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4.0 out of 5 stars
No Barry? No problem!, 21 Sep 2000
For the first time in the series John Barry did not do the musical honours. Instead George Martin, former Beatles producer, took the role and produced a score more in keeping with the times than the Barry norm.Here, like with most of the other soundtracks, there is a range of themes to suit most tastes. In keeping with the film's locations (the U.S., generally) themes like "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" (performed by the Olympia Brass Band) and "Fillet Of Soul - New Orleans--Live And Let Die--Fillet Of Soul - Harlem" give listener/viewer a feel for the scene. Included, it could be argued, would be "San Monique", but upon hearing this tune it would be difficult to guess a possible nationality. Supposedly Carribean I guess, but it doesn't convince. More atmospheric tunes include "If He Finds It, Kill Him" and "Baron Samedi's Dance Of Death" - the latter being more of a playful jokey tune than anything else. The James Bond Theme gets another reprise, but this version is different... it has a definitely early-Seventies bassy feel. It can be heard not only at the beginning, but also during the scene where Bond "keeps on the tail of that jukebox", following Kananga to the Fillet Of Soul. Although credited to Monty Norman (obviously) George Martin should get a mention for producing a very good contemporary version. Of course, this little review would not be complete without the merest mention of the main theme to the film, "Live And Let Die", by Paul McCartney and Wings. Not only does it sound as fresh today as it did nearly thirty years ago, its (not nearly as good) remake by Guns 'N' Roses, suggests its popular appeal and thus its quality. Brilliant!
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~ John Barry
~ John Barry
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