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Songs, Bond Songs: The Music Of 007 (2CD)
 
Songs, Bond Songs: The Music Of 007  (2CD) Quantity in Basket: None
Price: $17.00
Artist: Various Artists
 
 
Quantity:
 
Andrew Curry, who has two successful compilations under his belt (“Drink A Toast To Innocence” and and “Here Comes The Reign Again”) has again produced a terrific batch of covers by alternative pop artists, creating a delightful mix of songs that brings back memories but gives them their own modern touch. Peter Lee’s HooksandHarmonies.com review that follows sets the Kool Kat record for the longest, and probably most through, review we’ve ever published! So, sit back, relax, pour yourself a martini (shaken, not stirred) and read on…. “This may come as a shock, but I’ve never been a fan of James Bond films. They always have confusing plots, and I get bored halfway through. But the music is always fantastic. From the opening lines of John Barry’s ‘James Bond Theme’, you get a sense of the romance, swagger, intrigue and mystery of 007 (even if I didn’t get it in the movies). Over the years, movie producers used a wide variety of artists to pen and perform James Bond movie themes, from the crooning of Shirley Bassey and Sheena Easton to pop superstars such as Wings and Duran Duran to the alternative edge of Chris Cornell and Jack White. Unlike the other two compilations, in which I knew most of the songs covered, there were several James Bond themes that I had never heard before. This gave me a chance to compare which version I liked better, no matter which one was the original, genuine version. Of course, there are classics: ‘Live and Let Die’ and ‘A View to a Kill’ that are almost impossible to improve upon. So I decided to compare each song with its cover and determine what changed in the interpretation and whether it improves upon or at least preserves the integrity of the song. ‘James Bond Theme’ - Lannie Flowers improves upon John Barry’s score by creating more of an overture, incorporating elements of other Bond songs into the theme while keeping it all fast-paced with a pounding drum beat. It’s hard to beat John Barry’s classic theme, but Flowers seems to do it. ‘From Russia With Love’ - Although the Stereo Twins don’t have the vocal chops that a crooner like Matt Monro had, it doesn’t matter; their vocals are still very good. Their version features eerie percussion and synthesizers that give the song that air of mystery that the original, which sounds like a cocktail hour song, doesn’t have. The harmonies help as well. ‘Goldfinger’ - considered by most to be the greatest Bond song ever, I always though Bassey oversang it (but that’s her thing). In contrast, Jason Berk’s interpretation is less orchestral and more laid back vocally. It’s a refreshing change. ‘Thunderball’ - Only Tom Jones can pull this one off - a bombastic, larger-than-life theme - so Jaret Reddick turns it on its head and transforms it into an almost comical power pop anthem. It’s 180 degrees from the original, but it’s bouncy, energetic and fun. ‘You Only Live Twice’ - Nancy Sinatra’s version is, well, boring. In contrast, Jeff Litman and Andi Rae Healy’s cover features slow drum beats that seem to echo forever, pounding away as Healy’s girlish voice serves as a nice complement, sounding like Mazzy Star. ‘The Look of Love’ - Dusty Springfield has an amazing voice, but ‘The Look of Love’ sounds a bit like elevator music. Wyatt Funderburk updates the song with electronic drums and synthesizers, and the result is less campy and more genuine. ‘We Have All the Time in the World’ - Louis Armstrong gave an admiral performance on this song, which still doesn’t seem to fit the James Bond mode. Ryan Hamilton makes it a more acoustic song but stays true to the original. ‘Diamonds are Forever’ - We get Shirley Bassey again, this time more subdued, and we start getting hints of the James Bond sound with horns backing her vocals. The Corner Laughers update it with a modern alt-pop sound, and it’s catchy, even if it is in another language. ‘Live and Let Die’ - We come to another Bond classic. How do you improve upon perfection? Popdudes don’t try; instead, they deliver a spot-on cover of the original; the lead singer even sounds like McCartney. It’s wonderful to hear. ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ - Lulu’s contribution to the Bond series usually gets short shrift, but it sounds like a Bond song. But Lisa Mychols takes it up a notch, delivering a powerful, guitar-laden cover full of energy. ‘Nobody Does It Better’ - one of the very few disappointments on the album. Another song that’s impossible to improve upon, it gets a total deconstruction by Mike Viola and Red Bank Catholic. Strange Moog-like synthesizers begin the song; sparse and strange, it’s almost unrecognizable. Only during the refrain does the song resemble the original. ‘Moonraker’ - by far my favorite cover on the album. Gary Frenay takes a Shirley Bassey ballad and turns it into an ELO-sounding pop gem, complete with a Roy Orbison-like ending showcasing Frenay’s range. It had me scrambling to find out more about this guy; this may be the pop song of the year. ‘For Your Eyes Only’ - Sheena Easton’s contribution isn’t very Bond-sounding, but it’s still considered a classic because of its beautiful arrangement. Freedy Johnston turns it into a quiet acoustic number, but some of the memorable chord progressions in the original are left out of Johnston’s version. ‘All Time High’ - Considered one of the worst Bond songs, it nevertheless is recognizable. Zach Jones takes the schmaltz out of the song and sounds like Eric Carmen in places. It’s more upbeat and an improvement over the original. ‘Never Say Never Again’ - a mediocre song sung by relatively unknown Lani Hall, this song gets a modern update by Minky Starshine. It’s sexier and less hokey; the group manages to turn it into a song I like. ‘A View to a Kill’ - Besides ‘Live and Let Die,’ this is my favorite James Bond tune. So Jay Gonzalez is fighting an uphill battle on this. He tries to deliver a different take with a swinging acoustic version, but the over-the-top feel of the original is gone. Nevertheless, it’s a good interpretation. ‘The Living Daylights’ - The Bond folks tried to create aA View to a Kill 2’ with a-ha delivering this song, but its melody never caught on with me. It’s much clearer with Cirrone’s version, which surprisingly sounds a little like Duran Duran covering a-ha. Which would have been better. ‘License to Kill’ - Gladys Knight was a surprise choice for this song, but she did a fantastic job with this song. How do you top Gladys Knight? Durga McBroom & Fernando Perdomo don’t try, instead delivering a faithful rendition of the original that is powerful and addictive. ‘Goldeneye’ - Tina Turner’s contribution to the Bond catalogue is one of the most underrated songs. It sounds like a Bond song. Identical Suns, however, turn it into a pop masterpiece, with beautiful vocal harmonies and power chords. ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’ - Sheryl Crow performs admirably on the original, but Brandon Schott, with Jake Gideon, blows it out of the water with an intense cover accented by rolling drums and jangling guitars. It’s a powerful change. ‘The World Is Not Enough’ - Garbage was the perfect band to perform a James Bond song, and Look Park, Chris Collingwood’s new band, delivers a true, if not different, cover of the song. ‘Die Another Day’ - Whoever got this tune received a present; there was no way you could do worse than Madonna’s dance-pop, Auto-Tuned disaster. Luckily, Big-Box Store doesn’t aim low, with an ominous interpretation that is somehow done perfectly with an acoustic guitar, synthesizers and xylophone. ‘You Know My Name’ - Chris Cornell, the originator of the angry, barbaric yawp genre, nevertheless has one of the best openings of any Bond song. Phil Ajjarapu mimics the opening, then eases back on the anger for a nice pop rendition of the song. ‘Another Way to Die’ - Another softball: Jack White and Alica Keys’ contribution is tuneless and disorganized. Unfortunately, Ballzy Tomorrow doesn’t improve on it much. ‘Skyfall’ - Adele made this an instant classic - partly because she’s Adele. It’s one of those dangerous songs that’s hard to improve upon, so Gretchen’s Wheel plays it conservatively while giving the song an air of creepiness. All in all, it’s very well done. ‘Writing’s on the Wall’ - Sam Smith’s ballad sounds like something the winner of American Idol would sing. But Cliff Hillis is a master songwriter, and in the words of former American Idol judge Randy Jackson, he ‘makes it his own.’ With his version, I can actually hear a melody.” I think I’ll have another…. EXCELLENT!!

