Listening To: “Get the Party Started” – Shirley Bassey

Here’s a serious pick-me-up to get you through your mid-week malaise.  Turn up the volume, loosen your collar and make way for Dame Shirley Bassey, who’s about to get the party started.

“Party” was written by Linda Perry, better known as the lead singer of the rock group 4 Non Blondes and originally recorded by Pink for her 2001 album, Missundaztood. The grande dame of the 007 theme songs (“Goldfinger,” Moonraker,” and “Diamonds are Forever”) recorded her verision for a sleek “women of espionage” themed Christmas ad campagin for British retailer Marks & Spencer in 2006. It proved to be so popular that it was remixed and included in her 2007 album, also called Get the Party Started.  The album peaked at number six on the U.K. album charts.

The production is a fiery, funky interweaving of horns,  string builds, orchestra hits and disco riffs, all woeful second bananas to the voice that is unmistakable Bassey.  The power she pulls up as she belts out the fourth and final round of the chorus, topping her previous three powerhouse turns at it is just mind-blowing.  Take a listen and then try to wrrap your head around the fact that the woman recorded this song at 71 years of age!

Check out the super-slick Bond-inspired M&S commercial, complete with white Persian cat (almost) below:

Tags: 007, 4 non Blondes, Bond, Get the Party Started, Linda Perry, Marks & Spencer, Pink, Shirley Bassey