Dr. No, the first Bond film, was released in 1962, so its 50th anniversary is upon us. There are celebratory screenings, new Bond DVD sets, and web postings of everything from girls to gadgets to great lines. (My all-time favorite exchange is from Goldfinger: “You expect me to talk?” “No, Mr. Bond. I expect you to die.”) But the best thing I’ve seen is a collection of all the theme music from the films.

First of all, there’s that classic opening sequence with the gun barrel, and the basic do-do, do-do, do-do-do-do melody. But the other films all have their individual themes, some of which (Goldfinger, Live and Let Die) were big hits, and some of which were, deservedly, not big hits. It’s a real trip through time to listen to all of them. (And I’m really pleased with myself for not suggesting that they are best experienced while drinking a martini—shaken, not stirred.)

Turn up the volume and check out Tor’s James Bond Theme Song Dossier »