Customer Reviews

James Bond and Beyond: Classic Themes For Secret Agents

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

While the theme variations are somewhat interesting, Mike Boldt crossed over the line on this CD.

I expected at least a decent rendition of spy themes - but this guy did the whole thing on his synthesizer in his bedroom.

Yechh. Give me my money back.

When I think of spy music I think of real instrumentation, not cheesy synthsizer "impressions" of instruments. If you're going to charge full price for a CD, do the right thing - hire a band or at least tell us it's all fake instruments in the description.

I have had the pleasure of receiving a copy of this CD and am so delighted that it is being distributed on Amazon!! Mike is a fantastic composer and arranger. His renditions of popular spy themes are ingenious, well composed and just plain fun! What I really love however are his original pieces...His subtle insertion of the actual theme from Casino Royale in"James Bond at Casino Royale" is super clever and amusing! My favorite is "Mr and Mrs James Bond".....smooth, jazzy, Sean Connery sexy........LOVE IT!!!
Do yourself and Mike a favor....BUY IT!!!

I recently bought Mike Boldt's CD "The Alamo: A Musical Tribute to John Wayne's Epic Film" and was very impressed by his innovative music. Thus, I decided to spring for his other album, "James Bond and Beyond". As with "The Alamo", Boldt not only provides some great cover versions of classic songs, but also throws in some very good original compositions as well- in this case based on "Casino Royale" and "On Her Majesty's Secret Service", though best of the lot is his "Spies, Sleuths and Private Eyes" which captures the essence of John Barry's "The Ipcress File". There are also some other nice bonuses: a very informative, well designed collector's booklet and liner notes and some really rare original radio spot commercials from 1960's spy movies including those old "Man From UNCLE" feature films and "Our Man Flint". In all, it's pretty hard to put some energy into songs that have been recorded so often, but Boldt manages to succeed.

Most of the time a remake of a favorite tune disappoints but Mike Boldt's original rendition of the these TV/movie classics brings new life and is a very enjoyable listen. Added all of them to my iPod tunes.

Lex is right, the renditions on this CD are horrible. I should have read the reviews before purchasing this CD.

Mike has delivered another personal tribute to an era, filled with unprecedented visual and aural images of tempered, elegant, yet often explosive heroics for the whole family. It might get a little sensual (James Bond), a little gladiator-like (Wild, Wild West), or just "tongue in cheek" - still gotta Google that expression. For good ol' Maxwell Smart.
The set is all electronic but master musician Mike B. has the feel and concept to make The James Bond Theme actually *funky*. He's contributed some originals, too: Spies, Sleuths, And Private Eyes and Mrs. And Mrs. James Bond. That later title bespeaks the necessity of a fast follow-up CD focusing on the Pussy Galore, Stephanie Powers, and Agent 99 [please get clearance on Barbara Felton purring ".....Ohhh, Max!"].
Radio promos are a great addition for the historian-collectors. In MB's previous tribute to The Alamo and John Wayne, the exploitation extras really put the set permanently over-the-top.
Brother Phil Boldt flew in from Las Vegas to tickle the ivories himself on Your Z.O.W.I.E. Face, a super cut. Some listeners may associate him more with Rockabilly, as he is in The Rockabilly Hall Of Fame.
Can't reach *5* stars here, though, as we miss the extraordinary voice of Mike Boldt. Would love to hear his voice, guitar, and drums up front next time 'round.