Inevitably, with the anticipation of a new Bond film comes the anticipation of a new theme song. For 'Quantum Of Solace', ever since Amy Winehouse was officially considered out of the picture, speculations have begun making their rounds. Among the fans' favorite candidates are Leona Lewis, Duffy, and Alicia Keys. Personally, I'm rooting for Goldfrapp, but we all know it ain't gonna happen. I just like rooting for the underdog like that. Anyone would sure be better than Chris freaking Cornell, though. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if they chose Chris Daughtry for the part. Anyways, now here's a real unlikely candidate.
Nina Persson, the voice of The Cardigans.
Odd choice? Not convinced? Just me being a good fanboy? Well, listen to this ultra-rare gem, her very hard-to-find collaboration with James Bond composer David Arnold.
Gorgeous. Is there anything she can't do? One day, I might gather up a fraction of my Cardigans rarities collection and make a week-long special, possibly maybe.
Update: Apparently, there's a music video for it, too.
Apparently, this video was out about 2 weeks ago but I was just aware of its existence a few days ago. How embarassing. This time, The Pipettes go animated! Judging from the looks, I guess it was Flash-made, and the style is kinda Hanna-Barbera-ish. Somehow, their animated versions keep reminding me of, um, The Powerpuff Girls. Weird. Anyway, the girls just signed a deal with major label Interscope in US via their division Cherrytree Records (which is also home of The Feeling and Feist). Their album will get a stateside release in summer followed by a tour. So congrats! Let's hope their label figured out the marketing strategies right and spend some proper cash on promoting. If you're still not familiar with them, check out a tune right now! A, B, C, D, 1, 2, 3, X, Y, Z...
Video for his second single. He's still very flamboyant. Somehow this vid shares a lot of similarities with the following Arctic Monkeys one.
Arctic Monkeys - Brianstorm
Yes, they're back. First, I'm never a fan. They're good at doing what they do, but their melodies/lyrics/riffs just don't stay. But this song, it was produced by James Ford, producer of Simian Mobile Disco and Klaxons. And on first listen, it doesn't sound that bad. Probably their danciest song to date. And their flashiest video too. The funny thing is, it's the monkeys that look out of place in this vid.
The after effects of OK Go's success. Now Ben's going for the homemade, viral video look, with help from his 82-year-old granny, hip-swivelling in a gym. This is the kind of thing that makes you either feel creepily entertained or makes you wanna gouge your eyes out. Somehow I can't help but think that this is Shakira and Beyoncé at their 80s getting together and remember the olden days! I heard this song last year and totally overlooked it. How wrong was I! Now it's stuck in my head all day. Great feel-good song. Must-hear! If The OC was still on, this would secure a spot on an episode, sigh...
Setting: in a supermarket in LA. A little cheesy, but fun and cute nonetheless. Fran's getting chubby. And there's a cameo from Ben Stiller. Lovely song, by the way. I'll find the Quicktime mov link and put it up tomorrow for download.You can download the vid now in good quality.
Manic Street Preachers feat. Nina Persson - Your Love Alone Is Not Enough
Simple performance piece. James has shaved his beard. And Nina still looks stunning after all these years, she doesn't seem to age at all. And the song's already one of the best of 2007 period.
Dolores O'Riordan - Ordinary Day
Dolores looks in shape for her age. The vid's nothing exciting to write about, I don't get the concept. But the park scene at the end's quite cool, anyway. I plan to listen to her solo debut this weekend, so more on that later.
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These I forgot about yesterday...
Amy Winehouse - Back To Black
Gloomy, and shot in black and white, but overall a little bit dull. The video treatment didn't work as it would sound on paper, so it's another case of could-have-been-better. Ace song, though. Love love her. She's been getting buzz in the blogosphere like crazy.
Mark Ronson - Stop Me
The story of a man and a crazy pair of white sneakers (not sure if they belong to lily Allen, though). A novelty idea for his version of The Smiths' song. Interesting enough, but I've got a feeling I've seen it all before. Deja vu, indeed.
Klaxons - Gravity's Rainbow
New version shot for the re-release of the single. A different approach. Art direction's quite neat.
Now, Manic Street Preachers is one of those bands that I heard a lot about, but due to having their prime in a time when I wasn't so exposed to music yet, I never actually listened much to their songs. James Dean Bradfield, the frontman, had a solo album out last year, but I didn't pay any attention either. But when I found out their new album's gonna have a collaboration with Nina Persson of The Cardigans, I just have to get it! And how brilliant it is! I was hooked on the first listen. It's catchy right from the get-go. A straightforward, punchy, upbeat rock song. Nina Persson is the perfect choice, and she fit it so well it certainly feels like it can be a Cardigans song. Yep, the more I listen to it, the better it gets. Now if the rest is as good, they might gain a new fan.
Their comeback album is called 'Send Away The Tigers' and supposed to be out in May.
For now, the only version available is a BBC radio rip, but it's good enough quality.
Nina Persson, the voice of The Cardigans.
