Capitol

With each new James Bond film, it seems as though another CD compilation of 007 music is released. With "Quantum of Solace" on the horizon, this season is no different "¦ except that "The Best of Bond "¦  James Bond" tacks on some bonuses that make it worth replacing the last disc you bought.

As expected, it begins with the iconic "James Bond Theme," as performed by John Barry' a tune known even to people who've never seen a single 007 movie. The disc then runs through each main theme, chronologically. There are some certifiable classics' Shirley Bassey's "Goldfinger" or Carly Simon's "Nobody Does It Better"' and some real crushing duds' say, roughly the last eight films, with not a memorable tune among the Chris Cornells, Madonnas or k.d. Langs.

Only the new "Solace" duet by Jack White and Alicia Keys is absent, but in its place is a welcome bonus track: John Arnold's jazzy, but quasi-electronic take on the Bond theme that brings the superspy's melody into the here and now.

Better yet, this "Best" comes with a DVD containing a nifty documentary that covers the franchise's happy marriage with music, a live performance by Bassey and five music videos, including fun clips from Duran Duran, Sheena Easton and Tina Turner. (Sorry, Rita Coolidge, but you're an all-time low.)

"”Rod Lott