Shaken and Stirred: The David Arnold James Bond Project

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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0639842073820 Label: East West Records Manufacturer: East West Records Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: East West Records Release Date: 1997-10-20 Studio: East West Records
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Editorial Reviews: Enlisting an array of indie icons, from Iggy Pop to Chrissie Hynde (whose version of "Live And Let Die" is a definite highlight), Arnold attempts to update--if not exactly subvert--some of the more notable Bond theme tunes. Yet despite this noble attempt at deconstruction, what's remarkable here is how so many of the acts conform to expectations: Pulp, typically, make "All Time High" seem a furtive, even faintly grubby experience; while Aimee Mann performs "Nobody Does It Better" with a kind of weary sarcasm, either unable or unwilling to swallow the myth of male potency. On the other hand, Shara Nelson's reading of "Moonraker", and Martin Fry's "Thunderball," each manage to communicate at least a little of the magic of the original versions. And having at last found a piece worthy of him, David McAlmont loses no opportunity to make "Diamonds Are Forever" his own. --Andrew McGuire
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: Not just any covers album, a classy Bond covers album Comment: Having taken over the mantle of composing the James Bond movie soundtracks for the 90s (and very good they are too), David Arnold revisits Bond theme songs in this project, working with a wide range of artists to produce a set of really interesting covers. And the whole CD is worth buying just for the astounding first track - David McAlmont is Miss Shirley Bassey as his falsetto vamps up 'Diamonds are Forever' in homage to the queen of Bond theme songs and gay icon. After that you feel rather let down by Aimee Mann's understated 'Nobody does it better' - although listened to separately, this track will grow on you. Chrissie Hynde rocks out in 'Live and let die', and the Propellerheads do their drum'n'bass thing brilliantly with 'On her Majesty's secret service'. However the other true highlight is the last track as Iggy Pop discovers he can croon melodically on 'We have all the love in the world' - Mighty fine. Customer Rating: Summary: Shaken and Stirred: The David Arnold James Bond Project Comment: I think it's an 'all time high', sorry about that pun but it's true. Magnificent tracks from everyone involved especially Space-walk and On Her Majesty's etc. Anyway it worked as he got the gig! Customer Rating: Summary: LIKE BROSNAN-UPHOLDS THE BOND GENRE BUT ADDS FRESHNESS Comment: This album is like Pearce Brosnan,it brings back to the bond genre the classic bond feel not seen since the connery years and adds freshness with ease.I bought this album quite a while ago and very pleasantly surprised just how good it was.It upholds the classic lines and brings it screamingly up to date with little or no effort.The tracks have been created not as copies with crude remixes thrown in but made as though they are totally new pieces of work with a familiarity to them.Each performer chosen makes the track their own,as has arnold with the music.Since tomorrow never dies,a bosnan bond film would not be the same without arnold.Excellent! Customer Rating: Summary: Not a Tribute: Fantastic new music Comment: This is a magnificent CD, with surprise after surprise. Dave Arnold has assembled an astonishing number of hugely talented musical forces and obviously put them to work. A lot of work. This isn't just a work-a-day, rushed set of remixes, but completely recomposed music. None of the songs sounds like a 'tribute' but like (because it is) a new piece of music. No duds here. Highlights: David McAlmont singing the pants off Shirley Bassey. He is simply magnificent. Also a very unusual arrangement of From Russia with Love, sung by Natacha Atlas. Whereas McAlmont clearly sets out to out-Shirley Shirley, Atlas recreates the song so that it sounds as if written specially for her. Pulp are seedy as hell: brilliant, and also doing full justice to their arranging skills. All it's lacking is Mandalay singing For Your Eyes Only. Now that would be something... Or am I just greedy...? Customer Rating: Summary: Original and enjoyable updating of classic Bond themes. Comment: David Arnold has excelled with his scores for Tomorrow Never Dies and The World is Not Enough and this collection of covers of classic Bond themes is well worth a listen. Fans will enjoy Arnold's clever re-workings which maintain all the showmanship and panache of the originals. Non-aficionados will be reminded that these are just brilliant songs. More Reviews