would be my ideal choice for a theme singer. I hope she lives long enough for them to at least flog a third album out of her.

But I think there are a number of artists out there right now with a good jazz-soul sound that could handle it such as Duffy, Bjork, Gnarls Barkley, Christina Aguilera, or even Alicia Keys without Mr. White drowning her out.

No offense, but have you even heard a Bond theme in the last 30 years? They generally reflect music of the era in which the films were produced. And they are generally pop. Even the last two were pop, but with a grindier rock sound. But if you are concerned about them being too "rock" like, then please go and check out Live or Let Die, which is the rockingest of all the bond themes, and one of the best. As for your idea that they are "jazz-soul" I think you are mistaking a certain sweeping production with "jazz-soul". But really the bond themes have run the gamut from pop (For Your Eyes Only, Tomorrow Never Dies) to Blues-Pop (Nobody Does it Better) to dance/pop (Die Another Day) to New Wave/Pop (View to a Kill, Living Daylights) to rock/pop (Quantum of Solace, Live or Let Die). There is no ONE BOND MUSIC GENRE. Just because you can pick and choose which bond themes you respond positively too doesn't mean those bond themes are indicative of what every bond theme should sound like.

[Fievel]

I realize they're re-inventing Bond or whatever, but I really don't get the use of rock and roll themes. As far as I know, rock isn't even that big a genre right now, so it's not like they're jumping on some obvious trend.

I also thought Mr. White was better than Chris Soundgarden, and that the title sequence in QoS was better, but I'd still rather they keep the themes jazz or at least go with electronic music. Neither the old Bonds nor this Craig guy really seem like rock lovers.

It really broke my heart that Amy Winehouse couldn't get her head out of the toilet long enough to lay down a proper track. She would be my ideal choice for a theme singer. I hope she lives long enough for them to at least flog a third album out of her.

But I think there are a number of artists out there right now with a good jazz-soul sound that could handle it such as Duffy, Bjork, Gnarls Barkley, Christina Aguilera, or even Alicia Keys without Mr. White drowning her out.

No offense, but have you even heard a Bond theme in the last 30 years? They generally reflect music of the era in which the films were produced. And they are generally pop. Even the last two were pop, but with a grindier rock sound. But if you are concerned about them being too "rock" like, then please go and check out Live or Let Die, which is the rockingest of all the bond themes, and one of the best. As for your idea that they are "jazz-soul" I think you are mistaking a certain sweeping production with "jazz-soul". But really the bond themes have run the gamut from pop (For Your Eyes Only, Tomorrow Never Dies) to Blues-Pop (Nobody Does it Better) to dance/pop (Die Another Day) to New Wave/Pop (View to a Kill, Living Daylights) to rock/pop (Quantum of Solace, Live or Let Die). There is no ONE BOND MUSIC GENRE. Just because you can pick and choose which bond themes you respond positively too doesn't mean those bond themes are indicative of what every bond theme should sound like.

Amen.

I'm just bummed that there wasn't an early 90's Bond that could have used the Booty Rap genre.
A little 2 Live Crew.... 69 Boyz..... Sir Mix-A-Lot....
Hell, M.C. Hammer would have worked for scale on it.
Still would.

[Spandau Belly]

No offense, but have you even heard a Bond theme in the last 30 years? They generally reflect music of the era in which the films were produced. And they are generally pop. There is no ONE BOND MUSIC GENRE. Just because you can pick and choose which bond themes you respond positively too doesn't mean those bond themes are indicative of what every bond theme should sound like.

No offense, but you're totally wrong. Maybe I'm reading you incorrectly, but you're post makes it sound like I should just accept whatever the producers want to do and not have any preference about what sound fits the mood of the series better.

I wasn't claiming to be God. I was just expressing what I want from a film series that I enjoy through the artform of online discussion.

And I have heard Live and Let Die, it doesn't do much for me. Neither did Duran Duran or Aha's contributions. But none of those three were as hard-driving as the two themes from the Craig features. Live and Let Die, View To a Kill, and Living Daylights were all kinda soft pop-rock, it's not like they used Metalicca or Ozzy Osbourne or something back then.

And I'm sure you must understand where I'm coming from to some degree. There must be some music genre or at least artist that would seem out of place as Bond theme for you? You mention liking Paul McCartney's Live and Let Die, so you understand the idea of preference. So then I'm sure that upon calm reflection you can understand that through the medium of online discussion I am expressing an opinion of a preference for the more Shirley Bassey, Nancy Sinatra, Gladys Knight, Garbage themes than the rock stuff.

[tapehead]

While the original theme might get consideration for the genre, there aren't really any specific artist-featured Bond themes that are Jazz music - more R&B or Soul Pop.

[RaulMonkey]

DR. NO set the standard, so therefore all Bond themes should segue into nursery rhymes half way through.

