James Bond officially turns 50 today. Somehow it makes me feel just a little bit better to know that the world's most famous spy (Isn't there an oxymoron in there somewhere?) is older than me. Dr. No, 007's first movie incarnation was released way back in October of 1962, and with today's opening of Skyfall, Mr. Bond officially enters middle age.
Truth be told I have never been a huge fan of the Bond movies. They are most definitely skewed towards a male audience, (not that there's anything wrong with that) and they always contain that slight tinge of misogyny that has put me off. I mean, c'mon! How is any woman supposed to connect to female characters suggestively named Pussy Galore, Plenty O'toole, or Holly Goodhead? I am only guessing here, but I would venture to say that most women attend Bond showings at the behest of their husbands, boyfriends, sons, fathers, and other male friends. It's only fair after all. Payback for making them sit through The Notebook and Beaches.
But the songs are a whole other story. They forever define the tenor of the film. They have become iconic. And....they have had some awesome talent behind them. Herewith I offer you my top 5 favourite Bond themes. Please feel free to disagree and offer your own suggestions in the comments section. Remember...chocolate and vanilla.
5. The Spy who Loved Me-Carly Simon
4. Live and Let Die-Paul McCartney and Wings
3. For Your Eyes Only-Sheena Easton
2. Diamonds Are Forever-Shirley Bassey
1. Goldfinger-Shirley Bassey
There is absolutely nothing that says "Bond, James Bond" like Shirley Bassey singing. As a final thought I offer you this year's theme from Skyfall by Adele. Does it measure up?
Skyfall-Adele
At turning 50, you say "Mr. Bond officially enters middle age". Personally, I would feel better about entering middle age at 50 if I knew more 100 year olds.
ReplyDeleteThis is my third attempt to comment on this post. Twice I wrote the most brilliant comment in the history of brilliant blog comments. If it had not disappeared into the ether, the ghost of Shirley Bassey would have risen from the grave (I'm assuming she's deceased, but I'm not going to open up a new tab and spell check because I'm afraid of another computer error) and sung the heck out of it. You will of course have to take my word about the brilliance of my words.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless: this is a great post. Your 5 song choices were right on the money and after listening to them I have a new appreciation for Adele's song.
Good luck with Nablopomo -- I arrived here via twitter!