 
All Roads Lead Me Back
Price: $15.00
Artist: Bedsit Poets
Description:

From the heart of England, and the glorious music culture of NYC comes the joint venture of solo recording artists Edward Rogers and Amanda Thorpe, whose songwriting partnership has thus far yielded two critically ... read more »

Solomon's Tump
Price: $16.00
Artist: Blake
Description:

“I was dumped by my f ... read more »

Exhibit B
Price: $14.00
Artist: Brent Seavers
Description:

RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!!   Brent Seavers writes music - music that you can dance to.  Or sit very very still to.  Or eat to. Basically, Brent writes music for any “everyday” occasion.&n ... read more »

Harm's Way
Price: $15.00
Artist: Ducks Ltd.
Description:

Back in 2021, the Tor ... read more »

Drop Out - 30th Anniversary Edition (2CD)
Price: $21.00
Artist: East Village
Description:

An autumnal treasure, East Village's “Drop Out” has spent the past 30 years finding new ears to bewitch and new hearts to melt.  The only album from this British four-piece, recorded and released in the early 90’s, it's long ... read more »

The Complete Collection
Price: $16.00
Artist: Fox Paloma
Description:

As if teleported straight from the late 60's, this trio appeared out of nowhere in the mystical northern regions of Denmark.  Fox Paloma bring their original (it really is) psych pop as if they had neve ... read more »

Planetarium
Price: $14.00
Artist: Grand Splendid
Description:

Specializing in upfront electric guitar sounds and soothing vocal melodies, Grand Splendid are from Montreal, Canada.  They contributed a stellar acoustic version of their song “Magic” to 2022’s widely acclai ... read more »

Leaving Without Saying Goodbye
Price: $13.00
Artist: Hollow Horse
Description: “Leaving Without Saying Goodbye” is the first new music from Scotland’s Hollo ... read more »

Byronesque
Price: $14.00
Artist: Janne Borgh Fanclub
Description:

NEW RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL - AVAILABLE MARCH 29 - ACCEPTING ORDERS NOW!  “Byronesque” is Janne Borgh’s second solo release and followup to 2023’s critically-acclaimed “Fanclub”.  He was raised on poetry a ... read more »

Single Return
Price: $14.00
Artist: John Howard
Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!!  In 2014, John Howard, Ian Button, Robert Rotifer and Andy Lewis began writing songs for their first album t ... read more »

Jonny Drucker/Sonny Unlimited
Price: $11.00
Artist: Jonny Drucker
Description:

Earlier this year we featured a 2021 release by Philadelphia band Mickey Cake.  Jonny Drucker is the principle singer/songwriter of the band.  In 2016, prior to forming Mickey Cake, he released his self-titled solo EP ... read more »

And I, You
Price: $12.00
Artist: Jordan Jones
Description:

NEW RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL - AVAILABLE MARCH 1 - ACCEPTING ORDERS NOW!!  read more »

Natural Magick
Price: $15.00
Artist: Kula Shaker
Description:

“Natural Magick” finds Kula Shaker harnessing the power to cast their most potent spell yet, incorporating blazing psychedelic sermons, raga rave-ups, stardust-coated pop pearls and mood-enhancing mantras.  They reformed pe ... read more »

Live At Sala Z
Price: $10.00
Artist: Kurt Baker
Description:

LIMITED EDITION RELEASE!  Recorded March 4, 2023 at Sala Z in Zaragaza, Spain, “Live At Zara Z” presents Kurt Baker and ultra-tight band (the lineup includes Kris Rodgers, Geoff Palmer and Wyatt Funderburk) in rip-roar ... read more »

Liam Gallagher John Squire
Price: $15.00
Artist: Liam Gallagher John Squire
Description:

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The Flip Side
Price: $10.00
Artist: Monogroove
Description:

Their most recent re ... read more »

Into The Sun
Price: $10.00
Artist: Monogroove
Description:

Their release from 2021.  “On ‘Into The Sun’, Monogroove delivers another must-listen record, featuring an eclectic mix of pop, rock, psychedelia, punk, folk, and even girl group inspired songs, which are st ... read more »

There's Something Here
Price: $10.00
Artist: Monogroove
Description:

Their release from 2020.  “The music on ‘There’s Something Here’ has a timeless feeling ... read more »

Echoes In The Glass
Price: $10.00
Artist: Monogroove
Description:

Led by vocalist/guitarist Rin Lennon, Monogroove is a retro power pop group from Crescent City, CA. that have been around for over 20 years!read more »

Struck Like Silver
Price: $15.00
Artist: Morning
Description:

Morning was a band with a good combination going for them, good vocalist and musicians and that's a winner in any book. Formed in Los Angeles, California, USA, in 1970, their original lineup consisted of Jim Hobso ... read more »

Timelines
Price: $13.00
Artist: Mothboxer
Description:

Featuring 11 brand new songs, “Timeline” is Mothboxer’s brand new album and follow up to “Breathe”.  “There may be a time ... read more »

Fade Out
Price: $13.00
Artist: Nite Sobs
Description:

Austin,TX’s Nite Sobs return with a terrific follow up to their critically acclaimed 2020 debut “Do The Sob!”!  “’Fade Out’ finds Nite Sobs dutifully refusing to fix what wasn't broken.  Again the band deli ... read more »

Deathmates
Price: $11.00
Artist: Odd Robot
Description:

“Deathmates” is the ... read more »

Tell Yourself It’s Pretty
Price: $14.00
Artist: On The Runway
Description:

RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!  On their 2021 debut EP, “All We Have is Ourselves”, On the Runway reveled in the bright jangle of Memphis power-pop.  Dave Norris, former lead singer and songwriter for 90’s/00’s p ... read more »

Not For Sale 1965-1975
Price: $17.00
Artist: Peach And Lee
Description:

NEW RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL - AVAILABLE APRIL 5 - ACCEPTING ORDERS NOW!!  You demanded it - you got it!  Thanks to a persistent, collaborative effort with Tom Sorrells of Titan Records, we’re proud a ... read more »

Gwent Gardens
Price: $16.00
Artist: Pete Ham
Description:

Pete Ham is best known as the founding member of Badfinger, the first act signed to The Beatles' new label, Apple Records, back in 1968. Pete's classic songs include “Day After Day”, “Baby Blue”, “No Matter What” and the all-time ... read more »

The Leopard And The Lamb
Price: $15.00
Artist: Peter Daltrey
Description:

Beloved 60’s psychede ... read more »

Pushbutton Romance
Price: $12.00
Artist: Rich Arithmetic
Description:

RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!  It’s not always been easy to categorize Rich’s music.  Yet, some things have remained the same about his unique approach: no matter the genre-hopping, his music consistently empha ... read more »

Pushbutton Romance/Shiftingears 2fer
Price: $20.00
Artist: Rich Arithmetic
Description: Get both of Rich's Kool Kat releases at a special 2fer price! ... read more »

Escape Scenes
Price: $11.00
Artist: Sea Dramas
Description:

Back with his first new music in nearly four years, Scott Pettersen’s Sea Dramas solo recording project returns with the sophomore “Escape Scenes” album.  Recorded during the lockout 2020–2021 period ... read more »

Shindig! Magazine - Issue #149
Price: $13.00
Artist: Shindig! Magazine - Issue #149
Description:

COMING SOON!  Skip Spence is the cover star: The road to “Oar”. Why Skip turned his back on Moby Grape and entered a period of enormous creativity, offset with wayward be ... read more »

Thank You, Valued Customer
Price: $14.00
Artist: Shplang
Description: Shplang may have first come to the attention in the worldwide pop-rock commun ... read more »

You're A Lighthouse, I'm At Sea
Price: $15.00
Artist: Spencer Segelov & Great Paintings
Description:

Spencer Segelov has b ... read more »

Continue?
Price: $10.00
Artist: Super Cassette
Description:

Super Cassette is an& ... read more »

Tremble
Price: $15.00
Artist: The Asteroid No. 4
Description:

The Asteroid No.4 is ... read more »

Beyond Science
Price: $13.00
Artist: The Blusterfields
Description:

The Blusterfields crank out songs.  The songwriting duo of Mike Nicholson and Todd Jones-Jones have churned out nearly fifty songs since they formed the band in the summer of 2021.  Their first full length “The ... read more »

Little Miss Lost
Price: $16.00
Artist: The Cynz
Description:

“Little Miss Lost” is the debut album by The Cynz.  A full throttle rock band, formed around the songwriting talents of Cyndi Dawson and Henry Seiz, this might just be their strongest material ever.  They “really sunk t ... read more »

Revival
Price: $14.00
Artist: The Cyrkle
Description:

“Revival” is the first album from '60s hitmakers and Sunshine Pop legends The Cyrkle in over 50 years, and features 13 new tracks in the band's classic style from the 21st Century lineup of the band, anchored by o ... read more »

Thrift Pop
Price: $14.00
Artist: The Dumbanimals
Description:

RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!  The CD debut of a previously download-only release from 2023!  Vermont-based small group of self-proclaimed “miscreants, madmen, and misanthropes” The Dumbanimals are dee ... read more »

You, Me and Reality
Price: $16.00
Artist: The Galileo 7
Description:

"You, Me and Reality” is the newie from Medway garage-psych outfit led by Allan Crockford.  Since the early 80’s, Allan has been a major figure in Medway's garage rock scene, including playing for The Prisoners, Billy ... read more »

The Rise Of The Glimmer Stars
Price: $14.00
Artist: The Glimmer Stars
Description: “The Rise Of The Glimmer Stars” is a retrospective compilation of tunes from ... read more »

Inside Out & Backwards
Price: $14.00
Artist: The Incurables
Description:

Get ready for a blast of rock and roll energy direct from Detroit: “Inside Out & Backwards” from garage-pop-punk heroes The Incurables that placing the quartet firmly in the lineage of The Ramones and The Clash (with a touch o ... read more »

