Thursday, February 28, 2013

Shirley Bassey Forever Gold


I have a love-hate thing going with the Oscars. 

While I think the whole voting system is likely a sham simply tied to politics, and the show is often lackluster, I’m still there in front of the tube each year soaking up the action.

The main reason for returning to the scene of the crime annually is because the Oscars often turns me on to films I missed on the big screen the first time around. After watching the Academy Awards, I often find myself playing catch up and devouring a bevy of movies shortly thereafter. The broadcast also has me reconsidering watching films I may have bypassed initially.

Then come the surprises. This year it came in the form of a stunning, show-stealing performance courtesy of Dame Shirley Bassey. 


Not only did she look absolutely gorgeous at 76, but her live rendition of “Goldfinger” was as strong and stirring as it was when she first recorded it nearly 50 years ago. She gave tangible evidence why it’s the greatest Bond song of all time, and she did so by proving she hasn’t lost a step. Ms. Bassey’s delivery was nearly operatic. 

Watching and hearing Bassey perform was akin to seeing an over-the-hill George Foreman take the world heavyweight boxing championship from Michael Moorer back in ’94. I imagine Adele was watching from backstage and scribbling notes on a cocktail napkin.


If you missed it, watch here:


Each year I preview the Oscars with a special edition of my radio show. This year I featured interviews with Quentin Tarantino, Peter Jackson, Tim Burton and the cast of “Frankenweenie.”

Stream or download here:

No comments:

Post a Comment