621 replies to this topic

[Conlazmoodalbrocra]

It's okay I guess, but overall I'm disappointed. It's not the worst Bond song (that'd probably be Garbage's garbage!) It's definitely no 'You Know My Name' or 'The Living Daylights' or 'A View To A Kill'. If only...

Maybe it's time to get Chris Cornell back on the case!

[Harmsway]

NOBODY DOES IT BETTER by Carly Simon. It wasn't a total departure but it was alot more subtle then most Bond songs and it worked.

I disagree. Despite being something of a departure from its predecessors, "Nobody Does It Better" wasn't risky in any way. It matched the mood of popular music at the time.

This song will become dated in five years time.

A lot of the Bond songs have dated, most of them, in fact.

They did it before with GOLDENEYE.

GOLDENEYE, really? It might have been a passable success, but it's no great. It, like the rest of the songs from the Brosnan era, was forgettable mush that didn't really do anything interesting. And even then, I think some of the other Brozzy songs were superior.

[Qwerty]

"Like it" gets my vote in this latest poll. It's definitely a grower for me.

[Mister E]

I disagree. Despite being something of a departure from its predecessors, "Nobody Does It Better" wasn't risky in any way. It matched the mood of popular music at the time.

It was the popular mood of music but people usually expect something in the vein of Bassey or Jones in a Bond song. I think that could be considered taking a kind of risk. IMO, they tried it again with MOONRAKER and they blew it.

A lot of the Bond songs have dated, most of them, in fact.

The best ones are timeless. ATWTD is simply an immediate response of the times. Like I said, it will be dated very shortly.

GOLDENEYE, really? It might have been a passable success, but it's no great. It, like the rest of the songs from the Brosnan era, was forgettable mush that didn't really do anything interesting. And even then, I think some of the other Brozzy songs were superior.

I picked GE as more of an example of using an old and new style. I mostly like it because of the music, not the lyrics. It's one of the better Bond songs and it sure beats the hell out of this one.

[dee-bee-five]

This new theme song shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath as the Bassey classics. I don't hate it, although the more I listen to it, the less I like it. But am I alone in finding it terribly dated? It sounds like a corporate lawyer's idea of how to get down with da kids.

Do you really think this is what a corporate lawyer would make if he wanted a guaranteed hit on radio and MTV?

I stand by every word. This is edgy and cutting edge in an utterly predictable way. I don't hate it by any means, but there's nothing remarkable or outstanding about it. It just lies there and, ultimately dies there. But as musical wallpaper to accompany the credits, I daresay it'll be adequate.

[Mister E]

This new theme song shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath as the Bassey classics. I don't hate it, although the more I listen to it, the less I like it. But am I alone in finding it terribly dated? It sounds like a corporate lawyer's idea of how to get down with da kids.

Do you really think this is what a corporate lawyer would make if he wanted a guaranteed hit on radio and MTV?

I stand by every word. This is edgy and cutting edge in an utterly predictable way. I don't hate it by any means, but there's nothing remarkable or outstanding about it. It just lies there and, ultimately dies there. But as musical wallpaper to accompany the credits, I daresay it'll be adequate.

I'll telling you, they are going to get the pee pants for Bond 23.

[Harmsway]

It was the popular mood of music but people usually expect something in the vein of Bassey or Jones in a Bond song. I think that could be considered taking a kind of risk.

Not in any extreme way.

The best ones are timeless.

Really? 'Cause the "classics" just scream 1960s. "Nobody Does It Better" screams 1970s. "A View to a Kill" screams 1980s. They're definitely of their time.

I picked GE as more of an example of using an old and new style.

I think it walks that line very poorly.

It's one of the better Bond songs and it sure beats the hell out of this one.

Between the two, I'd take "Another Way to Die." I'll take most Bond songs over "GoldenEye," in fact.

[Publius]

NOBODY DOES IT BETTER by Carly Simon. It wasn't a total departure but it was alot more subtle then most Bond songs and it worked. ATWTD is not a risk taker, it takes two popular styles of music and it really is just a combination of the two. You really can't get anymore safe then that. This song will become dated in five years time.

Harmsway echoes my sentiments. NDIB was not risky at all. There had been soft Bond songs before (YOLT, DAF), there's really nothing unusual or divisive about it, and Carly Simon was probably better known then than Alicia Keys (and certainly Jack White) is today.

And jeez, I don't know many songs that don't eventually date. For me, part of the appeal of most songs is that they reflect their era in some way, so I don't even see the problem anyway.

This isn't underground at any means, it's mainstream and safe for the masses.

I didn't say the song was underground, just that it's a style (mix of styles, better put) you're more likely to hear on an underground station than something mainstream. Then again, like I said, I'm going by my local stations, although I do live in a major city that I don't think is much different in its musical tastes than other major cities.

They did it before with GOLDENEYE.

I loathe that song, and I know I'm not alone. Some of the worst lyrics in any Bond song, and the melody is just a pain to hear. Good vocals by Tina Turner, though.

[Mister E]

Not in any extreme way.

I never said it was and especially not AWTD.

