I don't have much to say about the new Bond film. But I wanted to post the video for the recently-released 'theme song.' Strangely, the title of the song seems more like a traditional Bond movie title than Quantum of Solace. This makes me think songwriter Jack White is writing it as some kind of 'reimagining' of Bond themes - providing more of a nod to the old series. In fact, I kind of like the ring of "Another Way to Die," it has such wonderfully dark undertones. If this new film is about Bond's revenge lust, perhaps it is more fitting. While I like both Jack White and his duet partner Alicia Keyes (who is beautiful beyond words!), after one hearing, I am unsure how well the mash-up works.
Perhaps the original choice for the duet - Amy Winehouse - would've made more sense. (Winehouse reportedly wrote a theme that was rejected in spring, then ultimately didn't do this duet either). While Keye's vocals are great as always (last year's "No One" was one of the best pop-soul performances in years, in my book), a Whinehouse/White collaboration might've given this new song a boozy, smokey, clearer "reimagined" feel. After all, Winehouse is sort of an ironic drugged-out Ronette. Her early 60s, Phil Spector-ish vibe would've made an interesting fit for a series trying to reimagine a Cold War hero.
As the current duet plays, it doesn't push the feeling of "reimagined" far enough for me - even though one can argue both Keyes and White are not 'traditional' Bond theme singers. (In fact, isn't this the first ever Bond theme duet?) Something tells me Winehouse would've played up the musical history of the series in a more interesting way.
Of course, that would've required Winehouse to show up to a studio remotely on time ... Yet beyond her tabloid-spotlighted life, hearing something like her wonderful detached, depressed vocals for "Back to Black" makes one wonder what her voice could've meant in a Bond theme. And, in general, what could've her vocals meant to a darker, more depressed reimagining of Bond as a popular culture icon?:
Amy Winehouse - Back To Black
Uploaded by AmyWinehouse
Winehouse responded to being replaced by Keyes as a "boring" choice. While possibly just a drunken nasty comment, there might be some truth there. Jack White and Alicia Keyes are an exciting choice because they feel "new" to Bond. Winehouse would've been an exciting choice because, perhaps, she would've felt "of" the Bond history - a product of 60s popular culture, now broken ... now depressed and detached, spit out from 40 years of distance. She looks and feels like a reject from Phil Spector's offices, now addicted to whatever and wandering the streets - circa 1965. To me, she might've worked better on this level since Bond himself is being spit out in these origin stories. And, of course, Winehouse being British might play a big role in this "fitting" as well.
By the way, I guess this post is too early for the blogathon. To be honest, I didn't notice the dates until after I wrote the thing and didn't feel like saving it as a draft for two weeks. If you wish, consider this just a post on voice, like a few of my others.
Any thoughts, Bond dorks?
5 comments:
Its cool you posted early. We can link back to it on the eve of the blogathon as part of the reminder.
I was disappointed to hear Winehouse was out originally. Her voice isn't just wonderful, its very eeriely Shirley Bassey-esque. It was hard not to envision Goldfinger or Diamonds are Forever every time I heard her voice on the radio in the last year or two. Its down right uncanny.
I suspect when she gets back on track with things, Winehouse might still be considered for another theme song (or revisit the rejected one). She's almost too perfect a fit.
Thanks for the interesting post, Scott. I know I would have rather heard Winehouse's version - especially after hearing the White/Keyes duet, which honestly doesn't do much for me. Despite the cool title and attempt to "rock up" the Bond music sound, I am just underwhelmed by both the song and the video considering the high expectations I have for the film.
My guess is that they went with the "Quantum of Solace" title to keep with the Fleming tradition (as it's the title of one of his 007 short stories). But "Another Way to Die" is a smashing choice for a theme song title...I wish White would have delivered on the promise, however.
Duh ... I didn't even make the Shirley Bassey connection. I think of Winehouse so much as related to Phil Spector's 60s female singers ...but, yeah, Winehouse is rooted in other 60s pop with singers like Bassey as well in look and style. Both being from the UK helps this connection too. You really see it in Bassey's non-Bond performances - like this cover of a really sad old Irving Berlin song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uakECvlebfg
So, in other words, it is fun to fully ask why Winehouse feels "of" the Bond history.
Yet I also still maintain there is a distance from the 60s here too, something powerfully removed and very much of the 2000s in her voice. Perhaps, while it is a celebration of a previous generation's pop music, there is something intensely less optimistic and more self-absorbed within this distinctly Generation Y soul diva. Perhaps, this newest version of Bond has much of this disparity too. (2008, with Bond and Batman, I am guessing, will be remembered for us kicking around popular hero mythologies in our blockbusters). To me, in this regard, Winehouse as a “fit” for a Bond theme has more to do than simply her 60s pop influences. It also has to do with her “fit” as a celebrity today.
Also, Will, I didn't know the history behind the film's title. I suppose it is keeping with the Craig Bond's tie to the Flemming tradition.
This is pretty awesome (and definitely redone partly as a Bond homage):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqNcyFNMfLM&feature=related
I never knew Radiohead covered Carly Simon's 'Nobody Does It Better," which despite 'Live and Let Die' is kind of my favorite Bond theme. It is so ... well, sweet ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHe-iwAI9BE
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