From Billboard: It's Keys and White

Hardyboy · July 2008

Normally I wouldn't start a separate topic on this, but seeing as the source is Billboard, I think it deserves to be taken more seriously than some of the other rumors. Here it is, folks:

Alicia Keys, Jack White Team For Bond Theme

July 29, 2008 , 3:05 PM ET

Ann Donahue, L.A.

Alicia Keys and the White Stripes' Jack White will record the theme song to "Quantum of Solace," the 22nd James Bond film, which hits U.S. theaters Nov. 7.

The song, "Another Way To Die," will be the first duet in Bond soundtrack history. White wrote and produced the song, and also will play drums. The soundtrack to the movie will be released Oct. 28.

The score for the film will be composed by David Arnold.

"Quantum of Solace," starring Daniel Craig, will be directed by Marc Forster from a screenplay by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and Paul Haggis.

Amy Winehouse and Leona Lewis had previously been rumored as the vocalists for the latest Bond theme.

Source: Billboard.com

Discuss away!

emtiem · July 2008

Sounds good to me- the Last Shadow Puppets said that they'd heard that White had it a while back; he's a cracking choice.

Duet will be fun, too.

Lexi · July 2008

I'm actually a bit dissapointed. Alicia Keyes has a good voice, but I was really wanting a collaberation of Mark Ronsan and someone (even amy winehouse, although I was ranting about not having her, but hey a girl can change her mind right!)

However, I will wait until I hear the song.:v

No, actually, I will wait until I hear the song with the Bond film,

as I hated "You know my name" until I saw it with the Bond Movie and then it really fitted and I love it now!

Loeffelholz · July 2008

Interesting news---and I'm inclined to believe Billboard. At least I know who Alicia Keys is, ;% but my knowledge of Jack White (or his Stripes!) is absolutely nil.

Good to see another loose end nailed down. I'm looking forward to hearing the tune! :007)

emtiem · July 2008

Loeffelholz wrote:

Interesting news---and I'm inclined to believe Billboard. At least I know who Alicia Keys is, ;% but my knowledge of Jack White (or his Stripes!) is absolutely nil.

There's no doubt- press release is out; quotes from the Brocs, all of that.

Really not heard of White at all? I'm surprised, although I'm not sure if he might not be bigger over here in the UK than he is in the States: he's a massive Anglophile, after all, and neither the White Stripes nor Raconteurs are perhaps mainstream.
He's cracking- very talented and a bit more now than that Cornell chap; I think it's a great choice. Don't care much for Keys, but she can hold a note and she'll only be singing White's tune, so I don't mind that at all.

spectre7 · July 2008

"White wrote and produced the song" = that's a problem, no mention of him working on it with David Arnold. I was hoping the days of title songs that were totally unrelated to the score were gone. I sincerely hope they haven't returned.

blueman · July 2008

Looking forward to Bond's first duet, very exciting news IMO.

Hardyboy · July 2008

emtiem wrote:

Really not heard of White at all? I'm surprised, although I'm not sure if he might not be bigger over here in the UK than he is in the States: he's a massive Anglophile, after all, and neither the White Stripes nor Raconteurs are perhaps mainstream.

Don't let Old Man Loeff ( :007) ) sway you--the White Stripes are big here. Heck, they even appeared on The Simpsons a couple of years ago!

But back on topic, I was sort of intrigued by Duffy, but Keys has a very good voice and she's so hot I even posted her picture in Izabella Stuff. It might not be a bad idea to make her the second singer to appear in the title sequence.

Loeffelholz · July 2008

emtiem wrote:

There's no doubt- press release is out; quotes from the Brocs, all of that.

That's great...must've happened while I was reading Hardy's post. He didn't cite The Mirror---that's my point.

I've heard of The White Stripes, of course; heard the name, like I've heard of Insane Clown Posse, 50 Cent and Clay Aiken. I've just not heard any of their tunes, to my knowledge, making my awareness of them very small indeed. I'm just slightly busy...if I hear something, and I like it, I pursue it. If I don't hear it...oh well. I guess that's an essential element of becoming an Old Man B-)

It's good to hear he's got a good voice. I know Alicia Keys can sing. Can't wait to hear the song.

