Radiohead have released the song they recorded to be the signature track for the lastest James Bong film Spectre.
Writing on Twitter, lead singer Thom Yorke posted, “Last year we were asked to write a theme tune for the Bond movie Spectre. Yes we were. It didn’t work out, but became something of our own, which we love very much.”
Spectre – https://t.co/PCdpN1Qc6S
— Radiohead (@radiohead) December 25, 2015
As a Christmas treat, the band have made the moody, orchestral track a free download on SoundCloud.
But its appearance has, of course, led to comparisons with Sam Smith’s Writing on the Wall, which was eventually chosen for the film.
Edited #SPECTRE’s opening title sequence to have @radiohead’s awesome track. Merry 007mas: https://t.co/tFQdaCOjJI
— Anton Volkov (@antovolk) December 25, 2015
Sam’s track met with mixed reviews when it was released in September, whereas Radiohead’s track has gained mostly approval from music critics and fans.
If you haven't already heard this, phenomenal >> Radiohead Share Unreleased Bond Theme "Spectre" https://t.co/d0j56Riehn via @pitchfork
— Zane Lowe (@zanelowe) December 26, 2015
(I’m listening now. It sounds exquisite on first listen, sensational string arrangement) #radioheadbondtheme https://t.co/wFxd3ENNeV
— Pete Paphides (@petepaphides) December 25, 2015
Listened to @radiohead proposed #Bond song for the #Spectre movie. A million miles better than the effort by Sam Smith. Wrong choice made.
— Dean Faccini (@DeanFaccini) December 26, 2015
Sam Smith is great and all that but bloody hell RADIOHEAD! #Spectre
— Hubert Burton (@hmb1991) December 26, 2015
Radiohead's 'Spectre' is stunning. They are consistently brilliant.
— cp (@cpath123) December 26, 2015
Imagine being in a meeting where someone says "Radiohead song's nice but we should go with Sam Smith's song" No wonder a Spectre was abysmal
— Killie Me Softly (@mickmcavoy) December 25, 2015
Although some admitted it still didn’t have the fanfare to be a Bond theme tune.
That Radiohead 'Spectre' song is undeniably lovely. Very Pyramid Song-y, but admittedly not very Bond. Still better than Sam Smith's.
— Stephen Waller (@bruised_blood) December 25, 2015
The Radiohead theme for SPECTRE is vastly superior to the Sam Smith take but still doesn't feel like a Big Bond Theme.
— European Bob (@Lee_nostromo) December 25, 2015
And a loyal few bravely continued to wave their flag for Sam.
Get a hold of yourselves – the Radiohead 'Spectre' song is as mumblingly meandering as Sam Smyth's. Nice orchestral bits but no John Barry.
— Patrick Cullivan (@paddycullivan) December 26, 2015
@flickeringmyth Everyone says the #SamSmith track is dull. This one's worse! Glad it wasn't chosen! #spectre #Radiohead #JamesBond
— James Edwards (@ittatto23) December 26, 2015
Just listened to the song Radiohead were asked to write and sing for James Bond – Spectre. Still prefer the Sam Smith song
— A aron (@Aaron_7_Upton) December 25, 2015
But sadly for Sam, there seems to be a lot more love for Radiohead’s offering. Maybe it’s all that Christmas spirit?
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