S03E005: In this episode of The 007 Files, Bill Koenig is joined by Javi Trujillo and David Leigh for a wide-ranging conversation with soundtrack producer Neil S. Bulk about La-La Land Records’ expanded 60th anniversary edition of Thunderball.

Neil shares his passion for the project - and for the film! - as we explore the challenges of restoring classic Bond soundtracks, the discovery of new material, and the collaboration with MGM that made this release possible. Along the way we discuss the historical context of Thunderball’s score, John Barry’s versatility, alternate versions and mixes, the fate of the Thunderball suite, and the many faces of Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

We also weigh up the film’s legacy, its place in the Bond music hierarchy, and even touch on the end of Danjaq.Thunderball: 60th Anniversary Remastered and Expanded Limited Edition (2-CD Set) is available from La-La Land Records.

Where to find us:

Neil S. Bulk

⁠https://bsky.app/profile/nsbulk.bsky.social⁠

Bill Koenig

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Javi Trujillo

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/⁠⁠⁠⁠

David Leigh

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thejamesbonddossier.com/⁠

S03E004 In this episode we discuss season 2 of 007: Road to a Million. Was it really better than the first? We weigh up the contestants, the challenges, the Controller, and how effectively the Bond IP and music were used this time around. And as always, we look ahead: will there be a season 3, and if so, would we watch it?But before we get into that we look at the 60th anniversaries of three TV shows from the 1960s spy craze which sprang directly from Bond’s success. And from there, we move to the digital age with 007: First Light, discussing what the recently released 30 minutes of gameplay reveal about the first Bond game in over a decade — and whether it lives up to expectations.

Where to find us

Bill Koenig

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Javi Trujillo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

David Leigh

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thejamesbonddossier.com/⁠⁠⁠

Recorded in the USA and Spain on 17th September 2025

S03E003: In the second half of our Thunderball discussion, Bill Koenig, Javi Trujillo and David Leigh turn to the film’s legacy and cultural impact. We look at how Thunderball shaped popular culture — from underwater spectacle to the parody of Austin Powers.

Along the way we consider whether the film influenced our own styles, explore the ground-breaking underwater photography and the challenges of shooting beneath the waves, and share some favourite collectibles. We also reflect on Thunderball’s music, its modern reception, and what lessons it may hold for Bond 26.

Where to find us

Bill Koenig
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Javi Trujillo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
https://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

David Leigh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
https://www.thejamesbonddossier.com/⁠⁠

Recorded in the USA and Spain on 2nd September 2025