Clocks Are Out Of Time
Price: $14.00
Artist: The Jack Rubies
Description:

“Clocks Are Out Of Time” is the first new album from reunited English C86/postpunk veterans The Jack Rubies in over thirty year.  The band has returned with their original lineup of Ian Wright (lead vocals and guitar), SD Ine ... read more »

Under The Lampshade
Price: $13.00
Artist: The James Clark Institute
Description:

Under the guise of Th ... read more »

The Jeanies + bonus disc
Price: $15.00
Artist: The Jeanies
Description:

A KOOL KAT EXCLUSIVE!!read more »

Native Sons (Expanded Edition) (3CD)
Price: $32.00
Artist: The Long Ryders
Description:

A 3CD/Expanded edition of The Long Ryders' 1984 debut album, now featuring demos and live recordings from the era.  Musically, the album fuses 60’s style garage rock and folk rock with country rock. Rolling S ... read more »

You, Me & The Make Three
Price: $12.00
Artist: The Make Three
Description: The Make Threeread more »

Running Out Of Time
Price: $14.00
Artist: The Mop Tops
Description:

RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!!  Previously a download-only release, "Running Out Of Time", the fourth and final a ... read more »

Do Your Thaang (The Weemeenit Sessions)
Price: $18.00
Artist: The Mourning After
Description:

Detour Records brings you this album which includes the first ever recordings by the band.  Detour head honcho “Dizzy” Holmes’ love for this band dates back to when he first heard ... read more »

Reviving Spark
Price: $17.00
Artist: The Shambles
Description:

The subtitle of this album states “early tracks, demos & outakes” which gives a pretty clear idea that this is a must-have for the fans, but it also serves as a good introduction of the Shambles’ musical profile for the uninf ... read more »

Burn The Jets
Price: $16.00
Artist: The Treasures Of Mexico
Description:

The Treasures Of Mexico are a collection of long-time Medway musicians, including Mark Matthews and Bob Collins, both ex-members of UK Indie legends The Dentists, with Russ Baxter on drums previously The Discords, The Men With Th ... read more »

Fairweather Friend
Price: $15.00
Artist: The Umbrellas
Description:

The Umbrellas’ debut ... read more »

Raspberry Park
Price: $16.00
Artist: The Weeklings
Description:

Yes, The Weeklings are based in Asbury Park, NJ and while their “Power Pop” sound seemingly departs from the R&B/Rock sound that is often associated with the famous seaside town, those in the know understand that the Asbury P ... read more »

Live and Unlearn
Price: $10.00
Artist: Thrift Store Halo
Description:

Chicago’s Thrift Store Halo are back with their new EP “Live and Unlearn.”  Formed in 1994 by bassist/lead vocalist/songwriter Frank Gradishar and drummer Scott Proce, these Chicago indie pop-rock stalwartsread more »

Explosive Hits Vol. 1
Price: $16.00
Artist: Trans-Canada Highwaymen
Description:

Trans-Canada Highwaymenread more »

Ugly Things Magazine - Issue #64
Price: $12.00
Artist: Ugly Things Magazine - Issue #64
Description:

This issue features a major cover story on British Mod R&B heroes the Artwoods by Mike Stax.  Pop Art paintermen the Creation are the subject of a brilliant new fact-finding mission by Peter Stanfield.  Doug S ... read more »

Sensationalize (2CD)
Price: $24.00
Artist: Used
Description:

The German gu ... read more »

Pushin’ Too Hard: American Garage Punk 1964-1967 (3CD)
Price: $32.00
Artist: Various Artists
Description:

“Pushin' Too Hard” is a 3CD, 94-track celebration of 1960’s garage punk, a retrospectively named genre first compiled on Lenny Kaye's seminal 1972 collection “Nuggets”.  This is raw, exciting music with tons of attitude - fu ... read more »

New Guitars In Town: Power Pop 1978-1982 (3CD)
Price: $33.00
Artist: Various Artists
Description:

LIMITED STOCK!!   Wow!!  A brilliant 3CD/read more »

All Fuller, No Filler
Price: $14.00
Artist: Wesley Fuller
Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!!  Wesley Fuller, originally “discovered” in 2015 by legendary UK A&R man James Endeacott (The Stroke ... read more »

Out Of Reach
Price: $14.00
Artist: West Coast Music Club
Description:

“Out Of Reach”, the new album from West Coast Music Club, features 9 new songs of top tunery, heavily influenced by melodic guitar bands old and new…but with the distinctive WCMC fingerprint.  Drawing comparison to artists a ... read more »