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Comments
Barry always sounds it's best on vinyl.
Thanks for that find Murdock.
Honourable mentions to QOS, LTK and DN. Those are the ones that spring to mind immediately. I don't like Newman's arrangement in SF (Breadcrumbs) it isn't as bombastic as it should be.
@Murdock definitely a find that album, currently spinning as I type. The Bond suite is terrific and yes I do like that arrangement of the JB theme.
I have a soft spot for the earlier arrangements, this one in particular, no sample though I'm afraid, from this albums I have in my collection. I'd not heard the Adventurer before, cracking tune.
http://www.amazon.com/Themeology-Best-JOHN-BARRY/dp/B000025OLO
I think the same arrangement is on some other earlier compilations from the 60's
I do think Barry's versions are always worth my time but I do like the jazzy swing of those earlier versions but can also appreciate the bigger more sweeping orchestral arrangements.
The Bond theme on OHMSS is also a particular favourite of mine but that score is one of my all time favourites anyway.
John Barry is the longest lasting musical influence on me, I remember my Dad playing me is Barry Bond LP's from an early age, I think that music is actually my first taste of Bond.
His music has stuck with me ever since and he's my favourite composer of all time and his influence far out stretchs film scoring, only a small selection of his peers have had that effect, the man is an utter genius and I have had hours of enjoyment from his music, it's probably the reason why the others have just never matched up to him.
I know some of you can enjoy the composers but long lasting effect that he's had on me makes it hard to think anyone ever matches up, whereas you could argue other aspects even the actors to play Bond have been bettered, the music is just too good imo to be touched.
1. FRWL titles version
2. Original from Dr. No.
3. OHMSS version
4. Version in DAF when Bond enters where Willard Whyte is holding up
5. TLD version
6. GoldenEye trailer arrangement
John Barry's "Freefall", shortly followed by "Bond Meets Bambi and Thumper":
A strong arrangement with added drama for the what is perhaps the most perilous situation Bond has found himself in. Kicks in at just the right point as well.
Bond is just walking up a mountain here, but the lower pitch adds another level of suspense and danger. The Diamonds Theme does a good job of making it memorable as well
George Martin's "Bond Meets Solitaire":
Roger Moore is really cool here and the music helps with that.
Marvin Hamlisch's "Bond 77":
Not much to say here. Quite innovative,
Bill Conti's "Goodbye Countess":
A pretty violent and terse effort that does what it says on the tin; say goodbye to Lisl in a dramatic fashion. St. Cyril's Monastery is also quite good. "Drive in the Country," a lovely arrangement to listen to, removes all tension from the chase.
Michael Kamen's "Watch the Birdie":
Kamen's truck chase is perhaps the most obvious option but the understated Watch the Birdie has all the tension the scene needs
Eric Serra's "The Goldeneye Overture" (Part II: The Other Half is Fate)
I dislike Serra's score but this works the best with my idea of Bond in comparison to anything else in the film
David Arnold's "Oil Fields":
While Quantum gets slack for not using the Bond theme enough, I can give it a pass because this arrangement is perhaps the best of the Craig era. Arnold has a lot of great Bond theme arrangements across his Brosnan works, and I love them all, but the brass on this one is less obvious and thus gives a slicker and cooler feel than the more overt efforts like "Caviar Factory."
Bonus to the alternate of "Wheelchair Access":
The strings for when the Bond theme comes in at about 1:15 are lovely, and the excerpt of "I Will Return" meshes beautifully with the Bond theme.
Thomas Newman's"Los Muertos Vivos Estan":
Well this scene for me is the equivalent to Martin's effort. Craig is as cool as Moore is (despite the overly tight suit) and with mostly silence, that has to come down in part to the music. The Helicopter Chase builds on this score quite well I think, and the lifted bits from Skyfall work well.
Hans Zimmer's "Square Escape":
Well I mean the first minute speaks for itself I think. I'm not a crazy fan of the stunt; but the music adds so much gravitas to the final leg of quite a long chase. I think the end of "Message From An Old Friend" added weight to the scene.