Ray Martin and His Orchestra: Thunderball and Other Thriller Music / Billy Strange, His Guitar and Orchestra: Goldfinger

Two from Her Majesty's Secret Service

Both of these records were released in 1965, both are named for James Bond films and both feature mostly instrumental collections of popular music. That's where the similarities end, though. These are very different records but both are great for different reasons.

The first is by Ray Martin. You may know Ray from the two volumes he created for the Stereo Action series (Dynamica and Excitement, Incorporated). He also recorded a record called "Goldfinger and Other James Bond Thrillers." This record is Exotica Spy Jazz with lots of Stereo Exploitation, Nonsense Ooooh-Ahhhh Lyrics, Zappy Brass and Zinging, Swirling Strings. It will sound great as you're flashing down a mountain road in your Aston Martin DB5.

Ray Martin and His Orchestra: Thunderball and Other Thriller Music

1. Thunderball
2. The Knack
3. Theme from 'The F.B.I.'
4. Theme from 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.'
5. Mister Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
6. Theme for 'Honey West'
7. I Spy
8. Theme from 'Trials of O'Brien'
9. The Young Set

The second record is probably a little better suited for listening to in the Sunbeam Alpine that was the car Bond drove in the first film, Dr. No. It's a bit more Pop oriented than the Ray Martin album, but that makes sense considering that it was recorded by the fella that played guitar on Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots were Made for Walking." Billy Strange also played with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, and Speedy West. He's got a great website: http://www.billystrangemusic.com/.

Billy Strange, His Guitar and Orchestra: Goldfinger

1. Goldfinger
2. More
3. Paladin (Have Gun Will Travel)
4. Goin' Out of My Head
5. I Feel Fine
6. Theme for Pussy Galore
7. Peter Gunn
8. Dear Heart
9. Theme from The Munsters
10. The Jerk
11. Come See About Me
12. Man with the Golden Arm