I suppose I always considered that portion more of a bridge than an actually verse, since it doesn't follow the normal structure of the song. It's a great bit.
I see the structure like this:
verse 1 > chorus > bridge > verse 1 > chorus
It's an oddly structured song, atypical of the Bond title themes in not following the classic verse/chorus layout (ie generally no bridge section). I'd say it goes ABCDBEABB:
A: "When you were young..."
B: First 4 bars of instrumental section (the "action" theme used more than once in the score eg during the boat chase)
C: Next 8 bars or so of instrumental section (more heavily orchestrated, different melody, different key; doesn't repeat) "What does it matter..."
E: Linking piece after first reprise of B section and before reprise of A.
Of course argument could be made that the A section breaks down into two- the latter part commencing with the title phrase- but I think the above goes far enough!
Bringing the two together, am I right in thinking that 'Where Has Everybody Gone' is a bit odd structurally too? It doesn't really have a chorus, more a succession of verses which feature the title, plus a bridge. I might be wrong, though.
Bringing the two together, am I right in thinking that 'Where Has Everybody Gone' is a bit odd structurally too? It doesn't really have a chorus, more a succession of verses which feature the title, plus a bridge. I might be wrong, though.
No, that's right enough. The bridge has different lyrics on repeat, though the melody's the same. Speaking of the lyrics, the story goes that John Barry first heard the words to this song and "If There Was A Man" in Chrissie Hynde's London flat whilst sitting on the floor drinking a bottle of rum. At a guess, he heard "If There Was A Man" first...:)
Surely Carly Simon's "Nobody Does it Better" must rank as one of the best.
Agreed! At first I wasn't sure what to make of it (quite a different melody compared to all the other Bond themes), and now it's an all-time favourite of mine. Also, love how Marvin Hamlisch borrowed the tune from Mozart!
(Now that I've got that one out of the way, here are my other choices in reverse-chronology: )
"You Know My Name" by Chris Cornell
As a huge fan of Cornell, this one comes as a bit of a bias. But at the same time, I simply cannot call it tiresome or too "hard-rock-y". It's a great collaboration between two talented musicians (not so much the case with Jack White and Alicia Keys), and one of the few Bond themes where the lyrics actually seem to "get it" with regard to the overall thematic elements and mood of the film itself. Even if the word "you" is rhymed a few too many times.
"The World Is Not Enough" by Garbage
Again, another theme song that doesn't come across as an excuse to repeat the title of the movie too many times over; the lyrics reflect the actual content of the movie. And the instrumental work in this one is especially Bond -- by this, I mean in a similar vein to classics like "From Russia With Love".
"A View To A Kill" by Duran Duran
More suspenseful and pop/rock laden than the other Moore-era theme songs. And it also sports a wicked drum beat. But overall, it's just a fitting theme song for an 80's spy movie, as shabby as the above-mentioned spy movie happens to be.
(There are more favourites of mine, but I thought I'd just mention the above ones.)
"The secret agent. The man who was only a silhouette..." -- Ian Fleming, Moonraker
1) The Spy Who Loved Me 2) On Her Majesty's Secret Service 3) GoldenEye 4) Casino Royale 5) Goldfinger
Surely Carly Simon's "Nobody Does it Better" must rank as one of the best.
Agreed! At first I wasn't sure what to make of it (quite a different melody compared to all the other Bond themes), and now it's an all-time favourite of mine. Also, love how Marvin Hamlisch borrowed the tune from Mozart!
(Now that I've got that one out of the way, here are my other choices in reverse-chronology: )
"You Know My Name" by Chris Cornell
As a huge fan of Cornell, this one comes as a bit of a bias. But at the same time, I simply cannot call it tiresome or too "hard-rock-y". It's a great collaboration between two talented musicians (not so much the case with Jack White and Alicia Keys), and one of the few Bond themes where the lyrics actually seem to "get it" with regard to the overall thematic elements and mood of the film itself. Even if the word "you" is rhymed a few too many times.
"The World Is Not Enough" by Garbage
Again, another theme song that doesn't come across as an excuse to repeat the title of the movie too many times over; the lyrics reflect the actual content of the movie. And the instrumental work in this one is especially Bond -- by this, I mean in a similar
"The secret agent. The man who was only a silhouette..." -- Ian Fleming, Moonraker
1) The Spy Who Loved Me 2) On Her Majesty's Secret Service 3) GoldenEye 4) Casino Royale 5) Goldfinger
Again, another theme song that doesn't come across as an excuse to repeat the title of the movie too many times over; the lyrics reflect the actual content of the movie. And the instrumental work in this one is especially Bond -- by this, I mean in a similar
Haha sure thing! Well, to elaborate on my comparisson between "From Russia With Love" and "The World Is Not Enough", it's the instrumental structures of the songs that tie them together; one of the reasons why I think David Arnold is an amazing composer. In my mind, I can picture "The World Is Not Enough" playing over the opening credits of From Russia With Love and it seems fitting; not so much the case with most of the pre-Arnold-accompanied theme songs like "Licence to Kill" or even "Goldeneye" by Tina Turner. What I'm trying to say is that Arnold's instrumental work brings out the recognizable "classic" flair of the old Bond movies while maintaining a modern (and did I also mention Midas?) touch.
