BondCast: James Bond 007 (BondCast)

Exciting. Unpredictable. Controversial. These are just a few terms to describe NO TIME TO DIE. We still have much to say about Daniel Craig's final outing as 007 and this time, we are unleashing all of our agents. For the first time ever, all 4 of the BondCast hosts, including Laird, have gathered at the roundtable for wide-ranging discussion. We talk about the whole film and whether or not "James Bond Will Return".

Direct download: BondCast_032_NTTDRoundtable.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 3:10pm CDT

We review the final film of the Daniel Craig era including the characters, cars, plot and Bond girls. Plus, all the twists and surprises, including the shocking conclusion. Expect strong opinions and debate as we share our first impressions of No Time To Die. Brought to you by Bond In Motion at the Petersen Auto Museum, the largest official Bond vehicle exhibit in the United States.

Direct download: BondCast_030_NTTDspecialreport.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 10:50am CDT

Welcome back to Bondcast for our musical investigation of 1985's A View to a Kill. From the Duran Duran main theme to the classic Barry score, Laird Malamed and Jimmy Mac bring you all the classified info. As always, For Your Ears Only! (And listen a little past the last tune for a throwback audio clip.)

Direct download: Bondcast_FYEO_A_View_to_a_Kill.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 2:57pm CDT

BondCast is back to talk about Roger Moore’s final outing as 007 in 1985’s A VIEW TO A KILL. At age 57, was it one film too many for Sir Roger? We talk about the whole movie, including Christopher Walken’s bad guy Max Zorin, Grace Jones as the exotic May Day, and Bond Girl Tanya Roberts. We share some varied takes about the overall quality of this flick, along with a little debate. Plus, we go over the plot, stunts, mechanical icebergs and horse steroids.

Direct download: BondCast_028_AVTAK.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 5:52pm CDT

Laird is back to take us through the soundtrack to NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN. This non-EON Productions film features some music similar to your typical 007 soundtrack, and some vastly different. You won't find any twangy surf guitar music here! But does that help or hurt? You can decide for yourself as we present our review of composer Michael Legrand's Never Say Never Again soundtrack.

Direct download: For_Your_Ears_Only__NEVER_SAY_NEV.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 5:40pm CDT

Sean Connery returned to the role of Bond in 1983's NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN. Directed by Irvin Kershner, director of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, this film was produced by Kevin McClory, outside the Cubby Broccoli/EON Productions franchise. We talk about the return of Sir Sean, Bond girl Kim Basinger, the villian Largo, and the femme fatale Fatima Blush. From Largo's video game "Domination" to the fountain pen gun, we talk about it all!

Direct download: BondCast__Never_Say_Never_Again.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 3:27pm CDT

John Barry returns to the podium to take Bond from England to India to Germany, as we bring you the music of OCTOPUSSY. We take on the John Barry/Tim Rice hit "All Time High" performed by Rita Coolidge along with all the orchestral 007 tunes from the 1983 film. Plus: Our initial thoughts on "No Time to Die" by Billie Eilish.

Direct download: The_Music_of_OCTOPUSSY.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 3:43pm CDT

The second part of our “For Your Eyes Only” discussion focuses on the cast of characters that surround 007 including the women, especially Carole Bouquet’s Bond Girl Melina Havelock. And who could forget Lynn Holly Johnson as Bibi Dahl! Plus, we look at Bond’s MI6 support staff, and, of course, the villains. Bad Guy Kristatos was played by Julian Glover, famous for playing other evil roles in The Empire Strikes Back and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Jason once spoke to Julian Glover about his work on the film and we feature highlights from that conversation. 

Direct download: BondCast__For_Your_Eyes_Only_2.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 5:57pm CDT

Laird Malamed brings us an amazing discussion with musician Warren Ringham from the 007 inspired UK band Q THE MUSIC. On this special edition of For Your Ears Only, Laird and Warren talk about the evolution of the band and the music itself, along with several tracks of Q THE MUSIC doing what they do best, the music of James Bond!

Direct download: Bondcast_FYEO_March_2018_Special_with_Warren_Ringham.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 4:21pm CDT

We review the music from the tenth film in the James Bond series, "The Spy Who Loved Me", including the popular title track by Carly Simon and the upbeat and funky "Bond '77". Plus, we take a deep dive into Marvin Hamlish's official movie soundtrack and even review the incidental music from from the film itself. Plus, Laird always has a few surprises up his sleeve for the end of the show. Celebrate 40 years of "The Spy Who Loved Me" with BondCast! 

