Bond themes: Skyfall

It would be remiss of me to not offer an opinion on this latest Bond theme. On the plus side, it's properly Bondy and nice and cinematic and I like the little riff of the Bond theme in the background. Having watched the film, it suits it very well.

However, her voice annoys me. You can hear her breathing after each line. Maybe this is intentional and she clearly has got a good voice but it's so distracting. Also, stupid lyrics, I expect my Bond lyrics to be a bit smarter. When you are in the company of Carly Simon and Paul McCartney, you have to raise your game. Nonetheless, it's a good theme and it's far better than Sheryl Crow.

 

While I am here, a quick review of Skyfall. I liked it very much but all this talk of it being the best Bond ever is nonsense. It has a great opener, I loved the locations, Javier is a proper actor which made him a good baddie. But I found the showdown at the end in Scotland to be utterly tedious. 20 minutes of squinting at the screen since it had to be grey as we were in Scotland. All for a basic siege. Yawnsome. Not enough Bond love action either, I don't pay to see Daniel Craig for one snog in a shower.

Judi rocks though and I adore Daniel. It's very entertaining but not a patch on Casino Royale.

Bond themes: A View To A Kill

Googling for this image gave me this joyous visual of the picture disc. I had completely forgotten about picture discs and awwww, I got such a wave of nostalgia.

This was such a huge deal when it came out. I remember my best friend buying it in Boots. Yes, Boots used to sell music. The 80s really were fabulous. You could get your Constance Carroll lip gloss and the latest Duran Duran single in one shop.

This isn't a great song but then, this isn't a great film. In fact, it's a fairly dire film with an interesting cast: Christopher Walken and Grace Jones in one film? That's not to be sniffed at. I couldn't even tell you what happens, I remember Grace skydiving off the Eiffel Tower and something to do with the Golden Gate bridge. It's all very forgettable and not an edifying end for Moore as Bond.

However, the video for this is top fun. Simon Le Bon wearing a beret and pretending to be a spy!

The opening credits are hilarious, check out the neon nail varnish.

Bond themes: Goldeneye

I love Tina Turner very much. I think she's great in her mini skirts with her big hair. Rock on Tina. Bond themes should be cinematic and Goldeneye has a perfect introduction, just listening to it you imagine being in a cinema watching it all unfold. It's mysterious and sexy.

Goldeneye was a good film. I've not seen it for years but since I am having such a Bond revival, I might have to watch it again. I wish Tina hadn't retired, I miss her.

 

Bond themes: For Your Eyes Only

Sheena Easton, how have we not mentioned her yet? I have such a soft spot for Sheena. She contributed to the soundtrack of About Last Night (one of my all-time favourite soundtracks) and she got sexed up by Prince and she's fabulously 80s. Also, she was in Miami Vice!

I like this song very much. I think it's suitably Bondish and she sings it very well. The entire song is clearly trying to replicate the success of Nobody Does It Better. The film even opens with another ski chase but of course, nothing can top that magnificence. Nonetheless, a solid effort.

Bond themes: Goldfinger

Shirley Bassey was born to sing Bond themes. The drama! This is really an unbeatable theme, the lyrics are clever and it has the 007 theme woven in so it feels iconic. The way she sings "he loves goooollllllddddddd!" at the end is marvellous.

Of course this is one of the best Bond films too so it's apt it has such a classic theme to go with it. I love how the opening credits show some scenes from the film. All in all, it's magnificent and the perfect way to start a dull Wednesday. Sing it Shirley!

Bond themes: We Have All The Time In The World

This is a beautiful song, yes it's sentimental but Louis sings it so sweetly, I can't imagine anyone not being moved by it. This is from On Her Majesty's Secret Service, a much under-rated film due to George Lazenby only lasting for one Bond outing. I think it would be good to remake this one as it's a great story and is, of course, the film where Bond gets married.

This song suits the film very well, it's has a lovely feel to it and doesn't have the drama of some of the other Bond songs which is just right. 10/10 Mr Armstrong.

In other news, not long now until Skyfall, y'all seen the trailer? I am so excited, it looks excellent. I don't often get excited by trailers but I always look forward to new Bond. I've already booked my ticket.

Bond themes: Live and Let Die

Paul McCartney has been trying my patience lately with his appalling rendition of Hey Jude at the Olympics and generally just irritating me. Let's rewind the clock to one of his finest moments in a career of mighty fine moments.

This song is a great combination of soul with sing-along rock. It perfectly suits the film and is pretty close to a work of genius. I am not a huge fan of the actual film due to Jane Seymour who should not be allowed near any film or television drama ever. The woman cannot act. Seriously, I could do a better job. And I have a fondness for Roger Moore but he's no Connery. Nonetheless, it has its moments and I can't imagine a better song for it. I love "you've got to give the other fella hell!" Bond themes used to be so exciting. Let's take a look at scary eyes lady...

Bond themes: You Only Live Twice

It's time to look at some classic Bond themes. Unless you've been living in a cave, you will know that this week marks 50 years since Dr No was released. I've been meaning to talk about Bond themes for a while as they are generally so wonderful.

We start with one of the all-time classics sung to perfection by Nancy Sinatra. The opening of this is sublime, I think it's the best opening to a Bond theme. I could listen to it over and over. It also has perfect lyrics, just a note to whoever wrote Adele's Bond song; this is how you do Bond lyrics.

Everything about this song makes me want to sashay into a cocktail bar, order a dirty martini wearing lots of black eyeliner. It's beautifully evocative and very sexy. Perfect for Mr Bond.

Diamonds are Forever, Shirley Bassey

It's extraordinary I've not talked about Bond songs yet. I actually can't quite believe I haven't. Anyway, to a classic and one that is most definitely in my top five Bond songs of all time, Diamonds are Forever. I prefer this to Goldfinger and that's saying something as I love Goldfinger.

Diamonds are Forever is epic. From the opening twinkling, the way Shirley sings forever in that opening line to the lyrics "they won't leave in the night, I've no fear they might desert me... touch it stroke it and undress it!" The whole song is so cinematic and evocative, it's impossible to just sit and listen to this, you need to sort of sashay round the room. Preferably in a long, tight evening gown.

Shirley is such a performer, I adore the way she sings live. Check it out and her expressions.

Power Ballads - Nobody Does it Better, Carly Simon

I could start yet another series featuring Bond themes but with Opening Credits, Summer Songs and Power Ballads, I think we have enough for now. I do enjoy a Bond theme and this one is in my top five. Depending on my mood, it might be my all-time favourite but it's hard to beat Shirley.

I love Carly Simon's voice and she sings this like honey and with such pining in her voice. I like a singer who can really convey the meaning of a song. If you didn't understand English, I think you'd get this. It's such a sexy song. "Why do you have to be so good?"

This song bursts onto the screen as James Bond's parachute opens to show us a Union Jack. It's perfection and I still get goosebumps every time I watch it. You can see it here.

And here is Carly singing it live. Lovely.