Album Details

• Artist: Various Artists
• Album: Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof (soundtrack)
• Label: Maverick
• Year of Release: 2007
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: solitaryman on 2007-11-27

Continuing in a long line of fantastic soundtracks is Death Proof, part II of the Grindhouse double-feature directed by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. If you're asking this guy, Tarantino's soundtracks are some of the best ever, from Pulp Fiction to the Kill Bill films and all points elsewhere. He has a knack for finding long-lost gems, sometimes lifted from other soundtracks, and combining them into a cohesive, chemically-balanced album. On Death Proof, we get a wonderful mix of 60's pop, classic R&B and, of course, dialog cut directly from the film which adds to the overall feel.

Opening credit score "The Last Race" by  Jack Nitzsche is about as perfect as it gets, not only in the context of the film but on this collection as well. It's introed by the squeal of tires, a group of racers laying rubber to asphault. The song itself is classic surf-rock of the highest order. "Baby It's You" by Smith is groovy and the female vocals are soulful as can be, a wondeful song. "Paranoia Prima" is next, and I know it from an older soundtrack (it's done by Annio Morricone) but I can't recall the film. The highlights include Pacific Gas & Electric's "Staggolee", The Coasters' "Down in Mexico" and, my personal favorite (and a track that's actually discussed briefly in the film), Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Titch and their song "Hold Tight", which all at once sounds like The Beach Boys, The Who and The Yardbirds. 

Perhaps not as fulfilling as Kill Bill Vol.1 or as engaging as Pulp Fiction, Death Proof's soundtrack nonetheless is an enjoyable affair, perfect for long car rides (read; stalking scantilly-clad females in your tricked-out restored Charger) and fast-paced car chases. Basically, pick this up and leave it in your car; you'll want it playing again and again, even if it's just a 30-second ride up the street to the corner store. 

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