Really? 'Cause the "classics" just scream 1960s. "Nobody Does It Better" screams 1970s. "A View to a Kill" screams 1980s. They're definitely of their time.

You can't make a song that dosen't reflect the times in some way but those songs are finely crafted works. AWTD just slaps together whats popular.

I think it walks that line very poorly.

I don't. I didn't care for the lyrics though.

Between the two, I'd take "Another Way to Die." I'll take most Bond songs over "GoldenEye," in fact.

I'll take alot over AWTD.

[marktmurphy]

I'd have liked them to use the duet a little more- a bit more interplay between the two might have been fun.

I still think it's very decent, though.

[dee-bee-five]

I have to report that I've just played the theme to my two flatmates, casual Bond fans both and younger than me. Their response? "How bad must Amy Winehouse's song have been for them to pass on it in favour of this pile of ?"

Only reporting what they said.

[Mister E]

And jeez, I don't know many songs that don't eventually date. For me, part of the appeal of most songs is that they reflect their era in some way, so I don't even see the problem anyway.

They date worse when they simply are an excuse to show the times. AWTD is a perfect example of this. The great Bond songs were carefully crafted and they will never be so dated that you won't want to listen to them anymore.

I didn't say the song was underground, just that it's a style (mix of styles, better put) you're more likely to hear on an underground station than something mainstream. Then again, like I said, I'm going by my local stations, although I do live in a major city that I don't think is much different in its musical tastes than other major cities.

Again, these styles are same types that are being played today, ATWD is a safe song for the times that they are in. Two popular musicians with two very popular styles of music. They simply put them together, that isn't remarkable or even the least bit risky. EON wanted something the kids would listen to on MTV and they got it.

[dee-bee-five]

And jeez, I don't know many songs that don't eventually date. For me, part of the appeal of most songs is that they reflect their era in some way, so I don't even see the problem anyway.

They date worse when they simply are an excuse to show the times. AWTD is a perfect example of this. The great Bond songs were carefully crafted and they will never be so dated that you won't want to listen to them anymore.

I didn't say the song was underground, just that it's a style (mix of styles, better put) you're more likely to hear on an underground station than something mainstream. Then again, like I said, I'm going by my local stations, although I do live in a major city that I don't think is much different in its musical tastes than other major cities.

Again, these styles are same types that are being played today, ATWD is a safe song for the times that they are in. Two popular musicians with two very popular styles of music. They simply put them together, that isn't remarkable or even the least bit risky. EON wanted something the kids would listen to on MTV and they got it.

It would have actually been more risky, cutting edge and subversive in 2008 if they had gone for a Bassey or a Tom Jones.

[john.steed]

Not merely the worst Bond music I have ever heard, but one of the worst songs that I have ever heard.

[Mister E]

It would have actually been more risky, cutting edge and subversive in 2008 if they had gone for a Bassey or a Tom Jones.

I don't fault them for not going down the old route or even getting some time on popular airwaves but Christ, at least take some chance. Don't just give me something for the sake of it being popular.

[Publius]

They date worse when they simply are an excuse to show the times. AWTD is a perfect example of this. The great Bond songs were carefully crafted and they will never be so dated that you won't want to listen to them anymore.

But they're still dated. As I imagine this will be one day. And I don't listen to Bond songs unless they come up on the radio or I'm playing a Bond music CD, and this will probably be no different.

Again, these styles are same types that are being played today, ATWD is a safe song for the times that they are in. Two popular musicians with two very popular styles of music. They simply put them together, that isn't remarkable or even the least bit risky. EON wanted something the kids would listen to on MTV and they got it.

You must have vastly different radio stations than I do. And whenever I'm unfortunate enough to catch a bit of MTV, I don't see anything like this. Maybe MTV2 (or whatever their sister station that plays less mainstream music videos is called). Again, if EON just wanted something the kids would listen to, there were far more logical choices. Hell, Alicia Keys by herself even.

[dee-bee-five]

is there some way to listen to it on the internet?

With earmuffs?

(Apologies, couldn't resist)

[RivenWinner]

Not trying to ride a bandwagon here, but I too am rather disappointed with this effort. I really do enjoy each Bond theme for different reasons however, and I expect that this one will probably grow on in me in time, as is always the case when a new Bond film is release.


That being said, the song to me isn t downright terrible as many people are proclaiming it to be, but I will admit that I am disappointed. The theme is ok, but I just don't like the execution of it.

[Mister E]

But they're still dated. As I imagine this will be one day. And I don't listen to Bond songs unless they come up on the radio or I'm playing a Bond music CD, and this will probably be no different.

Jesus Publius, all songs date but some worse then others. AWTD will be dated far sooner then the classics.

You must have vastly different radio stations than I do. And whenever I'm unfortunate enough to catch a bit of MTV, I don't see anything like this. Maybe MTV2 (or whatever their sister station that plays less mainstream music videos is called). Again, if EON just wanted something the kids would listen to, there were far more logical choices. Hell, Alicia Keys by herself even.

