Little Green Bag – George Baker Selection
The concept of being genuinely cool is hard to come by, but the opening credits of Reservoir Dogs, coupled with ‘Little Green Bag’ must surely come close. A smooth bass line forms the foundation of a slick choice of song from Tarantino. Six men in suits never looked so suave.
Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) – Nancy Sinatra
Overdub the introduction of Kill Bill with Nancy Sinatra and you know Tarantino means business. Fine vocals, timely guitar and a subtle melancholy are well suited to the tale of vengeance. ‘Revenge is a dish best served cold’, reads the opening of Kill Bill – How fitting.
Rabbia e Tarentella – Ennio Morricone
A reference to Tarantino’s musical taste could not be complete without paying homage to Ennio Morricone. Tarantino frequently exploits Morricone’s talent as a composer and Inglorious Basterds is no different. Well experienced from his spaghetti westerns, Morricone creates a befitting track for the Basterds.
Stuck in the Middle with You – Stealers Wheel
Imagine being tortured. Then imagine your ear being cut off with a razor. Then imagine your torturer sadistically dancing to the radio. An ugly torture scene should by no means detract from the quality of ‘Stuck in the Middle with You’, but now whenever I hear it I can’t help but think of the blood-spattered warehouse scene.
Chuck Berry – You Never Can Tell
Chuck Berry undoubtedly put much of the swing into rock n roll and Pulp Fiction’s timeless scene between Thurman and Travolta revitalised the track. With a rolling piano fuelling the classic, Travolta reminded the world he could still dance. ‘C’est La Vie’.