Visit Run Laird Run on Kickstarter to learn about Laird's charity fundraisers and to donate!  

Direct download: BondCast_FYEO_010_SpyWhoLovedMe.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 6:48pm CDT

It’s part 2 of our look at THE SPY WHO LOVED ME and this time around, we dive deeper into the plot and the character that puts everything in motion, the villain Stromberg. We get critical talking about the web-fingered bad guy, from his dialog to his motivations. Plus, the evil henchmen, especially Richard Keil’s iconic character Jaws. We replay an interview we had with Darth Vader actor David Prowse who reveals he was almost cast as Jaws in “Spy”. Plus, the Bond Girls, most notably Barbara Bach’s “Triple X” and some humorous trivia and plot holes big enough to drive a Lotus Esprit through. 

Direct download: BondCast__The_Spy_Who_Loved_Me_Part_2.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 4:39pm CDT

BondCast is back with our review of 1977's "The Spy Who Loved Me", a film many consider to be Sir Roger Moore's best Bond film. We talk about the Moore's passing and discuss some of the things that made him such a great Bond. Jonathan recently saw "Spy" on the silver screen and he shares his experiences seeing it again for the first time. Then we take a deep dive into the film itself. From the villainous Stromberg to Ken Adam's set design to even the fashion seen in the film, we talk about it all. We also discuss all of the Star Wars actors who made cameos and appeared as extras in the film and more.

Direct download: BondCast__The_Spy_Who_Loved_Me_Part1.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 6:53pm CDT

Laird and Jimmy Mac return to BondCast to review the score for "The Man With The Golden Gun". From the new take on the gun barrel sequence, to Lulu's title track, to Alice Cooper's scrapped opening number and more, we dig deep into the score for the ninth 007 film. 


UPDATE: The original upload of this episode was missing some music at the beginning and end of the show. This is the corrected file. Thanks for your patience!

Direct download: BondCast_FYEO_009_GoldenGun.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 12:48pm CDT

We continue our discussion about THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN. In this episode, we talk about Herve Villechaize's evil Nick Nack and the other henchmen. We also talk about the Bond Girls from GOLDEN GUN including Maud Adams and Britt Ecklund, the plot, and the action sequences, including the amazing twisting boat jump.

Direct download: BondCast__The_Man_With_The_Golden_Gu.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 9:36am CDT

The Moore-era continues as we take a deep look at 1974's THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN. We discuss Roger Moore's evolution as 007 and the similarities and differences to Sean Connery. Plus, Bond's motivations in this story, Christopher Lee as the sophisticated, triple-nippled villain Scaramanga, Bond girl Maud Adams, the differences between Fleming's novel and the film, and more.

Plus, we talk about the future of the Bond franchise and the possibility of Daniel Craig returning to the role. 

Direct download: The_Man_With_The_Golden_Gun_Part_1.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 1:38pm CDT

The Music of LIVE AND LET DIE

Paul McCartney's main theme for "Live and Let Die" has become a staple on Classic Rock radio, but that is just scratching the surface of this amazing 007 soundtrack. With music arranged by the legendary Beatles producer George Martin, the score for "Live and Let Die" provides an amazing atmosphere for Roger Moore's first outing as the world's most famous spy.  Join us as we take you track-by-track through "Live and Let Die". 

Direct download: BondCast_FYEO_008_LALD.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 1:29pm CDT

LIVE AND LET DIE Part 2

We continue our review of LIVE AND LET DIE with more analysis from the first 007 film of the Roger Moore era. We talk about the lovely Solitaire, Jane Seymour, and how she ranks amongst the best of the Bond girls. Plus, conversation about the evil Kananga, his henchman Whisper, and the goofy Sheriff J.W.Pepper. While LIVE AND LET DIE will never be considered the greatest Bond film of all-time, we find plenty to talk (and laugh) about this time around on BondCast. 

Direct download: BondCast_017_LiveAndLetDiePt2.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 9:42am CDT

LIVE AND LET DIE Part 1

BondCast is back from special assignment with our top field agents reporting for duty.  Serving Queen and Country once again are BondCast hosts Jason Swank, Jimmy Mac and Jonathan Wilkins and the topic of conversation is the 8th 007 film from EON Productions and the first for Roger Moore, LIVE AND LET DIE.  We talk about Moore's debut and the difficulty of picking up where Sean Connery left off. Plus, we get down and dirty with discussion about the antagonist Kananga and his henchman Whisper, along with Bond allies Rosie Carver, Harold Strutter and David Hedison's first stab at Felix Leiter.  And who could forget the lovely Jane Seymour as Solitare?  Ramp up to the release of SPECTRE and get your 007 fix now with BondCast's review of 1973's LIVE AND LET DIE.

