Best James Bond Soundtrack
kametamorphic | East Haven | 07/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Goldfinger has to be the best James Bond soundtrack. It not only has the best James Bond Theme song but the score is one of the best. They don't compose them like this any more. It brings back fond memories."
Music with the Midas touch
Dave Mock | Rockville Centre, New York United States | 08/17/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Having impressed both moviegoers and the industry in his rookie year as the Bond series' lead composer, John Barry followed up with a soundtrack that's almost as impressive. This CD is a combination of spectacular music and -- even without the remastering -- brilliant production.While Barry had to give way to Lionel Bart when it came to composing the "From Russia With Love" title song, the "Goldfinger" theme music is Barry all the way, and it's as close to a perfect movie song as there is. Mix the bombast of Barry's horn-soaked arrangement, the over-the-top lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Tony Newley, and of course the powerful delivery by vocalist Shirley Bassey...and you have a theme song that's a thriller itself.The CD is filled with gems, including the brilliant big-band instrumental "Into Miami" -- used just after the title credits to accompany the wonderful slow aerial zoom to the Fountainebleau Hotel. The suite "Alpine Drive - Auric's Factory"
has wonderful violin passages balancing the "Goldfinger" music and a suspenseful section during which Bond spies on the Auric Enterprises plant.The soundtrack CD reaches its powerful peak in "Dawn Raid on Fort Knox" and "The Arrival Of The Bomb And Countdown." Each has violins and horns building upon each other dramatically to a finish that doesn't need the movie visual to leave you tingling.The only clunker is the Duane Eddy-ish, monaural guitar instrumental of "Goldfinger..." which obviously sounds as if it's from a worn master tape. The arrangement is fine, but the audio quality is a drawback from what's otherwise a spectacular disc...which comes awfully close to the brilliant "From Russia With Love" in front to back quality."
Barry's Best Bond
W. Pender | Cathedral City, CA United States | 11/15/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Of all the Bond scores, 'Goldinger' has always been my personal favorite. As the movie is also my favorite Bond film, the score holds a special place with me, bringing some good memories. The newly expanded score CD replaces 4 tracks there were on the original UK LP, that was not released in the US. 'The Laser' is actually one of my favorite tracks from the entire album. Thanks to EMI for its fine remastering and expansion of this classic Bond score."