[Tyrone_Shoelaces]

I would also support Bat For Lashes.

[caruso_stalker217]

it's not like they used Metalicca or Ozzy Osbourne or something back then.

I'd like to hear a Metallica Bond theme. There'd be a lot of "YEAH-HEY-AH!" and "YAY-YEAH!" and "THAT'S RI-YIGHT!"

[tapehead]

Ironically enough, 'The Look of Love', the Bacharach tune from the Niven/Sellers Casino Royale is the closest thing to a Jazz theme, although it might be better described as 'Lounge' music.

[burlivesleftnut]

Shirley Bassey, Nancy Sinatra, Gladys Knight, Garbage themes than the rock stuff.

Way to ruin your argument in the last sentence. Those four acts cover everything from Pop, to R&B, to Lounge, to Soul, to Rock, to Blues. And I stand by what I said, even if YOU think Live and Let Die is soft pop rock, at the time it was hardcore. So was Duran Duran's theme. Living Daylights will always be new wavy. I just don't think you know your genres very well, or maybe you have them all mixed up with thinking singers can only sing one type of music.

And for the guy up there who wise-assed about a rap bond song, don't think it couldn't happen. In fact if they got the right producer and talent, it would be bad ass, and I don't even like rap.

[RaulMonkey]

And the soundtrack is good. It's a mix of the types of music that characterize this scene to me: rap, latin, techno, and college rock. It's all pretty unintrusive, so it's more like Crackdown's soundtrack in that you don't feel it's too repetative or annoying. Some of the rock stuff annoys me, but I usually just skip those tracks.

You just don't really like rock in general, do you, SB?

DO you???

[Lord Voldemoo]

And the soundtrack is good. It's a mix of the types of music that characterize this scene to me: rap, latin, techno, and college rock. It's all pretty unintrusive, so it's more like Crackdown's soundtrack in that you don't feel it's too repetative or annoying. Some of the rock stuff annoys me, but I usually just skip those tracks.

You just don't really like rock in general, do you, SB?

DO you???

BIAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111$

[caruso_stalker217]

And I stand by what I said, even if YOU think Live and Let Die is soft pop rock, at the time it was hardcore. So was Duran Duran's theme.

"A View to a Kill" was hardcore? We're all talking about the same Duran Duran here, right?

[Chairman Kaga]

And I stand by what I said, even if YOU think Live and Let Die is soft pop rock, at the time it was hardcore. So was Duran Duran's theme.

"A View to a Kill" was hardcore? We're all talking about the same Duran Duran here, right?

Yeah and since when has Wings been "hardcore"? Is it that goofy borderline calliope melody in the middle?

[caruso_stalker217]

Is it that goofy borderline calliope melody in the middle?

God, I hate that part.

[burlivesleftnut]

Meh Hardcore is probably an exaggeration. Let's just say both those songs had an aggressive sound upon release that hasn't held up over the years.

[caruso_stalker217]

I'll accept that.

Except for the Duran Duran thing. I know I'm just a punk kid here and I missed Reagan's first term and all, but I'm pretty sure that shit was soft from day one.

[tapehead]

Caruso is actually much further off base with his 'jazz' comments than those of Burl's regarding 'hard-core'.

[Seppuku]

Caruso is actually much further off base with his 'jazz' comments than those of Burl's regarding 'hard-core'.

Wait, I get that the Oleg'ers are tight...but they're not all just one person, right? I thought it was Spandau who made the jazz comments.

And also I kind of disagree. Most of these Bond songs I've heard have a throwback to the original theme in them, or at least a few heavy dollops of similar string stylings. So while not straight-up jazz in the Miles Davis vein, I can see where he's coming from. Most of the major film composers have a jazz background (check out some of John Williams' early scores), and Mancini was no exception.

Still, calling Chris Cornell "hard-driving" is kinda wack!

[tapehead]

My mistake Spandeau - and I hear what you're saying Sepp, but it doesn't stand up to scrutiny when you look at the actual bond themes for each of the movies (which I was doing earlier when I mentioned the Bacharach track) - can you mention one which you would categorise as 'jazz'? I don't think I can.

[Seppuku]

My mistake Spandeau - and I hear what you're saying Sepp, but it doesn't stand up to scrutiny when you look at the actual bond themes for each of the movies (which I was doing earlier when I mentioned the Bacharach track) - can you mention one which you would categorise as 'jazz'? I don't think I can.

Add a y to Jazz maybe.

I don't know why we're all arguing about music with someone named after Spandau Ballet, anyway...

