World in the Satin Bag

Top 7 James Bond Title Themes

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I’ve been on a James Bond kick lately. I might even read the original novels and short stories. Who knows. For now, I’m mostly interested in the music ever since hearing Chris Cornell’s “You Know My Name” from Casino Royale (as an single, rather than in the film itself). So, I thought I would put together a post of what I think are the seven best James Bond title themes ever. Feel free to send the MI6 after me if you disagree. Here goes (list begins after the fold): 1. “Die Another Day” — MadonnaIf any song could prove that Madonna has still got it, then “Die Another Day” was that song. The use of techno beats, orchestra, and bizarre editing make for a really weird, but awesome listening experience. 2. “You Know My Name” — Chris Cornell (from Casino Royale)The new Bond films have actually been quite good, despite the mild controversy over choosing Daniel Craig to play 007. The new direction of the films also heralded a slightly new direction for the title themes. Chris Cornell’s rather rough and rock-inspired tune is one of the best of the newer tunes (in the last 20 years of Bond films). 3. “To Live and Let Die” — Paul McCartneyA classic and probably the one song most people associate immediately with the Bond franchise (or maybe that’s just me). The song never gets old. 4. “From Russia With Love” — Matt MonroeSomething about the lounge singer/Sinatra feel of this song always tickles me pink (or blue or whatever color is appropriate). It’s smooth, enjoyable, and makes you want to sit back and get a drink. 5. “Goldfinger” — Shirley BasseyBassey’s vocals are rough and rugged, which fits the Bond franchise perfectly. Goldfinger is one of the more iconic Bond tunes, too. Listen for yourself. 6. “Goldeneye” — Tina TurnerWho didn’t love Tina Turner’s rendition of “Goldeneye”? The Bond tunes seem to have a close relationship with divas, and Turner’s belting vocals and attitude and the creepy and poignant lyrics made for a great opening to a revitalized Bond franchise (with Brosnan taking the helm). 7. “The World is Not Enough” — GarbageThe overall feeling created by listening to Garbage’s “The World is Not Enough” can only be described as chilling. The tone and pace create a kind of strange atmosphere. Too bad the film didn’t quite live up to the song. And there you have it. Hopefully I haven’t committed blasphemy here… What are your favorite Bond tunes? Let me know in the comments!

World in the Satin Bag

New Weird/Bizarro Summer Reading: Want to join me?

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Over the next two months I will be researching and reading for an essay I am writing on the New Weird and Bizarro subgenres and their influence on SF/F in the last ten years. The list isn’t terribly long, and does include some older titles for historical reference, but I thought I would see if some of you wanted to read along with me. Perhaps we can have some discussions here about whatever happens to strike our fancy. So, my reading list is as follows: –The New Weird edited by Ann and Jeff VanderMeer–City of Saints and Madmen by Jeff VanderMeer–The Year of Our War by Steph Swainston–Foop! by Chris Genoa–Natural History by Justina Robson–The Etched City by KJ Bishop–Doctor Identity, or Farewell to Plaquedemia by D. Harlan Wilson–Veniss Undeground by Jeff VanderMeer–Angel Dust Apocalypse by Jeremy Robert Johnson–Wanderers and Islanders by Steve Cockayne–The Accord by Keith Brooke–Viriconium by M. John Harrison–Perdido Street Station by China Mieville–The Bizarro Starter Kit (orange) and (blue) I’ll also be reading numerous short stories by Jason Sanford and others. I can provide a short list of those if anyone wants to know. I’m pretty certain that I am starting with Perdido Street Station on Monday, which is probably the easiest of the titles on this list to get. That said, if anyone wants to join me, let me know in the comments. I’m already doing about half of these with a friend, and I’ve love to have the additional company. It would be interesting to get a bunch of people talking about the same book on here. Alright, off to reading for me!

World in the Satin Bag

Video Found: Ataque de Panico (Panic Attack — Scifi Short)

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I’m not sure how I missed this amazing science fiction short film, because it is bloody brilliant. I discovered this through a recent post at Scifi Wire. It’s about 5 minutes long and, for a film made by amateurs, it’s quite amazing. The graphics, while not quite to the standard of Hollywood, are still really impressive, particularly the explosions on buildings. See for yourself (after the fold):

World in the Satin Bag

Quick Note: Changes to Format and Suggestions

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For those of you who regularly visit the actual webpage for WISB, you’ll have noticed that there are some things shifting around and new things springing up. Some of these new things are in rough shape, but as soon as I figure a few programming bits out they will start looking better. One of the big changes to my blog is that there is now a navbar on top, which includes links to my review and advertising policies, among other things (more stuff will appear there when I get it in decent shape). It doesn’t look like much right now, but it will once I figure out how to make them not look like normal links. That said, I would like your opinions on the design of the main page. Likes, dislikes, and so on. If you hate something, tell me. If you love something, tell me that too. I’m in the mood to edit this blog and make it prettier, so your thoughts are, as always, appreciated. Anywho.

World in the Satin Bag

NextRead’s Short Story Month

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Gav over at NextRead is dedicating May to short stories in his Short Story Month project. He’ll be reviewing short story collections, new and old, and he’ll be opening the discussion to your favorite short stories, among other issues related to the narrative form.If you’re interested in this sort of thing (as I am), you should check out the intro post here. Additionally, you should let Gav know here who your favorite short story writers are, along with your favorite short stories. Hopefully this project will grab some attention. Short stories need the love!

World in the Satin Bag

Stephen King’s Dark Tower Series to Become Movie Trilogy

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The news is spreading fast, but it seems like Ron Howard is working on creating a trilogy of movies based on Stephen King’s Dark Tower series. The series is to be produced through Imagine Entertainment by Brian Grazer, with Akiva Goldsman as the script writer. This trio might make a little more sense if you throw out the titles A Beautiful Mind and The Da Vinci Code. For Stephen King fans, this is good news indeed. Ron Howard is an accomplished director with a lot of amazing credits to his name. The fact that he is slated to direct this project might mean that King’s work will get fine treatment. Only time will tell. I, however, have never read the books, but have been told numerous times that they are quite good. This might give me the push I need to set some time aside and read them. If you’ve read the books before, let me know what your thoughts in the comments!You find out more about this news here and here.

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