From Russia with Love (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
After the surprise success of 1962'sDr. No, the producers of the buddingJames Bondseries began to establish what would become its trademark elements, with its debonair anti-hero frolicking libidinously through increasingly amped-up foreign intrigue and exotic locales. Musically, this soundtrack represents perhaps their most crucial decision: hiring band leader/budding composer John Barry as scorer. Abandoning the first film's calypso kitsch for an orchestra powered cocktail of elegance and jazzy sophistication, Barry immediately gave theBondsaga a focused musical language that would become arguably its most consistent element over the decades and amidst a revolving series of lead actors and increasingly improbable cinematic predicaments. While anchored by a medley that includes Monty Norman's "James Bond Theme," this soundtrack also introduced another longstandingBondtradition, the pop-ballad title track/single, here penned by Lionel Bart and sung with urgent conviction by British croonerMatt Munro. This digitally remastered new edition features new liner notes, as well as artwork and stills from the film.--Jerry McCulley