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I’ll remark more on DAD when we get there (there’s a lot of variety in that score and simply a lot of music period—perhaps more than any other Bond film?), but Arnold’s heroic action theme found in “Jinx, James & Genes” and in “Whiteout” is one of the coolest things I’ve heard from him.
You mention Jinx, James & Genes. You know, I love the part at 3:10 that scores Jinx chasing Zao, gun in hand. I love it! Especially the fact the first bar is 7/4; throws me off-kilter rhythmically, in a good way.
You know, I never had realized before now that that action theme is in fact the same as the romantic theme heard in “Peaceful Fountains” and elsewhere. That’s pretty cool. It really sounds very different when played as a softer, romantic melody versus as a heroic, propulsive action theme. But yes, that’s the one I’m referring to. And I also love the sound that plays at 3:10 in that track.
Hopefully all this discussion of DAD doesn’t mean it’s up next!
DIE ANOTHER DAY
Music composed by
DAVID ARNOLD
Five bottom 5's were noted, three of those were a 24th spot, which was its lowest ranking. Another four members ranked it 21st.
On a more positive note, DAD collected one 5th and three 8th spots, as well as an 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and two 15th places.
In total the original music for DAD received 93 points. The last of the bunch that remained under the 100-points mark.
David Arnold received a BMI Film Music Award for his DAD score.
NO! I had DAD at #5. I love the score in Havana, Welcome to Iceland, Ice Chase, Hovercraft Chase and so much more. Gutted!
Well... I think we just Jinxed DAD.
I was just listening to Iced Inc. I like it. This is a more synth-heavy score than the previous two, but it goes well with the high-tech vibe of the film and the ice motif.
I share the appreciation for the Cuba music, too.
Yes, that's a good comparison. There are a few other themes in the series that function in similar ways. "Goldfinger" plays more softly and more playfully during "Alpine Drive" and more brashly in "Oddjob's Pressing Engagement." "Live and Let Die" plays more softly and more playfully in "The Lovers" and more aggressively in "Bond and Rosie."
LICENCE TO KILL
Music composed by
MICHAEL KAMEN
Only four bottom 5's for Kamen's sole Bond outing, out of which one 24th place was the lowest ranking.
On the other side of the spectrum, three 7th places, two 9th places, one 12th place, two 13th places and two 14th places were noted.
The original music of LTK crosses the 100-points mark only just as it managed to secure 101 points in total.
Having said that, when it's on, it's on. The instruments swooning in 'James and Felix On Their Way To Church' as the two parachute to the latter's wedding is a fantastic moment.
I hope this means we're approaching The Spy Who Loved Me or one of Barry's less impressive ones. Both well overdue at this point, IMO.
Licence to Kill is the only non-Barry score where I don't see how John Barry would have actually done anything better. There are both Barry and non-Barry scores I like a bit more than this one, but Michael Kamen didn't go wrong anywhere with LTK.
He really shows how to use the Bond theme. It's all over the movie, obviously, but it's always done stylistically different to fit with the scene and not be overbearing.
His use of the Bond theme in the action scenes is fantastic, not to mention varied: it's heard on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, strings, flamboyant brass... you name it. He also uses it to great effect in mysterious moments, such as when Bond is snooping around Krest's warehouse (one of my favorite cues).
Pam is a gorgeous piece of music. So is the one heard when Bond and Felix parachute to the wedding, as @Creasy47 mentioned.
I also love the opening part of the track Ninja, with those quirky percussion sounds.
There are also many quiet, not particularly melodic passages in the LTK score, but they have a palpable sense of danger and mystery that's engrossing. And Kamen's signature use of high strings gives them an elegant quality.
The energy Kamen shows when humming the Bond theme in the Music of James Bond documentary is just what he brings to the LTK score. It's great!