Various Artists George Martin - Live and Let Die (22 tracks) +Album Reviews

Live and Let Delight

Kevin R. Austra | Delaware Valley, USA | 08/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The remastered release of LIVE AND LET DIE is much improved. The previous issue was no different than the track line up on the original 1973 vinyl record -- or eight track tape, depending on your antiquated stereo. Not only does this release include additional superb tracks, some of the original cuts have also been lengthened and more closely correspond the the film soundtrack. George Martin, the Beatles producer, took the helm from John Barry in scoring the eighth James Bond film soundtrack. Though no one has yet equaled Barry's compositions for Bond films, which we have not heard since 1987's THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS, Martin's soundtrack was perfect for launching Roger Moore's first outing as Bond. Let us not forget Paul McCartney's brilliant theme of the same name.

The musical chemistry between McCartney and Martin is obvious as the title theme music is blended throughout the soundtrack. As a matter of trivia the movie producers originally planned to use McCartney's title theme with a female vocalist before the former Beatle showed his mettle as a negotiator. In the end, Paul McCartney and Wings performed the title track. LIVE AND LET DIE also proved to be a hit Apple/Capitol single as well.

There are a couple things missing from the CD. When some of the James Bond soundtracks were re-released a couple years ago they included selected soundbytes and an analog movie trailer. Apparently the remastered LIVE AND LET DIE soundtrack did not rate these extra features.

Oh well, Live and Let Die. In the meantime, live and go buy."

Why weren't these tracks included in the first place?

Kendrik Lau | New York City | 04/16/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, that is my sentiment....in fact, it seems in all the other re-mastered Bond soundtracks, the best music is left out, and Live and Let Die was no exception.George Martin took over from John Barry to write the score for Live and Let Die and he more than admirably did the job. First of all, (take note David Anrold), is that he incorporate the theme song into the score even though it wasn't written by him...thus continuing the tradition of Bond music set by John Barry. Second, he wrote another piece for Solitaire which is also used extensively throughout the score. In all, George Martin wrote a score worthy of Barry himself....Which is what makes the original release such a disappointment because many of the best music was left out. The re-master remedied that and includes virtually the entire score: the music for the pre-title sequence (gun barrel/snakebit), other notables are Bond and Rosie, The Lovers, Bond to New York, and many of the cues for action/chase sequences. There is an alternate cue for San Monique which I think is better than the one on the original release.But why the 3 stars rating?
We have to wait for Bond's 40th anniversary for the soundtrack's proper release, AND rebuy the soundtrack (I have it in cassette and CD and now the Re-master). Call me bitter, I think the people who runs the Bond empire should stop treating us fans so shabbily."

One of the Best Looking Back and with a Little Help from Ex

gobirds2 | New England | 11/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"George Martin's inspiration for composing a score for LIVE AND LET DIE seems to have been SHAFT rather than earlier James Bond films. There is nothing wrong with this approach. However all the musical cues for James Bond, the hero of the piece, should never stray too far from his musical roots and that sound should remain consistent. This is similar to the mistake Michael Kamen made with his score for LICENCE TO KILL.

If you examine John Barry's score for THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN it is has an oriental quality to it reflecting Macao, Hong Kong and the Thailand settings. However, when he employs references to "The James Bond Theme" the score reverts back to a more consistent musical orchestration, only very subtly suggesting the locale and shifts the focus to James Bond the secret agent.

However, as an album LIVE AND LET DIE is very good. George Martin seems to have wisely chosen tracks that combined strains of James Bond and Solitaire's themes with a sustained beat resulting in a cohesive sound throughout. It is not John Barry at all, but instead is a refreshing look at James Bond as he dives headfirst into this unique world at a time and place of the early 70s. The extra tracks are outstanding making this one of the best James Bond soundtracks."

Search - Various Artists, George Martin :: Live and Let Die [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

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