You may have noticed a new feature in the header of this website: if you have not, I have put together a little playlist on Spotify featuring music from adaptations of John's works.
Make no mistake - this was seriously good fun for me and passed some time during the COVID lockdown (see 1st GIF). I have a very strong musical background, I have a degree in it, I'm a singer and a soundtrack obsessive so I was grateful to be able to sit down and really enjoy some of the amazing music that has been chosen for these movies. The beauty of these soundtracks is that there really is something for everyone.
The music of Legend really transports you back to the sixties and was chosen very cleverly. I have always had a soft spot for anything using 'Chapel of Love' by the Dixie Cups (I possibly overwatched Father of the Bride in my youth or something) and I'm obsessed with 'Sleepwalk' by Santo & Johnny. A special mention needs to go to Carter Burwell for his powerful soundtrack and a big shoutout to a flawless Duffy (as Timi Yuro). If I had to choose, my personal favourites would include:
Chapel of Love - Dixie Cups
Sleepwalk - Santo & Johnny
My Baby Loves Me - Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
Make the World Go Away - Duffy as Timi Yuro
I was delighted to give the soundtrack to All the Money in the World by Daniel Pemberton another listen. I think Daniel Pemberton is definitely a composer to watch! There are some beautiful pieces in there with some dreamy vocal lines. If that's your jam, take a listen to:
Hadrian's Villa and Hadrian's Model
Getty Arrivals (kind of a Sull'aria vibe, possibly my imagination?!)
The Collector
Money Drop
Credits
'J. Paul Getty' sounds like a movement from one of the great requiems
You'll see that I've included a selection of Bond themes because of the Fleming/007 link. Everyone has their own favourite theme and everyone says the other person is wrong! Personally, and possibly controversially, I prefer the older Bond themes and my favourite is the rather underrated For Your Eyes Only performed by Sheena Easton. What are your favourites? Does anyone else love Sheena like me?
To finish this blog, I must share a confession. I had never listened to the soundtrack for Goldeneye (the one with Charles Dance as Ian Fleming not Pierce Brosnan as 007!!) because I'm an awful granddaughter. It's safe to say that I am now obsessed and I know my grandfather would be particularly pleased that Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring is featured. Plus, as a chorister, it takes me to a very happy place. Here are my last recommendations and favourites. I've picked out my favourite artists or versions:
Gershwin: A Gershwin Medley
I'll Get By - Connie Francis
Poor Little Rich Girl - Judy Garland
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - J.S Bach (listen to any King's College, Cambridge recording)
I hope that you will enjoy the playlist and find yourself transported into the world of John's books!
Lydia