You must listen to different radio stations or you must be in denial. This is exactly what is loved by the kids today. It's not unique or risk taking. For the millionith time, it's two types of styles of popular music put together just for the sake of getting the audiences of each type of music.

[Agent 76]

I like it. It is a power performance, with great attitude and edge.

[dee-bee-five]

The song to me isn t downright terrible as many people are proclaiming it to be, but I will admit that I am disappointed. The theme is ok, but I just don't like the execution of it.

You've pinpointed exactly how I feel. Somewhere within, there's a perfectly acceptable, if safe, song. But it's all over the place. It could well be the world's first schizophrenic movie theme.

[marktmurphy]

They date worse when they simply are an excuse to show the times. AWTD is a perfect example of this. The great Bond songs were carefully crafted and they will never be so dated that you won't want to listen to them anymore.

I really hate the phrase 'dated': people use it as if it's a crime to be of the time. Roger wore flares: get over it.
No-one's saying that Goldfinger had nothing beyond some very 60's elements, but it does have lots of stuff which pin it directly to that period of time. This isn't a bad thing. AWTD of very much of the now also- or of the now as anything Jack White does: he likes to use his sort of classic American folk sound. This is also not a bad thing. The year is 2008; enjoy it while you're still here.

I don't fault them for not going down the old route or even getting some time on popular airwaves but Christ, at least take some chance. Don't just give me something for the sake of it being popular.

They can't please everyone: we had enough 'who is Jack White?' comments when he was announced: 'why couldn't they go for someone more mainstream like Sting or Michael bleedin' Buble?'; and now he's suddenly not edgy enough! I despair. Look through White's back catalogue of folky blusey songs, often with very dramatic and sometimes overblown content and tell me he's not a good fit for Bond in concept. Alicia Keys; while I'm no big fan, has a great voice and is just the sort of artist they've always used- right back to Bassey. They weren't just chosen because they were popular (hello Madonna); they were chosen because they make sense for Bond and they're still very vital and exciting artists. You just have to look at how much this has stirred everyone up to see that: did the Garbage track get this many people so excited, either way? No; because it was dull as dishwater. Of it's time? Not even close.

[Harmsway]

As much as I dig it, I think an edit of the song would play better, cutting out some of the more awkward breaks in the song and thereby creating a more streamlined flow throughout.

Maybe some of the CBners more adept at music editing could attempt it.

[marktmurphy]

You've pinpointed exactly how I feel. Somewhere within, there's a perfectly acceptable, if safe, song.

You want a safe song; Mister E thinks it's too safe. How are they supposed to please everyone?

[Judo chop]

It could well be the world's first schizophrenic movie theme.

Better suited for DAF then?

[dee-bee-five]

Jesus Publius, all songs date but some worse then others. AWTD will be dated far sooner then the classics.

It already sounds dated to me. Cubby Broccoli's mantra was always that Bond films should be set five minutes in the future. AWTD seems to reverse the trend by sounding like it's from five minutes in the past.

[Brix Bond]

I believe that part of the problem with the apparantly HUGE negative reaction is that nobody really knows what to expect from a Bond theme therefore anything that comes out is already doomed to critisism. The franchise is roughly half a century old and twenty two movies long. Consequently there have been a range of themes from Golfinger to For Your Eyes Only to Licence to Kill to Die Another Day to "Oooh can you feel it" and so on.

With such a myriad of styles spanning different generations of fans, some more militant then others, it is not surprising that no-one can really place their finger on what a Bond theme 'should' be. I emphasise 'should' because there are no firm rules or formula to composing a Bond theme only a hundred differing expectations none of which are necessarily correct or incorrect. Popular opinion is already divided on what constitutes the best Bond theme. Some would say Goldfinger opting to prefix it with 'classic' or 'definitive' whilst others would opt for A View To A Kill, probably marrying it with "very neon".

In any case it seems to have caused an internet-wide hysteria with negative reactions as extreme as positve ones. The Bond movies are a bastion of diversity - Dr. No stands in polar opposition to Die Another Day and QoS is no exception. In short, relax and enjoy the movie.

Thoughts or comments arising from this are welcome.

[Judo chop]

You've pinpointed exactly how I feel. Somewhere within, there's a perfectly acceptable, if safe, song.

You want a safe song; Mister E thinks it's too safe. How are they supposed to please everyone?

Therein lies the great Mister E.

[Gri007]

You can tell that it is has White Stripes DNA in it. The tune isn't bad. The intro seemed Bondish. The mix for the coca cola advert seemed to sound better. Don't suppose they'll have a different mix for the film like You Know My Name which sounded better. Only if Arnold had collabarated with White and keys on this. I do miss the brassyness and strings of the Bond themes.

[dee-bee-five]

You've pinpointed exactly how I feel. Somewhere within, there's a perfectly acceptable, if safe, song.

You want a safe song; Mister E thinks it's too safe. How are they supposed to please everyone?

I suggest you re-read my post and pay particular atention to the use of the commas. My use of "if safe" in that context did not denote a desire; it was a comment on the song, which I feel is safe in its oh-so careful mission to be cutting-edge.