Hardyboy · July 2008

Here's another article, from Marketwatch, which gives complete histories of Keys, White, EON, their dogs, and everything else. The relevant quote from the producers (do Mickey and Babs speak with one voice) is just this: "We are delighted and pleased to have two such exciting artists as Jack and Alicia, who were inspired by our film to join together their extraordinary talents in creating a unique sound for Quantum of Solace."

Loeffelholz · July 2008

Hardyboy wrote:

Here's another article, from Marketwatch, which gives complete histories of Keys, White, EON, their dogs, and everything else. The relevant quote from the producers (do Mickey and Babs speak with one voice) is just this: "We are delighted and pleased to have two such exciting artists as Jack and Alicia, who were inspired by our film to join together their extraordinary talents in creating a unique sound for Quantum of Solace."

I saw another bio of both artists on another site; very impressive resumes. I'll look into the Stripes---can't jinx him now, as he's already got the gig!

Lazenby880 · July 2008

Well I didn't see that! Should make for a very interesting duet, and a fairly different Bond theme (despite the horrifically generic title).

Barry Nelson · July 2008

An interesting combination and I like it. That's right I like it. Keys has a great voice and White has had some songs I enjoyed, especially this one. Wikipedia also says White will perform the song with Keys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j7huh5Egew

Lady Rose · July 2008

I find Keyes boring as dishwater but hopefully with White involved it may be quite exciting. Hate the title.I'm sure they could have come up with something more clever than that.

Still, I'll wait till the whole package comes together before I moan too much.

emtiem · July 2008

Loeffelholz wrote:

I saw another bio of both artists on another site; very impressive resumes. I'll look into the Stripes---can't jinx him now, as he's already got the gig!

Heh! It's worth a listen to a bit of The Raconteurs- they're his slightly more mainstream band; perhaps more like the style the Bond may approach. But then you can't tell with him- he mixes it up with all genres: he did a country album with Loretta Lynn (if you can find the track 'Portland Oregon' have a listen- it's great) and recently popped up playing with the Stones in that Scorcese movie that was out a month or two back. Whatever style it takes I'm pretty confident it'll be a cracker.

SeanConnery007 · July 2008

I must say this doesn't hit me as a fantastic choice. The idea of a debut title song is interesting, but could so easily be dreadful. Not sure about the 'names', Alicia and White I've heard of but I'm not really aware of their musical standing.
One thing that certainly smacks of awful is; Another Day To Die.
Seriously, this sounds like a bad Brosnan era film or one of those nobodies on YouTube submitting their own Bond theme.
Suppose I'll just have to wait and see how it turns out.

emtiem · July 2008

SeanConnery007 wrote:

Not sure about the 'names', Alicia and White I've heard of but I'm not really aware of their musical standing.

Well its worth looking them up before you get worried; she's very competent (although she does nothing for me she can sing well) and he's a proper talented rock star.

Dan Same · July 2008

Lady Rose wrote:

I find Keyes boring as dishwater but hopefully with White involved it may be quite exciting. Hate the title.I'm sure they could have come up with something more clever than that.

Yeh, it is a bad title. (All the 'die' titles sound the same to me.

) However, I like this piece of news. I love Alicia Keys (sorry ;%), however I've never heard anything by the White Stripes so I'm neutral on Jack White. I think that having a duet, provided that it is done well, could be really terrific. It certainly intrigues me.

asio · July 2008

I agree with Dan Same, it's intriguing.
EON have once again chosen an artist (or artists) who you wouldn't think of to sing a Bond tune.
And just like "You Know My Name" I guess we'll have to hear "Another Way To Die" before we can pass judgement.
Bring on Nov 27th!

Jarvio · July 2008

Definitely a true rumour as I just heard it on the radio.

