Today is Culture Day, a public holiday in Japan. Culture Day, otherwise known as Bunka no hi, is a day to honor traditional Japanese culture and promote the love of freedom and peace that was enshrined in the Japanese constitution which came into force in 1948. November 3rd is a notable date in Japan as it also marks the date of birth of Emperor Meiji, who ruled Japan from 1867 until his death in 1912. From 1927 until 1947, November 3rd was a national holiday called “Meiji Setsu,” in honor of the late Emperor.
Throughout the country, festivals and parades are held celebrating traditional Japanese customs. It’s a great day to delve into the rich history and culture of Japan as most museums in Tokyo and across the rest of the country are open for free on Culture Day.
Today is the birthday, in 1933, of English composer and conductor John Barry. He composed the scores for 11 of the James Bond films between 1963 and 1987 and is credited with arranging the ‘James Bond Theme’ in every movie. He wrote the Grammy- and Academy Award-winning scores to the films Dances with Wolves and Out of Africa, as well as the theme for the British television cult series The Persuaders! Barry died of a heart attack on 31st January 2011 aged 77. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9-cDa4JCwM
I was reading that there is yet another Bond film due to be released later this year and apparently the title song is by Billie Eilish. I like some of her stuff but I’m not particularly impressed with this one. So, I thought this would be a good opportunity to revisit my list of my top five favorite Bond songs. I know I did this once before on Facebook, but this platform provides a better opportunity to really show the music.
Number One.
My eldest daughter has persuaded me that this one should really be Number One! Who does not know this song? Shirley Bassey just blasted this one out and into our memories.
Number Two.
I know most won’t agree with me, but I think this song just fits the theme of the Bond series so well and it’s more musical than many besides being one of the best odes to Bond’s sexual prowess. Carly’s voice sounds a little thin coming right after Shirley Bassey, but that would happen to anyone. Carly Simon does have the chops for this, though.
Number Three.
Paul McCartney and Wings did this little ditty and it’s pretty impressive, I think. Frequent tempo and volume changes keep us listening and I like it.
Number Four.
For this one, they brought Shirley Bassey back and she does a good job, I think. She definitely puts one in the mood for a Bond film.
Number Five.
I like this one. Nancy Sinatra does a fine job of fitting the song to the movie. It’s a nice, breezy melody. My understanding is they wanted her father but couldn’t get him.
Number Six.
I know I said five, but once I got started I thought a few more would be good. Gladys Knight (no pips) did a good job of getting us in the mood on this one.
Number Seven.
I thought Pierce Brosnan was a mediocre Bond, but he had some great musical introductions. Tina Turner does another great job of setting the mood here.
Number Eight.
Adele certainly has the talent to do a great Bond song, but I don’t think this worked as well as it could. The music and chords don’t seem to change a lot during the long song and she doesn’t really get into it. But here it is.
Number Nine.
Sheena Easton has a nice voice and she does a good job on this one. I think it’s kind of plain though.
Number Ten.
As some one pointed out, there are two kinds of Bond songs – very loud ones that are belted out and quieter, more sensitive ones. This one, by Sheryl Crow, seems to try to fit between the two with some quiet vocalizing and a loud chorus.
There are my ten. I have no doubt that most of you will have different opinions. Feel free to comment and tell me where you think I went wrong!
I was shocked to hear this morning of the death of Sir Sean Connery. He was a magnificent actor and undoubtedly the very best James Bond. Now I have to go back and watch all of his movies.
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