The James Bond theme songs have always been hit or miss. Often avoiding super stars or iconic singers for mediocrities, and expressing left-field production choices more enigmatic than M, they have nonetheless managed to feature, among others (and famously) songs by Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Nancy Sinatra, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Duran Duran, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, and even Louis Armstrong. Songs by Garbage and A-ha were perhaps missed opportunities to have selected more interesting indie or alternative bands (U2? Depeche Mode? REM?). Why never Oasis, or, for that matter, Sting? Perhaps the saddest news is that Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson, reported to be doing the song for 22, have been replaced, seemingly last-minute, by arguably the oddest couple ever assembled. Alicia Keys and Jack White (he penned the tune) are hardly in the same musical room, but are undeniably major contemporary American figures. What they come up with will no doubt be some, if not much solace.
The James Bond theme songs have always been hit or miss. Often avoiding super stars or iconic singers for mediocrities, and expressing left-field production choices more enigmatic than M, they have nonetheless managed to feature, among others (and famously) songs by Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Nancy Sinatra, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Duran Duran, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, and even Louis Armstrong. Songs by Garbage and A-ha were perhaps missed opportunities to have selected more interesting indie or alternative bands (U2? Depeche Mode? REM?). Why never Oasis, or, for that matter, Sting? Perhaps the saddest news is that Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson, reported to be doing the song for 22, have been replaced, seemingly last-minute, by arguably the oddest couple ever assembled. Alicia Keys and Jack White (he penned the tune) are hardly in the same musical room, but are undeniably major contemporary American figures. What they come up with will no doubt be some, if not much solace.
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