Shirley Bassey: The Remix Album: Diamonds Are Forever [Nettwerk] : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

Shirley Bassey never made much of a dent in America outside "Goldfinger," the theme to the James Bond film of the same name. But the respect which Bassey's powerful, innuendo-filled voice garnered amongst British musicians is apparent here, where both established and new producers remix several of her classics. With few exceptions, the producers reverently leave Bassey's voice untouched, playing with the song's instrumental components instead. Masters at Work's Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez cushions Bassey's seductive voice with equally sensuous beats on "Light My Fire." Propellerheads introduce "Goldfinger" with the same squelching bass notes and rock beats that mark their own work. But newcomers awayTEAM provide the best remix with their take on "Where Do I Begin." Recognizing that the original production was just as crucial to Bassey's songs as her voice, they keep their changes minimal and subtle. Sometimes, there simply is nothing better than the real thing. (NINA PEARLMAN)