Direct download: BondCast_016_LiveAndLetDiePt1.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 9:03am CDT

The Music of DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

We wrap up our deep dive into Diamonds Are Forever by shining the spotlight on the soundtrack composed by John Barry and the memorable title track sung by Shirley Bassey. Join Laird Malamed and Jimmy Mac for a close examination of the music from the 7th Bond film from EON Productions and the final for Sean Connery. 

Direct download: BondCast_FYEO_007_Diamonds.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 9:15pm CDT

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER Part 2

BondCast is back with the second part of our "Diamonds Are Forever" discussion. This time, we talk about the henchmen Mr. Wint & Mr. Kidd, the alluring Tiffany Case and the big Blofeld himself. Plus, SPECTRE talk and more. 

Direct download: BondCast_015_DiamondsAreForeverPt2.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 1:27pm CDT

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER Part 1

1971's Diamonds Are Forever takes James Bond and the action to Las Vegas in an attempt to foil a jewel smuggling ring.  The first 007 film of the seventies features Sean Connery's return to the role of Bond and yet another actor as Blofeld (Charles Gray). And who could forget Diamond's Bond Girls Jill St. John and Lana Wood. Join Jason Swank, Jimmy Mac, and Jonathan Wilkins as they discuss what makes Diamonds dull and what makes it sparkle. 

Direct download: BondCast_014_DiamondsAreForeverPt1.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 2:25pm CDT

The Music of ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE

We've analyzed the film, now it's time to get into the music as BondCast bring you the latest edition of For Your Ears Only.  Blofeld is back as Bond hits the slopes in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" and Laird Malamed joins Jimmy Mac to discuss the accompanying soundtrack. From Louis Armstrong to Nina to John Barry, we discuss the talent behind this memorable 007  soundtrack in one of our most in-depth shows yet!

Direct download: BondCast_FYEO_006_OHMSS.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 3:27pm CDT

ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE: Part 2

BondCast is back for more discussion about George Lazenby's take on 007 in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service".  We are talking about some of the major plot points from the film including the romance between James and Tracy, Bloifeld's evil plot, and the growing influence of SPECTRE.  And of course, we nitpick just about everything about the movie that you can think of, including music, production, acting and action sequences. Join us for our unique brand of James Bond Commentary and conversation this month on BondCast.

Direct download: BondCast_013_OHMMS_pt002.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 3:56pm CDT

ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE: Part 1

 BondCast is back for a close-up look at the sixth 007 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. It's a time of transition for Bond fans as Sean Connery relinquishes his signature role to unknown Australian model George Lazenby. We share our thoughts, appreciation and trepidation for Lazenby as he has huge shoes to fill and we discuss his impact on the franchise in his one-and-done appearance.  It's opinions, theories, and a few laughs along the way as we open the dossier for On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

Direct download: BondCast_012_OHMMS_pt001.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 11:35pm CDT

The Music of YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE

Laird Malamed and Jimmy Mac are back with BondCast's latest edition of For Your Ears Only. This time around Laird and Jimmy are talking about the fifth entry into the EON Productions 007 canon, 1967's You Only Live Twice. Hear highlights from the John Barry composed soundtrack along with analysis of Tina Sinatra's memorable title track. And of course, we can count on Laird to provide us with Top Secret information & trivia about the production of the soundtrack and much more!

Direct download: BondCast_FYEO_5.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 5:28pm CDT

BondCast is back with our second part of our discussion about Sean Connery's You Only Live Twice. We discuss the iconic villain Blofeld, his amazing volcano headquarters, and more! Join Jason, Jimmy and Jonathon for this look back at the fifth 007 film, 1967s You Only Live Twice here on BondCast!

Direct download: BondCast_011_YOLTPt2.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 3:11pm CDT

James Bond travels to Japan as Sean Connery returns as the famous 007 in You Only Live Twice. Released in 1967, this is the fifth Bond film produced by EON Productions. Join us as we discuss the impact of Japanese culture on the series as well as the history, plot, and characters of the film. From it's exotic locales, place in Bond "continuity", and even sumo wrestlers, we give you the "best duck".  So, kick back and enjoy your first civilized bath as BondCast presents our take on You Only Live Twice.

