Let's Dig Into The 13 Tracks From The Quentin Tarantino Soundtrack Classic!
16 Tracks at 41 Minutes and 11 Seconds
Dick Dale And The Del-Tones: Miserlou
The Soundtrack kicked off with a classic scene from the beginning of the movie entitled “Pumpkin and Honey Bunny,” Then boom the soundtrack is off and running with a Dick Dale classic that will be etched into my mind forever. The song feels light years ahead of its original 1962 release. As a twelve year old hearing it for the first time, it felt heavy. Like a giant party encased all in the guitar. The importance of the song to the overall film is key. Love every instrument as they slide and go. Some awesome yells in the background make it a perfect opener then comes the interlude “Royale With Cheese.”
Kool & The Gang: Jungle Boogie
Been on a huge Kool & The Gang kick lately. Digging into the very first track that I ever jammed by the band because of this amazing soundtrack. The band originally released the song in 1973. Another perfect song placed on this soundtrack just in the right spot. This song means a lot to me based on its introduction to me and one of my favorite genre’s of music, The Funk. Horns, guitar and bass along with a down and out vocal performance that won’t be forgotten amongst this collection of classics.
Al Green: Let's Stay Together
Smooth as anything that you’ll find on this soundtrack. Al Green is one of my personal favorites and another song that introduced me to this Soul powerhouse. Released in 1972 from an album with the same name. The trotting drums are a blast to play along with. Love the backing vocals on the chorus as they mix with Green. The song is placed perfectly in an incredible scene which is a great indication of its success.
The Tornadoes: Bustin' Surfboards
Great song that makes you want to grab your towel and head down to the beach. Cool instrumentals scatter about on this soundtrack. Originally released in 1962, How fun it would have been to sit down with Tarantino and go back through the past and pick out all the tracks for the film. Cool wave sounds are a great addition that you don’t hear everyday. Great song to just do a little sun bathing on a perfect beach day.
Ricky Nelson: Lonesome Town
A song originally released in 1958, that at the first time I first enjoyed the song more than I probably should have. I love Nelson’s vocal delivery in a haunting track that sticks out in a different way on a fun soundtrack. Hearing how his story ended adds to the mystery of the track. Love the micing of the acoustic guitar. Love how it ends with the LONESOME TOWN a cappella vocal delivery. Unforgettable.
Dusty Springfield: Son Of A Preacher Man
Can a song get any more perfect or Iconic? The song was originally released in 1968 and sizzles with soul. Love the name Dusty Springfield because when hearing the song for the first time and her voice, couldn’t describe what might Dusty look like which is a great magical music trick. The lyrics are amazing along with the horn line creeping in behind the vocals. Just the way it’s used in the film leaves me wanting to listen over and over.
The Centurions: Bullwinkle Part II
Another great film interlude in Zed’s Dead, Baby and then probably one of my personal favorites because of it’s vibes in Bullwinkle Part II. Makes you want to ride down a dark road blasting this unforgettable guitar line along with some killer drums originally released in 1963. Recently I’ve probably played it way more than I should have. But I can’t help it because it’s as smooth as a classic drink.
Chuck Berry: You Never Can Tell
“Jack Rabbit Slims Twist Contest” Interlude kicks off before one of guitar greats lights up the Soundtrack. Berry’s 1964 song is another classic track that not only sticks with you in the scene that it’s placed in but for the overall song. Great driving song that I can imagine that was played very loud upon it’s original release and this soundtrack’s release. Unforgettable vocal delivery mixed with great guitar! This song is an instance dance party starter.
Urge Overkill: Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon
Great Neil Diamond cover, originally released by Urge Overkill in 1992. This might be one of the more instant uh-huh songs from the film. As soon as I hear it, It immediately has me thinking of the scene when Uma presses play! Great guitar that you didn’t hear very often in a song in 1994. Hearing this song on the soundtrack had me hopping back and deep diving the band’s catalogue back in 1994. This is always a huge positive from a great soundtrack. Hear one song then want to dive in deeper.
Maria McKee: If Love Is A Red Dress
The song that I probably spin the least. But as I write this, that is going to change. The only original song for the film. When doing research, it shocked me that it hadn’t stuck with me sooner. Better late than never. Great vocal delivery that has me wanting to just hear more of that talent across full albums. Still in shock as I write this I haven’t listened more to Maria Mckee’s work.
The Revels: Comanche
“Bring Out The Gimp” dialogue from the film is just what you need before hearing Comanche. Not to describe the scene it’s used in, wow. The horn’s blaring is a one of a kind adventure on this 1961 jam. The song feels like an assault on everything that might be going on. This feeling doesn’t let up until it reaches it’s striking conclusion. Another one of those great beach songs that I need more of in my life.
The Statler Brothers: Flowers On the Wall
A great karaoke classic that I can vouch for first hand. I keep going back and forth on what my favorite track is. This is another one that I like for it’s lyrics and it sits different than everything else presented on the soundtrack. Another song to think how crazy it is that it was first released in 1966. Makes me want to learn some Banjo. Another song that gives you great visuals. Time to spin it again now.
The Lively Ones: Surf Rider
“Personality Goes A Long Way” Interlude into another perfect classic for this warm weather. The guitar is epic and so is the sax. After reviewing this soundtrack that seems to be the running theme. Released in 1963 and the last song from the soundtrack. The film soundtrack then ends with the “Ezekial 25:17″ interlude. Great Soundtrack that mixes scenes from the movie and unforgettable tracks!
