This new album begins with the obligatory Main Title song sung by Garbage
(hmm). The lady is so laid back, she is in danger of keeling over; she sounds
not sexy, merely lugubrious. Come back Shirley! Much more appealing is the
song that brings the album to a close - Scott Walker singing, 'Only Myself
to Blame.'
David (Independence Day and Stargate) Arnold puts a nice
imaginative spin on the old James Bond theme we have grown to love and would
hate to miss. Arnold writes richly polyrhythmic and polytonal music that
keeps the ear attuned. The longueurs are relatively few (except in the longest
(10-minute) track 'Submarine' which does tend towards the tedious but then
we have a full 68-minute programme here). He adds some interesting electronic
effects too appropriately for the hi-tech world Bond moves in. One or two
tracks fall back on synth clichés but they are few; and even they
are made interesting by the acoustic elements of the mix. For instance, buffs
will no doubt discern a strong Herrmannesque influence in the string writing
of 'Torture Queen' - and Bernie's influence seems to be close to 'M's
Confession.'
Romance (or quick lust) is never far away in any Bond epic and the engaging
broad melody that is Elektra's Theme gives welcome quieter respite. 'Access
Denied' is an interesting track; it begins quietly and meditatively, as if
the music is questioning or love is on hold but it is the electronics that
bemuse with sinister shudders and well, 'has somebody left the tap on? [I
have yet to see the film]. 'Welcome to Baku' has a wailing female voice
introducing an exotic touch with material appropriate to the locale using
ethnic drums behind the Bond and Elektra themes. 'Casino' [the obligatory
location to allow Bond to sport his tuxedo] is a laid back lyrical if slightly
sleazy jazz track for piano, drums, clarinet, muted trumpet and vibes. 'Body
Double' is another interesting track with an eccentric beat and colour and
harmonies that stray between the oriental and the Arabic and embroider Bond's
and Elektra's themes. Another nice relaxed track is 'Christmas in Turkey'
- a romantic interlude for piano and strings.
But it is always the tense action music that makes this series and Arnold
delivers mightily. His 'Going Down - The Bunker' is tense as a coiled spring
and as exciting as any comparable music I have heard for Bond.
The US Movie trailer is an enhanced bonus track, available to those with
a PC. Don't worry if you have not it is no great shakes. A worthy addition
to the Bond music archives notwithstanding Garbage
Reviewer
Ian Lace
OST