[burlivesleftnut]

LOL

[King Of Nowhere]

Bryan Ferry
Seriously

Alright, it's not gonna cash in on whatever buzz an artist has at the time*
But for once, it may just suit the fucking film it's attached to


*seriously, they were about 5-10 years late on Jack White & at least 3 on Alicia Keys

[Fievel]

And I stand by what I said, even if YOU think Live and Let Die is soft pop rock, at the time it was hardcore. So was Duran Duran's theme.

"A View to a Kill" was hardcore? We're all talking about the same Duran Duran here, right?

The word "hardcore" should never be used to describe ANYTHING related to a movie starring Roger Moore.
...unless it's an experimental Brazillian-produced Dumbledore porn film.

[Retardo_Montalban]

You guys have to learn to quit nit picking colorful language and discuss the real topic at hand. When burl says "hardcore" he doesn't mean screaming blood metal, he means shit that was considered edgy and fresh at the time of release. Fuck, I'm ALF and I got that. That's the whole argument. Bond themes aren't based on any particular genre, but a mix of the original theme, mixed with what is considered a music form that defines the times and watered down just enough for the masses. Bake and let sit for half and hour then serve. If Spandau somehow thinks that rock music isn't relevant in this time, then he's going to come up against a ton of people who disagree. the same if someone thinks that rock defines these times. Jack White doesn't even really sing rock. He just plays blues music with a lot of distortion and squeals in a high pitched tone because he can't sing all that well. I think Chris Cornell is a good singer, but suffers from Christina Aguillerra disease and ruins songs with vocal gymnastics. Tina Turner's Goldeneye was super awesome though.

[Spandau Belly]

Alright, I guess I'll clarify further.

I have not formally studied music and maybe I cross genres that IMO border on each other a bit. I guess I feel there's a use of brass intruments that I call "jazzy" and that you jazz afficianados find a mis-use of the genre. And you're probably right.

Maybe I don't know music genres by name that well, but I guess I find that R&B and pop and jazz all kinda border on each to various degrees depending on the performer. And that lots of performers can blend genres and use unconventional instruments in the rock genre.

I also don't think I'm totally off-base by saying there is a type of sound we associate with James Bond themes even though other genres have been used. I think a lot of people, like myself, really felt Amy Winehouse exemplified this sound. I don't think people hear Nickback on the radio and say "This sounds like a James Bond theme.", whereas I think somebody would say that when they heard an Amy Winehouse song.

And as for my feelings on rock music. No, I'm not a big fan of rock music in general, especially a lot of this new stuff. But I wouldn't criticize it's use in a movie where it matched the tone and subject of the film. I think it suits movies about teenage white kids playing sports. So if you're making a movie about an aspiring motocross hockey player named Dwight, then I would actually recommend loading up your soundtrack with Nickelback, Kid Rock, and Good Charlotte. But I won't see your movie.

I guess to me, rock mostly sounds aggressive and angsty and to me, Bond is smooth and cool. But I guess Danny Craig is playing Bond as more of a loose cannon these days so we can have songs that reflect that, it just does nothing for me. I'd rather the songs reflect Bond's debonaire side than his deep brooding.

[Spandau Belly]

My mistake Spandeau - and I hear what you're saying Sepp, but it doesn't stand up to scrutiny when you look at the actual bond themes for each of the movies (which I was doing earlier when I mentioned the Bacharach track) - can you mention one which you would categorise as 'jazz'? I don't think I can.

Add a y to Jazz maybe.

I don't know why we're all arguing about music with someone named after Spandau Ballet, anyway...

I'm actually named after my father, Spandau Thadius Worthington Bellikosky III. He died litigating against that pop group with a similiar name as his.

But, yeah, I did mean jazz-y.

And I hope you don't commit seppuku, I hope it's just a ploy for attention like that jumper in Lethal Weapon.

[Retardo_Montalban]

Nickelback, Good Charlotte and Kid rock are not rock and roll (despite what they try to call themselves), they are pop music with guitars. They're the equivalent to Frankie Avalon for this day in age.

[Seppuku]

And I hope you don't commit seppuku, I hope it's just a ploy for attention like that jumper in Lethal Weapon.

If I thought Nickelback, Good Charlotte & Kid Rock were the best rock music had to offer, I might just have to live up to my name.

You've just gotta delve a little deeper. If you'd only ever seen three films, like say High School Musical 3, Twilight & Meet the Spartans (all of which I'd say are probably the cinematic equivalent of the three bands you mentioned), you'd probably think movies are an overrated crock of shit, too.

EDIT: Anyway, I guess I ought to split this off into the Bond Theme thread. Teh sigh.

[Spandau Belly]

Man, did I ever open a can of worms here. I guess in the future I'll avoid discussing musical genres and who I think belongs in which one etc. It's just too messy.

I think the names of different genres are used in different contexts around the world and there's so much crossover and blending as well as artists who perform in multiple genres. I guess I just don't feel like fighting to the burger with you guys to decide whether Beyonce counts as R&B, hip-hop, hip-pop, soul, or pop.

