Top Ten Music Tracks in Quentin Tarantino Films

To celebrate the UK release of The Hateful Eight, today’s Top Ten is dedicated to Quentin Tarantino.

Whilst I can’t wait to hear what Ennio Morricone has cooked up for Tarantino’s latest film, the music has always been a huge factor.  In a Tarantino film, the music becomes an extra character, lending a voice to his witty, crazy and fun dialogue.  Because of that music, a scene in his film becomes instantly recognisable and memorable.

So today’s Top Ten are my favourite music tracks from films he directed – tracks that I love playing and worthy of your audio collection.

10) “Cat People (Putting Out the Fire)” – David Bowie

Film: Inglourious Basterds

For such a key moment in the movie, David Bowie’s song becomes an inspired choice.

9) “L’Arena” – Ennio Morricone

Film – Kill Bill Vol. 2

It wouldn’t be a music list without having at least ONE Ennio Morricone track and this is my personal favourite.

8) “Unchained (The Payback/Untouchable)” – James Brown & 2Pac

Film: Django Unchained

Combining the best of James Brown and 2Pac, “Unchained” is a music mashup that works really well.  Full of attitude and punch, the song nails down the character of Django down to a tee.

7) “Malaguena Salerosa” – Chingon

Film: Kill Bill Vol. 2

Kill Bill Vol. 2 is doesn’t quite reach the level set by Kill Bill Vol. 1 but one thing I will give this film credit is for the brilliant song used for the end credits which looks back on The Bride’s epic journey.

6) “Miserlou” – Dick Dale and His Del Tones

Film: Pulp Fiction

Who would have thought a track from a surfing album could have so much of an impact?  Pulp Fiction arrives with a complete bang.

5) “Battle Without Honour or Humanity” – Tomoyasu Hotei

Film: Kill Bill Vol. 1

Tarantino’s ode to all things Kung Fu in the highly enjoyable revenge thriller, Kill Bill Vol. 1.  The song sums up all the usual and classic tropes that’s associated in the martial arts world.

4) “Little Green Bag” – George Baker Selection

Film: Reservoir Dogs

Tarantino has a knack for picking the right music to open his films and this was a genius selection.

3) “You Never Can Tell” – Chuck Berry

Film: Pulp Fiction

Admit it – every time you hear this song you have the sudden urge to dance?

2) “Stuck in the Middle with You” – Stealers Wheel

Film: Reservoir Dogs

This song makes my right ear sore for some strange reason.  Is it because it’s that good?

1) “Across 110th Street” – Bobby Womack

Film: Jackie Brown

This is a no brainer.  If you’re looking for a kick-ass opening to a QT film, then look no further than Jackie Brown.  This song alone sets the rhythm for the entire film.

Honourable Mentions:

• “Jungle Boogie” – Kool & the Gang – Pulp Fiction
• “Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon” – Urge Overkill – Pulp Fiction
• “Bang Bang – My Baby Shot Me Down” – Nancy Sinatra – Kill Bill Vol. 1
• “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” – Santa Esmeralda –Kill Bill Vol. 1
• “Son of a Preacher Man” – Dusty Springfield – Pulp Fiction
• “Down in Mexico” – The Coasters – Death Proof
• “Rabbia e Tarantella” – Ennio Morricone – Inglourious Basterds
• “A Silhouette of Doom” – Ennio Morricone – Kill Bill Vol. 2
• “The Chase” – Alan Reeves, Phil Steele & Philip Brigham – Kill Bill Vol. 2