Customer Reviews

James Bond Now

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

From the mid-sixties onwards there have been many cover versions of James Bond film themes available to an apparently insatiable record-buying public. Some have been very good, even excellent, but some have been very poor - horrendous in one or two cases. So it's a great pleasure to be able to review a new one, and one by the man who played guitar on the original James Bond Theme, and on many other Bond film scores - Vic Flick.

For 'James Bond Now', Flick has taken seven of his own favourite Bond themes, given them his own highly original treatment, and added three of his own compositions as a bonus. In the case of the Bond themes, some, like Goldfinger & The James Bond Theme have received sparkling makeovers. The famed guitar sound is still prominent, but a backing track years away from the sixties birthplace of these themes has been utilised to surprisingly good effect. In particular, Flick's ad-lib guitar solo on The Bond Theme give it a completely different feel from the original, which is not at all unattractive to the ear.

Live & Let Die has traditionally proved a difficult theme to cover, since the original vocal, by Paul McCartney & Wings is so engrained in the subconscious of Bond fans everywhere. Even Paul's mentor, George Martin, didn't attempt it in the film. However, Flick is obviously not a man to be concerned about reputations and attacks it here with gusto. Guitar takes the forefront during the initial part of the track, but a growling saxophone gradually takes over - a real bravado performance, this one.

The extended and different intro to Diamonds Are Forever had me guessing for a few moments before the familiar main melody kicked in with Flick's low register guitar solo the star of the show, accompanied by some great-sounding percussion.

For me, For Your Eyes Only is probably the best track on the album. I have to confess I was never very fond of Bill Conti's score, but Flick has settled for a thoughtful, mellifluous guitar solo and has won me over completely. Now I know where Conti went wrong!

Flick's own 'Shaken Not Stirred' is a cleverly done alternative, modern-sounding James Bond Theme, which wouldn't be out of place in a modern Bond film. There are shades of Norman/Barry's original melody, without it being too obvious, and again, the combination of guitar (occasionally funky-style) and percussion-led orchestra make for a very satisfying listen.

There is a very ominous feel to the beginning of 'From Russia With Love' before the familiar guitar sound kicks in. From that moment on, Lionel Bart's theme is given a fairly standard style treatment, though the addition of a drum-machine and other percussion does help create an appropriate atmosphere.

A Boogie-woogie piano intro to 'Nobody Does It Better' is very deceptive. An acoustic guitar solo soon brings a change in mood, and suddenly we hear the voice of Mr Flick himself, reciting the words from the Oscar-nominated song from 'The Spy Who Loved Me. I suspect this is likely to be the nearest we get to hearing Flick sing!

Silken Cover is the second of Flick's compositions. A wistful, gentle theme, with acoustic guitar fitting the mood, perhaps written with a love scene in mind, it sits very well on this album alongside some of the other, more up-tempo, tracks.

The final track, Copacabinsky, is another Flick original and quite different from what has gone before. There is a Latin feel to the beat and flute solos together with steel drums accompaniment, make for a mellow and very relaxing conclusion.

Don't be fooled into thinking this is a short album, as all the tracks are lengthy ones, particularly as compared with the original. This is an album well worth adding to your collection. To quote a line taken from the detailed liner notes, "Vic Flick is the Sean Connery of the electric guitar. Accept no impostors."!!

Vic Flick is an amazing stylist on his Bonded guitar--he is going on forty-plus years of working the Bonds since he first strummed the world's most famous hero's theme for James Bond, Agent 007, in 1962's Dr. No.

Flick has taken seven Bonds and well-covered them here, plus added three tunes of his own composition, making James Bond NOW one of the best Bond cover/re-mix albums ever done. The new arrangements and clever beats makes Flick's James Bond NOW a must do for any Bond fan.

Flick's re-working of Diamonds Are Forever is brilliant and (dare I say it!) makes me wish Barry had let him have more of a hand on the overall soundtrack of Bond VII to begin with. His guitar work on all the tracks, especially For Your Eyes Only and Live and Let Die, evokes a great depth of feeling. This CD will stand up to many repeated listenings. Enjoy! Long live James Bond!

I was extremely disappointed when I received this CD and listened to it the first (and only) time. Like one or two reviewers said, Vic Flick is very talented and his performances in the tracks is good. But you hear very little of the guitar and it is always combined with the other NOISES, so it brings down the guitar segments . The surrounding sounds are awful because they are all synthesized (at least they sound it). Some might be true sounds, but I assure you that most are not. You can tell. I would expect these tracks to accompany a 1985 Atari game. And listening to the music is not enjoyable -- my lips curled and my hands snapped up to cover my ears. I am an ardent James Bond fan; I love everything that is Bond. But I cannot and will not love this CD. It has to be a SMERSH propaganda op or something. Do not buy this CD. If Amazon would have provided samples of the tracks, I would not have bought it. You wouldn't either. Trust me, spend your FIFTEEN DOLLARS (!!!) somewhere else. Maybe an orchestra and Vic can get together and redo this CD with some real instruments. The tunes might be good then. Once more, BUY SOMETHING ELSE SHOPPER!!!!