I hate the white stripes, and am indifferent to Alicia Keys, but I wont form an opinion until I've heard the song.

Anyone know when the song will be available to listen to?

Apocrypha23 · July 2008

I like Jack White more than Alicia Keys, just based on musical style, but she can definitely sing well. The idea of a duet really could open things up for the song lyrically; sort of a point/counterpoint between Bond and his Femme-d'jour.

Lexi · July 2008

Apocrypha23 wrote:

I like Jack White more than Alicia Keys, just based on musical style, but she can definitely sing well. The idea of a duet really could open things up for the song lyrically; sort of a point/counterpoint between Bond and his Femme-d'jour.

Or could I say his ending of his one true love. Another way to die, could mean, dieing inside from a broken heart? (or is that far too mushy for you boys?)

7289 · July 2008

I knew it was a long shot, but again my hopes for an Annie Lennox vocal are dashed for another few years....

As others have said, White and Keys seem to have sufficent talent to pull the song off. I just hope that even though the press did not say it, that David Arnold had some oversight.

Monique · July 2008

I agree Annie Lennox would have been a great choice, 7289!

I am a huge Alicia Keys fan though, so I am quite happy with the news. Jack White is a little out there, but there are a few good White Stripes songs, so I think there is definitely potential here. Much better than the last one.

Sir_Miles_Messervy · July 2008

I suppose it quite hard to guess what the song is going to be like.

I'm going to say that I have faith. Mike and Babs might make missteps every now and then (who doesn't?), but I trust they know what they are doing.

For one thing, they've spent their lives around Bond. They've both worked to protect the legacy as well as add to it. Aficinado I may be, but I haven't nearly as much invested in the franchise as they do.

Secondly (and more importantly), they've earned my trust through their recent decisions with Bond. I loved Casino Royale and what Craig brought to the table. I also quite enjoyed the theme. I'm now contented to sit back and allow them to do what they see as right.

In short, I think they've earned the benefit of the doubt, and I'll give it to them.

Virgil · July 2008

I like more Jack White than Alicia Keys,but good idea the duet.Never been done before.

Horrible title, though.I thought Bond-song title-with-"die" days were over. Looks they aren´t.

Predator · July 2008

One has actually to remove Micky G and Babs from the equation somewhat, if only because I suspect they have far less of a say in this than do Sony BMG (Keys is one of their acts)

I'm intrigued. Keys is a shoe-in. Good sooulful singer, good draw for audiences. Teaming her up with Jack White ... wow, that is fairly left field.

Personally, I love Jack White. White Stripes and Raconteurs are great bands with a raw edge. Important thing is, he can write a great song.

jetsetwilly · July 2008

I'm... unexcited so far. Alicia Keys doesn't do anything for me at all, but my heart still belongs to Amy. I guess I'll have to get over that. Jack White is also someone whose work I admire, rather than actually like. And Another Way to Die? Yawn. I accept Quantum of Solace is nigh on impossible, but really.

I'll wait to hear it. I hated You Know My Name, but it really grew on me. I will join the ranks of the disappointed that David Arnold doesn't seem to be involved.

James Boldman · July 2008

Quoting: Lexi
Or could I say his ending of his one true love. Another way to die, could mean, dieing inside from a broken heart? (or is that far too mushy for you boys?)[/quote]

You know in that contex I actually think it's a great title. Thanks, Lexi.
I'm looking forward to hearing the song, unlike some I'll reserve my judgement until then.

HalfMonk HalfHitman · July 2008

You guys who've never heard of Jack White are in for an adjustement.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aQQeg3jYgOA

That's his voice on the female part.

Here's his hit that you might know without realizing it.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6j7huh5Egew

7289 · July 2008

Overall there doesn't seem to be a resounding upbeat reaction to "artists" Keyes and White.

I was feeling a little low about this, but then I remembered Madonna's "Die Another Day" and realised that there is percious little chance any other song could be nearly as bad as that one!

From Billboard: It's Keys and White

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