Under the Covers with James Bond - "From Russia with Love"
To quote the film's poster declaration, "James Bond is Back!" Tonight, we begin a proper listen to originals and cover versions of James Bond opening title songs. Well, not exactly. From Russia with Love actually did not feature its titular number in the film's opening. It in fact ran during the film's closing credits and as a short diegetic when James Bond is first seen on screen.
For starters, please enjoy English crooner Matt Monro's well known original. Props to Sids60sSounds for posting this video of the single in all its 45 RPM glory.
Matt Monro's sumptuously smooth vocal delivery of Lionel Bart's song sets the stage as it were for future James Bond title songs, with its overall sound and tone. One would think this would be a difficult piece to cover, but there are a pair of quite interesting versions which you should hear.
Liverpudlian jazz singer Thomas Lang has crafted a very interesting take on the song that nearly completely changes the musical arrangement without eschewing the familiar vocal melody.
The song is considerably faster paced, even clocking in slightly shorter than the original. Most notable though is the very Bondish bass line which now propels the song. This cover succeeds in reinventing the original, yet keeping it clever and classy as a Bond title song should be. Another way to create a successful cover is to strip a piece to its barest elements and hear if it maintains its identity. Which is exactly what happens with this wonderful ukulele version.
YouTube ukulele video creator paxukulele has pulled off what I consider to be one of the most challenging ways to record a solid cover version. Strip it down and maintain the soul of the original. On a ukuklele. paxukulele nails it, from his singing voice to his playing. This isn't a Hawaiian-ized version either. After watching numerous ukulele cover videos on YouTube (yes, really) I've become of the opinion that the best ukulele songs don't evoke the Hawaiian Islands at all, but exist wholly on their own, as a song played on a smaller instrument.
Before you go, here's a bit of fun.
The music of James Bond will return in Goldfinger.
As usual, great write-up. I'm very much looking forward to your thoughts on the rest of the series. One note, which I'm sure you know already - the theme actually is in the beginning, just not as the actual song. It's kind of a mashup with the traditional Monty Norman theme, and I feel works very well with the belly dancing credits girls.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much! Yes, you have a very good point about that!
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