Casino Royale/Bacharach

Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass were a huge deal in the 60’s. I use to look forward to each and every new album release as well as any new Burt Bacharach material. You can imagine my excitement when the two merged on Casino Royale with Dusty Springfield getting the honor of singing the love song, and Alpert playing the main title. Somehow I wasn’t surprised with the academy when “Talk to the Animals” was the winner. Perfect material is seldom recognized and this song falls into that category. I wore my LP out and when Varese released it on CD I bought it too. In addition, I also had the Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass LP. In other words I loved the songs from this soundtrack. The new Kritzerland release #KR20017-6, limited to 1000 copies, quickly sold out because it is the best available choice. It is the only one to have because it gives you the LP and the original soundtrack material, as well as the highest possible quality sound. There are a couple of minor glitches, at least through my Marantz CD 5004 and Grado phones, on “Money Penny Goes For Broke” and “Flying Saucer” but they quickly pass. Just keep in mind you’re dealing with 40+ year old material and it will never be perfect.

 

The “Casino Royale Theme,” the main title of the film fits the spoofy story well and Herb Alpert was an excellent choice to perform the catchy melody. It is repeated in “Agent Mimi,” “Flying Saucer,” and a vocal version in the “End Credits.” “Le Chiffre’s Torture of Mind” begins with a very formal slow dance and evolves into a variation of the “What’s New Pussycat” theme followed by a Scottish march. “The Venerable Sir James Bond” is four short segments with two of them making reference variations to the main title. “Home James, Don’t Spare the Horses” is not only wonderful underscore but yet another spoof melody of the highest quality. There is a great instrumental version of “The Look of Love” with the saxophone being front and center surrounded by percussion and strings. The trackette “Keystone Kops” might just be the shortest recorded cue on record!

 

This is one of those must have soundtracks that well represent some of the style changes that took place in the 60’s. I wish Bruce had pressed more than a 1000 and perhaps he’ll do another in the future. He could have easily sold another 2000 copies but then again he doesn’t ask for my opinion on how to run his business. Highly recommended.

 

 

 

 

Track listing:

 

1.       Casino Royale Theme (Main Title) (02:38)

Performed by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass

2.       The Venerable Sir James Bond (02:32)

3.       Agent Mimi (01:35)

4.       Little French Boy (02:25)

5.       Money Penny Goes For Broke (01:38)

6.       The Look of Love (Instrumental) (02:48)

7.       The Look of Love (04:10)

Vocal by Dusty Springfield

8.       The Indian Temple* (00:52)

9.       Sir James’ Trip to Find Mata (02:15)

10.     First Stop Berlin (01:55)

11.     Home James, Don’t Spare the Horses (01:31)

12.     Hi There Miss Goodthighs (01:16)

13.     Dream On, James, You’re Winning (01:18)

14.     Le Chiffre’s Torture of Mind (02:12)

15.     Flying Saucer (01:06)

16.     The Big Cowboys and Indians Fight at Casino Royale /

End Credits (vocal version)* (05:11)

17.     Keystone Kops* (00:11)

“Bonus trackette”

 

18.     Casino Royale Theme (Main Title) (02:37)

Performed by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass

19.     The Look of Love (04:07)

Vocal by Dusty Springfield

20.     Money Penny Goes for Broke (01:39)

21.     Le Chiffre’s Torture of the Mind (02:12)

22.     Home James, Don’t Spare the Horses (01:31)

23.     Sir James’ Trip to Find Mata (03:48)

24.     The Look of Love (Instrumental) (02:46)

25.     Hi There Miss Goodthighs (01:16)

26.     Little French Boy (02:24)

27.     Flying Saucer – First Stop Berlin (02:58)

28.     The Venerable Sir James Bond (02:31)

29.     Dream On, James, You’re Winning (01:18)

30.     The Big Cowboys and Indians Fight at Casino Royale /

Casino Royale Theme (04:49)

Performed by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass

 

Tracks 01-17: Film Presentation – Taken from album master and

* DVD soundtrack

Tracks 18-30: Original LP Presentation – Vinyl transfer from Colgems LP

 

 

Total Duration: 01:09:29