Customer Reviews

Mission Accomplished: Themes for Spies & Cops

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

 

 

All the themes are easily recognized, as stated in previous reviews, but on the whole I don't think it's worth 5 stars. The "Peter Gunn" theme is not the popular Henry Mancini version, but still good. "Goldfinger" just doesn't sound the same without Shirley Bassy singing it. The version on this cd is by Billy Strange trying very hard to sound like Al Caiola. Yuk! Also "The Avengers" isn't the kosher tv theme. Okay, so some of the themes were 'stretched' out a bit, which I have no problem with. Lalo Schrifrin's "Mission: Impossible" and Mike Post's "Hill Street Blues" really saved this cd. If you're just looking for familiar themes it's a good album. Just be prepared to be a little disappointed.

What does Mancini, Hammer, Barry, Schifrin and Post have in common with Connery, Craig Stevens, Diana Rigg and Patrick McGoohan? Well, they were all in the "Spy Business", acting and composing for some of the best films and television series ever featured on the BIG and little screen. This album contains some of the most recognizable themes ever to come out of the entertainment industry, if not the original very close or better than.

The CD has the "Lounge" movement in mind, which is very popular right now. Some highlights - "PETER GUNN" (Mancini) - "JAMES BOND THEME" (Monty Norman/John Barry) - "SECRET AGENT MAN" (Sloan/Barri) and of course the "MISSION IMPOSSIBLE" (Schifrin), each track hits the mark, a perfect "Bullseye"!

Total Time: 43:07 on 14 Tracks/ Hip-O Records - HIPO 40017 (1996)

All the themes are easily recognized, as stated in previous reviews, but on the whole I don't think it's worth 5 stars. The "Peter Gunn" theme is not the popular Henry Mancini version, but still good. "Goldfinger" just doesn't sound the same without Shirley Bassy singing it. The version on this cd is by Billy Strange trying very hard to sound like Al Caiola. Yuk! Also "The Avengers" isn't the kosher tv theme. Okay, so some of the themes were 'stretched' out a bit, which I have no problem with. Lalo Schrifrin's "Mission: Impossible" and Mike Post's "Hill Street Blues" really saved this cd. If you're just looking for familiar themes it's a good album. Just be prepared to be a little disappointed.

This compilation is great as it has the full length versions of the rare
instrumental "Theme From S.W.A.T" (#1 Pop 1976) and "Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow"
(Baretta's Theme) both songs on the RH "Discofied" album famous for the
colorful platform shoe photograph issued on ABC Records.

There is some great spy music on this CD. There is also some TV Cop show music, which didn't really fit the theme. This is mostly insrumental, except for 1 song that has some background singing. This worked perfectly for my 9-year-old's Spy birthday party!

It's a fun CD of themes you'll recognize. All of the tracks are interesting and well-done. Some of the arrangements are awesome. I recommend it.