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December 2002 Film Music CD Reviews

Film Music Editor: Ian Lace
Music Webmaster Len Mullenger

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Compilation:
The James Bond Collection  
John BARRY/Monty NORMAN/Lionel BART/Paul McCARTNEY/George MARTIN/Linda McCARTNEY/Marvin HAMLISCH/Bill CONTI/Michael KAMEN/Eric SERRA/David ARNOLD   City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Nic Raine
  PRIMEtime TVMCD 808 4CD set  

james bond collection

For those of us on a budget (aren't we all!?) this is an indispensable collection of suites and themes from every James Bond extravaganza produced thus far (excluding the barely released Die Another Day) as conducted by Nic Raine and performed by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. From the brilliant, bombastic strains of John Barry through to the less impressive contributions of Bill Conti and Eric Serra, right up to the current work of the talented David Arnold, there is such of wealth of fine material here that to pick out favourites is almost pointless. But of course I can't resist mentioning just one or two, such as the wonderful You Only Live Twice pieces and the dazzling The Man With the Golden Gun. In fact there is outstanding music to be found on all of the John Barry scored productions, but fortunately there is strength in depth and Live and Let Die (McCartney/Martin/McCartney) as well as The Spy Who Loved Me (Hamlisch) also provide some great moments. Add to this some very strong work by Mr. Arnold on The World is Not Enough ('Ice Bandits' in particular) and we have superb value for money.

Bond fans, soundtrack fans or just music fans, all are catered for here. I see no sensible reason not to add this to your collection immediately.

Mark Hockley

****

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