Direct download: BondCast_010_YOLTPt1.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 2:58pm CDT

THUNDERBALL Part 2

Join us for the second part of our conversation about 1965's 007 epic Thunderball.  We continue to discuss our theories and opinions on Domino, Largo, and James Bond himself.  Plus, background on the messy court battles surrounding the making and release of Thunderball and producer Kevin McClory, and who is Kutzy anyway?  All this and more with Jason, Jimmy & Jonathan this month on BondCast! 

Direct download: BondCast_009_ThunderballPt2.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 12:11pm CDT

THUNDERBALL Part 1

BondCast is back with our close-up look at the epic 1965 007 film Thunderball.  Join Jason, Jimmy Mac, and Jonathan Wilkins for an in-depth discussion of this monster hit.  We talk about the early reviews, the women, and even discover a plot hole or two along the way. And of course, we critique yet another version of Felix Leiter!  You are under strict orders from the MI6 to drop everything your are doing and listen to this first part of our analysis of Sean Connery's biggest Bond to date, Thunderball.

Direct download: BondCast_008_ThunderballPt1.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 11:39pm CDT

Join Laird Malamed & Jimmy Mac for an in-depth discussion about the music of Goldfinger, including highlights from the soundtrack itself. From John Barry's instrumentals to Shirley Bassey's unforgettable vocals on the main title track, Goldfinger set the standards not only for the music of future Bond films, but for spy movie music in general.  Listen to For Your Ears Only to find out more!

Direct download: BondCast_FYEO_003Goldfinger.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 4:32pm CDT

GOLDFINGER Part 2

BondCast is back with more discussion about the 1964 007 classic "Goldfinger". Join Jason, Jimmy and Jonathon for fun analysis about "Bond Moments", The Aston Martin DB, Odd Job, "Granny Machine Gun", and more.  Plus, Sam Mendes will return for Bond 24, and we found some cool 007 collectibles at Wizard World Chicago.

Direct download: BondCast_007_GoldfingerPt2.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 9:50am CDT

BondCast is back with the first part of our discussion and analysis of Goldfinger.  Sean Connery's third outing as 007 is considered by some to be the greatest Bond film of all time.  But what do we think of it?  Join us as we discuss all things Goldfinger - From the women, plot, and characters in this franchise classic.

Direct download: BondCast_006_GoldfingerPt1.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 6:29pm CDT

It's our special BondCast exploration into the music of From Russia With Love!  From the sweeping strings of the lush opening track, to the gypsy-infused music of Istambul, to the power packed punch of the James Bond Theme itself, we examine the best the soundtrack has to offer.  Join hosts Laird Malamed and Jimmy Mac for an in-depth appreciation of the music from the second 007 film, From Russia With Love.

Direct download: BondCast_ForYourEarsOnly_FRWL.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 12:58pm CDT

BondCast is back for the second part of our From Russia with Love Part Two discussion. Join us as we dig deep into the second 007 film, with our take on the villans, girls, gadgets, and the proper way to chill champagne.  Plus, talk about Skyfall on Blu Ray and Ali Kerim Bey.  Listen and you will never look at the film the same way again.

Direct download: BondCast_005_FromRussiaWithLove_Pt2.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 9:40am CDT

BondCast is back with an in-depth look at From Russia With Love. Join Jason Swank, Jimmy Mac and Jonathon Wilkins as they dig deep beneath the surface of Sean Connery's second 007 film. It's the first of our analysis and discussion about the plot, villians, and women of From Russia With Love, brought to you by BondCast!

Direct download: BondCast_004_031913_FromRussiaWithLo.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 2:33pm CDT

BondCast introduces For Your Ears Only - A look and listen to the music of 007 film-by-film.  Joining Jimmy Mac for this new series is videogame and entertainment industry veteran Laird Malamed (Skywalker Sound/Activision).  For our premiere episode, we are showcasing the music of Dr. No, a soundtrack which launched the famous James Bond Theme and many more iconic tracks.  So pour yourself a martini and join us For Your Ears Only with a close look at the soundtrack to Dr. No.

Direct download: BondCast_ForYourEarsOnly_DrNo_021113.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 2:40pm CDT

DR. NO Part 1

We begin our journey through the James Bond film franchise with the one that started it all: 1962's Dr. No. Listen as we reminisce and analyze our way through this monumental film that changed movies forever.

Direct download: BondCast_002_121712_DrNo_Pt1.mp3
Category:BondCast -- posted at: 10:22pm CDT

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