In 1962 The James Bond Theme was recorded for the opening credits of the first James Bond film, Dr.No. It was such an effective piece of music that it was used in several other scenes in the film to heighten tension and went on to be used in the next eighteen Bond films produced by Eon.. A very significant contribution to the success of this piece of music was the electric guitar riff played by Vic Flick. Indeed Flick's guitar sound has very much been a key element of the James Bond films over nearly 40 years.

Therefore for Vic Flick to produce an album of his interpretations of seven classic Bond themes plus his own take on the Bond music style with three of his own compositions was particularly welcome.

I wasn't disappointed. Goldfinger is an outstanding opening track, keeping Barry's intro and then proceeding with a strong guitar interpretation of the classic melody line. 'Live and Let Die', never my favourite Bond theme, is given a new lease of life here .One of my favourite tracks is 'Diamonds are Forever' which is upbeat and driving and one of the best versions I have heard of this theme.

However, listeners are also advised to listen carefully to Flicks own compositions, 'Shaken and Stirred' is a strong take on Bond action music, 'Copacabinsky' has a warm tropical feel that vividly conjures up the beautiful locations of the Bond films. However my favourite is ''Silken Cover' a lounge/jazz theme which opens with Vic's acoustic guitar weaving a beautiful melody before melting into a glorious sax solo by Bob Efford. This music would enhance many a love scene in a 007 film.

Basically Mr.Flick has kept the essence of the originals but has moved them in a new direction with strong contemporary arrangements. 'James Bond Now' is a joy from start to finish and is never far from my CD player.

'James Bond Now' is an essential part of any Bond music collection.

This CD not only captures the fun and flavor of some of the original Bond tunes, but Vic Flick also manages to put his own exciting twist to each and every song he does. This is just something you'll have to add to your collection as a Bond fan, no doubt about it. Within the sea of substandard Bond tribute albums that are floating around out there at your local music store, this CD cuts through the competition like a laser that cuts through gold! Standout cuts on the CD are "Diamonds Are Forever," "Goldfinger," "From Russia With Love," and "For Your Eyes Only." Ranging from epic to haunting, Flick's re-mixes of these songs will galvanize and delight the most scrutinizing Bond connoisseur. And as if these aren't enough, Flick includes three original bonus tracks, including a rather impressive and exciting tune called "Shaken Not Stirred." Some say "Vic Flick is the Sean Connery of the electric guitar." Forget all that, he's the JAMES BOND of the electric guitar!

I consider myself an avid music collector, from Techno to Jazz to Lounge. The Big Problem is finding that one album that soars above all others. I have found pleanty of Bond Compilation Albums that range from Electronic to Jazz, But none of them ever had that Bite. UNTIL NOW! Vic makes Bond music exciting and fresh. From "Diamonds are Forever" to "The Original Bond Theme", Vic is still the true Master of Bond. I can't get enough of this CD. All I can say is BUY THIS ALBUM! It's a must.

This isn't just a rehashed coversong mania of those classic James Bond singles...Vic Flick takes these classic songs and gives them a whole new life. With a cigar in one hand, a martini in the other - I sat down last night in a leather chair, dimmed the room lights and enjoyed his smooth full-bodied sound. 'James Bond Now' sets the mood for an enjoyable evening of stimulating music.

A++++++++musical director John Barry composed,orchestrated arranged conducted james bond medley 1962 monty norman at the time had copyright.still to this day ...does not show remorse or without integrity to john barry contribution as music director norman original theme was rocky and no tempo or beat.. ..john barry medly music highly agree outstanding performance of vick flick gifted artist..
It was a co-operation ground of both that did not make the grade on monty norman because he had worked on theme but the sound came out rocky..john barry should deserve credit for working it to perfection..uncredited..

Vic Flick's contribution to the success of the James Bond series should never be under-estimated, although it very often is. This CD is a timely reminder of his role in fashioning that archetypal Bond sound. In re-visiting these cinematic landmarks and in adding one or two originals of his own, Vic proves the point impressively, delivering ten impeccable performances. Why he remains one of the music industry's 'best kept secrets' remains a mystery, for as the notes quite rightly pronounce, he is quite simply the Sean Connery of the electric guitar!

Terrific CD by a man who knows his Bond. Heck, this is the guy who created the "Bond sound!" Whenever I put this on as background music at a party someone ALWAYS asks me where they can get it. So get it, NOW! Goodbye, Mr. Bond.