In terms of theme songs from the Arnold era of Bond movies (1997 onward), it's a shame that k.d. Lang's "Surrender" was not used in the pre-credits. I personally think it stands alongside "The World Is Not Enough" as one of the better themes. As for the theme songs from Die Another Day and Quantum of Solace? Arnold's presence is still there, but clearly overshadowed by Madonna's repititiveness and Jack White/Alicia Keys' cornball lyrics. Still, I can't pick on those two songs too terribly hard; they remain guilty pleasures of mine.
(P.S. Whoops! Didn't notice the double-post! My bad. Could someone fix this? Please and thank-you? )
"The secret agent. The man who was only a silhouette..." -- Ian Fleming, Moonraker
1) The Spy Who Loved Me 2) On Her Majesty's Secret Service 3) GoldenEye 4) Casino Royale 5) Goldfinger
My favourite is Carly Simon's Nobody Does It Better.
SB_DiamondNorth Miami Beach, FLPosts: 126MI6 Agent
I have to say Thunderball and You Know My Name for two reasons: I love (like squish myself love) the voices of the men singing and because they are 2 of the only songs that actually have anything to with either describing James Bond to a T (Thunderball) or cleverly describing the plot of the film using creative metaphors (You Know My Name). Like in Thunderball, "Any woman he wants, he'll get, he will break any heart without regret...His days of asking are all gone, his fight goes on and on and on..." I mean hello it's Connery's Bond all the way. One of my favorite lines from "You know my name" is, "If you think you've won you never saw me change...the game that we have been playing..." totally describing what happens with Vesper after Bond wins the poker game!
Thunderball and Goldfinger are my two favourite Bond movie title song. To me, that is the way a Bond title song should be, big, brassy notes combined with a very powerful voice singing the lyrics. Diamonds are Forever and Goldeneye gets honourable mentions from me - both were fantastic. Shirley Bassey revealed her sexy voice side in Diamonds are Forever, in complete contrast with the big, powerful voice in Goldfinger.
As far as Bond themes are concerned, the original Bond theme used in Dr No through to Thunderball is the best of the variations throughout the generations.
ohmss and mister kiss kiss bang bang and 007 are my fave themes. regarding mister kiss kiss bang bang thought dione warwick's unused version was very good. always select that song option when watching thunderball. of the songs live and let die, nobody does it better and you know my name are great :-)
Nobody speaking up for "Moonraker"? OK, the lyrics are impossible but what an other-worldly and timeless melody by JB, and Dame Shirley's best in my opinion. A song I have no problem listening to over and over again, especially when stuck on the LA freeways after a long day at work! -{
My favourite bond theme is TWINE because its my No.1 film. What is yours?
I love the theme to TWINE. Too bad the music is overtracked. If the song had a more orchestral sound it would be my favorite. TND is a great Bond song. Too bad Sheryl Crow could not sing it.
"And if I told you that I'm from the Ministry of Defence?" James Bond - The Property of a Lady
My top Bond theme has to be "You Know My Name" from Casino Royale. Damnit, that's some awesome stuff right there. "On Her Majesty's Secret Service", "From Russia With Love", "The Living Daylights", "For Your Eyes Only", "Thunderball" (which Tom Jones just hams up the max so awesomly) and "A View to a Kill" are up there, too.
At the other end of the spectrum, I didn't much care for "Live and Let Die", personally. Not really my style I guess. "You Only Live Twice", "The Man With The Golden Gun" and "All Time High" never really appealed to me, either.
That's a Smith and Wesson, and you've had your six.
You Only Live Twice best theme ever and there is a great instrumental on youtube I just love.
TLD great theme again and A-Ha are playing there final gig in Glasgow SECC Nov 14th so anyone lucky enough may get to here the full blast of The Living Daylights.
I have soft spot for both Moonraker & All Time High but Monnraker Disco version thats a great great track.
Surrender by KD Lang super sound to this song very dramatic melody.
Comments
It's an oddly structured song, atypical of the Bond title themes in not following the classic verse/chorus layout (ie generally no bridge section). I'd say it goes ABCDBEABB:
A: "When you were young..."
B: First 4 bars of instrumental section (the "action" theme used more than once in the score eg during the boat chase)
C: Next 8 bars or so of instrumental section (more heavily orchestrated, different melody, different key; doesn't repeat)
E: Linking piece after first reprise of B section and before reprise of A.
Of course argument could be made that the A section breaks down into two- the latter part commencing with the title phrase- but I think the above goes far enough!
