Under the Covers with James Bond - "Moonraker"
Released during the science fiction renaissance of the late 1970's, Moonraker took James Bond to new heights. The film marked the third performance of a James Bond title song by Shirley Bassey, the most by any performer in the series. While it is not as highly regarded by the singer herself or in terms of chart performance, it is still a solid entry into the James Bond music oeuvre, which resulted in a pair of covers worth hearing.
Technically, there are two versions of "Moonraker" performed by Shirley Bassey. The main title version and an end title version which was in essence a lite Disco remix of her performance. First (appropriately enough) the main title.
And now the more uptempo, but not entirely danceable end title version. Polyester leisure suits and Halston dresses optional but not required for listening.
Now the disco hits don't stop there. The disco era occurred in the same window of history as the rebirth of the science fiction film genre. Naturally, a few brave souls set out on a trek to combine the two. Space disco pioneers Meco went straight to number 1 on the Billboard charts in 1977 with their discofied "Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band" hit and in 1980 Neil Norman and His Cosmic Orchestra launched an album which featured a higher energy and vastly more dance floor friendly spin of "Moonraker."
If the notion of "Space Disco" is fascinating to you, check out this review of Droids, who have been called "the 70's Daft Punk".
"Moonraker" doesn't enjoy as much professional level cover version love as its predecessors. It does however enjoy a coveted spot in the track listing of the excellent Shaken and Stirred: The David Arnold James Bond Project album, with vocals performed by Shara Nelson.
While it may not be as instantly memorable as her performance of "Goldfinger" or "Diamonds Are Forever" the collaboration of John Barry, lyricist Hal David and Miss Shirley Bassey on "Moonraker" is still a very good song and perhaps future history will reveal new artists who will endeavor to explore it's notes further.
The music of James Bond will return in For Your Eyes Only.
Comments
Post a Comment