Latest Bond song snore

November 14, 10:26 AMMusic ExaminerLinda Laban

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Alicia Keys, photo courtesy of aliciakeys.com

 “Quantum of Solace”, which hits theaters today, is a great piece of Bond escapism. Not with quite the brooding drama of Daniel Craig’s first foray as 007. But, then, spinning out Bond’s inner pain would’ve been snorey to say the least. It’s kept to small doses in “Quantum,” which, despite a plotline with no surprises, somewhat stilted dialogue, but plenty of  smashing, literally, chase scenes, is a goodie. The only disappointment is the new Bond song, “Another Way to Die,”  featuring Alicia Keys and White Stripes Jack White. White wrote the song utilizing his best proto-Zeppelin riffs and adding a little hip-hop syncopation. Keys vocal is gorgeous, in fact, they pair well. But Keys doesn’t have with the brassy pizzazz necessary for a Bond song. Shirley Bassey remains the benchmark that all Bond song vocalists should be measured by. Even ex-Audioslave singer Chris Cornell’s “You Know My Name,” for Craig’s debut in the “Casino Royale” reboot, fell in line with the Bond song drama and histrionics we know and love.  Hooray for the return of the John Barry theme teasingly at the end of the movie, complete with classic Bond graphics. Otherwise, thumbs up.