No, that's right enough. The bridge has different lyrics on repeat, though the melody's the same. Speaking of the lyrics, the story goes that John Barry first heard the words to this song and "If There Was A Man" in Chrissie Hynde's London flat whilst sitting on the floor drinking a bottle of rum. At a guess, he heard "If There Was A Man" first...:)
Agreed! At first I wasn't sure what to make of it (quite a different melody compared to all the other Bond themes), and now it's an all-time favourite of mine. Also, love how Marvin Hamlisch borrowed the tune from Mozart!
(Now that I've got that one out of the way, here are my other choices in reverse-chronology: )
"You Know My Name" by Chris Cornell
As a huge fan of Cornell, this one comes as a bit of a bias. But at the same time, I simply cannot call it tiresome or too "hard-rock-y". It's a great collaboration between two talented musicians (not so much the case with Jack White and Alicia Keys), and one of the few Bond themes where the lyrics actually seem to "get it" with regard to the overall thematic elements and mood of the film itself. Even if the word "you" is rhymed a few too many times.
"The World Is Not Enough" by Garbage
Again, another theme song that doesn't come across as an excuse to repeat the title of the movie too many times over; the lyrics reflect the actual content of the movie. And the instrumental work in this one is especially Bond -- by this, I mean in a similar vein to classics like "From Russia With Love".
"A View To A Kill" by Duran Duran
More suspenseful and pop/rock laden than the other Moore-era theme songs. And it also sports a wicked drum beat. But overall, it's just a fitting theme song for an 80's spy movie, as shabby as the above-mentioned spy movie happens to be.
(There are more favourites of mine, but I thought I'd just mention the above ones.)
1) The Spy Who Loved Me 2) On Her Majesty's Secret Service 3) GoldenEye 4) Casino Royale 5) Goldfinger
Agreed! At first I wasn't sure what to make of it (quite a different melody compared to all the other Bond themes), and now it's an all-time favourite of mine. Also, love how Marvin Hamlisch borrowed the tune from Mozart!
(Now that I've got that one out of the way, here are my other choices in reverse-chronology: )
"You Know My Name" by Chris Cornell
As a huge fan of Cornell, this one comes as a bit of a bias. But at the same time, I simply cannot call it tiresome or too "hard-rock-y". It's a great collaboration between two talented musicians (not so much the case with Jack White and Alicia Keys), and one of the few Bond themes where the lyrics actually seem to "get it" with regard to the overall thematic elements and mood of the film itself. Even if the word "you" is rhymed a few too many times.
"The World Is Not Enough" by Garbage
Again, another theme song that doesn't come across as an excuse to repeat the title of the movie too many times over; the lyrics reflect the actual content of the movie. And the instrumental work in this one is especially Bond -- by this, I mean in a similar
1) The Spy Who Loved Me 2) On Her Majesty's Secret Service 3) GoldenEye 4) Casino Royale 5) Goldfinger
... please carry on!
(PS Enjoyed the Mozart reference!)
In terms of theme songs from the Arnold era of Bond movies (1997 onward), it's a shame that k.d. Lang's "Surrender" was not used in the pre-credits. I personally think it stands alongside "The World Is Not Enough" as one of the better themes. As for the theme songs from Die Another Day and Quantum of Solace? Arnold's presence is still there, but clearly overshadowed by Madonna's repititiveness and Jack White/Alicia Keys' cornball lyrics. Still, I can't pick on those two songs too terribly hard; they remain guilty pleasures of mine.
(P.S. Whoops! Didn't notice the double-post! My bad. Could someone fix this? Please and thank-you?
1) The Spy Who Loved Me 2) On Her Majesty's Secret Service 3) GoldenEye 4) Casino Royale 5) Goldfinger
As far as Bond themes are concerned, the original Bond theme used in Dr No through to Thunderball is the best of the variations throughout the generations.
T
I like Live and Let Die as well.
"Your contact?" "Not well."
I love the theme to TWINE. Too bad the music is overtracked. If the song had a more orchestral sound it would be my favorite. TND is a great Bond song. Too bad Sheryl Crow could not sing it.
What about "Make it last all night?"
At the other end of the spectrum, I didn't much care for "Live and Let Die", personally. Not really my style I guess. "You Only Live Twice", "The Man With The Golden Gun" and "All Time High" never really appealed to me, either.
easy a tie the living daylights a for your eyes only
-Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
You Only Live Twice best theme ever and there is a great instrumental on youtube I just love.
TLD great theme again and A-Ha are playing there final gig in Glasgow SECC Nov 14th so anyone lucky enough may get to here the full blast of The Living Daylights.
I have soft spot for both Moonraker & All Time High but Monnraker Disco version thats a great great track.
Surrender by KD Lang super sound to this song very dramatic melody.
www.007jamesbond.dk
http://thedangermen.com/