So you guys win this genre classification war. In the future I will only name a specific song comment on whether I think it is good or not.




P.S.
DMX is the best polka performer east of Germany.

[caruso_stalker217]

You guys have to learn to quit nit picking colorful language and discuss the real topic at hand. When burl says "hardcore" he doesn't mean screaming blood metal, he means shit that was considered edgy and fresh at the time of release. Fuck, I'm ALF and I got that. That's the whole argument. Bond themes aren't based on any particular genre, but a mix of the original theme, mixed with what is considered a music form that defines the times and watered down just enough for the masses. Bake and let sit for half and hour then serve. If Spandau somehow thinks that rock music isn't relevant in this time, then he's going to come up against a ton of people who disagree. the same if someone thinks that rock defines these times. Jack White doesn't even really sing rock. He just plays blues music with a lot of distortion and squeals in a high pitched tone because he can't sing all that well. I think Chris Cornell is a good singer, but suffers from Christina Aguillerra disease and ruins songs with vocal gymnastics. Tina Turner's Goldeneye was super awesome though.

Okay, but I still say Duran Duran were neither edgy nor fresh.

[tapehead]

Okay, but I still say Duran Duran were neither edgy nor fresh.

I take it you have never seen the music video for Girls on Film - that shit shocked Mtv back in the day.

[caruso_stalker217]

Did I mention I was born after Reagan's first term?

[Seppuku]

For the record, this is the edgiest Bond theme.

[Spandau Belly]

Okay, but I still say Duran Duran were neither edgy nor fresh.

I take it you have never seen the music video for Girls on Film - that shit shocked Mtv back in the day.

Devo could whip their asses any day of the week.


P.S.
I really like that the title of this thread has been altered to mock me. Some local youths did the same thing with the engraving on my first wife's tombstone.

[tapehead]

For the record, this is the edgiest Bond theme.

I'd love to see the Bond Movie that Zorn's riff goes with.

[RaulMonkey]

I actually think that SB wins this thread, 'cause he's done the best job of defining his terms and clarifying his original argument. I totally accept his concluding statements even though I, personally, quite enjoy the openings of CR and QOS.

I guess to me, rock mostly sounds aggressive and angsty and to me, Bond is smooth and cool... I'd rather the songs reflect Bond's debonaire side than his deep brooding.

I think the names of different genres are used in different contexts around the world and there's so much crossover and blending as well as artists who perform in multiple genres. I guess I just don't feel like fighting to the burger with you guys to decide whether Beyonce counts as R&B, hip-hop, hip-pop, soul, or pop.

Sounds reasonable to me.

[burlivesleftnut]

Personally I think Burl wins this one because he has been alive since 1972 and actually knows most Bond theme songs by heart. Burl also is a lover of music in general, having studied the art at The School of Music at The University of Texas at Austin from 1991 - 1993. He also has no issues with any kind of musical genre, although there are some genre's he does not particular enjoy, he can still recognize those genre's relevance to our rich cultural fabric.

Burl would also like to add that those who make fun of Duran Duran for being toothless and lacking any edge should grow up and realize their musical experience is not definitive. Anyone who went to a Duran Duran concert in the 80s, or happened to be at any club during that decade knows that Duran Duran were definitely one of the more aggressive rock/new wave/pop bands of the era. For comparison, maybe some one could give me a band that crossed so many genres and yet still remained both aggressive and popular to the mainstream.

[so sorry]

Personally I think Burl wins this one because he has been alive since 1972 and actually knows most Bond theme songs by heart. Burl also is a lover of music in general, having studied the art at The School of Music at The University of Texas at Austin from 1991 - 1993. He also has no issues with any kind of musical genre, although there are some genre's he does not particular enjoy, he can still recognize those genre's relevance to our rich cultural fabric.

Burl would also like to add that those who make fun of Duran Duran for being toothless and lacking any edge should grow up and realize their musical experience is not definitive. Anyone who went to a Duran Duran concert in the 80s, or happened to be at any club during that decade knows that Duran Duran were definitely one of the more aggressive rock/new wave/pop bands of the era. For comparison, maybe some one could give me a band that crossed so many genres and yet still remained both aggressive and popular to the mainstream.

Maybe that guy Burl you're talking about can help you out.

[caruso_stalker217]

Seriously, though, we are talking about THE Duran Duran, right? The British dudes who made music you can dance to?

[so sorry]

Seriously, though, we are talking about THE Duran Duran, right? The British dudes who made music you can dance to?

You are way to young to appreciate the power of Duran Duran. I don't know what the fuck you guys are argueing about in this thread, but I can't stand for a besmirching of a great pop band like DD.

TAKE IT BACK YOU YOUNG WHIPPER SNAPPER!