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- Release date:
- Jun 01, 2023
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Press release from Universal:
Live and Let Die celebrates 50th anniversary with new Dolby Atmos mix
Mixed in Dolby Atmos by Giles Martin and Steve Orchard
Dolby Atmos mastered by Oli Morgan
50 years after its release, Live and Let Die is as relevant and powerful as it was in 1973. In the climax to his already legendary Glastonbury headline performance last summer, Paul signaled his set was drawing to a close, accompanied with dramatic pyrotechnics and towering walls of flame as he rocked Worthy Farm with Live and Let Die – chosen by many as one of the show’s literally dozens of standout moments – and underlining the song’s enduring impact on several generations.
Live and Let Die exploded onto the early 1970s scene, instantly becoming a defining moment in the soundtrack of the decade. The song is packed with characteristics of Paul McCartney’s adventurous songwriting that have come to define pop culture over the last 60 years: The soulful intro, the bombastic chorus, the hard rock riffage, the dynamic instrumentation, the reggae, the orchestra… and somehow it all fits perfectly into 3 minutes and 12 seconds.
Unlike many of his compositions, Live and Let Die was a commission: Paul was approached in 1972 to see if he might want to write a song for the upcoming James Bond film of the same name. Having held a secret ambition to write a Bond song, initially Paul was unsure that his song was in fact ‘Bondian’ enough and was worried how it might hold up to songs like Goldfinger and From Russia With Love. The song, which became an international smash hit single upon release, now regularly tops the “Best Bond Theme” polls each time a new Bond film comes along. The first Bond song to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, Live and Let Die also went on to win a Grammy Award in 1974.
Live and Let Die also carries the distinction of being Paul’s first post-Beatles track produced in full by George Martin. George was doing the music for the film and worked with Paul on the orchestral arrangements which Paul described as a “perfectly stated balance of grandiose, without being over the top.”
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Live and Let Die has been mixed in Dolby Atmos by Giles Martin (George’s son) and Steve Orchard. This special mix provides an immersive experience for the listener. Fans will hear the track in a completely new way – putting them right in the heart of the action and acting as a reminder as to why Live and Let Die has become a timeless and universally beloved classic.
You recently worked on a refreshed version of Paul McCartney’s “Live or Let Die.” That song is such a mind movie — and not just because it has James Bond roots. I’m sure you had fun with that one.
It was great. It’s a bit like a lot of the projects I do; the expectancy is so vast spread.
It’s quite tricky; how do you meet the expectation? Because one thing that mono or stereo or compression gives you, is it gives you loudness. You separate stuff in an immersive soundfield, you have to be careful that you don’t start losing impact.
One thing that “Live and Let Die” has is impact. And that’s the tricky thing about that song. But I’m really happy. It was actually a big mix to do; I can’t lie. It was like, “Oh my god, here we go; I have to be fully qualified to do this mix.”
But I’m really happy with it. I can’t wait for people to hear it. I think it’s super cool.
Giles Martin – From Masterful Remixer Giles Martin On The Beach Boys’ ‘Pet Sounds,’ The Beatles, Paul McCartney (grammy.com), June 2, 2023
Last updated on January 26, 2024
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