Bond - Classified (13 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

More of the same, with some serious crediting issues

Daniel J. Hamlow | Narita, Japan | 07/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"What I am about to part is Classified information, info on Bond's third studio album that is. The foursome have not departed from their tried and true formula of strings and pop syrup of oontsa-oontsa techno beats and drum machines. Granted, there are some triple digit BPM numbers, but when it comes down it, this has been ground already covered in full on Born and Shine, their first two albums, and much better. The allegro, rhythmic and symphonic cadence of the action movie-theme of "Explosive" opens the album, showing a strong opening track that later closes the album.However, the upbeat and Latin-flavoured "Samba," replete with whistles and vocals from the ladies, a first for them, veers more to conventional pop-techno, the strings being more or less classical window-dressing. They also cover the Silver Convention's classic disco standard "Fly Robin Fly," and violinist Eos Chater and cellist Gay-Yee Westerhoff do some singing there, but why bother doing a retread scarcely distinguishable from the original?If the slow, dreamy rhythm of "Midnight Garden" is familiar, it's because Bond is using the melody from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, the Danse de Cygnes segment. However, in looking at the writing credits, I see to my horror that Piotr Ilyich is NOT credited whatsoever, which is also the case for his "Waltz Of The Flowers" from the Nutcracker in "Dream Star." Oh, but there's more. Their upbeat and skirt-swishingly danceable "Hungarian" is taken from Johannes Brahms' gypsy-like Hungarian Dance No. 5 given the drum machine backbeat, and "Senorita," which incorporates the slow, measured ballet-like "Habanera" melody from Bizet's Carmen. A selection from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite serves as the inspiring melody for "Dream Star." And the dreamy and pleasant "Lullaby" is a reworking of Pachelbel's Canon in D, uncredited again! Now that rap artists are required to give credit to music and lyric samples, one would think Bond would know better, given that classical crossover acts such as Sarah Brightman, Charlotte Church, Hayley Westenra, and Myleene Klass have done so. And Bond did too on their first two albums. What happened here?Their foray into Middle Eastern sounds first explored in Shine continues in "Scorchio" which has some vivacious symphonic strings of a Liszt or Brahms sound, and the soaring "I'll Fly Away" written by cellist Westerhoff.At least they gave credit where credit was required in "Adagio For Strings," which sprinkles random techno noises on Samuel Barber's funereal piece that in its pure form might lead one to start turning on the gas oven if one isn't of hale heart and mind. "Highly Strung" incorporates Aram Khachaturian's "Saber Dance," itself a dizzying whirling dervish of adrenaline, with some Duane Eddy-sounding surf guitar.I don't mind the reworking of classical tunes with techno and electronic drum fills. My main issues with this involves proper credit, which if not given, becomes plagiarism-simply signifying "Copyright Control" in the credits, just does not do-and a sound, which is vivacious, soaring, and infectious, that nevertheless doesn't show much evolution from their first two albums. The only thing that shows evolution is their transition to FHM or Maxim models with a sickly magazine gloss on the album cover and inner sleeve, as if someone sprayed something on the ladies, which sadly detracts from the fact that they are talented string players. Summer dresses and bikinis, fair enough, but lose that model gloss! Something more innovative next album, okay?"

Whats gone wrong?

BoldmanUK | UK | 07/25/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a fan of Bond since seeing them perform Viva on the Classical Brits back in... must have been 2002 and Born is one of my all time Favourite Albums. Shine was also enjoyable, but there seemed to be a trend towards more "background" music in the foreground, than Bond.

Now comes Classified and where are Bond? Great job Production Team, you put the girls so far down in the mix that we can barely hear them. Look, I don't buy Bond Albums to listen to how clever some producer has been adding overdubs and special effects. I buy Bond albums to listen to BOND! This is NOT a proper Bond album, even though a couple of the tracks are enjoyable (Adagio for strings, Explosion, Midnight Garden), but some tracks are just plain rubbish - Highly Strung is the worst! Where is Bond in this track????

Sorry, please consign this experiment to the bin and go back to how you made music on Born."

Scorching Neoclassicism

- Kasia S. | New York City | 04/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My introduction to this type of music started with violinist extraordinaire, Vanessa Mae in 1990's. The fusion of techno, pop and serious classical was a breath of fresh air, and Bond soon found its way into the long list of my favorites. The classically trained flutist in me loves the serious backbone in this music but the poppy/dance movie like melodies mesh so well that it morphs into a wonderful crossover. The violins, viola and cello here are throbbing with passion, excitement and fresh, new vibrancy. If I am sitting down when listening to this, my feet are always tapping whether I know it or not, but this is really appropriate for just about any activity. Those familiar with the classical pieces that were used and embellished on will enjoy the new take on old favorites.

Fans of Pachelbel's Canon will adore "Lullaby" it's sweet and romantic. I always feel as if I was at a spring wedding on some exotic locale whenever I hear it.

"Dream Star" in my mind it sounds like sunset and then sunrise somewhere warm where the air is thick and views stunning.

"I'll Fly Away" is simply amazing, when this stars playing I get goosebumps, it just sounds like a journey under a starry sky in Morocco, riding a camel wile the cool wind blows through the hair.

"Hungarian" makes me thing of goulash and jumping over fires! Fun, crazy piece with some trance mixed in.

"Adagio for Strings" done with drums and synthesizer - lovely and moving, also really well done as a trance piece by DJ Tiesto - fyi for the fans of the melody.

"Explosive" just like the name suggests it's not a shy piece; it was used during the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Those familiar with the classical pieces that were used and embellished on will enjoy the new take on old favorites. Every time I hear this CD it makes me happy, I can't wait for their new album coming out this year.

- Kasia S.

"

All glitz and sparkle, but where's the real Bond?

Linda Schwebke | Denver , CO | 05/26/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When Bond first appeared with their album 'Born', they represented a new wave of classical artists who were trying to make classical contemporary. 'Victory' was not only a song that became popularised through the soundtrack of 'Gladiator'; it also represented the kind of lush orchestral vibrancy that made Bond unique. All in all, Bond was a group of four extremely talented young women who openly flaunted their musical pedigrees and who were out to make classical music exciting once more.

Since then Bond seem to have lost their way. Their third album 'Classified' follows in the direction of second album 'Shine', with its techno inspired beats and the girls' revamped image. This makes for a very catchy pop album with the usual visual selling points, but its a mainstream avenue that seems miles away from Bond's credible beginnings.

Maybe they're having the last laugh with the stuffy elites of the classical world, but by following the crowd in sound and presentation, Bond aren't only gambling their identity, they're also letting their musical talent be glossed over. 'Classified' is certainly impressive as a pop album, and tracks such as 'Explosive', 'Senorita' and 'Hungarian' are catchy and vibrant. There's also a dominant Latin feel to the album that gives the music great dimension. It's also a treat to hear four tracks composed by each of the Bond girls, and one can only wish that there were more, especially as the album is a disappointing 45 minutes long. There are also some very familiar sounds: 'Lullaby', 'Samba', and the much-covered 'Adagio for Strings' are all reworked, but not enough to evince any sense of an inimitable Bond style.

If you're expecting a return to Bond's early work, then you're going to feel a bit cheated. However, if you can look through the commercial veneer of the album, some of that captivating musical talent still shines through.

Also Recommended: MEHDl~Instrumental Heaven... A True Gem...Full Samples Are At S00THINGMUSIC,C0M ..Just Listen !"

Search - Bond :: Classified [US Version]

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