BEST OF BOND … JAMES BOND {Compilation} (2008 edition)

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 79 Min.

Released by Capital Records in 2008, this updated 24-track compilation CD includes the following tracks (in historical order):  

1. James Bond Theme                                   John Barry & Orchestra  1:47
2. From Russia With Love                                Matt Monro  2:34
3. Goldfinger                                                    Shirley Bassey 2:49    
4. Thunderball                                                 Tom Jones       3:03
5. You Only Live Twice                                    Nancy Sinatra 2:46    
6. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service         The John Barry Orchestra  2:35
7. We Have All the Time in the World              Louis Armstrong  3:13
8. Diamonds Are Forever                                Shirley Bassey 2:41
9. Live and Let Die                       Paul McCartney & Wings 3:13
10.  The Man With the Golden Gun                   Lulu                 2:35
11.  Nobody Does It Better                                 Carly Simon    3:29
12.  Moonraker                                                 Shirley Bassey 3:09
13.  For Your Eyes Only                                    Sheena Easton 3:04
14.  All Time High [Octopussy]                         Rita Coolidge  3:03    
15.  A View to a Kill                                        Duran  Duran  3:35
16.  The Living Daylights                                   a-ha  4:14
17.  Licence to Kill                                            Gladys Knight 4:11
18.  Goldeneye                                                   Tina Turner    3:29
19.  Tomorrow Never Dies                                  Sheryl Crow    4:53
20.  Surrender [Tomorrow Never Dies]                 K.D. Lang       3:56
21.  The World is Not Enough                            Garbage          3:56
22.  Die Another Day                                        Madonna         4:39
23.  You Know My Name [Casino Royale]           Chris Cornell  4:04
24.  James Bond Theme                                       John Arnold    2:14

Notes: Track 7 is from “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” Track 11 is from “The Spy Who Loved Me.”   

REVIEW:

Like Agent 007’s aim, this album doesn’t miss.  Though Tracks 1-22 are available on prior compilations, the added attractions are Track 23: the hard-rocking “You Know My Name” and Track 24: and John’s Arnold’s up-tempo take on the classic Bond theme (from the Pierce Brosnan era).  Considering its endearing vibe and flawless sound quality, this ‘greatest-hits’ album is mighty tough to surpass.

PACKAGING:

All twenty-four tracks are listed on the case’s back cover, though the running times aren’t included.  The stylish, eight-page booklet provides credits for each track, as well as a two-page spread of Bond-related posters.  The CD is well-protected in a standard plastic casing.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    10 Stars

Note: Besides missing Track # 23, the significant difference from the 2002 edition is that it sports a pair of cool James Bond theme variants (one from “Goldeneye” and the other from “Tomorrow Never Dies”).